Where is hot in February half term? The weather in the UK in February can be pretty grim. With temperatures of only four to six degrees Celcius, plenty of instances where the mercury dips into the minus numbers and an average of three days of snow it’s no surprise that many of you look to escape to hot destinations in February.
February half term falls at the end of a long winter, all the fun of Christmas is long forgotten and the school germs have taken their toll on our immune systems – I think we all crave a bit of sunshine, heat and vitamin D by the time half term rolls around. So where is hot in February half term?
Coming into month three of winter, everyone in the UK begins to wish for warmer weather, and if can’t hold out any longer, you’ll be happy to know that there are some great short-haul trips from the UK that’ll top up your vitamin D levels.
Best Holiday Destinations In February (Short Haul)
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Half term is usually only a week long so in order to maximise your time the best holiday destinations in February (short haul) to head for are mostly in Southern Europe.
Temperatures don’t quite reach the scorching heights of the summer months, but the warmest places in Europe in February are still pleasant enough, averaging between 17 and 20 degrees Celcius.
Perhaps not quite hot and sunny enough to play on the beach all day, but the best places to go in February offer so many more opportunities for exploring and family adventures than just beaches.
With flight times of only three to four hours or so it really is incredibly easy to find somewhere hot in February half term that will keep everyone satisfied. We’ve listed 13 destinations just a short flight away from the UK that have warm February weather to satisfy your summer cravings.
Algarve, Portugal
A great short-haul trip from the UK that takes just 2.5 hours is to the Algarve in Portugal. During the month of February, temperatures are around 16 degrees in the Algarve, which in my opinion, is the perfect temperature to get out and explore.
Best Areas To Stay In Algarve
There are three great places to stay in the Algarve for families, the first being Lagos which is one of the most popular destinations, thanks to its cobbled streets, plenty of bars and restaurants, and its nearby beautiful beaches.
For families looking for a quiet beach holiday with their little ones, then Tavira is the place to be as there are fewer tourists and tranquil beaches, which are ideal for relaxing all year round. And finally, if you’re after possibly the best family destination in the whole of the Algarve, then you’ll want to head to Carvoeiro. Carvoeiro has some of Portugal’s best beaches, along with hiking trails, theme parks, and caves that are guaranteed to keep you entertained for days.
Best Beaches In the Algarve
The Algarve does not disappoint when it comes to beautiful beaches, most with gorgeous golden sand that deserves to be put on a postcard. Praia da Marinha, Praia da Falesia, and Praia Dona Ana are all top choices, along with Praia do Camilo, Praia da Rocha, and Praia de Carvoeiro.
Best Family Hotels In the Algarve
There are so many amazing family-friendly hotels in the Algarve, with some of the best being:
- Martinhal Sagres, Sagres
- Be Live Family Palmeiras Village
- Pine Cliffs
- Aquashow Park Hotel
- Conrad Algarve
Best Things To Do In the Algarve
With so many attractions in the Algarve, you’ll have trouble finding time to fit it all in. If you’re travelling to Portugal with kids, then you have to check out Zoomarine, Lagos Zoo, and Krazyworld, all of which are home to various animals from all over the world.
Other things to do include playing mini golf at one the Algarve’s many mini golf courses, going on a boat trip to explore hidden caves and visiting one the Algarve’s castles like the Castle of Silves or Tavira Castle.

The Azores
Up until recently the Azores islands were considered to be a fairly off-the-beaten-track destination. Consisting of an archipelago of nine islands, lying 1500km west of mainland Portugal, Lonely Planet has described them as being “the Hawaii of the mid-Atlantic”, which should give you an idea of just how beautiful they are.
With only a four hour flight time from the UK and an average temperature of 17 degrees, these Portuguese islands might just be one of the best places to go in February.
There are plenty of activities for more adventurous families, such as scuba diving, canyoning and kayaking. And for those with younger kids there are lots of family friendly hiking trails amidst spectacular natural scenery such as Sete Cidades on the largest island of Sao Miguel, plus thermal springs and waterfalls to explore.
February is also the ideal time to see blue whales on a whale watching cruise.
Check Expedia here for holidays to the Azores.

