February can feel like the longest month in the UK, but warm sunshine is only a few hours away. From the beaches of Cape Verde and the Red Sea to the Canary Islands and Morocco, here’s where’s hot in February, all within about six hours of the UK.
We’ve ranked the destinations by average February temperature, with flight times, things to do and hotels for each, plus the best choices for February half term.
We may earn a commission if you book through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. It helps keep Compare My Travel free to use.
Where’s hot in February at a glance
| Destination | Flight time | Average February high | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cape Verde | 5.5–6 hours | Around 25°C | Holiday deals |
| Egypt | 5–5.5 hours | Around 24°C | Holiday deals |
| Canary Islands | 4–4.5 hours | Around 21–22°C | Holiday deals |
| Agadir | Around 4 hours | Around 22°C | Holiday deals |
| Marrakech | 3.5–4 hours | Around 21°C | Holiday deals |
| Madeira | 3.5–4 hours | Around 20°C | Holiday deals |
| Cyprus | 4.5–5 hours | Around 18°C | Holiday deals |
| Dubai | Around 7 hours | Around 26°C | Holiday deals |
Average February highs are long-term averages from national weather services (1981–2010 or 1991–2020 normals). Flight times are typical direct flights from the UK.
Find your flights: compare flights from UK airports to any of the destinations below.
1. Cape Verde
Flight time: 5.5–6 hours
Average February high: around 25°C
Cape Verde is the warmest choice within about six hours of the UK in February, with average highs of around 25°C on the island of Sal. It’s a great pick if you want proper beach weather without a long-haul flight.
Most UK holidaymakers stay in Santa Maria on Sal or on Boa Vista, where the big all-inclusive resorts sit on long sandy beaches.
Why go in February:
- The warmest weather on this list within six hours
- Long sandy beaches and all-inclusive resorts
- Windsurfing and kitesurfing
- A relaxed, laid-back pace
Compare hotels in Santa Maria, Sal Compare hotels in Cape Verde
2. Egypt’s Red Sea: Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada
Flight time: 5–5.5 hours
Average February high: around 24°C
Egypt’s Red Sea resorts average around 24°C in February, and they’re some of the best-value all-inclusive holidays you can find in the winter.
Sharm el-Sheikh and Hurghada both have coral reefs close to the shore, so snorkelling and diving are easy, and there are plenty of family-friendly resorts.
Why go in February:
- Warm, dry and sunny weather
- Snorkelling and diving in the Red Sea
- Great-value all-inclusive resorts
- Day trips to the desert and, from Hurghada, to Luxor
Where to stay: read our Where to Stay in Sharm el-Sheikh guide for the best areas and hotels.
Compare hotels in Sharm el-Sheikh Compare hotels in Hurghada
3. The Canary Islands, Spain
Flight time: 4–4.5 hours
Average February high: around 21–22°C
The Canaries are the UK’s favourite winter-sun escape, and February is no exception. Average highs are around 22°C at Tenerife South airport and around 21–22°C on Lanzarote and Gran Canaria, with cooler evenings.
The south of each island is usually the sunniest and driest, which is where you’ll find most of the big resorts.
Best islands for February:
- Tenerife: Costa Adeje and Los Cristianos for families and couples.
- Gran Canaria: the dunes and resorts of Maspalomas and Meloneras.
- Lanzarote: relaxed resorts such as Playa Blanca and Puerto del Carmen.
- Fuerteventura: long beaches and plenty of watersports.
Where to stay in the Canaries: our island guides compare the best areas and hotels.
Where to Stay in Tenerife: Best Areas & Hotels for 2027
Where to Stay in Gran Canaria: Best Areas & Hotels for 2027
Where to Stay in Lanzarote: Best Areas & Hotels for 2027Compare hotels in Tenerife Compare hotels in Gran Canaria Compare hotels in Lanzarote Compare hotels in Fuerteventura
4. Agadir, Morocco
Flight time: around 4 hours
Average February high: around 22°C
Agadir is Morocco’s main beach resort, with a long sandy beach and a seafront promenade. February highs average around 22°C, similar to the Canaries, and it’s often good value.
