Whether it’s diving beneath azure waters or climbing mighty peaks, adventure abounds in February. Don your skis or wrangle a pack of huskies to explore some premium powder and twinkling snowscapes; warm frosted fingertips around hot springs; put your mind and body to the test with a hike up Africa’s highest peak; or discover another world entirely with a dive beneath the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.
Visit Lapland for dog-sleds and dancing lights
The Arctic Circle sparkles at this time of year. The landscape is buried in snow and lakes are frozen. Polar night (the period of 24-hour darkness) is over, and the sun puts in ever-longer appearances. And the magical Northern Lights are quite likely to dance: according to the Finnish Meteorological Institute, the best time to look for aurora is February to March and September to October. This is also a great time for everyone – young, old, families, couples – to get into the great outdoors. Though still chilly, temperatures start to rise this month, and wilderness lodges offer full programs of activities: husky-sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing... All guaranteed to warm you up. If all else fails, a visit to a traditional Finnish sauna should do the trick.
- Trip plan: Rovaniemi and Ivalo airports offer access to Finland’s north. Spend four or more nights at a wilderness lodge to maximise chances of seeing aurora, and to pack in plenty of snowy fun.
- Need to know: Many lodges offer ‘aurora alerts’ – a wake-up call if the lights emerge.
- Other months: Dec-Apr – snow activities (Sep-Apr: aurora); May-Aug – long days, warmest; Sep-Nov – brief autumn, cooling.
Head for the hot slopes and hot springs of Wyoming, USA
When snow cloaks the cowboy state, special things happen. Skiers and boarders will love the Teton Mountains resort of Jackson Hole, nicknamed ‘The Big One’ on account of its steep, squeaky-bum terrain and great powder (driest and deepest January to February). There are some baby slopes, but this is best for intermediates and pros. Après-ski is lively too. Then, further north, quite different thrills await in Yellowstone National Park. Heaving in summer, Yellowstone empties in winter. Park roads close, and the only ways to explore are via snowcoach, snowmobile, cross-country skis or snowshoes. Geysers and hot springs steam in the icy air, and animals congregate at the thermal areas for warmth. Also, grey wolves stand out against the snow-blanketed landscapes, and their tracks are more easily followed – take a guided trip in the Lamar Valley for the chance of a sighting.
- Trip plan: Jackson Hole keeps experienced powderhounds busy for weeks (nearby Snow King resort is better for beginners). It’s a scenic drive north to Yellowstone; free ranger-led tours still run in winter, or book a wildlife or snow-sports package.
- Need to know: Jackson Hole Airport is 7 miles (12 km) north of Jackson, 56 miles (90 km) south of Yellowstone’s south gate.
- Other months: Nov-Mar – skiing, Yellowstone winter; Apr-May & Sep-Oct – mild, uncrowded; Jun-Aug – hot, busy.
Climb Africa highest peak when it’s warm, clear and dry
Lording it over the African savannah, 19,341 ft (5895m) Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest freestanding mountain, and a big, brooding beacon for travellers. This is a bucket-list climb, and a life-changing challenge – a mountain on which minds and bodies are tested by the terrain and the altitude, where firm friendships are made and world-views altered. Few other experiences are so tough yet so possible for so many. January to mid-March is the warmest time, with February generally quieter than new year. There may be daytime showers, but mornings and evenings are clear – perfect for summit night, when you’ll set off around midnight, in time to (hopefully) make it to the top for sunrise. There are various routes up the volcano: Marangu is the only one with huts; the others require camping, though porters carry all equipment. For fewer fellow hikers, opt for the Lemosho or Rongai routes.
- Trip plan: A Kili climb takes five to nine days – longer is better for acclimatisation. Add chill-out time in Zanzibar or a safari in northern Tanzania’s game parks. Kilimanjaro has an international airport.
- Need to know: A guide is mandatory.
- Other months: Nov-Mar – skiing, Yellowstone winter; Apr-May & Sep-Oct – mild, uncrowded; Jun-Aug – hot, busy.
Dive on a budget in Honduras
Diving is about as close as a human can get to flying – learning to breathe underwater, master your buoyancy and explore another world is one of the great natural highs. The Bay Islands of Honduras (Utila and Roatán in particular) are brilliant places to do scuba courses. Not only are there many dive schools here, but this is renowned as one of the cheapest places to learn. The islands are also idyllic, with powdery white-sand beaches and clear Caribbean waters (visibility is best February to June). The marine life is incredible too, with species such as dolphins, hawksbill turtles, eagle rays and reef sharks present year-round, and whale sharks passing by February to May.
- Trip plan: Fly or ferry to Roatán; an Open Water PADI course takes about four days. February (dry, cool) is also good for exploring other sites such as the Mayan ruins of Copán and Pico Bonito National Park.
- Need to know: Most international flights to Honduras land at San Pedro Sula.
- Other months: Feb-May – dry, warm; Jun-Nov – rainy; Sep-Jan – north coast wet, dry elsewhere.
Looking for more inspiration? Check out our book Where To Go When for 360 ultimate escapes from family-friendly adventures to animal encounters and relaxing retreats.