Canary Islands
The Canary Islands are renowned for having good weather all year round and with each of the seven islands having a distinctive landscape, there is enough diversity to keep even the most intrepid traveller happy.
The four most well-known islands of Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura all boast a balmy 20 degrees Celcius in February and a flight time from the UK of only four and a half hours.
Children will love the water parks, theme parks, museums and beaches of the Canary Islands – in particular there are loads of things to do in Tenerife with kids.
It’s worth noting that Pico del Teide, Tenerife’s volcano, might be closed due to snowfall on the higher ground.
The end of February half term marks the start of Carnival, with events stretching over several weeks throughout all the islands. The biggest celebration is in Santa Cruz on Tenerife with the election of the Carnival Queen taking place and the Carnival Opening Parade. It’s second only in size to Carnival in Rio de Janeiro in Brazil!
The Canary Islands in Spain are a popular holiday destination for families all year round, and during the month of February, some islands see highs of 20 degrees. Flights to the Canary Islands are slightly longer than to other destinations, averaging at around 4 and a half hours, however, the warmer weather and the beautiful views are definitely worth it.
Check out Expedia Holidays to the Canary Islands here.
Best Areas To Stay In the Canary Islands
There are seven islands that make up the Canary Islands, and although all of them would make a great February getaway destination, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote make the top three.
Tenerife
Los Cristianos, Playa Las Americas, Playa La Arena, and Costa Adeje are some of the best places for families in Tenerife, as they’re all close to the beach and have various restaurants, bars, and attractions to entertain your little ones.
Gran Canaria
On the island of Gran Canaria, families will feel most comfortable in Puerto Rico as there are a huge amount of family-friendly hotels and restaurants that serve a whole range of cuisines.

Lanzarote
Playa Blanca, Puerto del Carmen, and Costa Teguise are three great areas in Lanzarote that are great for kids. With endless stretches of beaches, family resorts and hotels, and numerous things to see and do, you’ll have a fantastic family holiday that you won’t want to end.
Best Beaches In the Canary Islands
When it comes to the beaches in the Canary Islands, no matter which island you’re on, you’ll find beautiful sand and gentle rolling waves.
In Tenerife, you have the soft sand beach of Playa Las Teresitas, the golden sand beach of Playa del Duque, the darker sand beach of La Tejita beach, and the black sand beach of Playa de la Arena.
In Gran Canaria, Anfi del Mar, Playa del Inglés, and Puerto Rico Beach are some of the island’s most popular stretches of coast, however, if you’re after something a little more unique, then head over to Maspalomas, which is a protected nature reserve with large expansive sand dunes.
And if you’re staying in Lanzarote, then Playa de Papagayo, Playa de Famara, Playa Flamingo, Playa del Reducto and Caletón Blanco are arguably some of the best beaches for families.
Best Family Hotels In the Canary Islands
Because of the Canary Island’s popularity amongst holidaymakers, there are so many incredible accommodation options in Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote.
Tenerife:
- Gran Melia Palacio De Isora Resort & Spa, Alcalá, Guia de Isora
- Hotel Bahia Del Duque, Costa Adeje
- GF Isabel, Costa Adeje
- HD Parque Cristóbal Tenerife, Playa de las Américas
Gran Canaria:
- HD Parque Cristobal Gran Canaria, Playa del Inglés
- Paradise Lago Taurito & Aquapark, Taurito
- Melia Sol Barbacan, Playa del Inglés
- Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Mogán
Lanzarote:
- Princesa Yaiza Hotel Resort, Playa Blanca
- Seaside Los Jameos, Puerto del Carmen
- Los Zocos Impressive Lanzarote, Costa Teguise
- Elba Lanzarote Royal Village Resort
Best Things To Do In the Canary Islands
Apart from fantastic beaches and amazing family-friendly hotels, Tenerife, Gran Canaria, and Lanzarote all have other appealing attractions to make your holiday all that more enjoyable.
In Tenerife, you have the Jungle Park, Tenerife Zoo Monkey Park, Loro Parque, and you can even take a hike up Mount Teide.
For families staying in Gran Canaria, you can visit Palmitos Park, Sioux City Park, Cocodrilo Park, and Holiday World Maspalomas to check out animals, ride some theme park rides, and also see wild west shows.
And in Lanzarote, you won’t want to miss Rancho Texas, the Piracy Museum, the Timanfaya National Park, and the lava caves of Jameos del Agua.

