If you’ve had enough of the cold weather by the time February comes around, then don’t worry as there’s plenty of sunny destination which you can escape to. Not to mention, you’re more likely to secure a bargain at this time of year as it is a period of low demand. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious Valentines getaway with your other half or somewhere to jet off with the family during half term, check out where is hot in February.
1. Gran Canaria
Gran Canaria is your European go-to when it comes to warm weather in February. Days are pleasant with temperatures typically exceeding 20°C. Nights will feel a little on the chiller side around 15°C, which is still substantially warmer than the UK. The average number of rainy days is three, which usually comes in showers. Forget short sunbathing sessions, Gran Canaria experiences 11 hours of daylight at this time of year, so there’s plenty of time to hit the beach. At just 19°C the sea will feel a little cooler, but most hotels offer heated pools when you want to go for a swim.
Why go?
Most famous for its mini Sahara with its sloping sand dunes, Gran Canaria is bound to impress you with its unique landscape. From its green north to its desert-like south and 60 kilometres of beaches, it’s not your run-of-the-mill destination. Its biggest resorts Playa del Ingles and Maspalomas, not only offer fantastic beach days, but they’re also known for their incredible nightlife offerings and LGBT-friendly venues. The island also has a family feel with everything from waterparks to a national park and wildlife attractions.
Best beaches in Gran Canaria
- Playa de Amadores
- Playa de Maspalomas
- Playa de Mogán
- Playa de Puerto Rico
- Playa del Ingles
- Las Canteras
Things to do in Gran Canaria
- Maspalomas Sand Dunes
- Roque Nublo
- Sioux City
- Palmitos park
- Casa-Museo de Colón
- Caldera de Bandama
Flight time
4 hours
Suggested hotels in Gran Canaria
Salobre Hotel Resort & Serenity: This 5-star hotel lives up to its name by offering pure serenity with its peaceful setting close to Maspalomas. There’s a real emphasis on your mind and body here with meditation sessions, holistic treatments and cycling routes. You can also take advantage of seven pools, some with mountain and Atlantic views. When you’re feeling peckish, you can fill you plate at the buffet restaurant or try something fancy at the onsite a la cartes.
Labranda Playa Bonita: This modern hotel places you close to one of Gran Canaria’s top beaches with the beautiful Playa del Ingles coastline right on your doorstep. The large pool is the star of the show here, and it comes lined with a good choice of sunloungers alongside perfectly placed palm trees. Rooms are bright and airy when you want to kick back in private with a mini fridge, lounge area and satellite TV making you feel right at home.
2. Playa Blanca, Lanzarote
This sunny resort in Lanzarote is ideal if you’re looking to warm your toes in February. With averages of 17°C, it’s a comfortable time to travel with some days reaching the 19°C mark. A day at the beach isn’t out of the question in Playa Blanca either with 18°C waters and seven hours of sunshine to bask in. It also witnesses an average of 18mm over five rainy days, so you don’t have to worry about getting caught in a heavy downpour. Evenings have been known to drop to a minimum of 13°C, so you may want to pack a jacket if you’re planning on sitting outdoors.
Why go?
With a name which translates to ‘White Beach’ this Lanzarote hotspot is a beach-goer’s paradise. Choose from a list of immaculate sand spots and spend your days soaking up the sun from its pale coastline. It’s also home to a sophisticated marina, where waterfront restaurants and swanky cocktail spots are yours for the taking, not to mention a scattering of upscale boutiques. You’re also in a prime spot for exploring some of its the island’s biggest draws, from Timanfaya National Park, La Geria and Los Hervideros, which is famed for its unusual cliffs and submerged caves.
Best beaches in Playa Blanca
- Las Colorados
- Papagayo Beaches
- Playa Dorada
- Playa Flamingo
- Los Hervideros
Things to do in Playa Blanca
- Playa Blanca Market
- Rubicón Marina
- Commercial Centre Papagayo
Aqualava Waterpark - Atlantico Museum
- Timanfaya National Park
Flight time
4 hours
Suggested hotels in Playa Blanca
Sandos Papagayo Beach Resort: This all inclusive hotel overlooking the beach has everything you need for a premium stay in Playa Blanca. When you’re not hitting its three pool areas for a relaxing swim, you could be overindulging in its four restaurants where your offerings range from Asian to Mexican. There’s also a spa on hand when you need to recharge your batteries, where you’ll find two saunas, a hot tub and massage cabins.
