Top Places to Visit in February: Lonely Planet Expert Picks
February, the shortest month, delivers the sweetest escapes—if you pick the right spots. Dive into Russia's Mardi Gras with pancake feasts, lounge poolside amid Palm Springs' Modernist icons, or embrace Menton's zesty Lemon Festival. Lonely Planet's destination experts share their trusted recommendations.
Whether seeking snow, sun, or celebrations, these highlights promise memorable adventures.
Ski the UNESCO-Listed Dolomites, Italy
February marks peak European ski season, offering prime snow conditions in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Dolomites of northern Italy. Renowned for dramatic sheer rock faces and jagged peaks, this range sets an unmatched stage for skiing.
Explore Dolomiti Superski (dolomitisuperski.com), the world's largest system with 1,200km of runs across 12 valleys, or Skirama Dolomiti (skirama.it) in the western Brenta, featuring 360km of high-altitude pistes up to 3,000m. Don't miss the iconic Sella Ronda circuit, circling the majestic Sella massif in a full-day tour.
Beyond slopes, savor Michelin-starred dining to refuel in gourmet style.
Anna Tyler – Destination Editor for Southern Europe. Follow her on Twitter @go_AnnaT
Join Russian Mardi Gras in Moscow
Embrace Maslenitsa (Butter Week), Russia's vibrant Mardi Gras, with pancake feasts, sleigh rides, and ice skating in late February, the week before Lent. Moscow offers the ultimate experience—pack warm layers.
Witness Moscow's modern revival in creative hubs like Red October, Vinzavod, and Flakon, former factories now buzzing with galleries, boutiques, and cafes. Taste innovative 'author cuisine' at Delicatessen, Lavka-Lavka, or Ragout.
For tradition, catch ballet at the Bolshoi Theatre and unwind at historic Sanduny Baths.
Brana Vladisavljevic – Destination Editor for Eastern and Southeastern Europe. Follow her on Twitter @branavl
Retro Glamour and Sun in Palm Springs, California
Palm Springs beckons architecture lovers and sun-seekers in February with mild desert warmth and Modernism Week festivities.
Once a mid-20th-century haven for stars like Frank Sinatra and Marilyn Monroe, the city boasts iconic Modernist homes and hotels. The annual event features tours, talks, parties, and music celebrating this revived style.
Visit Palm Springs Art Museum's impressive collection and ride the Aerial Tramway to San Jacinto mountains.
Clifton Wilkinson – Destination Editor for California. Follow him on Twitter @Cliff_Wilkinson
Zest for Life at Menton's Lemon Festival, France
Menton's mild microclimate and clear skies make February ideal for exploring the quieter French Riviera, with fewer crowds.
Less flashy than Cannes or Monaco, Menton shines with the new Musée Jean Cocteau (1,500 works), pastel old town charm, and emerging Michelin-starred dining.
Catch the Fête du Citron (Lemon Festival), featuring citrus sculptures and parades along the seafront, typically late February to early March.
Kate Morgan - Destination Editor for Western Europe. Follow her on Twitter @kate_ann_morgan
Bhutanese New Year in Western Bhutan
February ushers in Bhutan's prime season: receding snows, opening trails, and Losar, the Tibetan Buddhist New Year festivities.
Western Bhutan buzzes with archery, exotic feasts, and ara (rice liquor). Punakha hosts early Losar events at historic Punakha Dzong, including tsechu dances and dromchoe fairs.
Mark February 21st, birthday of King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck, with Thimphu celebrations.
Joe Bindloss - Destination Editor for the Indian Subcontinent. Follow him on Twitter @joe_planet
