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Dark mornings and drizzly days – February isn’t the cheeriest of months in our corner of the world. Meanwhile, countries in the southern hemisphere are basking in the warmth of the sun, and its party season in South America. Whether you’re looking for the perfect Valentine’s getaway or some much-needed winter sun, we’ve highlighted the best destinations to escape to in February. 

 It’s mid-summer in New Zealand and life is all about enjoying the great outdoors. It’s an excellent time for snorkelling, hiking, mountain biking and kayaking, whilst wildlife lovers will be able to spot dolphins and fur seals off the South Island coast. The Marlborough Wine & Food Festival also takes place on the picturesque Brancott Vineyard. 

  February is whale-watching season on Baja California, so join a cruise and watch in wonder as pods of whales and dolphins swim and leap in the water alongside you. Many different species migrate to Mexico’s Pacific Coast at this time of year, so be on the lookout for humpbacks, grey and blue whales. 

  Bright, dry and warm conditions characterise Myanmar’s weather in February. It’s a favoured time amongst travellers as the beaches, foothills and plains can all be enjoyed in one trip – before the intense heat of April and May. You’ll also be able to witness many events and festivals, including the Lahu New Year, Chin National Day and Mahamuni Pagoda Festival. 

 February kicks off carnival season in South America. Colourful festivities can be observed across the continent, but the most famous celebrations are held in Rio de Janeiro where you can expect lively samba parades, energetic street parties and extravagant costumes and floats. The atmosphere is simply unmissable. 

  The immense region of Patagonia is at its peak in February when the days are long and warm. The conditions are well suited to exploring the wondrous Torres del Paine National Park with its hiking and biking trails, huge glaciers and soaring mountains. This is a popular time to travel, and therefore important to book your trip in advance. 

  February is one of the finest months to visit India as it’s not too hot, allowing you to explore the cities and sights in far more comfortable conditions. It’s also a great time for a tiger safari with all the national parks open for visitors. The grass is shorter, and with only a few remaining watering holes your chances of a sighting are higher. 

 February falls in Belize’s dry season, so you can expect long periods of sunshine throughout the country but especially in the northern and central areas. You could spend your trip uncovering ancient Mayan ruins, exploring the lush jungle or simply chilling out on the beach. Or a combination of the three. 

 Escape the ‘April showers’ with a getaway to southern Europe where you’ll be welcomed by blissfully warm temperatures. On the other hand, Borneo, with its wildlife-rich jungles, is at its peak, whilst China offers you lush landscapes and blooming fruit trees. Not forgetting Japan – a magical time of year with pink cherry blossoms sweeping the country. 

 The wet season has just ended, so you can expect fresh air and an abundance of greenery in Namibia. The post-rain landscapes make for superb photography, whilst hikes in the Fish River Canyon are just as rewarding. Otherwise, you could spend your trip on safari in Damaraland in search of desert-adapted elephants, rhinos and more. 

  Keen birdwatchers travelling to the Galapagos in April will find a variety of unique species to tick off their list. These include the waved albatross and blue-footed booby, who will also be performing their fascinating courtship dances. The waters surrounding the archipelago are calmer at this time of year, making for smoother cruising. 

 Few months rival April when it comes to seeing Japan at its finest. Throughout the country, including the cities of Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the iconic cherry blossom is in full bloom. The locals celebrate by putting up beautiful Japanese lanterns and enjoy picnics below the pretty flowering trees. It’s a magical time to visit and requires booking well in advance. 

 Those looking for unique experiences will find April an ideal time to explore the immense Simien Mountains in northern Ethiopia, a UNESCO World Heritage site and sanctuary to a variety of wildlife including gelada baboons. The rock-hewn churches of Lalibela – which, according to the locals, were created by angels – are also worth adding to your itinerary. 

 Borneo is now in its dry season, providing optimal conditions for guided rainforest treks in search of orangutans, proboscis monkeys and other intriguing, native wildlife. Those feeling extra adventurous can also climb the slopes of Mt Kinabalu to be rewarded by exquisite, far-reaching views. 

