Where Is Hot in February? Best Warm Destinations for Half-Term and Valentine's
Where is hot in February for half-term and Valentine's: the Canaries, Dubai, the Caribbean, Thailand and more, with temperatures.
Key takeaways
- February half-term is peak season for UK families; book early or travel outside half-term.
- The Canary Islands, Cape Verde and Egypt are top short- and medium-haul choices from the UK.
- The Caribbean, Mexico, Thailand and Sri Lanka are in their dry seasons.
- February is a great time for romantic warm getaways around Valentine's Day.
In this guide
February is the last big push of winter in the northern hemisphere, and for UK families it includes half-term. It is also the month for romantic escapes around Valentine's Day. Here are the best hot destinations in February.
Temperatures are approximate average daytime highs.
February sun at a glance
| Destination | Avg high (°C / °F) | Best for | Good from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canary Islands | 21–22 / 70–72 | Half-term, short-haul | UK |
| Cape Verde | 25 / 77 | All inclusive | UK |
| Egypt (Red Sea) | 22–24 / 72–75 | Diving, value | UK |
| Dubai | 25 / 77 | City and beach | UK, AU |
| Caribbean | 28–29 / 82–84 | Beaches | UK, US |
| Mexico | 28 / 82 | All inclusive | US, UK |
| Florida | 25–26 / 77–79 | Theme parks, beaches | US, UK |
| Thailand | 32 / 90 | Beaches | UK, AU |
| Sri Lanka | 31 / 88 | Beaches, culture | UK, AU |
| Maldives | 30–31 / 86–88 | Romance | UK, AU |
| Mauritius | 30 / 86 | Romance, beaches | UK |
| Goa, India | 32 / 90 | Beaches, value | UK |
| Australia (Perth) | 31 / 88 | Late summer | UK |
February half-term from the UK
Half-term pushes prices up, so book early. Good options include:
- Canary Islands: short flights, family-friendly resorts. See where to stay in Tenerife.
- Cape Verde: guaranteed sunshine, all inclusive.
- Egypt: warm days, great snorkelling, value.
- Dubai: theme parks, beaches and malls.
- Florida: for families combining parks and sun. See where to stay in Orlando.
Different local authorities in the UK can have slightly different half-term dates, which can help you find cheaper weeks.
Valentine's and romantic escapes
- Maldives: overwater villas and calm seas.
- Mauritius: beaches, lagoons and luxury resorts.
- Caribbean: St Lucia and Antigua are honeymoon favourites.
- Thailand: islands like Koh Samui and Koh Lanta. See our best honeymoon destinations.
For US travellers
Presidents' Day weekend and winter breaks make February busy. Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean are top choices. Carnival season in some Caribbean islands and New Orleans' Mardi Gras (depending on the date of Easter) can push prices up.
For Australian travellers
February is late summer at home. Overseas, Japan offers a contrasting winter, while Thailand and Vietnam are in their dry season. Fiji and Bali are in their wet season, so expect showers.
Money-saving tips
- Travel outside half-term if you can.
- Compare package deals for the Canaries and Egypt.
- Look at Valentine's packages, but compare total costs.
- Choose refundable rates and rebook if prices fall.
February destinations compared in detail
Canary Islands: best for half-term families
Short flights, no jet lag and a huge choice of family hotels make the Canaries the default half-term choice from the UK. Highs are in the low 20s Celsius, and the sea is cool, so prioritise heated pools. Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are flatter and windier; Tenerife and Gran Canaria have more variety. Carnival celebrations, especially in Santa Cruz de Tenerife and Las Palmas, often fall in February or early March and are a colourful bonus.
Egypt: best value heat
February is an excellent time for Egypt's Red Sea. Days are warm and dry, the diving and snorkelling are world class, and all-inclusive prices can be competitive. Combining a few nights in Luxor with a beach stay makes a memorable trip. Check official travel advice before booking.
Dubai: best for a mix of activities
Theme parks, water parks, beaches and desert safaris make Dubai a good half-term choice for families with older children. Expect warm days and pleasant evenings.
Florida: best for theme parks and sun
February is one of the best months for Orlando: comfortable temperatures and shorter queues outside US holiday weekends. Florida's Gulf Coast beaches are pleasant, though the sea can be cool for swimming.
Thailand and Sri Lanka: best long-haul value
Both are in their prime dry seasons. Thailand's islands, especially on the Andaman coast, are hot and sunny. Sri Lanka's south and west coasts are excellent, and the cultural triangle is pleasant.
February weather watch-outs
- Caribbean: dry season, but trade winds can make some beaches breezy.
- Mexico: excellent, but Cancún's beaches can see seaweed (sargassum) in some seasons; check recent reports.
- Bali and Fiji: wet season, with humid days and heavy showers.
- Southern Spain and Cyprus: pleasant sightseeing weather, but not reliably warm enough for sunbathing.
Half-term hotel checklist
- Book connecting rooms or family rooms early; they sell out first. See family hotel tips.
- Check kids' club ages and opening times during half-term.
- Compare all inclusive and half board for snack-loving children.
- Confirm cot availability for babies.
- Check flight times: early departures may justify an airport hotel the night before.
The bottom line
For February sun, the Canaries, Egypt and Cape Verde are great short- to medium-haul options from the UK, while the Caribbean, Mexico and Southeast Asia deliver guaranteed heat. Book half-term early and look for romantic deals around Valentine's Day.
Frequently asked questions
Where is hot in February half-term?
The Canary Islands are the most popular short-haul option. For more heat, consider Cape Verde, Egypt, Dubai, or long-haul destinations such as Florida, the Caribbean or Thailand.
Is it warm in Spain in February?
Mainland Spain is usually mild rather than warm in February, with highs often in the mid-teens Celsius in the south. The Canary Islands are much warmer.
Where is hot in February for a romantic trip?
The Maldives, Mauritius, the Caribbean, Dubai and Thailand are popular romantic warm getaways in February.
Prices, fees, taxes and booking rules change often and vary by hotel, date and country. Figures in this guide are typical ranges for planning, not quotes. Always confirm the total price and cancellation terms with the hotel or booking site before you pay.
