6 of the best places to go cycling in February

1. Calpe, Spain

Best for winter sun, iconic climbs and pro-level early-season training.

View from the top of the Serra Gelada

Why go cycling in February

February is one of the premier months to base yourself in Calpe. It sits right at the start of peak cycling season in the Costa Blanca, when sunny, stable weather and mild daytime temperatures make it a great choice for long climbing days in the mountains. Roads are dry, visibility is excellent and pro teams flock here for winter training; you’re likely to share the asphalt with some of the biggest names in the sport.

This is a place built for cycling: smooth asphalt, quiet inland roads and iconic climbs like Coll de Rates, Cumbre del Sol and Port de Tudons can all be linked together with classic loop options. The riding is tough but rewarding, ideal for early-season fitness, structured interval work or a proper training camp in the sun.

Pair this with easy logistics, great value accommodation and a lively café culture tailored to cyclists, and February becomes one of the very best times to experience Calpe at its energetic, professional-level best.

Other times to consider

March and April are the absolute peak for cycling in Calpe – warmer days, longer light and buzzing cycling activity everywhere you look. January can also be excellent, though cooler snaps are possible. Autumn (October–November) is another strong window, with warm seas, quieter roads and reliable sunshine.

Summer is rideable but hot, especially inland, so early starts are essential. If you’re planning to focus on hills and big-volume training, stick to late winter or spring for the best balance of comfort and challenge.

More information

• Cycling Calpe and the Costa Blanca for routes, climbs and everything you need to plan February cycling trips.
• Where to stay in Calpe (for cyclists) to help you choose the perfect base close to the big climbs and bike-friendly facilities.
• Guadelest and Vall d’Ebo loop, Calpe for one of the region’s most iconic inland routes with unforgettable mountain scenery.

2. The Algarve, Portugal

Best for quiet roads, reliable sunshine and coastal-to-mountain variety without the crowds.

Beautiful beach of Praia da Marinha

Why go cycling in February

February is prime time for cycling in the Algarve. The days are bright, the reliable winter sun nudges temperatures toward the high teens, and the roads are blissfully quiet before the spring beach crowds return. You’ll find flat coastal cruising one day and leg-testing climbs into the Serra de Monchique the next – the perfect mix for early-season fitness. The region’s gentle micro climate and sunny coastlines also make it a natural fit for both relaxed bike holidays and full-on training camps.

This is also when the pros descend on Southern Portugal. The Tour of the Algarve (Volta ao Algarve) takes place this month, so you’re riding the same perfectly surfaced roads and famous climbs – like Malhão – that shape the early season for WorldTour teams. Inland routes are peaceful and scenic, while coastal towns offer plenty of cafés, accommodation and off-bike exploring. Some itineraries here run hotel to hotel on well-planned circular routes, giving you the freedom to explore fishing villages, hilltop towns and quiet valleys in a single trip.

If you’re after sunshine, a mix of terrain and a cycling-centric setup without the price tag or traffic of summer, February is one of the Algarve’s best bets.

Other times to consider

Spring (March–June) brings warm days and longer evenings – ideal for bigger mountain days. Autumn (September–November) is similarly excellent: warm seas, settled weather and quieter resorts.

Winter is generally very rideable, though December and January can feel fresher and occasionally windy. July and August are hot, busy and better suited to dawn starts. For most cyclists, late winter and shoulder-season months strike the perfect balance of comfort, value and great riding.

More information

• Cycling Algarve: your ultimate guide for everything from iconic climbs to quiet coastal cruising.
• Gravel cycling in the Algarve if you want to explore the region’s growing network of gravel and off-road routes.
• Bike hotels in the Algarve to find cyclist-friendly accommodation across the coast and hills.
• 4 must-do cycling events in the Algarve, including the Volta ao Algarve and top amateur challenges.
• Cycling routes in/around Albufeira and the Central Algarve for ride ideas and coastal–inland loops from one of the region’s most popular bases.
• Cycling routes in Lagos and the Western Algarve covering the Atlantic scenery and big-climb adventures.
• Cycling routes in Tavira and the Eastern Algarve for more options.

3. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Best for tropical winter warmth, jungle-backed climbs and vibrant Pacific-coast cycling culture.

Puerto Vallarta’s old town

Why go cycling in February

Puerto Vallarta is one of the best cycling destinations February has to offer. The Pacific coast delivers warm, dry days – perfect for riding in short sleeves while much of the northern hemisphere is still deep in winter.

The Sierra Madre mountains sit right behind the coast, giving you a huge range of riding: flat coastal spins, jungle rollers, or big-mountain epics that climb well above 2,000 metres. You can piece together everything from mellow coastal spins to all-day remote rides into the hills. Along the way, you’ll reach genuinely wild places where gravel tracks and quiet lanes reward more adventurous setups, even allowing for the occasional fat-bike outing on quieter beaches.

Road surfaces are generally good, and the cycling culture here is growing fast. Drivers are usually respectful, small towns are welcoming, and there’s always a coconut stand or taquería waiting mid-ride. The variety keeps things exciting – paved climbs, cobbled streets, gravel backroads and quiet valley routes all in one week.

Add in migrating humpback whales offshore, buzzing beach towns for post-ride dinners, and a growing community of visiting and resident riders (including the occasional YouTube-famous pro), and you’ve got one of Mexico’s most rewarding winter cycling escapes.

Other times to consider

You can ride here year-round, but November to April is the sweet spot: dry skies, lower humidity and comfortable temperatures. December and March are busier with holiday travel and spring-break crowds, so early starts help.

May to October brings hotter days and the tropical rainy season – lush scenery and quieter roads, but you’ll need to plan around afternoon downpours.

More information

• Cycling Puerto Vallarta and Bucerias for detailed route ideas, bike hire options and local tips on riding the Pacific coast.
• Cycling Mexico to discover more of the country’s emerging hotspots for road and gravel adventures.

4. Cuba

Best for vibrant culture, tropical warmth and relaxed winter riding with a Caribbean twist.

Cycling rural Cuba (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)

Why go cycling in February

February is one of the best months of the year to experience Cuba by bike. It falls right in the middle of the dry season, so you can expect warm, sunny days, low rainfall and comfortable temperatures for long adventures on quiet rural roads.

You’ll pedal through a landscape filled with palm trees, tobacco farms and coastal breezes – all while enjoying Cuba’s famously relaxed pace of life. It’s an outstanding choice if you care about responsible travel, spending time with local communities and seeing Cuba slowly and sustainably on two wheels.

Cycling is a natural fit here: cars are fewer, bikes are common, and locals are warm and curious when riders roll into town. A Cuba cycling tour combines riding with immersion – exploring UNESCO cities like Havana and Trinidad, visiting historic sites such as the Bay of Pigs, and stopping at family-run casas for fresh food and music. You can join small-group departures that feel like a sociable group cycling trip or opt for more bespoke adventure cycling tours led by knowledgeable guides.

Add in tropical beaches and a powerful cultural story at every turn, and February becomes a perfect balance of adventure and sunshine-filled escape.

Other times to consider

November to April is the prime season with dry, warm and great for cycling across the island. January can be slightly cooler in the hills, while March and April are hotter but still manageable with early starts.

The rainy season from May to October brings higher humidity and tropical downpours, making routes trickier – and September to early October also overlaps with hurricane season, so those months are best avoided for a cycling holiday.

More information

• Cycling Cuba for a deep dive into the best places to ride, local terrain and what makes cycling here so unique.
• How to plan a Cuba cycling tour for essential tips on visas, logistics, accommodation and choosing the right Cuba cycling route.

5. Sri Lanka

Best for cultural immersion, coastal-to-highland variety and sunshine-filled touring adventures.

