Where to go on holiday in February

beach holidays in February Where to go on holiday in February February holidays

By Mark Hodson, Sunday Times Travel Writer and Editor of 101 Holidays

Are you looking for holidays in February? We have carried out extensive research to discover the best holiday destinations whatever your budget. We recommend a great selection of relaxing beach retreats, plus long-haul adventures and romantic Valentine’s breaks If you’re travelling with children please see our selection of family holidays in February half term.

February is peak season in the Caribbean – where warm sunshine is pretty much guaranteed – but there are many budget options too. If you avoid the school holidays you can find some cheap winter sun deals and ski bargains as well as many mid-haul destinations (less than 7 hours flying time) with warm weather.

Here are our suggestions for where to go on holiday in February.

cheap holidays in February

Mid-haul holidays

It’s still a bit too chilly for the Med so for warm weather you’ll need to head a little further. February is a great month to explore the dramatic landscapes of Oman, a beautiful country where you can find remote beaches, historic forts and villages, vast desert dunes and authentic Arabian hospitality. Jordan is perfect for adventurers, with desert hikes, the Dead Sea and the rock-carved city of Petra.

You can find great beach holidays in February in the Canary Islands. We recommend Lanzarote, Tenerife and Gran Canaria – all with excellent weather and less than 5 hours flying time from the UK by direct flight.

Another great option within easy reach is Morocco, just 3 hours flying time from the UK. You won’t be baking on the beaches in February so this is a great month for touring, staying in fabulous hotels, hiking in the Atlas Mountains or enjoying an activity such quad biking or horse riding.

It’s less than 6 hours flying time to the warm beaches of the Gambia on the west coast of Africa. This is a great destination for cheap holidays in February: the hotels are a very high standard, the people are friendly and there are lots of must-see excursions. See the latest deals.

If you have children, please see our half term holiday ideas. If you don’t have kids, try to avoid travelling over the last two weeks of February when prices tend to be higher.

Caribbean holidays in February

February is a perfect time of year for a holiday in the Caribbean – most islands are about 8 hours flying time from London. Popular destinations include Jamaica and Barbados, where you’ll need to book a table at the more popular restaurants. Best hotels in Barbados include Cobblers Cove and the family-friendly Almond Beach Village. If you want a smaller island with a slower pace, great beaches and lush countryside, we recommend Tobago – or you could take off to The Grenadines for some barefoot escapism.

Grenada is a small friendly island with some great hotels: we like the Calabash. Or go for an exclusive all-inclusive such as Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica. The Bahamas offer a surprising variety of island experiences which is why an island-hopping holiday is recommended.

Try Cuba for a beach holiday in February with some culture thrown in – we recommend the Hotel Saratoga in Havana followed by a few days at Melia Cayo Coco.

Mexico also offers a great beach-and-culture combination with silky white sands and ancient Aztec and Mayan sites. You can also go whale-watching from some resorts. Stay in a stylish hacienda or try the sister hotels Dreams Tulum and Dreams Riviera Resort & Spa. If you feel adventurous, you could set sail on a tall ship cruise of the Caribbean with Star Clippers.

See our detailed selection of the best Caribbean holidays.

Valentine's Day short breaks

Valentine’s Day short breaks

February 14 is Valentine’s Day, of course, and what better way to spend a romantic weekend together than on a short break? Venice is the classic destination for romance, and the city is arguably at its most beautiful in winter, without the inevitable summer crowds (until Carnival kicks off on 26 February).

For a touch more warmth, Petra in Jordan is an exciting short break destination, as is the intoxicating and romantic city of Marrakech.

For a closer-to-home Valentine’s weekend away in England why not stay at the beautiful Lucknam Park hotel near Bath, or at Bailiffscourt on the coast of West Sussex. We particularly like Maison Talbooth in the rolling hills of Essex. A perfect short break without the hassle of airports.

February half term holidays

There are some great family friendly holidays in February, although prices do tend to rise over half term week, particularly at ski resorts. This is arguably the best time of year for a family ski holiday, but if you’re after some relaxing winter sun, then the Canaries and Bahamas are both great options. If your kids are a bit more energetic, try Egypt for its history or the Caribbean for great resort activities.

The Mediterranean is a bit risky in February, but if you head south you have a good chance of getting some sunshine. Try the contemporary-style Daios Cove on the island of Crete, the InterContinental Aphrodite Hills Resort in Cyprus or a luxury staffed villas in the Algarve.

Find more half term holiday ideas, or check out our sister site, 101 Family Holidays.

Long haul holiday ideas February

Northern India is perfect in February. Experience the majestic architecture of Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, the tea plantations of Darjeeling and the bustling streets of Delhi. We recommend The Serai, a luxury desert camp near Jaisalmer, or a private car tour of Rajasthan. India is also great for tiger safaris.

February is a good time to explore Southeast Asia before the onset of the hot season. Immerse yourself in the history, culture and culinary joys of Malaysia or Vietnam, or head to Burma, one of the world’s hidden tourist gems.

Bali offers world-class beaches, whether you prefer to discover the traditional local culture or hang out at lively bars. If you love culture and eye-popping scenery, head to Nepal where you can trek in the Himalayas or tour ancient cities, temples and national parks. Try this 10-day Magic of Nepal tour.

Thailand is tremendous value, there are adventures to be had in India while Cambodia is ideal at this time of year and stunning Angkor Wat is a must.

It’s the height of summer in South Africa so head down to the Cape region for some amazing festivals, buzzing nightlife and tasty vineyard tours. February is also a great time of year for wildlife safaris, especially in the Masai Mara of Kenya and in Uganda. The mass wildlife migration from Tanzania to Kenya is also underway and a truly amazing sight.

Everybody’s perfect holiday in Africa is different, whether you want game drives, walking safaris or to test yourself with a climb of Mount Kilimanjaro. If you have children, try a family safari. But speak to a specialist first to find the right time of year to take the holiday you want.

See our Top 10 holidays in Africa.

Discover the natural wonders of the Galapagos Islands on a luxury small ship cruise. We recommend the MC Athala and the MV Eclipse. Other expedition cruise options include a trip down the Nile on the Sanctuary MS Nile Adventurer.

Find more holiday ideas in Latin America.

This is also a great time to explore Australia or New Zealand – the steep airfares of Christmas have passed, but the weather is still great. Try this Aussie golden triangle of Sydney, Ulura and the Great Barrier Reef. Or indulge with a trip exploring Kangaroo Island.

Cool winter holidays in February

Not everyone is looking for sunshine. Head to Moscow or St Petersburg in the depths of winter and you’ll find these cities at their most romantic and evocative. It’s the same story in Kiev in the Ukraine, an under-rated gem.

This is one of the best months of the year to ski: choose between a budget ski holiday in France and a luxury stay at The Lodge, Verbier. For great value on the slopes choose a chalet holiday in one of the best resorts of the Alps. Also see the latest deals.

If you’re still recovering from Christmas and the New Year, you could detox on a fitness holiday or indulge in a health and fitness retreat in a beautiful location in Europe. How about this ski fitness holiday in the Italian Dolomites?

Finally, February is a good bet for a glimpse of the Northern Lights. We recommend you head to Tromso in Norway, or to Iceland, some one of the best vantage points, as the next two winters (2011 – 2013) will have some of the best displays for many years, according to NASA.

If you want more detailed weather information, find where’s hot in February.

Try our holiday quiz

If you’re still stuck for ideas, why not try our fun holiday quiz. Answer 10 easy questions like the one below to find out what kind of holidaymaker you are, and get personalised travel recommendations. Try the quiz now.