February is a tricky month for holidays if you live in Europe and want some sun. Even the southern Mediterranean experiences particularly chilly days. This isn’t too bad if you’re looking for a winter city break, however you may need to fly a little further if you’re looking for hot temperatures and sunny skies.
We’ve assembled the top places for where to go on holiday in February, whether you’re looking for faraway exotic beaches for February half term or a wintery romantic getaway for Valentines Day. See all of our recommendations below.
A week away with sun – perfect for half term
If you’re flying away for a week to 10 days, you don’t want to spend your whole time on a plane. The destinations below have hot weather and all flights take less than 10 hours direct from the UK.
Riviera Maya, Mexico
The beaches of Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast of Mexico should be one of your first ports of call for some February sun. The coastline has a great choice of beaches and resorts, from the vibrant nightlife and eccentricity of Cancun, to the Eco-resort paradise of Tulum and quieter escapes. Temperatures soar to highs of 29 degrees and you’ll find some good last-minute deals in the January holiday sales if you fancy booking spontaneously.
Life on the Riviera Maya coastline is relaxed and a typical beach-style holiday. Eat out at local street food stands or dine in luxury at an all-inclusive five-star resort. You’ll also find plenty of island excursions, scuba diving and snorkelling trips, and adventurous things to do if you get bored of the beach. It’s not all beach-holiday’s either. If you fancy some sightseeing, the world-famous Chichén Itzá Mayan ruins are a 2-hour drive inland – a definite must-see.
High temperature: 29 degrees
Caribbean Islands
The Caribbean is exactly where to go on holiday in February for a relaxed atmosphere and guaranteed sun. Prices are much cheaper than the summer months and there’s plenty of islands to choose from. Caribbean island holidays are all about relaxing in the sun on beautiful beaches, swimming in crystal waters and enjoying nice hotels. You’ll also find rich history on some of the islands. Wander ancient fortresses and pirate shipwrecks or go scuba diving beneath caves and coral reefs.
Here are some of our favourite islands:
Cuba – Cuba has come alive in recent years and tourism is on the rise. The island has a unique setting that seems to be set back in the past, and it’s intriguing to explore. The towns and cities are filled with colourful buildings and cuisine that will rock your world, whilst many of the beaches are still untouched by tourism and have an ‘off the beaten track appeal’
Bahamas – The go-to island for luxury holidays that mixes both culture and history. The city of Nassau gives an authentic picture of Caribbean life and you’ll find secluded beaches a short drive away.
Aruba – Picture pink and blue colonial buildings, small towns and long boardwalks on this pretty Dutch Caribbean island. Life is quiet on Aruba and it’s all about relaxation. It’s rising in popularity every year and direct flights are available from major UK airports.
High temperature: ~28-30 degrees
Florida, USA
Florida is one of our favourite holiday destinations! It has so much to do and the weather is excellent year-round. It also has something for everyone, from the vibrant nightlife and glamourous style of Miami, the family-fun theme parks of Orlando and two coastlines of pristine white-sand beaches. There’s also a variety of nature parks, museums, picturesque towns and off-the tourist trail sightseeing opportunities.
Visiting Florida in February guarantees warm but manageable temperatures, less crowds in the Orlando theme parks and some good value holiday deals as it’s a quiet time of the year to visit. We recommend flying into Orlando or Miami and planning a multi-point trip to see the state. In our opinion, the best places to check out are Sarasota/Naples, The Florida Keys, Miami and the Orlando theme park/resort area.
High temperature: 23 degrees
Dubai / Abu Dhabi
Compared to the other destinations on our list, the flight to Dubai or Abu Dhabi takes just less than 7 hours from the UK, ideal if you don’t fancy travelling a super long distance for your February holiday or only want a week away. The Emirati cities are notoriously excellent for luxury holidays in the sun and you’re guaranteed scorching hot temperatures no matter when you travel. Being a destination for luxurious holidays, prices can be expensive, but you can still get some good deals when comparing with our exotic destinations such as Mexico or the Caribbean.
