The northern hemisphere might still be shivering, but we’ve got a pile of things to do in February that’ll keep you happy no matter where you are.

Carnaval de Québec

Old Town, Québec City, Canada: February 1-17

You won’t be warming up, but you’ll certainly have fun watching what might be the world’s most amazing canoe race: 3.2km through icy water… and occasional portage over icy patches! While you’re not watching others freezing their kahoonies off, you can do it yourself by taking a snow bath — at least three dips in the snow wearing nothing but your swimsuit.

An ice sculpture at the Quebec Carnival

Less stupid adventurous? You’ll enjoy the ice sculptures, outdoor dance parties, and some mighty fine food.

The Baguio Flower Festival – Panagbenga

Baguio City, Philippines: February 1 – March 4

This might start on the same day as Quebec’s festival, but it goes for twice as long. The Flower Festival celebrates the end of summer, the cooler days, and life in general. Things culminate in a huge parade, where costumes are colourful — mimicking the local wildflowers — and, in traditional fashion, with parties spilling into the streets.

A young girl dressed for the Baguio festival

Mardi Gras

New Orleans, USA: February 12

It really needs no introduction, but if you want to go to one of the world’s biggest parties, make sure you’re in New Orleans for Mardi Gras. Parades, parties, jazz, and madness! The businesses might all be shut, but the bars sure aren’t — this is one to go wild at.

Indian costumes at New Orlean’s Mardi Gras

The Rio Carnival

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: February 9-12

Did we say Mardi Gras was one of the world’s biggest? Well, it’ll be even more intense in Rio de Janeiro: the party city does what it does best at this time of year. They’re expecting over half a million foreign visitors, plus people from all over the country… So look for accommodation now. Or last year. We spoke with Joel Ward about Carnival, samba competitions, and too much beer (as if that was a real thing!). See the photos or listen to the podcast:

Saidai-ji Eyo (The Naked Festival)

Okayama, Japan: February 16

Let’s finish with a touch of the weird in Okayama, Japan, where the Saidai-ji “Naked Festival” tops the list. According to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, around 9,000 men take part each year, wrestling each other in traditional loincloths for sacred objects, or “good luck charms” as the JNTO would put it.

If you’ve got photos or a story to share about any of these events, we’d love to share them with the Indie Travel Podcast Community. Email us today, or send a direct message to us @admin.

What are you up to in February? Doing something better than this? Tell us in the comments, and make us all jealous.

Best things to do in February 2013 by Craig Martin was originally published on Indie Travel Podcast (find in iTunes). They also have travel books, travel resources and guides to Asia, Europe, Oceania, South America, and more.