Where is Hot in February?
The Maldives, Phuket, Langkawi, Zanzibar, Sri Lanka, Kochi, Tamarindo, Siem Reap, Mauritius, and Cancun stay warm in February, with mostly dry, sunny weather. Compare temperatures, sunshine, humidity, and the best activities to choose a beach, culture, wildlife, or adventure trip.
The Maldives, Phuket, Langkawi, Zanzibar, Bentota in Sri Lanka, Kochi in Kerala, Tamarindo in Costa Rica, Siem Reap in Cambodia, Mauritius, and Cancun all stay hot in February, with average temperatures between 76°F and 83°F and mostly dry, sunny conditions.
This blog answers "where is hot in February" with ten picks that share those conditions, all drawn from the destinations that dominate any list of hot destinations in February.
Each one comes with real temperature, sunshine, and humidity figures, plus tips for staying connected and comfortable on a hot-weather trip.
February Weather at a Glance
The table below compares all ten side by side, using consistent climate figures so you can see how they stack up against each other at a glance.
Read more: Planning a winter escape before February? Where is Hot in December? covers warm destinations, seasonal weather, and sunny places to consider for December travel.
#1. Maldives
February falls in the Maldives' dry, northeast monsoon season, when calm seas and clear visibility make it one of the best months for diving and snorkeling around the reefs.
Manta ray sightings are also active on several eastern atolls, including South Ari and Shaviyani, during these months.
The heat here is coastal and humid, softened by a near-constant sea breeze that keeps the islands comfortable even at midday.
Average temperature in the Maldives in February is 81°F (27°C), with average daily sunshine of 9.0 hours. Humidity sits around 76%.
Best time to visit the Maldives is between December and April, when rainfall is lowest and the sea is calmest for water sports.
Stay connected in the Maldives: get a Maldives eSIM before you fly so maps, resort transfers, and dive-boat bookings work the moment you land, with no roaming fees.
#2. Phuket, Thailand
Phuket sits firmly in Thailand's dry season in February, which is why it is one of the most reliable beach picks this month for sun without the risk of a washed-out afternoon.
Old Town's Sino-Portuguese shophouses and night markets are also easier to explore without the humidity spikes of later months.
Phuket's heat is tropical and fairly dry for the region, with the strongest sun in the middle of the day and a cooling breeze off the Andaman Sea in the evenings.
Average temperature in Phuket in February is 81°F (27°C), with average daily sunshine of 10.0 hours. Humidity runs around 73%.
Best time to visit Phuket is November through March, before the southwest monsoon brings heavier rain.
Stay connected in Phuket: a Thailand eSIM covers Phuket and the rest of the country on a single plan, so you can switch islands without switching SIMs.
#3. Langkawi, Malaysia
Langkawi's dry season peaks around February, making it a strong month to combine beach days with a cable car ride up Mount Mat Cincang or a mangrove tour through the Kilim Geoforest Park.
The duty-free status also makes it a popular add-on stop for travelers already in the region.
Langkawi's heat runs tropical but with lower humidity than much of Southeast Asia at this time of year, so it feels less muggy than nearby islands.
Average temperature in Langkawi in February is 82°F (28°C), with an average max of 88°F (31°C) and 10.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 67%.
Best time to visit Langkawi is between December and March, when rainfall drops to its lowest point of the year.
Stay connected in Langkawi: an eSIM for Malaysia keeps navigation and ferry schedules working across the whole archipelago.
Read more: If you're looking for warmth earlier in the year, Where is Hot in January? highlights destinations with comfortable temperatures, sunshine, and good conditions for a winter getaway.
#4. Zanzibar, Tanzania
Zanzibar's short dry spell in February, part of the Kaskazi northeast monsoon season, brings some of the calmest seas and clearest water of the year, which is when the spice tours and Stone Town walking routes are at their most comfortable. It also overlaps with peak whale shark sightings off nearby Mafia Island.
Expect warm, humid heat with a steady ocean breeze along the coast, though Stone Town's narrow streets can feel noticeably warmer.
Average temperature in Zanzibar in February is 83°F (28°C), with an average max of 87°F (31°C) and 8.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity holds around 73%.
Best time to visit Zanzibar is June through October or December through February, which avoids November's short rains and the long rains from March to May.
Stay connected in Zanzibar: a Tanzania eSIM works across the island and the mainland, useful if you're adding a safari before or after the beach.
Read more: For another warm-weather option later in the season, Where is Hot in March? covers destinations suited to beach holidays, sightseeing, and sunny escapes.
#5. Bentota, Sri Lanka
Bentota is on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, where February is deep in the dry season, ideal for river safaris on the Bentota Ganga and turtle hatchery visits along the coast.
Inland, Yala and Udawalawe national parks also see easier wildlife spotting as watering holes shrink and animals cluster around them.
Bentota's heat is tropical with a fairly high humidity level, balanced by sea breezes right along the beach.