Crete, Greece
Crete is Greece’s largest island which is a four-hour flight from the UK, and in February, you can expect to be greeted with 16-degree weather after getting off the plane. It may not be as hot as other places in Europe, but it’s still a great improvement from the average 7-degree temperatures back home.
Best Areas To Stay In Crete
Of all the places to stay in Crete, Rethymnon, Heraklion, and Chania are by far the best, as they have beautiful beaches, great local restaurants, and an abundance of things to do.
Best Beaches In Crete
If you’re staying in Chania, you have a few family-friendly beaches nearby, including Agioi Aposoloi, Marathi Beach, and one of Crete’s most popular beaches, Elafonissi Beach.
In the town of Rethymnon, beaches are slightly farther out, with Bali Beach a 30-minute drive from the city centre and Damnoni Beach a 40-minute drive.
And if you’re staying in Crete’s capital of Heraklion, you will again be driving roughly 30 minutes to the beaches, but Aghia Pelagia Beach, Gouves, and Malia Beach are definitely worth the journey.
Best Family Hotels In Crete
No matter which area you stay in in Crete, you’ll find some amazing family-friendly hotels that are close to all the action, including the following:

Best Things To Do In Crete
Crete, in my opinion, is one of the best short-haul trips with kids because the island has so much for the little ones to do. You have animal experiences at the Amazonas Park, Aquaworld Aquarium and Reptile Rescue Centre, and Cretaquarium, an interactive dinosaur park, Dinosauria Park and the Dikteon Cave, Samaria Gorge, and Lake Kournas that you can explore.
Cyprus
Cyprus is just under a four-hour flight away from the UK, and throughout February, the island sees average temperatures of 18 degrees, with highs of 20 degrees. In the summer months, Cyprus is typically packed with holiday-makers, so heading over in winter, you’re guaranteed to have a peaceful getaway.
Best Areas To Stay In Cyprus
Many of the coastal towns in Cyprus, like Paphos, Limassol, and Larnaca, are great areas to stay in during the month of February as they’re close to the beach and lively with locals. Even the town of Ayia Napa, which is typically a party destination, is great in February as many of the party hotels are shut, and you can enjoy the area when it’s at its most relaxed.
Some other great beaches in Cyprus include:
Best Beaches In Cyprus
Cyprus has some incredible beaches dotted all around the island, from the breathtaking Nissi Beach and peaceful Golden Beach to the nature reserve of Lara Beach and Aphrodite’s Beach, which is home to Aphrodite’s Rock, you really will be spoilt for choice.
Sometimes all you want to do on holiday is sit at the hotel and relax by the pool (I can’t say I blame you.) These family hotels are excellent choices if you’re travelling to Cyprus with little ones:
- Konnos Beach – Great for families
- Fig Tree Bay – Excellent snorkelling
- Pissouri Bay – A favourite for swimming
- Alagadı Beach – If you want to head on a turtle-watching tour
Best Family Hotels In Cyprus
- Constantinou Bros Athena Beach Hotel
- Olympic Lagoon Resorts, Paphos
- Olympic Lagoon Resorts, Ayia Napa
- Leonardo Laura Beach & Splash Resort
- Coral Beach Resort, Coral Bay
- Amathus Beach Hotel, Limassol
Best Things To Do In Cyprus
You could spend your entire time in Cyprus relaxing on the beach, but if you prefer to throw in some activities here are there, the island has a few different things you can do. For history buffs, you won’t want to miss the Ancient Town of Kourion or The Tombs of the Kings. Active families who enjoy a hike can hike the Akamas National Park, the Troodos Mountains, or the Avakas Gorge, looking out for local wildlife along the way.
Nature lovers will want to head over to Larnaca Salt Lake because tens of thousands of pink flamingos migrate to the lake during the winter months. And for even more predictable sightings of animals, the Pafos Zoo is always a safe bet.