H10 Rubicon Palace: This hotel will instantly wow you, not only is everything perfectly positioned with beautifully designed pools set off by the island’s tropics and traditional Canary Island buildings, but your rooms look like something from an interior design magazine. Your just inches away from the sea too when you want to change things up. And did we mention you have six restaurants to choose from with a steakhouse among your options?
3. Hurghada, Egypt
If you’re looking for February holiday destinations, then Hurghada is a must for your winter sun fix. With its desert surroundings, you can expect temperatures a lot warmer than those in the UK. One thing you won’t have to worry about is rain, showers are extremely rare in Egypt with just 1mm expected over the course of a month. Days can range from anyway between 14°C and 23°C with eight hours of sunshine guaranteed. On the month’s warmest days, there’s plenty of opportunity to take advantage of your Red Sea location with the ocean at a comfortable 21°C.
Why go?
This former fishing village is now one of Egypt’s most famed destinations. With direct access to the renowned Red Sea and home to some of the country’s best diving spots, Hurghada is a snorkelling paradise. You’ll find golden beaches fronting most resorts, especially in Makadi Bay, El Gouna and Soma Bay. The surrounding desert is best explored from the seat of a quad bike or a camel if you’re looking for a traditional experience. Head for its swanky marina where you can watch yachts sitting in the water as you tuck into local fare or hit its Old Town and smoke a shisha pipe from an authentic Bedouin bar.
Best beaches in Hurghada
- Mahmya
- Old Vic Beach
- Dreams Beach
- Makadi Bay
- Soma Bay
Things to do in Hurghada
- Giftun Islands
- Hurghada Marina
- Desert quad biking tour
- Sindbad Submarine
- El Dahar
Flight time
5 hours and 20 minutes
Suggested hotels in Hurghada
Hilton Hurghada Resort: This all inclusive delight lives up to its premium Hilton name with its private access to the glittering Red Sea alongside three beautifully laid-out pools. If that wasn’t exciting enough, the hotel is also hiding a mini aqua park where little ones will love sliding into the water. There’s a huge list of activities too, from dance lessons to beach volleyball and table tennis.
Hawaii Riviera Aqua Park Resort: Overlooking the famous Red Sea, locations don’t get much better! This property is a top choice with families, which is hardly surprising with its fantastic all inclusive programme and attached aqua parks which come with 12 slides. There’s also a spa complete with a hot tub when adults need to take some time out to themselves.
4. Orlando, Florida
Found in America’s ‘Sunshine State’, you can expect hot weather in February when you head for Orlando. Although not guaranteed, temperatures can reach 23°C while averages hover around the 17 °C – a lot warmer than the rest of the rest of the country. This month also sees 82mm of rain, but this usually comes in short bursts. As a tropical destination, February is also when you will experience low humidity levels at around 71%. Plus, with eight hours of sunshine per day, there’s no such thing as dreary winters when you come to Florida.
Why go?
As one of the most popular destinations in the United States, Orlando is an enchanting hotspot with so much to offer. This action-packed getaway will instantly impress you whether you come here to experience the magic of Walt Disney World, get your adrenaline fix with a trip to Universal Studios or head for SeaWorld where animal encounters are yours for the taking. And that’s just the theme parks, when you’re not seeking thrill, this sun-filled hotspot is full of lures. Sporting fans have a choice of world-class golf courses to choose from, while International Drive is your go-to for some retail therapy with its luxury malls selling big-name brands at outlet prices. When it comes to relaxing, there’s a number of white sand stretches calling your name.
Best beaches in Orlando
- Clearwater Beach
- Cocoa Beach
- New Smyrna Beach
- Daytona Beach
- Canaveral National Seashore
Things to do in Orlando
- Walt Disney World Parks
- Universal Theme Parks
- SeaWorld
- Volcano Bay
- Kennedy Space Center
- Gatorland
Flight time
9 hours and 20 minutes
Suggested hotels in Orlando
Liki Tiki Resort by Diamond Resorts: Encircled by 64 acres of beautiful gardens with a mini waterpark onsite, this apartment style accommodation sits just a few miles away from Walt Disney World. Shipwreck Sally’s Bar and Grill is place to head come evenings with its tasty fare appealing to all ages or you can also whip up something from your room with a kitchenette on hand.
Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista: With shuttle buses to the parks, this hotel offers the ultimate Disney experience with its onsite restaurants allowing you to dine with your children’s favourite characters. When you want to relax after a hectic day in the parks, your room comes fitted with a 37-inch flat screen TV, mini fridge and coffee machine. There’s also a pool onsite when you want to soak up that Florida sunshine.