You’ll spend your time here relaxing on the beach or by the pool, exploring local markets and sightseeing attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. If you’re looking for adventure; skydiving, scuba diving, waterplane rides, camel tours and ATV excursions in the dessert are all on offer. A holiday here is very fun, however it does lack the culture and authenticity of other destinations so keep that in mind.
High temperature: 26 degrees
Where to go on holiday in February for faraway adventures
The following destinations are located further away from Europe, so it’s recommended you stay for at least 2 weeks as you’ll need a day of travel either side of your holiday.
Sri Lanka
The weather across Sri Lanka is excellent in February. The south-west region of Columbo experiences very little rainfall and average temperatures of 30 degrees, whilst the north-east is only just entering monsoon season and rainfall is also low. A holiday in Sri Lanka can consist purely of beach relaxation and nice but cheap hotels, however there’s plenty to do if you want to venture across the island.
Natural parks, elephant sanctuaries, temples, markets and villages are some of the top things to see here and the tropical scenery is amazing to look at. Although the island may look small on a map, it is in fact fairly large and we recommend booking tours to get around; you’ll see more and can easily navigate the difficult roads. You can fly to Sri Lanka direct from many major European airports in just over 10 hours and once you get the flight costs out of the way, life here is cheap and your money goes a long way.
High temperature: 30 degrees
Southern Thailand
If you like the weather to be super-hot on holiday, the Andaman region of Thailand to the south is perfect. February is in the peak dry season here and you’ll experience daily high temperatures of 32 degrees! In addition to the weather, the Andaman region is geared perfectly to both holiday-seekers, backpackers and everyone in between. You’ll find pristine beaches and limestone cliffs in the coastal region of Krabi, jungle terrain, sightseeing and luxurious beach resorts in Phuket and quiet relaxation on islands such as Ko Lanta.
You can fly straight into Phuket via a connecting flight from many European cities, so you can skip the bustling city of Bangkok completely and spend more time on the beach. We recommend skipping the highly touristy areas of Phuket and planning a trip to both Krabi (for amazing scenery) and Koh Lanta (quiet and secluded beach relaxation). You’ll need to catch a ferry to both destinations if flying into Phuket.
High temperature: 32 degrees
Borneo
If a holiday for you has to be filled with adventures and breathtaking landscapes; mountain trekking and seeing the Orangutans in the vast jungle terrain of Borneo will be a trip of a lifetime. The country is home to an impressive collection of natural parks and lush scenery, where you can visit Orangutan sanctuaries to take care of the animals or ascend to the mountain tops for challenging but rewarding viewpoints.
When you’ve explored to the fullest, retire to Borneo’s Sabah coastline for relaxation on the beautiful beaches of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The north of the country is the best place to visit in February; where weather is hot and humid with little rainfall. Be sure to fully plan and research your destination if planning a holiday here!
High temperature: 32 degrees
Maldives
Our list wouldn’t be complete without giving the Maldives a shout-out. February is the sunniest month of the year on this island archipelago, which consists of more than 1000 coral islands. It’s the turquoise water paradise that you’ve most likely seen pictures of and it’s known for its blissful white-sand beaches and water-surface bungalows.
The Maldives is a paradise holiday destination for couples on their honeymoon or those looking for some quiet relaxation alone. Life of the islands is quiet and secluded but set in a beautiful environment. Hotels tend to be of the luxury variety and its not a cheap place to visit, however it prides itself as a once in a lifetime holiday destination that is destined to impress. Be sure to go on at least one scuba diving trip during your stay – the marine life is amazing!
High temperature: 29 degrees
European February holidays perfect for a city break or Valentines weekend
Iceland
We visited Iceland in February 2018 and it was one of the most memorable trips of our lives! It truly has a landscape unlike no other during the wintertime and you must experience it to understand how impressive it can be. A holiday to Iceland is ideal for a long-weekend break and can be both romantic and adventurous.
