Where's hot in February?

It’s peak summer across Central America when days are sunny and hot, and rainfall is at its lowest. Temperatures are rising across the Indian Subcontinent and in Southeast Asia, where you’ll find a comfortable, dry heat that’s ideal for exploring. Southern Africa sees some of its highest temperatures of the year, which is paired with low rainfall across the east and south coasts.

February at a glance

Destination	Max. temp.	Sunshine hours	Average flight time
Costa Rica	Max. temp.	91 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	6 hours 45 upwards dependent on airline (New York to San José)
Sri Lanka	Max. temp.	89 °F	Sunshine hours	9 hours	Average flight time	18½ hours (Washington DC to Colombo)
Malaysia	Max. temp.	93 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	22¾ hours (New York to Kuala Lumpur)
India	Max. temp.	89 °F	Sunshine hours	10 hours	Average flight time	15½ hours (Washington DC to New Delhi)
Zanzibar Archipelago	Max. temp.	93 °F	Sunshine hours	8 hours	Average flight time	20 hours 30 (Zanzibar, via Nairobi)

Costa Rica

It’s summer in Costa Rica, with bright, sunny days across the country. The dense cloudforests are filled with birdsong and the screech of howler monkeys, and in the sultry evening heat, you can hear tree frogs chant. The lack of rain makes nature trails easier to tackle, and the jungle is still lush from the previous rainy season.

Type of heat in Costa Rica in February: This is the driest and least humid time to travel, although it’s rainfall that makes Costa Rica’s jungles so lush, so you’re still guaranteed a few short, sharp showers. Maximum temperatures can reach 91°F.

Average temperature in Costa Rica in February: 82°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Costa Rica in February: 8 hours

Average flight time to Costa Rica: 6 hours 45 upwards dependent on airline (New York to San José)

• Howler monkey, Costa Rica
• Two-toed sloth, Costa Rica
• Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
• Red-eyed tree frog, Costa Rica
• Hanging bridge walk, Arenal

Sri Lanka

For its size, Sri Lanka packs in a variety of landscapes to be explored, from neat rows of tea bushes in Nuwara Eliya to the gnarly outcrops of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Whether you’re looking to hike, cycle or simply relax in a former tea planter’s bungalow, February brings clear skies and temperatures averaging a comfortably warm 80°F.

Type of heat in Sri Lanka in February: Expect clear, sunny skies with generally low levels of humidity, although Sir Laurence Olivier often compared the island’s weather predictability to that of the UK: expect rain at any time. Maximum temperatures can reach 90°F.

Average temperature in Sri Lanka in February: 80°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Sri Lanka in February: 9 hours

Average flight time to Sri Lanka: 18 hours 50 (New York to Colombo)

• Tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
• Leopard, Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
• Sigiriya Rock fortress, Sri Lanka
• Dambulla Caves, Sri Lanka
• Beach near Dondra Lighthouse, Sri Lanka

Malaysia

With most of Malaysia bathed in sunshine, this is an ideal time of year to tour the cultural highlights of the country. You can explore the UNESCO World Heritage cities of George Town and Malacca, take a walking tour of Kuala Lumpur, and sample tea in the Cameron Highlands, all while the sun shines. Then, relax on the jungle-fringed beaches of Langkawi.

Type of heat in Malaysia in February: Average temperatures sit at a warm 86°F across the country, with very little rainfall — with the exception of the east coast, which is prone to regular showers. Maximum temperatures can reach 93°F.

Average temperature in Malaysia in February: 86°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in Malaysia in February: 8 hours

Average flight time to Malaysia: 22¾ hours (New York to Kuala Lumpur)

• Malacca, Malaysia
• Langkawi, Malaysia
• Cameron Highlands, Malaysia
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Taman Negara National Park, Malaysia

India

In a country the size of a continent, temperatures can vary massively. In February however, it’s warm and sunny across most of India, from the fortified desert cities of the north to Kerala’s backwaters. The best way to experience this variety? A luxury train journey.

Type of heat in India in February: In Rajasthan the temperature peaks at around 71°F in the daytime, with much cooler evenings. Temperatures increase the further south you go, with Cochin on the southwest coast averaging a balmy 89°F.

Average temperature in India in February: 77°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in India in February: 10 hours

Average flight time to India: 13 hours 50 or 15 hours 30 (New York to New Delhi or Washington DC to Delhi)

• Gadisar Lake, Jaisalmer, India
• Fishermen in Cochin, India
• Ranthambhore National Park, India
• Golden Temple, Amritsar, India
• Kerala's backwaters, India

Zanzibar Archipelago

January brings almost consistent sunshine across the Zanzibar Archipelago. If you’re looking for a destination where you can simply bask in the heat, the islands are fringed with long stretches of white sand and a range of beach hotels. To cool off, you could take a diving expedition to Pemba or simply snorkel from the coast.

Type of heat in the Zanzibar Archipelago in February: Temperatures tend to hover around 89°F year-round, however the humidity from the previous season’s rains still hangs in the air in February, making it feel particularly hot, with maximum temperatures reaching 93°F.

Average temperature in the Zanzibar Archipelago in February: 89°F depending on region

Average daily hours of sunshine in the Zanzibar Archipelago in February: 8 hours

Average flight time to Zanzibar Archipelago: 20 hours 30 (New York to Zanzibar, via Nairobi)

• Mafia Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Stone Town, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Kirk’s red colobus monkey, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Coral reef off Pemba Island, Zanzibar Archipelago
• Fishing dhow, Zanzibar Archipelago