As the mercury plunges and the end of winter seems further away than ever, many of us are considering an escape to warmer climates. Now travel restrictions have eased post-COVID, there are some great destinations where you can enjoy some winter sun. From Mexico to the Maldives, there are destinations to suit all tastes and budgets. Our list below details the best places to visit in February and the expected temperatures and weather.
Cancun on Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is a great winter escape. Beautiful white sand beaches, a wide selection of hotels, and great cuisine make this an excellent February choice. Falling in the middle of the dry season, you’re unlikely to see any rain. Both days and evenings are warm.
In the area, there are also the smaller beach resorts of Playa del Carmen and Tulum if you want a different type of beach break. There’s also plenty of local history, including the Mayan ruins of Chichén Itza, one of the world’s seven wonders. Our Yucatan travel guide highlights the best attractions in the region. Cancun can be reached by plane in as little as 2 hours from the USA. Alternatively, there’s also the option of driving there.
Temp high: 82°F / 28°C
Temp low: 66°F / 19°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 9
Koh Samui in the Gulf of Thailand is a great exotic choice for a winter getaway. February is in the middle of the dry season, so you’ll enjoy dry, sunny days. Offering various beaches and resorts, there’s something to suit everyone’s budget and taste. Chaweng Beach and Lamai Beach are among the largest and most popular resorts. There’s plenty to do across the island, with Buddhist temples, jungle reserves, elephant sanctuaries, and waterparks. The warm sea teems with fish and aquatic life, making for great snorkeling and diving.
Temp high: 82°F / 28°C
Temp low: 73°F / 23°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Dubai offers a great year-round climate. Despite February falling in winter, you’ll still enjoy good, warm temperatures and plenty of hours of sunshine. Rainfall is negligible, and the sea remains warm year-round. Dubai is a beach and city break destination, meaning fantastic shopping, food, and entertainment are on your doorstep. The man-made ‘Palm’ is the pick of the places to stay to enjoy your winter escape.
Temp high: 77°F / 25°C
Temp low: 61°F / 16°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
Our pick for the best luxury and exotic winter destination is the Maldives. The Maldives is an archipelago of over 1,200 atolls, and you’ll find over 130 different resorts. Many of these resorts occupy their own island and offer over-water bungalow accommodation. This ensures privacy and tranquillity, with no need to rush for a sun lounger.
February is the middle of the Maldives dry season, meaning warm, dry days and evenings. You’ll also get to enjoy the crystal clear, warm seawater. Most resorts offer a range of water activities, but the main activity is simply relaxing.
Temp high: 88°F / 31°C
Temp low: 79°F / 26°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
Panama is a slightly left-field choice for this list, but in our opinion, it’s a hidden gem. The land bridge between North America and South America, its location affords it a long Caribbean and Pacific coast. Offering resorts on both the mainland and islands, you won’t be short of options. The Bocas del Toro Archipelago is probably the pick of the destinations.
Panama has a similar climate to Mexico, meaning long, warm, and dry days. Its location near the equator means the temperatures remain warm into the evening. Flights from the US start at just 3 hours, meaning Panama is closer than you might think.
Temp high: 90°F / 32°C
Temp low: 77°F / 25°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
French Polynesia is the destination of dreams. A real Robinson Crusoe destination, this is probably the most evocative destination on our list. The best-known islands are Tahiti and Bora Bora, which offer wonderful white sand beaches and warm seas.
The climate in French Polynesia is very tropical, ensuring warm temperatures throughout the year. As February falls inside the wet season, you’ll likely see some rain. However, tropical showers are typically short and heavy before the sun quickly returns. French Polynesia has 6 hours of daily sunshine in February, ensuring plenty of time to enjoy your beautiful settings.
Temp high: 82°F / 28°C
Temp low: 70°F / 21°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
Cape Town is one of the great cities of the world. Located at the southernmost point of Africa, you’ll struggle for a more spectacular setting. If you’re going to visit a great city, why not do it during its best summer months? February in Cape Town sees 10 hours of sunshine, warm temperatures, and no rain. What more could you want?
For anyone who makes the trip to Cape Town, you’ll discover a host of activities and attractions. The nearby vineyards of Stellenbosch are hugely popular, while there’s so much nature to explore. Safari, whale watching, and shark diving can all be undertaken from your Cape Town base. There are also 72 beaches in the Cape Town area. You’ll also find many shops, bars and restaurants in the city.
Temp high: 84°F / 29°C
Temp low: 63°F / 17°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
Cyprus is known as the island of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty. It’s this beauty that has attracted visitors to Cyprus for thousands of years and continues to do so. Offering beaches, ancient Greek and Roman ruins, and even a ski resort, Cyprus is an exciting winter getaway.
Cyprus enjoys between 300 to 340 days of sunshine every year. It’s, therefore no surprise that February is largely warm and sunny. Average daily temperatures, while lower than other destinations are still respectable. Rainfall is also negligible. If you’re looking for a winter escape that combines sunshine with history, vineyards, and other activities, Cyprus is a great choice.
Temp high: 63°F / 17°C
Temp low: 46°F /8°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 6
Located on Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula, the resort of Sharm El-Sheikh is a great winter escape. Located on the Red Sea coast, you’ll find warm seas that have some of the best diving in the world. As well as all the water activities, there’s also a host of desert activities, including sand boarding and dune buggies. It’s also possible to take a day or overnight trip to the Pyramids in Cairo, an unforgettable experience.
The climate is also ideal for a winter break. Warm sunny days combine with mild evenings to ensure your winter clothes can stay at home. Rainfall is close to non-existent, so long sunny days are guaranteed. Sharm El-Sheikh is popular with Europeans, but it’s also becoming increasingly popular with long-haul tourists.
Temp high: 75°F / 24°C
Temp low: 59°F / 15°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 10
It wouldn’t be right to have a winter sun list that didn’t include Hawaii. February is a great time to visit with the wet season finished, you’ll enjoy warm, dry days with blooming tropical flowers. There are 8 hours of sunshine each day on average and the sea remains warm enough to swim in.
We’ve chosen the island of Maui for this list. Its rich and lush interior means you’ll enjoy the tropical flowers in bloom. It also has many attractions, activities, and historical villages to explore. This makes for a great all-round winter escape.
Temp high: 70°F / 21°C
Temp low: 55°F / 13°C
Daily hours of sunshine: 8
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