Best holiday destinations in February
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Call off the search - your hunt for February winter sun is over! Whether you're looking for some serious heat or merely some warming sunshine, we have the pick of the bunch below.
Top five destinations to visit in February
There's no getting around it: if you're hoping for hot conditions, you'll need to travel further than in the coming months. There are, however, plenty of places in the southern half of the northern hemisphere that you can visit for some sunshine, be it for the half term break or just to escape the British weather.
1. Goa, India
- Flight time from London: 10 to 11 hours
- Daily high: 32°C
- Hours of sunshine: 10
- Sea temperature: 28°C
For a tropical beach experience without the hefty price tag, you might want to give Goa some serious thought. As India's premier beach resort for tourists and locals alike, it's a hive of travellers and sun worshippers, with two very distinct sides.
Stick to the north of the for glitzy resorts and late night bars, and to the south for some laid back charm and more intimate guesthouses.
Whichever appeals, you're certain to have some fabulous weather: not only is this the sunniest destination in February on our list, but temperatures are in the low thirties and bath-like sea conditions make it ideal for swimming and water sports.
Although heat and humidity is high, it's the dry season, so you'll avoid any rain, and benefit from long, hot days - just don't forget the SPF, as the UV is extreme. Goa is especially good for a taste of the tropics on a shoestring.
Recommended for Goa
Read more: Guide to Goa beaches, Why Goa is still India's hippest beach destination & Things to do in & around Goa
2. Phuket, Thailand
- Flight time from London: 12 to 13 hours
- Daily high: 33°C
- Hours of sunshine: 9
- Sea temperature: 28°C
In many ways, Phuket is very similar to Goa in February with hot temperatures, extreme UV, and high heat and humidity.
Phuket sees slightly less sunshine than Goa and it's prone to passing showers, although these are rarely severe. In fact, it's the driest month of the year in Phuket, and overall a fabulous beach holiday destination, so don't let the threat of a passing shower put you off.
For something a bit different, head to the mountain city of Chiang Mai, which has 10 hours of sunshine and less rain than Phuket (one day versus three), and is just a degree cooler by day, although considerably chillier by night (dips to around 14°C compared with 23°C in Phuket). Much like Goa, Thailand is great value, and very affordable once you arrive.
Recommended for Thailand
Read more: Things to do in Phuket & 24 hours in Chiang Mai
3. The Maldives
- Flight time from London: 10.5 hours
- Daily high: 31°C
- Hours of sunshine: 9 to 10
- Sea temperature: 28°C
There's no need for the hard sell when it comes to the Maldives, which happens to be a fantastic option if you're after somewhere hot and sunny in February.
Conditions are similar to those already mentioned in Goa and Phuket, as February is the driest month of the year here also. You'll experience long days with plenty of sunshine and, at most, some passing cloud.
The sea is perfect for taking in the island nation's reefs and marine life while offering some respite from the high to very high heat and humidity.
The baking sun provides optimum tanning conditions, while the extreme UV also makes it prime burning territory, so do slap on high factor protection and avoid midday sun where possible. Evenings remain warm as well with temperatures sitting no lower than around 21°C.
Recommended for the Maldives
Read more: 7 reasons to visit the magnificent Maldives
4. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
- Flight time from London: 9 hours
- Daily high: 28°C
- Hours of sunshine: 9
- Sea temperature: 26°C
A hop, skip and a jump west across the Atlantic will take you to one of the Caribbean's beloved holiday destinations. The Dominican Republic has soared in popularity in recent years thanks to the availability of affordable deals to this slice of paradise.
If you're looking for some winter sun in February, the resort of Punta Cana offers hot weather with plenty of sunshine, and sea temperatures warm enough to make the most of water sports.
February is also one of the driest months of the year here (as well as March) with an average of 12 days with some rainfall, which usually falls in short sharp bursts, nothing that lingers. Meanwhile, the heat and humidity may only be moderate but the UV is still very high so sunbathe with caution, cream and sunhat.
Recommended for the Dominican Republic
5. Gambia
- Flight time from London: 6 hours
- Daily high: 34°C
- Hours of sunshine: 9
- Sea temperature: 21°C
Africa has lots to offer sunseekers in February and in the western nation of Gambia, days are hot with lots of sunshine, high heat and humidity, and virtually no rainfall.
Just watch out for the dip in temperatures that comes after sunset with cooler evenings sitting around 17°C. It's also worth finding a hotel with a heated pool as the sea is swimmable but not overly warm at 21°C.
Given the high temperatures, it's unsurprising that many people simply want to kick back and soak up some rays. However, there are many other things to do for all ages and interests in this tiny country on the Atlantic coast, from wildlife watching in the Bijilo Forest Park and market haggling in Banjul, to exploring Fort James Island and croc spotting at Kachikally Crocodile Pool.
Recommended for the Gambia
Read more: Mini guide to Gambia & 8 unique things to do on holiday in Gambia
Additional holiday destinations for February 2024/2025
For a city break with a difference, head to Cape Town where summer is at its peak. You'll find long days with around 10 hours of sunshine and temperatures in the mid-twenties.
There's low heat and humidity and, again, just a small risk of seeing a shower. Bring layers for the evenings and if you wish to swim, find accommodation with a heated pool as the sea is far too chilly at 19°C for most.
On Kenya's coast, resorts around Malindi also see hot days up to 31°C with high heat and humidity and nine hours of sunshine. There's a very slim chance of seeing a passing rain shower, but evenings remain warmer at about 23°C, while the sea is delightful at 28°C.
For somewhere that's a touch more exotic, consider Acapulco on Mexico's Pacific coast. February enjoys hot days up to around 31°C with very high heat and humidity, which makes it feel even warmer. You'll find eight hours of sunshine to be had plus it's certain to be a holiday free from any real rainfall. Evenings remaining pleasant at 19°C, while the warm sea at 28°C is impossible to resist.
As you can see, the destinations we recommend for a hot and sunny holiday in February are generally located in the southern half of the northern hemisphere. This is largely owing to the fact that they are nearer the equator. There's a real mix of destinations to suit everyone from budget independent travellers to all inclusive lovers and luxury seekers.
Given the time of year, deciding where to go on holiday in February will depend on what type of weather you want and how far you're willing to travel for some winter sun.
Want to keep reading about where to go in February? Head over to our weather in February section for a more detailed look at conditions worldwide, before checking out our current collection of travel deals and discounts and dedicated half term offers for families.
Destination ideas for February 2024
- Month: February
- Daytime temperature: 22 - 28°C [remove]
- Sunshine hours: 8 hours or more [remove]
- Sea temperature: 25°C or warmer [remove]
Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)
Where to go on holiday for the best weather
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