Madeira, Portugal
Madeira, another Portuguese island just a 4 hour flight from the UK, averages 17 degrees Celcius in February and is known as the ‘island of eternal spring’. With only 18mm of rainfall throughout the whole month Madeira is considerably drier than the UK, which averages 45.2mm of rainfall in February just in London.
There are plenty of outdoorsy things to do whilst the sun is shining: Monte Palace Tropical Gardens; Jardines Botanicos da Madeira; Quinta das Cruzes (the manor house and gardens of the man who first discovered Madeira); the sea cliffs and viewpoints of Cabo Girao; and the waterfalls and hiking trails of Rabacal to name but a few.
If you go get an unexpected wet weather day the ‘Grutas e Centro do Vulcanismo’ (spectacular lava caves and a 3D interactive volcano experience) is a must-do and for football fans there is the Cristiano Ronaldo Museum as well.
For the latest Madeira Holidays in Expedia see here.
Best Areas To Stay In Madeira
If you’re travelling to Madeira with kids, there are a few areas that’ll suit you, including Santa Cruz, Machico, and Funchal. Regardless of where you stay, however, Madeira is a relatively small island, so you can drive from one side to the other in around an hour.
Best Beaches In Madeira
Something I particularly love about Madeira is how all the beaches look so different from one another, so you’ll really get diverse views and a unique experience with every beach you visit.
For golden sand, you’ll want to head to Praia do Porto do Seixal, Praia do Porto do Seixal, Calheta Beach, and Machico Bay Beach. And when you’re in need of something a little different, even Madeira’s pebbly beaches of Santa Cruz Beach, Praia de Porto da Cruz, Praia do Vigário are equally as beautiful.
Best Family Hotels In Madeira
One of the best parts about travelling to Madeira in the off-peak season is hotels are more reasonably priced, so you’ll likely end up getting a great deal on a range of hotels. Some of the best family-friendly hotels in Madeira include:
- Hotel Quinta do Furão, Santana
- Pestana Casino Studios, Funchal
- Pestana Carlton Madeira Ocean Resort Hotel
- The Golden Residence Hotel, Funchal
- Hotel The Cliff Bay, Funchal
Best Things To Do In Madeira
There really is so much to do in Madeira for kids, like the Santa Maria de Colombo Boat trip, the Canical Whale Museum, a cable car ride that takes you up from Funchal Harbor, and even a little theme park, the Madeira Theme Park that your kids will thoroughly enjoy.

Mallorca, Spain
One of the shorter flights from the UK is to Mallorca, Spain, which is anywhere from two hours and fifteen minutes to two hours and fifty-five minutes long. On average, in February, the temperatures reach around 15 degrees in the day, but they do drop significantly to 7 degrees at night, so be sure to pack some warm clothes that you can throw on when the sun goes down.
Best Areas To Stay In Mallorca
When visiting Mallorca, family holidaymakers typically head to Santa Ponsa, Alcudia, Port de Pollenca, and Palma Nova, as there are plenty of beaches, attractions, and hotels to enjoy.

Best Beaches In Mallorca
As it takes just an hour to drive from one side of Mallorca to the other, no matter where you stay, you can enjoy any of the island’s beautiful beaches. Some of the best beaches in Mallorca, however, are Cala Mesquida, S’Amarador, Magaluf, Puerto Pollensa, Playa Santa Ponsa, Cala Pi, Es Trenc, and C’an Pastilla.