 Those who prefer the warmness of spring to the blazing heat of midsummer will find southern Europe particularly inviting in April. Destinations like Spain, Italy, Malta and Greece are enjoying average temperatures between 18°C and 20°C, perfect for sightseeing and soaking up the rich history and culture. 

 Visiting China in April offers you the best of both worlds. The winter chill has left the north whilst the dense summer humidity hasn’t yet hit the south. Whilst rain can be expected, temperatures are still quite warm. The landscapes are also nice and green in spring, with flowering fruit trees to be found throughout the country. 

  June is a great month for wildlife enthusiasts with the Great Wildebeest Migration underway in Africa, wild bears out foraging in Alaska and mountain gorilla trekking opportunities in Rwanda. On the other side of the globe, the USA offers you sunny beaches and vibrant cities, whilst Iceland bathes in 24 hours of daylight. If you can, travel in June to avoid the crowds and heightened hotel prices of the coming high season. 

   With cool, dry weather and the season not yet at its peak, this is one of the best months to go mountain gorilla trekking in Rwanda. Kwita Izina, a ceremony where newborn baby gorillas are named, is also held in June. Attended by park rangers and important members of the Rwandan community, the ceremony is a way of bringing light to gorilla conservation. 

 In June, Iceland experiences warmer weather, less rain and, most remarkably, the natural phenomenon of the Midnight Sun when there is light for all 24 hours of the day. The country really comes to life at this time of year, taking advantage of the longer days with activities like river rafting, hiking, horseback riding and whale watching. 

   Each year over one million wildebeest, zebra and antelope make their way from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara in what is one of the world’s most legendary wildlife migrations. The most dramatic sections of the route are the treacherous river crossings, which you can observe from June in either Kenya or Tanzania. 

  From road trips to wine tours; beach breaks to urban escapes; music festivals to hiking, the United States offers you a full menu of experiences in June. Florida, Las Vegas and Hawaii are perfect for those seeking plenty of hot weather, whilst cities like Chicago and San Francisco enjoy more moderate temperatures. 

Seeing a wild bear in the majesty of its natural habitat is a truly breathtaking experience. In June, Atlantic salmon arrive in the freshwater creeks of Alaska, giving visitors to Glacier Bay National Park the opportunity to see both black and brown bears up close as they feed and forage along the riverbanks.

Families looking for an action-filled getaway in August will find Canada perfect with its long summer days and array of outdoor activities. Elsewhere, the Great Wildebeest Migration – and its epic river crossings – continues in Kenya and Tanzania, whilst Medellín in Colombia hosts its annual flower festival. The European school holidays are now in full swing, so any trip will need to be booked well in advance.

There are so many reasons to consider a trip to Canada in August. Long days and plenty of sunshine allow you to make the most of the great outdoors, with hiking, fishing, biking and camping all readily available. It’s also the time of the famous salmon run, attracting hundreds of wild bears to feed along the rivers of the west coast.

Visit the Galapagos Islands in August to witness Giant tortoises returning to the highlands and the spectacular sight of the nesting Nazca Boobies and Swallow Tailed Gulls.  This is also Sea Lion pupping season and therefore the ideal time to swim with baby sea lions.

It depends on the rains, but typically the migration will have reached the Masai Mara by August. The river crossings are at their most spectacular as large herds of wildebeest and zebra leap into the Mara River whilst crocodiles lie in eager wait. Big cats also prowl the sidelines in hopes of picking off their next meal.

The much-celebrated Medellín Flower Festival is held each August and sees the city streets come alive with extravagant flower displays, live music performances and fireworks. Established in the 1950s, this week-long celebration is one of the city’s most important social events and attracts visitors from all over Colombia and beyond.

With the temperatures rising, August is a superb time to immerse yourself in the dynamic city of Rio de Janeiro with its famous beaches and lively nightlife. It’s also considered the best month for a trip to the Pantanal, an extraordinary wetland ecosystem where you’ll find monkeys, giant anteaters, caiman and much more.

With both Tanzania and Zanzibar in their prime, August is an excellent month for a safari and beach combination. As the game parks in Tanzania begin to dry out, wildlife becomes much easier to spot as they congregate around the disappearing waterholes. Meanwhile, Zanzibar’s spotless beaches are great for recharging at the end of an action-packed trip.

