Where's Hot in February? Best Winter Sun Destinations for UK Travellers
February is one of the best months to escape the UK’s cold, grey weather in search of reliable winter sunshine. Although spring is getting closer, most of Europe is still too cool for a traditional beach holiday. Fortunately, destinations such as Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura and Egypt continue to enjoy warm temperatures, long sunny days and very little rainfall.
If you’re looking for the best all round February destination, Lanzarote is an excellent choice thanks to its dependable sunshine, relaxed atmosphere and excellent value for money. Travellers wanting the hottest weather should consider Egypt, while Dubai combines guaranteed sunshine with luxury hotels, world class shopping and impressive attractions.
Whether you’re planning a beach holiday, an all inclusive escape or simply want a week of sunshine, there are plenty of excellent destinations within a few hours of the UK.
We compared destinations using average daytime temperatures, sunshine hours, average rain days, sea temperatures, flight times from the UK and how suitable each destination is for a February holiday.
In this guide, you’ll discover the best places to visit in February based on weather, value for money and the type of holiday each destination offers.
If you’re still deciding when to travel rather than just where, see our Where’s Hot by Month guide to compare temperatures and the best destinations throughout the year.
Quick Answer: Where's Hot in February?
If you’re looking for reliable winter sun in February, Lanzarote is one of the best choices for UK travellers. It offers temperatures of around 22°C, plenty of sunshine, low rainfall and a flight time of around four and a half hours, making it ideal for a relaxing beach holiday.
Other excellent February destinations include Tenerife, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura, all of which enjoy similar weather. If your priority is hotter temperatures, Egypt offers around 25°C and warmer sea temperatures, while Dubai remains one of the most dependable sunshine destinations for those willing to travel a little further.
February Weather Comparison
| Destination | Avg Temp | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Avg. Rain Days | Sea Temp | Flight Time | Beach Weather? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lanzarote | 22°C | 7 | 2 | 19°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Tenerife | 22°C | 6 | 3 | 19°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Gran Canaria | 22°C | 7 | 2 | 20°C | 4h 30m | ✓ |
| Fuerteventura | 21°C | 7 | 2 | 19°C | 4h 15m | ✓ |
| Egypt | 25°C | 9 | 1 | 22°C | 5h | ✓ |
| Dubai | 25°C | 8 | 2 | 24°C | 7h | ✓ |
| Madeira | 19°C | 5 | 8 | 18°C | 4h | Limited |
| Morocco (Agadir) | 21°C | 7 | 4 | 18°C | 4h | Limited |
| Cyprus | 17°C | 6 | 8 | 17°C | 4h 30m | No |
| Algarve | 16°C | 6 | 8 | 16°C | 3h | No |
| Costa del Sol | 17°C | 6 | 7 | 16°C | 3h | No |
Best Places That Are Hot in February
Lanzarote – Best Overall
Lanzarote is one of the strongest all round winter sun destinations in February, combining dependable weather with excellent value for money.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 22°C, rainfall is minimal and the island enjoys around seven hours of sunshine each day. Resorts including Puerto del Carmen, Playa Blanca and Costa Teguise offer sandy beaches, attractive promenades and a wide choice of hotels for every budget.
Compared with Tenerife, Lanzarote has a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere while offering almost identical weather. It’s particularly popular with couples and travellers looking for an easy, stress free winter escape.
Best for: Couples, value for money holidays and relaxed winter sunshine.
Tenerife – Best for Variety
Tenerife remains one of Europe’s most reliable winter sun destinations and is perfect for travellers who want more than just a beach holiday.
Southern resorts such as Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Americas enjoy warm temperatures of around 22°C, plenty of sunshine and very little rain throughout February.
Away from the coast, visitors can explore Mount Teide National Park, enjoy whale watching excursions or visit traditional mountain villages, giving Tenerife far more variety than many competing destinations.
Compared with Lanzarote, Tenerife offers a wider choice of resorts, nightlife and attractions, making it particularly appealing for first time visitors and families.
Best for: Families, first time winter sun holidays and travellers wanting plenty to do.
Gran Canaria – Best for Families
Gran Canaria combines reliable February sunshine with one of the widest selections of holiday resorts in the Canary Islands.
The island offers everything from the golden dunes of Maspalomas to the family friendly beaches of Meloneras and the lively atmosphere of Playa del Ingles.
Temperatures average around 22°C, while sheltered southern resorts often feel especially warm during the winter months.
Compared with Fuerteventura, Gran Canaria offers a broader mix of beaches, shopping, nightlife and attractions, making it an excellent all round family destination.
Best for: Families, mixed age groups and travellers wanting plenty of choice.
Fuerteventura – Best Beaches
If beautiful beaches are your priority, Fuerteventura is difficult to beat.
The island enjoys average daytime temperatures of around 21°C in February and is famous for its white sand beaches, crystal clear water and relaxed atmosphere.
Popular resorts such as Corralejo, Costa Calma and Jandía offer miles of coastline, while the island’s steady breeze also makes it popular with surfers and kiteboarders.