Best Family Hotels In Mallorca
Luckily as Majorca is a family-friendly island, there are so many great family hotels in a range of different budgets to choose from. Below are some options:
- Holiday Village Majorca, Calla Millor
- TUI BLUE Alcudia Pins, Alcudia
- Alua Calas de Mallorca Resort, Calas de Majorca
- Blau Punta Reina Family Resort, Porto Cristo
- Zafiro Mallorca, Ca’n Picafort
Best Things To Do In Majorca
I love travelling to Mallorca, and no matter what time of year you visit, there is plenty of attractions that are suited to kids of all ages. Palma Aquarium, Marineland Majorca, Safari Zoo Majorca, and Katmandu Park are all excellent days out that both adults and kids will love

Malta
It seems that February is the time for carnivals in Europe! Malta Carnival kicks off on in February. It’s a cacophony of colour and celebration with energetic parades, gigantic floats, grotesque masks and extravagant costumes. Most of the events take place in Valletta and Nadur.
Malta is situated in the Mediterranean, south of Sicily and east of Tunisia, with an average high temperature of 16 degrees Celcius in February. It might be too chilly to swim in the sea but the beaches are beautiful, it’s crammed with history and kids will love Popeye Village (the old film set for the 1980 Popeye film which has now been turned in to a mini theme park) and the aquarium.
Just a 3 hour 15 minute flight from London, February is Malta’s low-season so flight prices should be lower and the crowds far quieter than in the busy summer months.
Best Areas To Stay In Malta
In Malta, there are two areas that are great for families, and they are St. Pauls Bay on the island’s north coast and Mellieha, which is even further north. Both areas have a relaxed, family-friendly feel and boast great beaches that your little ones can run around on for hours on end.
Best Beaches In Malta
From both St. Pauls Bay and Mellieha, there are a few beaches that are easy to access and ideal for families in need of a day filled with sand and ocean swimming. Ghadira Bay, Golden Bay, and Riviera Beach are some of the best, along with Armier Bay Beach and Paradise Bay.
Best Family Hotels In Malta
As St. Pauls Bay and Mellieha aren’t too far away from one another, you can easily access either area from one of these great family hotels:
- Porto Azzurro Aparthotel
- AX Sunny Coast Resort & Spa
- Buccaneers Boutique Guest House
- Solana Hotel & Spa
- Luna Holiday Complex
Best Things To Do In Malta
Malta has some incredible history and architecture all over the island that gives kids the opportunity to learn more about their holiday destination. One of the best ways to learn the history is by getting on an open-top bus that drives you around and provides you with facts about every location.
If you’re willing to get on a boat and travel to a smaller island off of Malta’s north coast, then I highly recommend it, as the island of Comino is home to stunning Blue Lagoon, which may have some of the clearest waters you’ve ever seen. Malta Aquarium, BOV Adventure Park, Esplora Science Center and Popeye Village are all other must-sees when visiting Malta with kids.

