Craving winter sun? These stunning destinations are gloriously hot in February, perfect for getting your Vitamin D fix. Read on for our top recommendations for some much-needed February sunshine.
Where should I go that’s hot in February?
There’s more to finding winter sun than simply ‘flying south’. In fact, some destinations close to the equator are right in the middle of their wet season come February. Talk about putting a dampener on the half term holidays.
Instead, read on for some of our hand-picked choices for sun-chasers. With vibrant festivals, natural attractions and brilliant beaches, they’re bound to tick your winter sun boxes.
Offering an attractive blend of culture and nature, Cape Town is an ideal choice for a city break that’s hot in February. This month marks the tail-end of summer in the southern hemisphere and the big crowds of December and January are starting to leave. The weather is still great, with just two days of rain on average and temperatures ranging between 17°C and 29°C.
On Sunday evenings, head to the lush Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden for outdoor concerts. These span all genres, from philharmonic orchestras to folk. Or there’s the Galileo open air cinema, showing films outside some of Cape Town’s most beautiful spots – including the wine estates in nearby Stellenbosch and Paarl.
Spend a few days exploring trendy neighbourhoods like the colourful Bo-Kaap and stylish V&A Waterfront, then take some time to enjoy the city’s excellent beaches, where the Atlantic Ocean waves are perfect for cooling off. The Clifton Beaches – with their white sands and stylish bars – are a convenient stone’s throw from the city centre’s hotels. Unleash your spirit of adventure and take to the open road with a rental car in Cape Town, exploring its diverse neighbourhoods and beyond.
February is one of the best months to visit the Dominican Republic in terms of weather. It’s safely out of the hurricane season, which ends in November, so you can expect dry days. It’s certainly hot in February, with temperatures sitting around 29°C. In the evening it doesn’t get much cooler, only dropping to 20°C, so you can happily leave your jacket at home.
February in Punta Cana is a tale of two halves. Prefer a quiet beach break? Book for the first two weeks. Lively crowds more your thing? Look for hotels in Punta Cana for the second half of the month. This is when spring breakers from the USA start to arrive, and when Carnival festivities come to a head around 27 February (independence day). Expect big parades, colourful costumes, and lots of dancing to merengue and bachata music.
When you’re not partying like a local, the hot February weather is perfect for lounging on Punta Cana’s glorious beaches. Just a 25-minute drive from the city centre, Bavaro Beach is considered among the best in the world, thanks to its pristine white sand and crystalline water. Or head to El Cortecito for a more local vibe, with stalls selling handicrafts, plus a few laid-back bars and restaurants.
If you recently binged season 1 of The White Lotus, you’ll already know Hawaii is a stunning place for a beach break. Happily, the weather is also blissfully hot in February. This time of the year is low season but, with just five days of rain on average, you’d be very unlucky to experience any torrential downpours.
With fewer holidaymakers from mainland USA, you can often find great deals on Hawaii hotels and car hire. Temperatures are a pleasant 13–21°C, perfect for enjoying some of the island’s many outdoor adventure activities like ziplining, surfing and snorkelling. And, because it’s not oppressively hot, you can enjoy hiking through the island’s lush rainforests, along volcanic coastline and to spectacular waterfalls.
Oh, and did we mention that February is the best time for whale watching in Hawaii? Humpback whales slowly head down from Alaska all winter, starting in November or December, and staying until April or May. This means February is peak time for spotting these majestic mammals as they leap out of the ocean. Take a boat tour and watch from a safe distance, as males compete for female attention.
Can’t wait until February?
If you need your winter sun fix sooner than February, check out our last-minute deals for cheap flights to sunny destinations. Remember to check out our ‘Where’s hot in December?‘ and ‘Where’s hot in January?‘ tips so you don’t accidentally end up somewhere chilly or rainy.
Where’s hot in February? FAQs
Where can I have a beach holiday in February?
The Canary Islands – including Gran Canaria, Lanzarote and Tenerife – are popular beach destinations year-round, with temperatures sitting at a consistent 18-24°C. No matter the time of year, these islands are perfect for paddling in the sea, trying your hand at watersports, or simply parking your bum on some sand. If you don’t mind a slightly longer flight time, Cape Verde and Jamaica are always a safe bet for a February beach break, tending to average around 10°C warmer. Blue skies, white beaches and fruit punch aplenty – what more could you want from a winter sun destination?
Where’s hot in February for a city break?
It’s hard to beat Abu Dhabi for shopping, skyscrapers and luxury. But if your idea of a city break is more about local life than nailing those influencer-esque photos, Marrakech in might be more your pace. Think haggling in the souk rather than window-shopping in air conditioned malls, and sipping glasses of mint tea in shady gardens over cocktails in rooftop bars.
Where is the cheapest place I can go for winter sun?
Shorter flights tend to be cheaper. Look for flights deals to the Canary Islands, Morocco, Egypt and Cyprus. They’re all nearby, affordable and most importantly, gorgeously hot in February.