Average temperature in Bentota in February is 79°F (26°C), with an average max of 85°F (29°C) and 9.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 80%, the highest on this list.
Best time to visit Bentota and the southwest coast is December through March, before the southwest monsoon arrives.
Stay connected in Bentota: a Sri Lanka eSIM covers the coast and the hill country if your trip continues inland.
#6. Kochi, Kerala, India
Kochi is a good base for exploring Kerala's backwaters by houseboat, and February's dry, low-humidity stretch makes multi-day houseboat trips through Alleppey and Kumarakom far more comfortable than the humid pre-monsoon months.
Fort Kochi's colonial architecture and spice markets are also easier to explore on foot.
Kochi's heat is warm and dry compared to the rest of the year, without the heavy humidity that builds up closer to the monsoon.
Average temperature in Kochi in February is 81°F (27°C), with an average max of 88°F (31°C) and 10.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity sits around 74%.
Best time to visit Kochi and the Kerala backwaters is December through February, before the pre-monsoon heat builds.
Stay connected in Kochi: an India eSIM keeps ride-hailing apps and houseboat check-ins working across Kerala and beyond.
Read more: Planning a warmer April trip? Where is Hot in April? compares destinations with hot temperatures, sunshine, and seasonal travel conditions.
#7. Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Tamarindo sits in Costa Rica's Guanacaste province, where February is peak dry season, the best window for surfing consistent swells, spotting leatherback turtles nearby, and exploring Rincon de la Vieja's hot springs and hiking trails without afternoon downpours.
Wildlife viewing across the province also improves as animals gather near remaining water sources.
Expect dry, intense heat in the middle of the day, cooling noticeably once the sun drops.
Average temperature in Tamarindo in February is 81°F (27°C), with an average max of 90°F (32°C) and 10.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 61%, among the lowest on this list.
Best time to visit Tamarindo and Guanacaste is December through April, the heart of the dry season.
Stay connected in Tamarindo: a Costa Rica eSIM for international travel means maps and surf-report apps keep working outside main towns.
#8. Siem Reap, Cambodia
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor Wat, and February's dry season is one of the more comfortable windows for exploring the temple complex before the far hotter months of March and April set in.
Sunrise visits are especially popular now, when clear skies give the best views over the temple towers.
Siem Reap's heat is dry, with strong midday sun and cooler mornings, a welcome contrast to the humid wet season.
Average temperature in Siem Reap in February is 82°F (28°C), with an average max of 90°F (32°C) and 9.8 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 59%.
Best time to visit Siem Reap and Angkor Wat is November through February, before the pre-monsoon heat intensifies.
Stay connected in Siem Reap: a Cambodia eSIM covers Angkor Wat and Siem Reap town, useful for ride apps and temple-map downloads.
Read more: If you're planning even further ahead, Where is Hot in May? features warm-weather destinations and useful ideas for a sunny late-spring getaway.
#9. Mauritius
February is peak summer in Mauritius, with warm lagoon waters well suited to swimming, snorkeling, and boat trips out to spot the resident spinner dolphin pods off Tamarin on the west coast.
It also falls within the island's cyclone season, so trade winds are lighter than usual, which is why Le Morne's kitesurfing crowd mostly returns from May onward.
Mauritius stays tropical and humid this time of year, tempered by trade winds along the coast.
Average temperature in Mauritius in February is 78°F (26°C), with an average max of 82°F (28°C) and 8.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 80%.
Best time to visit Mauritius is May through December for the driest weather, though February still offers warm, swimmable seas if you don't mind a higher chance of rain.
Stay connected in Mauritius: get a Mauritius eSIM before departure so translation and booking apps work as soon as you land.
#10. Cancun, Mexico
Cancun and the Riviera Maya are in their dry season in February, a comfortable window for day trips to Chichen Itza and Tulum without the heavier humidity that builds up by summer.
Whale shark season hasn't started yet, but sea conditions are calm enough for cenote diving and snorkeling trips.
Cancun's heat runs warm rather than intense, with a steady breeze off the Caribbean Sea.
Average temperature in Cancun in February is 76°F (24°C), with an average max of 79°F (26°C) and 8.0 hours of daily sunshine. Humidity is around 71%.
Best time to visit Cancun and the Riviera Maya is November through April, avoiding hurricane season entirely. Our Mexico Travel Guide has more on day trips to the ruins.
Stay connected in Cancun: a Mexico eSIM keeps navigation and translation apps running between Cancun, Tulum, and the ruins.
Before You Go: 9 Practical Tips for February Travel
Staying comfortable when it is hot in February takes a little planning, from setting up connectivity before departure to packing for temples as well as beaches.
#1. Set up your eSIM before island-hopping in Langkawi or Phuket
Install an eSIM for international travel before you leave home, since ferry terminals and small regional airports on the way to Langkawi or Phuket rarely have a SIM counter open when you land.
#2. Ask a travel clinic about malaria prevention for Zanzibar
Zanzibar is a malaria risk area year-round, so health authorities recommend antimalarial tablets for visitors alongside insect repellent with DEET and long sleeves after dusk. Book a travel clinic appointment several weeks before you fly.