Morocco
Southern Morocco, (Marrakesh in particular), is a warm 17 degrees in February – perfect for experiencing the history and culture of this captvating place.
Explore the labyrinthine Medina, the bustling souks, the fascinating museums, the stunning gardens and the impressive palaces to your hearts content and all only a 3 and a 1/2 hour flight time from the UK.
In even-numbered years Marrakesh holds the Marrakech Binnale – a festival highlighting local and international artists. There are numerous displays of architectural, digital, literary and artistic works on display in various venues throughout the city, making February half term the ideal time to visit.
Best Areas To Stay In Marrakesh
For first-timers heading over to Marrakesh, Medina is one of the best areas to stay as not only is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but it has endless amounts of things to see a do, from shopping and art galleries to palaces and beautiful mosques.
Best Family Hotels In Marrakesh
If you’re planning to stay in or around Medina, here are some great family-friend hotels with pools to keep the little ones entertained:
- Aqua Fun Club Marrakech
- Kenzi Club Agdal Medina
- Iberostar Club Palmeraie Marrakech
- Valeria Dar Atlas Resort
- Aqua Mirage Marrakech Hotel Club
Best Things To Do In Marrakesh
Marrakesh has beautiful architecture, bustling markets, and even little amusement parks, which are great for kids. If you have a dinosaur lover in the family, then head to Paloozaland, shopping addicts will be in awe at the Souks of Marrakesh, the largest market in Morroco, and you just can’t go on a warm holiday and not visit a waterpark, so Oasiria has you covered.
Or explore Essaouira a historic port city and resort on Morocco’s Atlantic coast!
For the latest deals to Marrakech on Expedia see here.
Sardinia, Italy
Just a mere three-hour flight from the UK, and you’ll be in the beautiful island of Sardinia, enjoying 15-degree weather and the island’s incredible turquoise waters that are inviting all year round.
Best Areas To Stay In Sardinia
Costa Rei, Pula, Stintino, and Orosei are some of the best areas to stay in Sardinia for families, thanks to their picturesque beaches and various accommodation options.
Best Beaches In Sardinia
When I say Sardinia has some of the prettiest beaches, I truly mean it. With fine white sand, crystal clear waters, and impeccable views, you really won’t want to leave the island. Chia, Spiaggia Rena Bianca, and Spiaggia della Pelosa, as well as Cala Brandinchi, La Maddalena, and Porto Giunco Beach, are just some of the amazing stretches of coastline that Sardinia has to offer.
Best Family Hotels In Sardinia
You’ll most likely be spending your days relaxing on the beach, but it is always nice to come back to a hotel just as beautiful to catch up on sleep and recharge for the next day. Here are some great family-friendly hotels in Sardinia:
- Hotel Village Chia Laguna Resort, Chia
- Colonna Resort, Arzachena
- Free Beach, Costa Rei
- Forte Village, Santa Margherita di Pula
- Abi d’Oru, Porto Rotondo
Best Things To Do In Sardinia
From caves and Nuragic archaeological sites to the Sardinia Aquarium and Sardinia Mini Park, there are so many activities that will keep your little ones occupied if you need a break from the beaches. It’s very unlikely that you’ll ever get bored with the beaches in Sardinia, but there are activity options just in case!
Seville, Spain
The final short-haul flight destination you should consider for the month of February is Seville in Spain which is a two-hour and forty-five-minute flight from the UK and has highs of 18 degrees.
Best Areas To Stay In Seville
Barrio Santa Cruz is the best place for families in Seville, thanks to its cobblestoned streets, its beautiful buildings, and numerous restaurants and bars.
Best Family Hotels In Seville
Although Seville is more of a city break, as the closest beach is over an hour away, there are a few hotels with pools that will allow your kids to burn off some built-up energy. Here are some options:
Best Things To Do In Seville
Now, you may not be relaxing on a beach in Seville, but there are a lot of sights to go and see, like the Setas de Sevilla, Old Town Seville, Parque de María Luisa, Sevilla Aquarium, and Plaza de España. I hope you’ve got your walking shoes at the ready because you’re guaranteed to get some steps in.
Best Holiday Destinations In February (Long Haul)
If the warmest places in Europe in February still aren’t quite hot enough for you, you’ll need to look at flying long haul to find hot destinations in February.
Some of the best holiday destinations in February are either near to or south of the equator where the seasons flip and it’s summer instead of winter. Of course the further you fly the more you’ll need to take jet lag into account, but to find 30 degrees in February it’s worth it, right?
So where is hot in February half term (long haul)? Australia would be an obvious choice as one of the best places to go in February but that might be a little bit too far to travel for just a week. Fortunately there are tons of other exciting places that reach 30 degrees in February to tempt you.

Brazil
Just under a 12 hour flight away is the spectacularly incomparable Rio de Janeiro which has an average temperature of 30 degrees in February and only a four hour time difference from the UK.
February is also the month that Rio Carnival explodes into action – prices are higher but it’s definitely worth it for the experience. Carnival starts towards the end of February when the King of the Carnival gets given the keys of the city. Only then does the party officially begin and a kaleidoscope of colour fills the streets in the form of the samba parade, street parties and carnival balls.
There’s more to Rio than Carnival though: Copacabana beach; Tijuca National Park; Christ the Redeemer; the Botanical Gardens; The Escaderia Selaron Mosaic Staircase; street art at Boulevard Olimpico; and spectacular sunsets at Ponta do Arpoador and Pao de Acucar (catch a cable car to the latter) will be more than enough to keep the whole family wide-eyed and open-mouthed for the duration of your trip. Check out Expedia Holidays to Brazil here.

