As the dreariness of winter drags on, February is the perfect month to flee for sunnier shores.
From beach holidays to city breaks, it’s the perfect time to escape the cold for a well-deserved recharge. From a ‘fly and flop’ resort less than three hours from the UK, to bucket list islands in the Caribbean, there’s plenty to suit every budget and taste.
Metro‘s travel insiders have rounded up 17 places where you’re guaranteed sunshine in February.
Now all you have to do is choose your favourite.
February winter sun escapes:
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Where is hot in February? European and short-haul destinations
Benidorm, Spain
Temperature: 15°C (up to 20°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: Two hours, 30 minutes
Benidorm enjoys mild temperatures in February, with plenty of sunshine and minimal rain— perfect for a winter sun getaway before the busy summer rush.
The lively resort on Spain’s Mediterranean coast boasts long, sandy beaches and vibrant nightlife. You can stroll along the Levante Beach promenade, explore the charming Old Town, or take a boat trip to Benidorm Island for stunning views.
For a change of pace, head to the Terra Mítica theme park or take in the beauty of the Serra Gelada Natural Park, ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
With plenty of budget-friendly options and just a short flight from London, it’s the perfect spot for a short but sweet trip.
Which airport is closest to Benidorm?
- Alicante-Elche Airport (ALC): This airport is around 40-45 minutes away via taxi (36 miles). Direct flights run from major UK airports, including London Gatwick, Manchester, Birmingham, and Bristol. Alicante is the most common and convenient airport for Benidorm, with frequent low-cost flights available year-round.
- Valencia Airport (VLC): This airport is about 1 hour and 30 minutes by taxi (87 miles). Direct flights run from UK airports like London Gatwick, London Luton, and Manchester. Though slightly further than Alicante, Valencia offers some additional seasonal flight options and is better for travellers from northern cities.
Malta
Temperature: 16°C (up to 18°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: Three hours
Malta is a Mediterranean gem that enjoys mild weather in winter.
The island is steeped in history, with ancient fortresses, stone-age temples and the ancient streets of Valletta, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, all waiting to be explored.
Sparkling azure ocean encircles the shore, with snorkeling spots and coral reefs that rival the Maldives. The TikTok-famous Blue Grotto is better enjoyed in the quieter winter months, before peak season crowds descend.
Just a short flight from London, Malta’s blend of culture, history, and coastal charm makes it an ideal February escape at reasonable prices.
If you have time catch a short ferry to Gozo, Malta’s smaller sister island, where you can enjoy stunning red sands, ancient temples, and a peaceful atmosphere away from the mainland.
Tenerife, The Canary Islands
Temperature: 18°C (up to 21°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Four hours
Nestled in an archipelago off the coast of Africa, Tenerife is one of the seven Canary Islands, traditionally one of the most popular destination for winter sunseekers.
A good base is the town of Puerto de la Cruz, a short walk from Playa Jardín, a unique urban black sand beach that hints at the island’s volcanic nature.
Animal lovers can visit Loro Parque, often voted the world’s best zoo, while nature enthusiasts can explore Europe’s first Whale Heritage Site. The waters between Tenerife and La Gomera are a sanctuary for whales, making it an incredible spot to observe them in their natural habitat.
If adventure is more your style, head inland to experience the otherworldly volcanic landscape. Hike or take a cable car up Mount Teide, which towers 3,718 meters above sea level, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding scenery.
Lanzarote, The Canary Islands
Temperature: 18°C (up to 21°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Four hours
Lanzarote is the fourth largest of the Canary Islands, 100km off the Western Saharan coast.
It boasts beautiful white sand beaches such as Playa Papagayo, and the unspoiled island of La Graciosa where you can photograph breathtaking views.
If lying horizontally doesn’t do it for you, there’s plenty to keep you active in Lanzarote – from exploring Cuevas de los Verdes (caves) to surfing at Famara Beach.
A trek through Timanfaya National Park, known as the Mountains of Fire, brings you to the Devil’s Diner, a panoramic restaurant where food is barbequed using heat from the Earth’s core.