#3. Apply for Cambodia's e-visa before you land in Siem Reap
Most nationalities need a visa for Cambodia, and the e-visa can be completed online in a few minutes for a single entry and a stay of up to 30 days, which is faster than the visa-on-arrival queue at the airport.
#4. Book early for Valentine's and honeymoon season
The Maldives, Mauritius, and Bentota are popular February honeymoon picks, and prices climb fast around Valentine's Day, so lock in flights and resorts well ahead.
#5. Reserve a Kerala backwater houseboat ahead of time
An overnight houseboat through Kochi's backwaters is one of the region's most requested experiences, and the best boats sell out during the dry season, so book directly with an operator a few weeks before you arrive.
#6. Pack for temples as well as beaches
Siem Reap and Kochi both call for modest, shoulder-covering clothing at temples and religious sites, so bring at least one outfit that works beyond the beach.
#7. Bring high-SPF (sun protection factor) sunscreen for Tamarindo and Cancun's dry heat
Costa Rica's Pacific coast and Mexico's Caribbean coast both stay dry and intensely sunny through February, so pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and reef-safe sunscreen, and carry a refillable water bottle, since heat and humidity both increase fluid loss.
#8. Check the forecast if Mauritius is one of your hot destinations in February
February falls within Mauritius's cyclone season, so keep an eye on the forecast and consider travel insurance, even though the beach weather itself is usually fine.
#9. Check first-time flyer basics before the long haul to Mauritius or Zanzibar
Both islands usually mean one or two connections from most departure points, so if long-haul travel is new to you, our Travel Tips for First-Time Flyers guide covers packing, layovers, and managing jet lag.
Stay Connected Wherever You Go in February With Jetpac
Whichever of these hot destinations in February you choose, a Jetpac eSIM keeps you connected for maps, navigation, activity bookings, translation, and messaging home, all without a local SIM card or a surprise roaming bill.
Jetpac's eSIM for international travel covers 200+ destinations on one profile, so a trip that combines the Maldives with a Sri Lanka stopover, or Cancun with a few days in Mexico City, doesn't need a new SIM at every border.
Choose a plan based on your destination and trip length, from a short weekend top-up to a full month of data, and install it over Wi-Fi before you leave so it's ready the second you land.
A few Jetpac perks worth knowing about before you go: unlimited hotspot sharing on supported plans, so one eSIM can cover a phone, tablet, and laptop at once; in-app calling to hotels, taxis, and other landlines from $1.99 for 5 minutes; and a 100% money-back guarantee if a plan doesn't work out.
FAQs
What are the top hot destinations in February?
The top hot destinations in February include the Maldives, Phuket, Langkawi, Zanzibar, Bentota in Sri Lanka, Kochi in Kerala, Tamarindo in Costa Rica, Siem Reap, Mauritius, and Cancun. All ten are in their dry season this month, with average temperatures from the mid-70s to low 80s Fahrenheit.
Where is hot in February on a budget?
What's the cheapest hot destination? Kochi and Bentota tend to run cheaper than beach-resort destinations like the Maldives or Mauritius, since flights, food, and accommodation across Sri Lanka and Kerala are generally lower cost. Siem Reap is another budget-friendly pick, with inexpensive local food and guesthouses near Angkor Wat.
What should I pack for a hot destination in February?
Lightweight, breathable clothing, a reusable water bottle, high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses cover most hot-weather trips. For destinations with high humidity, like Bentota or Mauritius, quick-drying fabrics are especially useful.
What's the weather actually like in the Maldives, Phuket, and Zanzibar in February?
All three are dry and sunny in February. The Maldives averages 81°F with 76% humidity, Phuket averages 81°F with 73% humidity, and Zanzibar averages 83°F with 73% humidity. Sea breezes keep all three more comfortable than the humidity figures alone suggest.
How can I stay safe and healthy in hot weather while traveling?
Drink water consistently rather than waiting until you're thirsty, avoid the strongest midday sun between roughly 11 am and 3 pm, wear sun protection, and build rest breaks into busy sightseeing days. Watch for signs of heat exhaustion, such as dizziness or heavy sweating, and move to shade or air conditioning if they appear.
Is February peak, shoulder, or off-season for these destinations?
February falls in peak season for most of the destinations on this list, including the Maldives, Phuket, Langkawi, Zanzibar, Kochi, Tamarindo, and Siem Reap, since it lines up with their driest, sunniest weeks. Mauritius and Cancun sit closer to shoulder season, with slightly higher rain chances than their true dry-season months.
Disclaimer
This blog is for educational purposes only. All climate figures are based on publicly available long-term averages, sourced from Climate-Data.org and verified in September 2026. Actual conditions vary year to year and should be checked against a closer-in forecast before departure. Jetpac is not responsible for any inaccuracies, changes, or losses arising from reliance on this information.