Surf spots such as Taghazout are a short drive up the coast, and you can take a day trip to Marrakech.
Why go in February:
- A long, sandy city beach and promenade
- Surfing lessons up the coast at Taghazout
- Souks and Moroccan food
- Good-value hotels and packages
5. Marrakech, Morocco
Flight time: 3.5–4 hours
Average February high: around 21°C
Marrakech is perfect for a sunny city break in February, with average highs of around 21°C, ideal for exploring on foot. Evenings are cool, so pack a jumper.
Stay in a riad in the medina for the full experience, or choose a hotel with a pool in the Palmeraie or Hivernage.
What to enjoy in Marrakech:
- The souks and Jemaa el-Fna square
- The Jardin Majorelle and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum
- Palaces such as Bahia and El Badi
- Day trips to the Atlas Mountains
6. Madeira, Portugal
Flight time: 3.5–4 hours
Average February high: around 20°C
Madeira’s mild climate makes it a lovely February escape, with average highs of around 20°C in Funchal. It’s more about walking, gardens and scenery than lying on a beach.
Why visit Madeira in February:
- Levada walks through the laurel forest
- Botanical gardens in Funchal
- Whale and dolphin watching
- A peaceful, uncrowded feel
7. Cyprus
Flight time: 4.5–5 hours
Average February high: around 18°C
Cyprus is mild rather than hot in February, with average highs of around 18°C in Paphos, but it’s often bright and sunny, and it’s quiet and good value before the spring crowds arrive.
It’s ideal for sightseeing, coastal walks and exploring ancient sites.
Reasons to go in February:
- Archaeological sites such as the Tombs of the Kings in Paphos
- Hiking in the Troodos Mountains
- Quiet coastal towns and Cypriot food
- Good-value hotels out of season
Compare hotels in Paphos Compare hotels in Limassol
8. Dubai, UAE (just over 6 hours)
Flight time: around 7 hours
Average February high: around 26°C
Direct flights to Dubai take around 7 hours, so it’s a little over our 6-hour limit, but with average highs of around 26°C it’s the warmest place on this list.
February is peak season, so book early for the best prices.
Highlights of a February trip to Dubai:
- Beaches and resort pools
- Desert safaris
- The Burj Khalifa and Dubai Marina
- World-class shopping and dining
Where to stay: read our Where to Stay in Dubai guide for the best areas and hotels.
Best for February half term
For many schools in England, February half term 2027 is Monday 15 to Friday 19 February, but dates vary between councils and schools, so check yours. It’s one of the busiest weeks of the winter, so book as early as you can.
- The Canary Islands: the shortest flights to reliable warmth, with lots of family resorts. See our guide to the best family hotels in Tenerife.
- Egypt: great-value all-inclusive resorts and easy snorkelling on the Red Sea.
- Cape Verde: the warmest choice within about six hours, with all-inclusive beach resorts.
- Agadir: a long sandy beach, similar temperatures to the Canaries and good-value hotels.
Tips for booking winter sun in February
- Book half term early: prices rise as the school holidays get closer, so book as soon as you can.
- Travel outside half term if you can: the weeks either side are usually quieter and cheaper.
- Compare packages: booking your flight and hotel together can work out cheaper, and flight-inclusive package holidays from UK travel companies are ATOL protected.
- Check entry requirements: rules differ for each country, so check the latest GOV.UK foreign travel advice before you go.
Travel insurance for winter sun
Book your cover as soon as you’ve paid for your trip, so you’re protected if you need to cancel. In the Canary Islands, Madeira and Cyprus, take your GHIC too, but it isn’t a substitute for travel insurance. Morocco, Egypt, the UAE and Cape Verde aren’t covered by the GHIC.
