If you’re looking to escape the UK’s winter weather and travel somewhere hot in February, there are plenty of great (and cheap) options.
The obvious decision is to head for the Southern Hemisphere but there are some warm destinations in February around Europe, too. So, where is hot in February to escape for some relief from the cold?
| Destination | Avg. temp | Avg. hours of sun | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dubai, United Arab Emirates | 21°C | 8 | ||
| Sydney, Australia | 23°C | 8 | ||
| Zanzibar, Tanzania | 28°C | 8 | ||
| Auckland, New Zealand | 24°C | 7 | ||
| Phuket, Thailand | 29°C | 11 | ||
| Menorca, Spain | 15°C | 7 | ||
| Sardinia, Italy | 15°C | 5 | ||
| Cyprus | 15°C | 6 | ||
| Madeira, Portugal | 18°C | 5 | ||
| Malta | 15°C | 6 | ||
Where is hot in February: long-haul destinations
There are many incredible hot countries to visit in February, especially if you are prepared to fly a little further.
1. Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Average February temperature: 21°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
Where is the nicest weather in February? February is an ideal time to visit Dubai for warm weather and plenty of outdoor activities, rest and relaxation. My top picks for things to do include poolside relaxation, holistic spa retreats, fun in the many water parks and world-class shopping. If you’re in the market for a luxurious winter break, you won’t find many places better than Dubai.
2. Sydney, Australia
- Average February temperature: 23°C
- Average of daily sun: 8
Australia is well known for its hot climate and in February, Australia enjoys a hot summer. Sydney is an ideal destination for a very relaxing, very warm break in the Southern Hemisphere. You can expect daily highs of around 26°C, with nights cooling down to a comfortable 19°C.
Don’t skip soaking up some sun on the city’s beaches such as the iconic Bondi Beach. Sydney Harbour is also well worth a wander, while animal lovers will adore spotting koalas and kangaroos in local wildlife parks.
As summer is Sydney’s peak tourist season, flights and accommodation can be more expensive than other times of the year. But if you’re looking for somewhere with some incredible weather to escape from the cold of winter, you’re pretty much guaranteed fun in the sun in Sydney.
3. Zanzibar, Tanzania
- Average February temperature: 28°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 8
The beautiful archipelago of Zanzibar is a tropical paradise teeming with life and beautiful warm weather. If you’re wondering where is hot in February, Zanzibar is the place for you, with daily temperatures reaching into the low 30s throughout the month.
Relax on beautiful white sandy beaches like Nakupenda and Nungwi. Take a boat out for the day and snorkel with some of the most colourful fish you’re likely to find anywhere in the world. Or race alongside dolphins as you travel to idyllic Indian Ocean swimming spots.
You could also spend the day at Cheetah’s Rock animal sanctuary and come face to face with some of Africa’s iconic wildlife. There are so many incredible activities to look forward to in Zanzibar, the main one being basking under a hot sun and forgetting its winter back home!
4. Auckland, New Zealand
- Average February temperature: 24°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
Have you been dreaming of a visit to New Zealand for years? Make 2024 the year you finally tick it off your list. Due to its Southern Hemisphere location, New Zealand’s North Island is typically dry and hot in February. And by hot, I mean pleasant daily temperatures in the mid to low twenties (plus the occasional heatwave for those craving more sun).
Auckland and the surrounding region are particularly pleasant at this time of year. Tick off the city’s major highlights, from the lofty Sky Tower to the lush Wintergardens, before heading further afield. Satisfy your inner hobbit with a trip to charming Hobbiton or prepare to be wowed by the glow worms at the Waitomo Caves. Or hit up some of the North Island’s best beaches, including dramatic, black-sand Piha Beach that’s less than an hour from the city.
5. Phuket, Thailand
- Average February temperature: 29°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 11
Last, but certainly not least, on my list of long-haul destinations to visit in February is one of the most popular spots in Thailand. You can visit Phuket year-round and it is a well-established safe haven for those wanting winter with daily temperatures reaching 33°C.
Phuket has some of the best beaches in Thailand which makes it even more ideal for some winter sun. February is a pretty popular month for tourists to hit up the beach bars and full-moon parties around Phuket. You might notice the demand for flights is higher as a result, but don’t let that put you off.
Foodies will rejoice as Thailand is a culinary paradise. In fact, it’s worth visiting for the food alone. Along with the island’s incredible natural beauty and balmy weather, a February trip to Phuket really is a no-brainer.