Caribbean Islands
If it’s a relaxing beach holiday that you’re looking for then one of the vibrant Caribbean islands might be your answer to escaping the grey gloom of the UK winter.
Averaging between 26 and 30 degrees in February and only an 8 to 9 hour flight away the Caribbean islands have got to be one of the best holiday destinations in February.
A big plus point is that there are so many islands to choose from. Some of the most well-known include Cuba, St. Lucia, Antigua, Barbados, the Dominican Republic and Jamaica (here’s some inspiration for things to do in Kingston in Jamaica with kids).
St Lucia has a lot to offer kids with cocoa plantations, exotic waterfalls, ziplines and a vast array of water sports. Plus of course great family accommodation. This review of the Windjammer St Lucia shows all the fabulous kid friendly amenities.
Lesser-known islands such as Turks & Caicos, St. Martin, St. Vincent & the Grenadines and the British Virgin Islands all have just as much to offer and despite their proximity they are all very different from each other. They do share certain things in common though: stunning white sand beaches; azure waters and lush green forests.
You could spend the week simply relaxing on the beach or you could choose to spend half term island hopping, surfing/snorkelling/scuba diving, learning about pirates and diving into the history and culture of this fascinating part of the world.

Dubai
If luxury is what you’re after for your half term break then look no further than Dubai. It’s one of the best places to go in February with temperatures in the low 30’s. Summer in Dubai is unbearably hot with temperatures of up to 45 degrees and no-one even ventures outside.
It’s also incredibly family friendly so alongside the jaw-dropping opulence and splendour of Burj Al Arab (who’s lobby atrium is tall enough to fit the Statue of Liberty in it!), there is also IMG Worlds of Adventure (an indoor theme park crammed full of rides and attractions), the wow-factor of Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), street art to explore at Dubai Walls, free public beaches such as Kite Beach to play on and numerous water parks to cool off in.
More adventurous families might be curious to venture into the wilderness of the desert sands on a tour. All of this for only a 7 hour flight (read my post on whether to choose Emirates or Etihad) and 3 hour time difference from the UK.

Florida
Florida is a good choice at any time of the year, but in February it has it’s driest weather, humidity is far less than in the height of summer and temperatures are a pleasant 25 degrees Celcius on average.
It’s also much less crowded, so if you’re looking to visit Walt Disney World, Universal Studios or anything else Orlando has to offer, it could be one of the best places to go in February, particularly as prices could be 20-30% lower than in their high season.
If Disney isn’t your thing there is still plenty of fun to be had. Florida State Fair in Tampa takes place in February, as does the Street Painting Festival in Lake Worth. And if it’s beaches you want then Cocoa Beach on the east coast or Clearwater Beach on the west coast will be ideal for a relaxing family holiday in the sun.
Further north is Destin, a great location away from the busyness of Orlando. With Gulf of Mexico beaches, wild dolphins to spot on tours, there are plenty of things to do in Destin with kids.
Other hot destinations in February in Florida are further south in Miami and the Florida Keys – with a 9 and a half hour flight time and only 5 hour time difference from the UK it’s the perfect place for a half term US road trip. Check out Florida prices on Expedia here.

The Gambia
The Gambia on the west coast of Africa might not be your first thought for somewhere hot in February half term but it’s well worth investigating as an option.
It boasts 10 hours of daily sunshine, temperatures of 30-34 degrees in February and only a one hour time difference from the UK (no jet lag!).
It might be a slightly unconventional place to visit but the uncrowded beaches fringed with palm trees; the nature reserves packed with wildlife; the forest eco lodges; the tiny fishing villages full of brightly painted pirogues (traditional long, narrow fishing boats); the colourful markets; a chimpanzee rehabilitation project and breathtaking sunsets mean that The Gambia should definitely make it onto your list of where is hot in February half term.