Antalya, Turkey
Temperature: 18°C (up to 21°C)
Sunshine hours: Five hours
Flight time: Four hours, 30 minutes
For a holiday that combines history, culture, and sunshine, it’s hard to beat Antalya on Turkey’s Mediterranean coast.
Known as the ‘Turkish Riviera’, this city is famed for beautiful beaches, luxury resorts and rich culture.
You’ll find ancient ruins like the Aspendos Theatre, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world, and Hadrian’s Gate, a stunning triumphal arch dedicated to the Roman Emperor Hadrian.
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the Düden Waterfalls, where you can cool down in its refreshing mist.
Take time to explore the charming Kaleiçi (the Old Town) with its narrow cobblestone streets, Ottoman-era architecture and cutesy cafés.
Where are the best places to stay in Antalya ?
- Delphin Be Grand Resort offers luxury beachfront accommodations with modern amenities. The resort features large pools and a variety of activities suitable for families or those looking for a relaxing all-inclusive experience. Prices average between £100 and £150 per night.
- Paloma Foresta Resort & Spa is set within pine forests, providing spacious rooms, a large spa, and outdoor pools. This peaceful and luxurious resort is perfect for those seeking a serene stay with excellent service, with prices ranging from £120 to £180 per night.
- Kremlin Palace boasts Russian-inspired architecture and offers multiple restaurants, pools, and a private beach. This resort is ideal for those looking for a lavish and exciting holiday, with prices between £90 and £130 per night.
Zagora, Morocco
Temperature: 19°C (up to 23°C)
Sunshine hours: Six hours
Flight time: Four hours
For a truly authentic desert adventure, head to Zagora, in the southeastern part of Morocco on the edge of the Sahara Desert.
Here, you can immerse yourself in the vast landscape on a camel tour, crossing the undulating dunes and taking in the peaceful beauty of the desert.
If you’ve got time, camping under the stars is a must. A six-hour drive will also take you to Marrakech, Morocco’s colourful capital where you can soak in the magic of the souk, and maybe a Moroccan hammam.
Cape Verde
Temperature: 22°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Seven hours
Flight time: Six hour
If you’re looking for a warm and welcoming retreat this February, look no further than Cape Verde.
Also known as Cabo Verde, this archipelago off the West African coast is made up of 10 islands: São Vicente, São Nicolau, Santo Antão, Santa Luzia, Maio, Sal, Boa Vista, Santiago, Fogo, and Brava.
With a mix of African, Portuguese, and Creole influences, Cape Verde is bursting with culture, year-round sunshine, and awesome natural beauty.
You can explore the dramatic volcanic landscapes of Fogo Island, or kick back on the pristine beaches of Sal and Boa Vista.
And if you’re after adventure, the islands are perfect for windsurfing, hiking, or even whale-watching this time of year.
Things to do in Cape Verde:
- Relax on Cape Verde’s stunning beaches, including Santa Maria on Sal and Santa Monica Beach on Boa Vista, renowned for their golden sands and calm waters.
- Hop aboard a catamaran cruise for an afternoon of pure bliss. Glide along the coastlines with the sun shining above, calm seas below, and a glass of wine in hand, perfect for soaking up the islands’ laid-back charm.
- Try your hand at thrilling water sports, with Sal and Boa Vista offering world-class conditions for windsurfing, kiteboarding, and paddleboarding.
- Discover the volcanic Salt Mine on Sal, where you can float effortlessly in the mineral-rich waters of the crater lake.
- Step back in time at Cidade Velha on Santiago, Cape Verde’s former capital, with its cobbled streets, historic convent, and traditional stone houses offering a glimpse into the islands’ rich past.
Dubai, UAE
Temperature: 20°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Six hours, 30 minutes to seven hours
Dubai is a jetsetter’s paradise, with clear skies, golden beaches and enough shopping malls to keep you occupied for weeks.
For those looking for alternative retail therapy, there’s the souk, where merchants spruik spices, gold, and perfume markets, plus a taste of local culture.
