Forget your cold-weather blues with a sunny getaway this February. Whether you're switching your skis for a surfboard in Puerto Rico, dancing along the streets of New Orleans' French Quarter, or hopping between festivals in New Zealand, these are the best warm destinations in February for your next escape.

Warm destinations in February

Travel to New Zealand in February for peak Southern Hemisphere summer, with sunny skies and daily highs of 25°C. The weather is dry across both islands and perfect for hiking the Great Walks, a network of tracks showcasing New Zealand's national parks. Along the coast, the water is warm for kayaking, surfing, and paddleboarding.

February is also the middle of New Zealand's festival season, making it an ideal escape for music, food, and other cultural celebrations during long summer days. The Art Deco Festival in Napier is one of New Zealand's most popular and unique events, known for transforming the city into an interactive 1930s museum with heritage architecture, vintage car parades, and heritage Art Deco architecture.

There's no better way to get to know New Zealand’s welcoming, highly walkable capital than by seeing live performances from local artists. The annual Fringe Arts Festival in Wellington runs every February to March and is one of the country's largest open-access multidisciplinary arts festivals. Lastly, the Splore Festival is a weekend of music, performance, and art across multiple stages just outside of Auckland.

February is Puerto Rico's dry season and one of the best months to visit and enjoy its nearly 300 beaches. On the east coast, Fajardo is a popular destination for swimming and snorkelling among the coral with sea turtles, rays, and other marine life. Jump in from the beach, or hire a catamaran and a professional guide to explore untouched offshore cays.

As one of the top warm places to go in February, Puerto Rico is also a world-class surfing destination. February's temperatures are ideal for the many surf breaks around the towns of Rincón, Isabella, or Aguadilla—no wetsuit required. If you're new to surfing, sign up for lessons at one of the many surf schools available.

On dry land, explore the 16th-century architecture of Old San Juan. Stroll along the blue cobblestone paths on Fortaleza and the scenic Paseo del Morro. The latter winds around Castillo San Felipe del Morro, a 500-year-old Spanish fortress and citadel, and it's a convenient opportunity to visit one of Puerto Rico's most popular attractions.

Nowhere is more alive than New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The city's Carnival season opens in early January and runs through Mardi Gras in February, with a packed schedule of parades and other festive spectacles. Stay in the French Quarter in historic inns and hotels, whether tucked away from the bustle or right in the middle of the festivities.

February also offers can't-miss seasonal cuisine. King Cake is available until Mardi Gras, and bakeries around New Orleans offer their own traditional or unique takes on the braided pastry with cinnamon, cream cheese, or fruit flavours. Mid-February also marks the start of peak crawfish season, so you can stop at one of the many neighbourhood restaurants for a spicy seafood boil.

Why wait until February?

If you can't wait until February for a winter escape to a sunny destination, check these last-minute flight deals and start planning your getaway. Use these guides for more travel inspiration throughout the year:

• Bask in the sun at these warm destinations in January

• These are the best places to visit in March

• Warm places to travel in December for your next winter getaway