With plenty of affordable long- and short-haul options, February brings endless opportunities for travelers. Europe without the crowds? Seriously appealing. A few days Stateside? Oh yes. Then there are plenty of other global hotspots that might tickle your fancy. Let me show you where to go this February for a healthy dose of vitamin D for the soul.
In this article
Quick Answer (Jump-Ahead Summary)
There are plenty of hot places to go in February around the world. In Europe, the south of Spain has temperatures between 7°C and 17°C. In America, Hawaii enjoys warm weather around 26°C. North Africa offers great options like Tunisia, with temperatures between 11°C and 18°C. The Caribbean Islands, including the Bahamas, average around 21°C. In Southeast Asia, Thailand stays hot between 26°C and 31°C. And in Australia, the south reaches 25°C to 35°C, while the north regularly exceeds 30°C.
Where’s Hot in February in Europe?
Europe is a huge continent. In winter, people picture it as a cold, dreary dot on the map, with some snow here and there and plenty of days for the ducks. But that’s only half the story in February.
This month brings a mix of temperatures, with some lovely sunshine the further south you go, particularly in areas with favorable microclimates. Think Mediterranean spots like the Canary Islands or Atlantic gems like Madeira, these types of warm places in Europe.
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Since many people save their big annual trips for summer (talk about sheep), these destinations are often far more accessible than you might expect at this time of year. All you need to do is book some cheap flights , and you could be on the beach sunning yourself within a few hours, thanks to their short-haul appeal.
Canary Islands, Spain
Ask any European about warm February destinations and the first place on their lips will likely be the Canary Islands, or, as some call them, ’the Canaries.’ Tucked away off the coast of North Africa, this group of islands has a subtropical climate year-round. That means clear blue skies, temperatures hovering between 15°C and 21°C, and very little rainfall.
So, what do the Canary Islands have in store for those booking flights to Spain ? Tenerife’s sun-kissed shores, such as Playa Abama, Lanzarote’s striking volcanoes, including Caldera de los Cuervos, and epic celebrations like Fuerteventura’s very own Carnival festivities. And that’s only scratching the surface.
Tenerife
Tenerife ticks all the boxes for a February getaway. Endless beaches, including unique black-sand stretches like Playa de Ajabo, cracking hikes in places like Parque Rural de Teno, and chilled resort areas like Los Cristianos await. Not many warm places to go in February offer temperatures as favorable as Tenerife, with averages ranging between 15°C and 21°C.
Gran Canaria
A short 1-hour and 20-minute ferry ride from Tenerife takes you to lovely Gran Canaria. Slightly smaller than its bigger and more popular neighbor, visitors will have the mighty Dunas de Maspalomas and Pico de las Nieves all to themselves with stable weather across the month.
The southern coast, in particular, is well protected and brings nice weather in February due to the central mountains, which serve as protection, providing clearer conditions than the north.
Lanzarote & Fuerteventura
Lanzarote and Fuerteventura are two places that are hot in February and are part of the Canary Islands group. These gems, just off Morocco’s southwestern shores, are gifted with desert-influenced climates and consistent sunshine in all corners, whether it’s in Lanzarote’s Timanfaya National Park or Fuerteventura’s majestic Parque Rural de Betancuria.
Madeira, Portugal
Madeira is having a bit of a moment right now. It seems that whenever you’re flicking through reels on Instagram, another video pops up of someone doing a dramatic coastal walk like Ponta de São Lourenço (PR8). Because April marks the beginning of Madeira’s high season, you’ll want to book cheap flights to Portugal and get there in February before the crowds arrive.
Since Madeira is off Africa’s west coast, similarly to the Canaries, it also has a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures in February ranging from 16°C to 21°C.
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Cyprus
Cyprus is one of the warm places to go in February that doesn’t get nearly as much attention as others, which is one of the many reasons why you should visit. You’ll be treated to that early spring feel, with between five and six hours of complete sunshine every day - not too shabby.
While gorgeous beaches like Coral Bay may steal all the spotlight, don’t miss the never-ending list of cultural attractions you can visit after booking flights to Cyprus . The Archaeological Site of the Tombs of the Kings from the Hellenistic and Roman periods is as iconic as they come, as is the monumental Kolossi Castle.
Southern Spain & Costa del Sol
Before wrapping up the European section of our ‘Where’s Warm in February’ article, we have to talk about southern Spain and the Costa del Sol. Many people avoid this part of the country during the summertime because it’s way too hot, and I don’t blame them. But in February, the weather is much milder, with lows of 7°C and highs of 17°C.
Picture yourself splashing the cash in Marbella (or pretending to), getting lost in Málaga’s Centro Histórico, or tracing Granada’s Moorish history. It’s not just lazy days by the coast, southern Spain also has a cool city-break appeal.