Compared with Tenerife and Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura feels quieter and less developed, making it ideal if you simply want to unwind by the sea.
Best for: Beach lovers, couples, walkers and water sports.
Egypt – Best for Guaranteed Winter Heat
If your priority is hotter weather, Egypt is one of the best destinations available within a five hour flight of the UK.
Red Sea resorts including Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh regularly enjoy temperatures of around 25°C during February, with around nine hours of sunshine each day and almost no rainfall.
Compared with the Canary Islands, Egypt is generally 3°C warmer, enjoys warmer sea temperatures and provides more consistent beach weather throughout the month.
Egypt also offers some of the best value all inclusive holidays available during winter, making it popular with families and couples alike.
Best for: Guaranteed sunshine, snorkelling, diving and all inclusive holidays.
Dubai – Best Luxury Winter Sun
Dubai is one of the most dependable sunshine destinations for February and combines beach weather with world class attractions.
Average daytime temperatures reach around 25°C, rainfall is extremely rare and humidity remains comfortable compared with the hotter summer months.
Visitors can combine relaxing on immaculate beaches with luxury shopping, waterparks, desert safaris and iconic landmarks including the Burj Khalifa.
Although the flight is longer than to the Canary Islands or Egypt, Dubai delivers one of the most complete winter sunshine holidays available.
Best for: Luxury holidays, couples and city and beach breaks.
Warm European Destinations in February
If you’re happy with mild sunshine rather than guaranteed beach weather, several European destinations still make excellent February holidays.
Madeira
Madeira averages around 19°C during February, making it an excellent choice for walking holidays, scenic drives and outdoor dining.
The island is beginning to bloom as spring approaches, creating spectacular scenery across its famous gardens and mountain trails. Although Madeira is pleasantly warm, Tenerife is still the better choice if your priority is swimming and beach weather.
Morocco (Agadir)
Morocco (Agadir) enjoys temperatures of around 21°C, plenty of sunshine and very little rainfall.
Although the Atlantic Ocean remains cool, it’s an excellent destination for golf, coastal walks, relaxing by the pool and escaping the UK’s winter weather. Compared with southern Spain, Agadir is generally warmer and sunnier throughout February.
Cyprus
Cyprus is one of the warmest Mediterranean islands during winter, with temperatures around 17°C.
While it’s usually too cool for a beach holiday, February is an excellent time for sightseeing, hiking and exploring traditional villages without the intense summer heat.
Costa del Sol
Costa del Sol with resorts such as Marbella, Benalmadena and Torremolinos enjoys mild, sunny afternoons throughout February.
Although sea temperatures remain cool, the Costa del Sol is ideal for golf, coastal walks and relaxing café culture.
Algarve
Portugal (Algarve) experiences similar weather to southern Spain and is another excellent choice for winter golf breaks and peaceful coastal holidays.
Both the Algarve and Costa del Sol are much milder than the UK, but neither matches the consistent warmth of the Canary Islands.
Is February a Good Time to Travel?
February is one of the best months of the year for a winter sun holiday.
Outside of school half term dates, prices are often lower than during Christmas and Easter, while destinations remain quieter than during the peak summer season. Days are also becoming noticeably longer, giving you more time to enjoy the sunshine.
Reasons to travel in February
- Escape cold, grey UK weather.
- Reliable sunshine in Lanzarote, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Fuerteventura, Egypt and Dubai.
- Excellent value package holidays outside half term.
- Longer daylight hours than January.
- Comfortable temperatures for both beaches and sightseeing.
Things to consider
- School half term can increase prices and demand.
- Most Mediterranean beach destinations are still too cool for swimming.
- Booking early usually secures the widest choice of hotels and the best prices.
Our Top February Picks
If you’re still deciding where to go, these are our recommendations based on different types of holiday.
| Holiday Type | Best Choice |
|---|---|
| Best overall | Lanzarote |
| Best value | Gran Canaria |
| Best beaches | Fuerteventura |
| Hottest destination | Egypt |
| Best luxury holiday | Dubai |
| Best family destination | Tenerife |
| Best mild winter escape | Madeira |
For most UK travellers, Lanzarote offers the best balance of reliable sunshine, value for money and a relatively short flight from the UK.
If warmer temperatures are your priority, Egypt is the strongest choice, while Dubai is ideal if you’re looking for luxury hotels, guaranteed sunshine and a city and beach holiday in one destination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
February is an excellent month to swap the UK’s winter weather for sunshine, whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach holiday or a warmer escape before spring arrives.
For most UK travellers, Lanzarote offers the best combination of warm weather, value and a convenient flight time. Tenerife is ideal if you want the widest choice of resorts and activities, while Gran Canaria is perfect for families. If your priority is guaranteed heat, Egypt delivers the warmest weather within a relatively short flight and Dubai remains the premium choice for luxury winter sun.
Whichever destination you choose, February offers one of the best opportunities of the year to enjoy dependable sunshine before the busy summer holiday season begins.
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