India
Another alternative choice for hot destinations in February is India. Northern India has temperatures of around 24 degrees – perfect for exploring the bustling cities of New Delhi and Jaipur. It’s also ideal for visiting the exquisitely beautiful Taj Mahal.
Further south, Goa offers a balmy 28 degrees and a heady combination of sunshine, sand, spirituality and spices. For children there is the ever popular Splashdown Water Park, a cinema, a Science Centre & Planetarium and cooking classes to keep them entertained if they get bored of the beach.
Flights take about 9 and a half hours from the UK and the memories you’ll make, the people you’ll meet and the culture you’ll encounter is a once in a lifetime experience.

Mexico
February is the driest month of the year in Mexico, making it an ideal hot holiday destination for half term. Depending on whereabouts you go, flights can take anywhere from 10 hours (east coast) to 15+ hours (west cost, no direct flights from the UK).
Mexico is jam packed full of wildlife experiences, incredible landscapes, beautiful beaches, fascinating history and culture – there really is something for everyone there.
Baja California on the west (Pacific) coast of Mexico has pleasant 23-24 degree temperatures and February is the best month for whale-watching as gray whales calve in the lagoons and bays around the peninsula.
Central Mexico (average 25 degrees in February) is home to a Unesco World Heritage Site – the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve. Millions of large Monarch butterflies migrate there from the Great Lakes region of the US and Canada (over 4500km away) to spend the winter and the entire forest and sky turns orange as they take flight on warm, sunny days. It’s a perfectly do-able day trip from Mexico City, as is fascinating archaeological Teotihuacán, site of the Pyramids of the Sun and Moon.
In eastern Mexico the Yucatan province is home to the awe-inspiring Maya temple of Chichen Itza which has to be seen to be believed. Meanwhile Cancun’s white powdered sand beaches, opportunities for snorkelling in the aquamarine waters and an underwater sculpture museum will tick all the boxes for a perfect fun family adventure, especially when temperatures reach 30 degrees in February. Expedia has some deals on Mexico here.

South Africa
For stunning beaches, look no further than Cape Town in South Africa – you can find my recommendations for the best Cape Town beaches here. The surrounding scenery is just as incredible – imposing Table Mountain acts a backdrop to the city and the Cape Of Good Hope lies just a couple of hours drive away.
With average highs of 28 degrees, the sea at it’s warmest and the added bonus of no jet lag, South Africa is the perfect hot destination in February for a family-centred half term break.
It’s also a great option for going on safari. Kruger National Park has the ‘big five’ and February is a month where you’ll likely see baby giraffes and zebras in the wild.
FAQs
Is Tenerife Hot In February?
Yes, Tenerife is hot in February, as temperatures can reach up to 21 degrees.
Where Is Hot In February In Europe?
In Europe, Cyprus, Crete, Sardinia, Malta, Marrakesh, Algarve, Madeira, the Canary Islands, Mallorca, and Seville are all hot in February.
What’s The Weather Like In Amsterdam In February?
Amsterdam is fairly cold, damp, and cloudy in February, with highs of 6 degrees and lows of 0 degrees.
What Is The Canary Islands Average Temperature in February?
In February, the average temperature of the Canary Islands is around 20 degrees during the day and 15 degrees at night.
How Hot Is Greece In February?
Greece isn’t the warmest destination in February, as the country sees highs of 13 degrees and lows of 7 degrees.
How Hot Is Lanzarote In February?
The average temperature in Lanzarote during the month of February is 20 degrees.
What’s The Weather Like In Morocco In February?
In Morocco, in Marrakesh, to be particular, the weather is comfortable with average temperatures of 20 degrees.

- For family friendly recommendations for hot weather places in January see here.
- For family recommendations for hot weather in October see here
- For hot destinations in April see here.
- For short haul trips from the UK in October see here.
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