Approaching Sigiriya Rock Fortress on foot. One of Sri Lanka’s top cultural attractions! (photo credit: Intrepid Travel)

Why go cycling in February

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for February cycling. Much of the island – including the cultural heartland, the south coast and the west – is in its dry season, so you can expect warm, blue-sky days and lush scenery at its most vibrant.

Temperatures are ideal for long days outdoors, and the mix of coast, countryside and tea-covered hill country means every ride feels different from the last.

It’s also a wonderfully immersive place to cycle. You’ll roll past rice paddies, temples and spice gardens, sharing the road with tuk-tuks and friendly locals who are quick with a smile or wave.

And when the day’s riding is done, beaches like Mirissa and Weligama offer the perfect post-ride swim, while the historic cities of Kandy and Galle provide culture, cuisine and atmosphere in spades.

Other times to consider

Sri Lanka is unusual: there’s always good weather somewhere. The island’s dual monsoon pattern means the east coast and north are driest from May to September, while the west and south shine from December to March, including February.

Showers are typically short and refreshing rather than trip-stopping, so cyclists can visit year-round with smart route planning. Just expect more humidity and some rain if you travel from April into the summer months.

More information

• Cycling Sri Lanka for an overview of the island’s best cycling regions, terrain and cultural highlights.
• How to plan a Sri Lanka cycling tour for practical guidance on routes, seasons, logistics and booking a guided trip.

6. New Zealand (Otago Central Rail Trail)

Best for relaxed rail-trail riding, big-sky scenery and unforgettable Kiwi hospitality.

Old rail bridge, Otago Central Rail Trail

Why go cycling in February

February is one of the very best months to ride New Zealand’s Otago Central Rail Trail. Central Otago is famously dry and sunny at this time of year, with warm daytime temperatures and long daylight hours that let you ride at a relaxed pace and still fit in plenty of stops – whether that’s curling in Naseby, wine-tasting at a rustic pub or exploring gold-rush villages straight out of history.

Because the trail follows an old railway line, the gradients are gentle and the riding is achievable for all levels, from families to first-timers.

Big skies, rugged high-country landscapes and the chance to meet locals along the way make for a wonderfully welcoming cycling holiday in February – the kind where every pub stop comes with a story. With easy logistics, great bike-friendly accommodation and the beautiful South Island scenery, February really shows off this iconic Kiwi adventure.

Other times to consider

The trail is rideable year-round, but September to May offers the most reliable conditions – with the February–April peak providing warm, dry weather and colourful early-autumn landscapes.

Winter riding is possible and can be spectacular on crisp, blue-sky days… but expect very cold mornings, limited services and occasional snow. Book ahead for accommodation in high season – places are small and fill fast.

More information

• Cycling New Zealand for inspiration across the North and South Islands, including top regions, tips and routes.
• Otago Central Rail Trail for a detailed guide to riding New Zealand’s most iconic multi-day rail-trail adventure.

What’s next?

• Cycling in January, for our pick of the best destinations to kick-start your year with sunshine, fitness gains and inspiring early-season adventures.
• Cycling in December, for our pick of where you can wrap up the year with winter-sun riding and unforgettable festive escapes.
• Cycling in November, for our pick of destinations that offer most of the late-season warmth, colourful landscapes and quieter roads before winter hits.
• Cycling in October for sunny Mediterranean miles, crisp mountain climbs and peak gravel conditions across Europe.
• Cycling in September for our pick of the destinations that make the most of the sweet spot between summer and autumn.
• Spring cycling holidays to help you start planning ahead for longer days, green landscapes and big-ride energy.
• Summer cycling holidays for our pick of the best destinations to consider in June, July and August.

Clare Dewey is a cyclist with a passion for travel. She set up epicroadrides.com in 2018 to help make it easy for cyclists to explore the world by bike. Today her mission is still inspiring cyclists to discover new places on two wheels - and doing what she can to make sure they have the best possible time while they're there. Clare has visited 50+ destinations around the world, many of them by bike.

Want to connect with Clare? Find her over on LinkedIn.