5. Mauritius
Mauritius is one of the best places to visit in February with its warm season lasting from December to April. In fact, the month witnesses the hottest day of the year on the 4th February when you can expect average highs of 30°C. However, you may see some rainfall with an average of 228mm over 10 days but this won’t affect your travel plans as it usually comes in short downpours and quickly clears. Humidity levels can be on the higher side often hitting 96% over the month, so make sure you come prepared. The sea temperature is just as toasty too with waters as warm as 28°C – this is the perfect time to go for a swim or even try out the watersports if you’re feeling adventurous.
Why go?
This volcanic hotspot is like walking into heaven, when you’re not soaking up the sun from its exotic beaches where lapping waters invite you in as they hit the shore, you could be getting lost in its verdant surroundings. Lined with luxury hotels with Indian Ocean views on tap, it’s the ultimate island retreat. You’ll also come across some unusual features from an underwater waterfall and multi-coloured sand. Among its natural scenery, you’ll also spot some of the rarest wild animals, while its barrier reefs house over 430 different marine life. It’s also home to some of the world’s best golf courses, so you can practise your swing in the middle of paradise.
Best beaches in Mauritius
- Blue Bay
- Trou aux Biches
- Le Morne Beach
- Belle Mare
- Mont Choisy
Things to do in Mauritius
- Grand Bassin
- Black River Gorges National Park
- Chamarel Waterfall & Seven Coloured Earths
- Pamplemousses Botanical Garden
- Eureka House
- Port Louis
Flight time
12 hours
Suggested hotels in Mauritius
Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort: This laid-back hotel is located in Bel Ombre with some of the island’s biggest sights on your doorstep. There are four pools to choose from, with its most popular sitting right next to the beach, where cabanas sit on the sand and stand-up paddle boards ride the waves. There’s also a bar sitting on the sand and a shack where you can grab seafood tapas, not to mention a kids’ club if your holidaying as a family.
Solana Beach: This adults only resort is perfect for honeymooners wanting to relax in a child-free setting. Take in Indian Ocean views from your room and hit the buffet restaurant where you’ll find live cooking stations dishing up the tastiest food. Days are best spent by its premium pool area complete with stylish sunloungers, while evenings are typically laid-back with live music providing the background noise.
6. Cancun, Mexico
If you’re wondering where is hot in February for a long haul holiday, then Cancun is just the spot. Not only are you travelling outside of the hurricane season, but there’s plenty of chance to work on your winter tan with average temperatures of 23°C with days often rising to a toasty 29°C. What’s more, it’s also when of the driest times with minimal rainfall with 46mm over five days. There’s plenty of time to fit in Cancun’s amazing attractions too with nine hours of sunshine and 26°C waters ensuring pleasant days along the sand.
Why go?
With the Caribbean Sea providing the backdrop and nearby ruins giving you an insight into Mexico’s Mayan civilization, Cancun is full of draws. Home to the famed Hotel Zone, this is where you’ll find the resort’s most luxurious All Inclusive properties, not to mention some of Mexico’s most recognised nightlife spots including the all-singing, all-dancing Coco Bongo. When it comes to days on the beach, you can relax on sprawling white sands with the Caribbean water offering hours of fun. From here, you can hop over to Isla Mujeres where the snorkelling opportunities are endless. You’ll also find premium malls housing designer outlets and a choice of restaurants.
Best beaches in Cancun
- Playa Delfines
- Playa Tortugas
- Playa Chac Mool
- Playa Forum
- Playa Ballenas
Best things to do in Cancun
- Coco Bongo
- Downtown Cancun
- Isla Mujeres
- Cenote Park
- Cancun Underwater Museum
- Xcaret Park
Flight time
10 hours and 10 minutes
Suggested hotels in Cancun
Cancun Bay Resort: If you’re looking for a tropical escape, this hotel is just what you’ve been craving with its beachside location, pool complete with a swim-up bar and massage cabanas where you can enjoy an ocean breeze as you unwind. Rooms have a contemporary look with exotic colours decorating the walls and huge beds guaranteeing a good night’s sleep after a night of partying.
Golden Parnassus Resort & Spa All Inclusive: Just four miles from Cancun’s centre, this laid-back resort comes with an adults only status. Appreciate Caribbean Sea vistas from the pool or get rid of those everyday aches and pains with a trip to the spa. The onsite restaurant makes sure guests are fed and watered around the clock, while the lounge provides the evening fun.