But beyond the city’s futuristic skyline, Dubai’s natural beauty is just as impressive and will keep you coming back for more.
Fromrugged mountains to craggy desert, the landscape will surprise you. For an authentic experience, explore Old Dubai with a Frying Pan Adventures tour.
For an adventure outside the city, head to Hatta. Located about 130km southeast of Dubai, it offers stunning mountain landscapes, mountain biking, kayaking on the Hatta Dam, and horseback riding with Hatta Horses, providing a peaceful contrast to the city hustle.
The Gambia
Temperature: 25°C (up to 28°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Six hours
The Gambia, located on the west coast of Africa, is an ideal destination for a February escape, with warm temperatures and rich culture.
Known for its stunning beaches, you can unwind at Kololi or Kotu, where the golden sands meet the ocean. For a unique adventure, hop on a boat along the Gambia River, where you can spot wildlife like playful monkeys and colorful exotic birds.
In addition to its natural beauty, The Gambia is famous for lively markets, music, and traditional dance, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the local culture while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere.
At a glance: The Gambia
Where is the best place to stay in The Gambia?
Tamala Hotel Gambia is a beachfront resort with a pool, restaurant, and bar, priced around £90-£120 per night. For a more luxurious stay, Kairaba Beach Hotel offers spacious rooms, a large pool, and dining options, with prices ranging from £120-£150 per night.
What is the best way to get to The Gambia?
You can fly to The Gambia from the UK with direct flights available from London Gatwick and Manchester to Banjul International Airport.
What is the local currency in The Gambia?
The currency is the Gambian Dalasi (GMD).
What language do they speak in The Gambia?
The official language is English.
Where is hot in February? Long-haul destinations
Dominican Republic
Temperature: 25°C (up to 29°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Nine hours, 15 minutes
The Dominican Republic is the ultimate tropical escape for sunseekers willing to go the distance.
The resort town of Punta Cana, in the east of the country, is a popular choice for winter sun escapes, home to white-sand beaches that go on for miles, peppered with palm trees.
Here, watersports abound from surfing to scuba diving. You can also hire a car and drive 40 minutes to the historic city of Higuey to marvel at the Basilica Catedral Nuestra Senora de la Altagracia.
Drive further still (around two hours, 15 minutes) to reach the country’s capital Santo Domingo, known for its seafront and Ciudad Colonial historic centre.
Elsewhere in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Plata is also a great place to base yourself for a trip – making sure to travel on the Teleferico Cable Car and to the city of Santiago de los Caballeros, where you’ll see the Monument to the Heroes of the Restoration.
At a glance: Dominican Republic
Where is the best place to stay in the Dominican Republic?
For a luxurious yet affordable stay, the Ocean Blue and Sand Hotel in Punta Cana is a standout option. This all-inclusive resort offers direct beach access, spacious suites, and a range of dining options.
What is the local currency in the Dominican Republic?
The local currency is the Dominican Peso (DOP). However, US dollars are widely accepted in most tourist areas, including resorts and shops.
What language do they speak in the Dominican Republic?
The official language of the Dominican Republic is Spanish. In tourist-friendly areas like Punta Cana, English is commonly spoken, especially in hotels, restaurants, and guided tours.
Cape Town
Temperature: 20°C (up to 25°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Eleven hours, 30 minutes
February is one of the best times to visit Cape Town, with its warm summer weather and plenty of outdoor adventures.
Climb Table Mountain for panoramic views, visit the iconic Cape of Good Hope, or relax on the beautiful beaches of Camps Bay. Cape Town also has a cable car you don’t want to miss.
Wine lovers will enjoy exploring the Cape Winelands, while foodies can savor the city’s vibrant culinary scene.
If you’re looking for cheap flights to Cape Town, you’ll find several options from the UK, especially during low season.
In addition to the must-see sights, Cape Town offers a variety of activities, such as hiking, visiting Robben Island, and exploring the lively V&A Waterfront.