Where is hot in February in Europe
Wondering where it’s warm in February without travelling far? Europe offers a handful of amazing destinations with lovely temperatures that’ll help you escape the UK winter.
6. Menorca, Spain
- Average February temperature: 15°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 7
Often overlooked in favour of its larger sister island of Mallorca, Menorca is warmer in February than many parts of Spain. The typical winter weather on this beautiful Mediterranean island consists of mild temperatures, very little rain, and, more than a few days of gorgeous sunshine.
If you’re travelling from the UK and looking to find a very pleasant break for a week or so that isn’t that far to travel, look no further than Menorca. The island’s lush hills are perfect for cycling, mountain biking and hiking in the milder spring climate.
There are also dozens of beautiful villages to stay in on the island, from St Luis, to Es Grau and Cala Morell. Sun, sea, and maybe some sangria in Menorca is exactly how you should be getting away this February.
7. Sardinia, Italy
- Average February temperature: 15°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 5
February is one of the best times of year to visit Sardinia. The stunning coastline of this beautiful Mediterranean island off of the coast of Italy has a very agreeable climate at this time of year. In fact, it isn’t out of the question to be skiing the slopes of Bruncu in the morning and then lounging on the beach at the Pools of Venus in the afternoon.
Head for cities like Cagliari in the south of the island where winter highs can still reach a nice 20°C. Considering it’s just over two hours to Sardinia by plane, you’ll struggle to find many other destinations in Europe within that distance that have a chance of reaching temperatures so high. And let’s not forget that you’ll be able to enjoy the delights of Italian cuisine…
8. Cyprus
- Average February temperature: 15°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
The island of Cyprus is one of the most diverse and fun to explore in the Mediterranean. It also happens to be one of the hottest places to visit in February in the region. Temperatures sit comfortably towards the low 20s in the island’s south. Cyprus does have its own mountains, too, if you want to combine sun and snow.
You can comfortably visit some of the main resort towns in Cyprus for some sunshine. These include Paphos, Larnaca, and Limassol. Another big benefit of arriving in February is that most of the party hotels on the island are closed, so you can enjoy a relaxing holiday without the hordes of party-goers that are popular in the summer. This lack of people also means you can explore the island’s many beautiful beaches in peace.
9. Madeira, Portugal
- Average February temperature: 18°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 5
Not far off being smack bang in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, the beautiful island of Madeira is a tropical paradise throughout the year. If you’re looking for somewhere warm and exciting to visit from the UK that isn’t too far, this is it.
With the average temperature hitting a very agreeable 18°C and the sea staying similarly warm, Madeira is perfect for a warm week away in February, You can enjoy the delights of the island out of season. The north is covered in lush, green forests, with the centre being quite mountainous and featuring some incredible valleys and stunning waterfalls.
You’ll additionally find some jaw-dropping coastline that looks straight out of Jurassic Park (the island does have a striking resemblance to some places in Hawaii where the movies were filmed). All in all, Madeira is an incredible place to explore during the warm February sunshine.
10. Malta
- Average February temperature: 15°C
- Average hours of daily sun: 6
Malta might not be at its warmest in February but it’s certainly a lot hotter than the UK. This tiny island between Africa and Europe is an incredible place that’s rich in history. It shares a diverse culture and heritage with both Africa and Europe, plus it’s especially beautiful when the sun is out.
There are many beautiful coves and stretches of coast to visit in Malta. Blue Lagoon, Golden Bay and St.Peter’s Pool – are some of the incredible spots you’ll be able to explore without the high-season summer crowds. If you get favourable weather, you might even be able to enjoy a dip in the sea.
After a particularly gorgeous day, watching the sun go down on the island from the cliffs at Ta’ Dmejrek is an experience that’s hard to beat. As far as places that are hot in February go, Malta should definitely be on your radar.
Where is hot and cheap in February?
Want to get away in February but only have a shoestring budget? Don’t sweat it. There are plenty of places for a more affordable break. Cyprus is always a safe bet for sunshine without the hefty price tag. Similarly, you’ll find plenty of cheap flights and brilliant hotel deals in Sardinia in February (giving you more money to enjoy the island’s phenomenal food). For personalised inspiration, check out KAYAK Explore.
Other holiday destinations from the UK
Whether you’re looking to get away and visit somewhere hot or just want to know where the best places to visit in February on all continents, KAYAK has you covered. Why not start thinking ahead and check out this guide to the best places to visit in March?
Explore more incredible guides for the best holiday ideas as well as information about hotel stays, flights and car hire.