Explore snow covered volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs, waterfalls, caves and many more natural wonders, and take some of your most impressive photographs ever. You’ll spend your days here exploring the snow-covered landscapes trying not to get caught in a snowstorm, returning to Reykjavik on an evening to snuggle up with warm food and wine in a cosy bar. See our top tips for visiting island and our recommended itineraries here.
Stockholm, Sweden
If you want to embrace the cold winter of Northern Europe rather than jet off for some sun, Stockholm is an excellent choice. Although living costs are higher than elsewhere, flights can be very cheap here in February and accommodation is also affordable. The city is a super modern and stylish, with plenty of museums, trendy eating hubs and a vibrant nightlife.
Enchanting royal palaces, a colourful old town and even a visit to a nearby Viking city are the top attractions here. It has museums to suit every taste, from the ABBA musician museum, to history and war museums, and the popular Skansen Open-Air Museum – an interactive village full of Swedish culture and tales of the past. When you’re done sightseeing, head to the city centre for an excellent restaurant selection. Scandinavian food is quirky but tasty!
Copenhagen, Denmark
Copenhagen is fast becoming one of the top city-break destinations in Europe and we know exactly why. The architecture, museums, food scene and pretty, colourful buildings make it a fun place to visit, perfect for a 2- or 3-night stay. Rent a bike and tour the city at your own leisure. It’s made up of islands large and small and there are many bridges to stop and take pictures of the cool architecture you’ll see along the way.
Go for a winter stroll by the harbour, recharge in a café, sample the unique Scandinavian food on offer or wander the enchanting Tivoli gardens. Unlike the hectic and endless sightseeing of other major European cities, we feel life in Copenhagen is relaxed and you can cover most of the city centre on foot. Being a Scandinavian country in February, yes, it’s pretty cold, however it gives the city a frosty makeover that you’ll love.
Paris, France
Our recommendations wouldn’t be complete without the magnificent city of Paris, known as the romantic place in the world. Paris’ many flight and Eurostar train connections make it a cheap, quick and easy place to get to so it makes the perfect weekend break if travelling from the UK. Even if you’ve been before, the city is very large so there’s plenty of sightseeing opportunities and museums that you probably haven’t visited yet.
If you’d rather shop and soak in the romantic vibes of a suave hotel, there’s no shortage of classic hotels, quaint corner cafes and boutique shops. If you’re looking for a less-lavish but just as enjoyable Parisian break, we recommend booking a centrally located AirBnB. It’s very cost effective here. Wrap up warm and enjoy getting lost in the French capital with your loved one. Check out our Paris cafe guide for tips on the best places to eat, or follow our friend Nomadic Matt’s complete guide to Paris for ideas on what to see and do.
Go skiing in France
If you’re looking where to go on holiday in February for some last minute skiing before spring-time, France is an excellent choice! You’ve passed the peak season, so prices are a little cheaper, and the snow is still plentiful no matter where you go. Recommend ski resorts are Tignes and Val Thorens. They’re very large so they have something for everyone; whether you’re looking for a good nightlife, cool places to stay, or of course; a variety of challenging ski slopes.
Both resorts have slopes for all levels of experience, from beginner to seasoned pro, so you won’t have any trouble finding your feet if you haven’t been before. They’re also ideal for both families, couples and groups of friends. Snuggle up in a chalet with your loved one or treat the whole family to a week in a lodge. Half-term is one of the busiest weeks of ski season so travel outside of this period and you’ll have less queuing for the slopes and cheaper prices.
View our French ski resort comparison guide for more inspiration.
That’s the end of our where to go on holiday in February list! It’s one of the coldest months of the year in the UK and escaping for some pre-spring sun will leave you feel relaxed and refreshed. It’s also a cheap time to jet off, so you’ll save money too! Find more inspiration on where to go during different months of the year here.
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