Whether you’re searching for wildlife, culture or adventure (or all three), October has something for everyone. You could experience Diwali (the “Festival of Lights”) in India, or escape to the Seychelles where you can alternate between sunbathing and swimming with whale sharks. For something really special, you could even travel to Iceland to see the fabled Northern Lights in all of their glory.

Almost unbearably hot in the summer months, Jordan enjoys much milder temperatures in October with pleasant days and cool nights. It’s the ideal climate for hiking in the country’s nature reserves, which will be full of flora and fauna, as well as diving in Aqaba with its multi-coloured marine life.

The Seychelles are virtually wind-free in October, making it a fabulous time to visit. Hiking and bird watching are both superb, as well as snorkelling and diving with fantastic visibility and pleasant sea temperatures. October is also the period when hawksbill turtles start to lay their eggs, and when whale shark season is at its peak.

Visit Iceland in October for the opportunity to witness one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis). The lights tend to be brighter at this time of year, allowing for stunning photography. You’ll also find exploding geysers and thundering waterfalls to capture.

With average temperatures of 23°C, October is a wonderful time to visit Egypt. The conditions are ideal for a cruise on the River Nile which is one of the best ways to take in the country’s ancient splendours. Watching the landscapes roll by, you’ll disembark to take in the exquisite temples, palaces and mausoleums of the Pharaohs.

October is a magical time to visit India. Not only are the days warm and sunny – with only the occasional shower – but it’s also the month of Diwali, the ancient Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness. Depending on the moon cycle, the “Festival of Lights” falls in either October or November each year, and is witnessed by lighting candles and firework displays.

With lemurs, reptiles, birds and amphibians all active, October is an ideal month for a wildlife trip to Madagascar. The island’s lemurs also give birth during this period, so you’ll have the chance to spot cute baby lemurs in the national parks. What’s more, the weather is dry, the snorkelling is fantastic and the jacarandas are in full bloom.

Those looking to spend the festive season abroad will find a range of captivating destinations to choose from. Europe allures with its traditional Christmas markets, whilst Indochina and the Caribbean are ideal for those seeking warmer climes. Alternatively, you can bring in the New Year in style in either Sydney or New York where the countdown celebrations are legendary.

Choose the Caribbean for your winter break and you could celebrate the holidays on a sunny, palm-fringed beach lapped by amazingly clear waters. Not only are the islands hot and dry, but the seas are warm, the evenings are blissfully cool and any rain that does occur is usually fleeting. There’s nothing quite like it.

By visiting Australia in December you’ll have the opportunity to spend your Christmas break in the sunshine – as well as be a part of Sydney’s spectacular New Year’s celebrations. As one of the first time zones to bring in the New Year, the city goes all out with a jaw-dropping firework display over the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Those looking to avoid the winter chill will find Cambodia, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam all experiencing optimal weather conditions in December. The skies are blue, rain is minimal and the days are lovely and warm, allowing you to enjoy a mix of beaches, cultural sights and outdoor activities. Combine two or more of these destinations for a truly unforgettable winter escape.

Jet off to New York for your winter holiday and you could find yourself ice skating in Central Park and doing your Christmas shopping at famous retail haunts like Macy’s and 5th Avenue. Not forgetting the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Times Square – a world-famous event attracting over one million revellers each year with fireworks, confetti and star-studded performances.

By mid-December the heavy rains will have cleared, leaving Costa Rica largely dry and the ultimate destination for a wildlife break over Christmas. Temperatures are in the mid-20°Cs, whilst the landscapes are amazingly verdant following the rains. Christmas marks the beginning of the peak season in Costa Rica, so early planning is advised.

A combination of long sunny days and great access make Patagonia an excellent choice for a December getaway. From hiking across glaciers to kayaking, mountain biking and wildlife watching, the region was simply made for adventure seekers. Be sure to book well in advance to secure your choice of accommodation.

What better way to get into the holiday spirit than by visiting one of the postcard-perfect Christmas Markets scattered across Europe. Made all the more magical with a dusting of snow, countries like Poland, Germany, Belgium and Austria all host festive markets where you can shop for traditional gifts, listen to Christmas carols and sample local delicacies.