Maldives
Temperature: 28°C (up to 31°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: Ten hours, 30 minutes
Floating in the heart of the Indian Ocean, the Maldives is a tropical haven made up of more than 1,000 dreamy coral islands.
This February, take time to relax in the ultimate winter sun holiday on powdery beaches, you can take a dip in crystal-clear lagoons, and explore colorful coral reefs that are home to incredible marine life.
For a taste of local life, head to Malé, the lively capital where you can stroll through its vibrant fish markets, visit historic mosques, and savour the freshest seafood caught from the ocean.
Phuket, Thailand
Temperature: 26°C (up to 30°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Twelve hours
Phuket is a bit of a trek from the UK, but it’s worth the journey for a February escape filled with warmth and adventure.
With temperatures reaching the 20s to 30°C, you’ll be greeted by weather perfect for beach days.
But Phuket offers plenty to do beyond its stunning beaches. You can visit the iconic Big Buddha, perched on Nakkerd Hill, offering sweeping views of the island.
For an unforgettable experience, take a boat trip to Phang Nga Bay, famous for its limestone cliffs and James Bond Island.
Adventure seekers can enjoy zip-lining, water sports, or exploring the lush jungle with ATV tours.
For a rich cultural experience, visit the temples and markets in Old Phuket Town, or take a day trip to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary if you’re a nature lover.
It’s a tropical paradise for the relaxing trip you need at the start of the year
Cancun, Mexico
Temperature: 23°C (up to 29°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: 10 hours, 40 minutes
If you’re after a sunny – read: scorching – beach break during the UK’s winter, Mexico fits the bill.
In February, highs of around 30°C are possible. But you can still expect it to be hot and sunny in the 20s regardless. Better still, it’s balmy at night, so hopefully you won’t need to wrap up.
Choosing where in Mexico to go is the real conundrum, but the city of Cancun, bordering on the Caribbean Sea, naturally ticks the ‘beach holiday’ box.
For a bit of culture, travel along the Yucatán Peninsula to Tulum, where there are well-preserved ruins with a beach!
If an off-beat city break is more your bag, look up Oaxaca in the southwest or San Miguel de Allende in the Central Highlands.
Barbados
Temperature: 26°C (up to 28°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: Eight hours, 30 minutes
The Caribbean island of Barbados is still in the dry season in February, so it’s the ideal time to visit. The average temperature for the month sits at an ideal 26°C, with the possibility of higher.
Again, it’s another place where you have several options for how to spend your trip: lay on the golden beaches for a week straight, or combine your time on the coast with a bit of adventure.
The capital city, Bridgetown, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a fascinating museum about the nation’s history and a bustling shopping street.
Wherever you go, you’ll likely come across amazing food, vibrant nightlife, and an abundance of water sports to try.
Sri Lanka
Temperature: 27°C (up to 31°C)
Sunshine hours: Nine hours
Flight time: 10 hours, 25 minutes
Sri Lanka typically has dry and pleasant weather in February, save the northern and eastern coasts.
Which part of the island to visit – or how much of the country you have time to visit – is a real conundrum.
You could start in the capital, Colombo, where most will fly into from the UK, and eventually make your way to Galle – a southwestern city known for its quiet charm, colonial Portuguese architecture, and its Dutch Sea Fort.
A popular tourist trail is the scenic seven-hour train journey through the lush Hill County from Ella, via Nuwara Eliya, to the city of Kandy, which is ideal if you like to travel by rail.
Cuba
Temperature: 22°C (up to 27°C)
Sunshine hours: Eight hours
Flight time: 10 hours
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The Caribbean island of Cuba is well-known for its major city, Havana, and a love of classic cars.
Candy-coloured Spanish architecture can be found in the Old Havana neighbourhood – but museums, incredible live music, brilliant bars, and culture hubs make up the city.
If a city break isn’t your thing, Varadero is probably one of the better-known white-sand beach towns. You won’t struggle to find a place to sunbathe or read a book.
Or go beyond the initial tourist trail to discover the town of Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or make your way to Santa Clara to visit the mausoleum of revolutionary Che Guevara.
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