Where’s Hot in February in the USA?
You get just about every season imaginable in America. Rain, hail, or snow, they’ve got it. But since you’re looking for cheap tickets to the USA to chase some sun, you’ll want to focus on warm places to visit in February. By that, I’m referring to locations like Florida (literally nicknamed the Sunshine State), the Pacific beauty of Hawaii, or Southern California, which is often described as having a Mediterranean climate.
Florida
There’s a reason why all the rich retirees flock to Florida for winter in their droves. The weather conditions remain stable from October to mid-May, making the idea of kicking back on Miami Beach or the dramatic Siesta Key even more tempting.
If you’re traveling to Florida and wondering where to holiday in February, you have many options. Miami has that big-city vibe that makes you feel small and leaves a dent in your wallet. Tampa is a bit of a hidden gem when it comes to food, and you have theme parks like Busch Gardens on your doorstep. Then there’s beautiful Key West, which is popular among divers and watersports enthusiasts.
Hawaii
Ah, Hawaii. It’s every bit as stunning as it sounds, especially in February. Although this is technically the high season, don’t let it frighten you.
Hawaii is one of the top hot destinations in February known for its tropical climate, with averages sitting at around 26°C, making for pleasant ocean conditions for swimming. That said, it can rain at this time of year, particularly in the evenings, but if you stick to the southern parts of Maui, you should be able to avoid the worst of it.
Southern California
California has a global reputation for its wonderful weather, but Southern California in February is notably delightful. Many people consider it one of the best places to visit in February for sun because of its Mediterranean-like climate, which I mentioned previously. Now for the big decision: where should you go to experience it? Purchase some Los Angeles flights and walk in the footsteps of Hollywood stars in LA, or check out San Diego’s boujee coastal communities like La Jolla, Del Mar, and Coronado. For something totally unique, desert regions like Palm Springs promise golden sands.
Warm & Hot Places Worldwide in February
Now that we’ve got the two classics out of the way, it’s time to look at some global hotspots that feel like summer, even though it’s technically winter.
Set your sights on magical North Africa or the crystal-clear Caribbean waters. Or what about last-minute flights to Southeast Asia for the dry season? Australia is also in the thick of its summer period, setting it up as one of the warmest countries in February.
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Read the guideNorth Africa
Fancy booking flights to North Africa , which has plenty of warm countries to visit in February? From popular seaside retreats like Hammamet in Tunisia to Morocco’s Sahara Desert, it’s a playground for those hoping to get off the beaten path and try something new. And how could you forget about Egypt? Although the legendary Pyramids of Giza are spectacular at any time of the year, you won’t have to put yourself through the intense summer heat in June, July, or August, when many people can only get time off work.
Tunisia
It’s not hard to find cheap flights to Tunisia in February, but many opt to stick to Europe because it’s more of ‘what they know.’ To heck with that. Tunisia rocks! You’re getting daily temperatures of between 11°C and 18°C, accommodation for a fraction of the price of what you’d find in the south of Spain, and a totally different culture that makes things much more exciting.
Settle on a warm holiday in February to Tunisia, and you’ll be rewarded with exceptional value. Secure budget-friendly apartments in Tunis for only TND 77 (€22.53), tuck into a low-cost meal for TND 6 (€1.76), and take advantage of a wealth of free attractions like Sidi Bou Said.
Morocco
You can’t talk about hot places in February and not mention Morocco. The intense summer heat hasn’t kicked in yet, so places like Marrakech are warm but totally manageable, instead of scorchingly hot. Head to the coast, like Agadir, and you’ll get that fresh sea breeze thrown in too.
February is also a great time for a Sahara Desert tour. You can camp under the stars without melting. All the better reason to book cheap flights to Morocco .
Egypt
Egypt is another destination people often avoid because of the brutal summer temperatures. But if you book cheap flights to Egypt in February, it’s a different story. The heat eases off, making it far more comfortable to explore.
The Red Sea is especially nice this time of year if you want to go diving or snorkelling in warm, clear water. Up north, cities like Alexandria offer a slower, culture-focused break, with historic sights, coastal views, and maybe the occasional light shower.
Caribbean Islands
If you’re chasing proper heat in February, the Caribbean is an easy choice. It’s dry season in places like the Bahamas and Barbados, which means lower humidity, loads of sunshine, and those hot, cloudless days you daydream about in winter. Plus, you get calm seas, barely any rain, and zero hurricane drama. So if you’ve been thinking about booking cheap flights to the Caribbean , now is the time to do it.
Southeast Asia
Wondering where is hot abroad in February? Most of Southeast Asia is!
Countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia are in their dry season too, so conditions are pretty ideal. Thailand’s beaches, like Railay Beach, are all sunshine and turquoise water. Over in Cambodia, exploring Angkor Wat is way more enjoyable without heavy rain. And up in northern Vietnam, the Ha Giang Loop looks even more unreal under clear skies.
February is a smart time to book cheap flight tickets to Southeast Asia .
Australia
Australia is one of the few places where February means full-on summer. So yes, it absolutely belongs on the hot holiday list.
Down south, cities like Sydney and Melbourne get those classic dry summer days made for beach hopping. Head north to places like Darwin and Cairns, and it’s a different kind of heat. Tropical, humid, and the occasional dramatic midday thunderstorm rolling through. It doesn’t usually last long, but it definitely makes things interesting for those who purchase a cheap flight to Australia .
Choosing the Best February Destination for Sun
Chasing the best holiday weather in February? Here’s a full breakdown to help you choose your destination.
Europe (Canary Islands, Madeira, Cyprus, and the south of Spain)
- Budget: €€
- Flight: 1 to 5 hours from a lot of European cities
- Temperature: 7°C to 21°C
- Activities: Historical sightseeing, beaches, trekking, and culinary experiences
- Travel style: City breakers
USA (Florida, Hawaii, and Southern California)
- Budget: €€€
- Flight: 9 hours + from some European cities
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C
- Activities: Beaches, theme parks, and watersports
- Travel style: Relaxed
North Africa (Tunisia, Morocco, and Egypt)
- Budget: €
- Flight: 1.5 to 5 hours from most European cities
- Temperature: 11°C to 25°C
- Activities: Desert tours, souks, and historic sites
- Travel style: Cultural travelers
Caribbean
- Budget: €€€
- Flight: 9 to 10 hours from some European cities
- Temperature: 24°C to 30°C
- Activities: Beaches and sailing
- Travel style: Laid-back or watersports enthusiasts
Southeast Asia (Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia)
- Budget: €
- Flight: 10 hours+
- Temperature: 28°C to 34°C
- Activities: Mountains, beaches, temples, and culinary experiences
- Travel style: Adventure
Australia
- Budget: €€€
- Flight: 17 hours+
- Temperature: South - 25°C to 35°C and north: 30°C+
- Activities: Beaches, reefs, cities, and road trips
- Travel style: Outdoorsy
Ready for Winter Sun? Book Your February Escape
You’ve reached the end of our take on the best hot places to travel to in February. It’s becoming increasingly common for people to choose February as their preferred month to holiday, and these destinations are half the reason why. Whether it’s Southern Europe or somewhere more exotic like Cambodia, weigh up the options on this list and find affordable flights to enjoy some February sun.
Search for deals in February now with the help of Kiwi.com. Our website allows you to compare flexible, fast, and cheap flight options across Europe, the USA, and around the world. With plenty of incredible travel hacks available to you, like price alerts and throwaway ticketing, your next getaway is never far away.
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Where’s Hot in February FAQs: Find Your Winter Sun Fast
What countries are the warmest in February?
Australia and countries in Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia, are the warmest, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Keep in mind that it varies by region, as mountainous areas are usually cooler than coastal or lowland areas.
Where is hot in February for a short-haul holiday?
Europe is a great option for a warm February short break, with destinations like southern Spain, especially the Costa del Sol, being popular choices. However, what counts as a short trip for someone living in Europe may not be the same for someone in the US, so assess travel times and options carefully before booking flights.
What European destinations have the best weather in February?
The Canary Islands, like Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura, as well as Madeira and Cyprus, are known for having some of the best weather conditions in Europe. That said, conditions can vary from destination to destination, so always weigh up your options before settling on somewhere.
Where is 20 degrees in February?
Parts of Europe, the US, and North Africa can hit around 20°C in February, which makes for great outdoor weather. That said, don’t get too comfortable, as it might be 20°C one day and swing sharply warmer or cooler the next.
What US states are warm in February?
Hawaii, Florida, and California all experience warm weather in February, but there are noticeable differences between different parts of each of these states. For example, Southern California has a Mediterranean climate at this time of year.
Which countries offer the best beach weather in February?
Southeast Asian countries like Thailand and Vietnam are known for some of the best beach weather in February, as it’s the dry season. Likewise, parts of southern Australia, including Sydney, are also great for beach conditions at this time of year.
What are the cheapest warm destinations to visit in February?
Vietnam, Morocco, and Tunisia are some of the cheapest warm destinations to visit in February. They offer solid weather without the high price tag. Thailand and Cambodia also deserve a mention. Southeast Asia, in general, is known for being affordable.
Where can I find winter sun without long flights?
It depends on where you’re located. For Europeans, Cyprus is a great option. Americans can easily head to Florida, while those further east can take advantage of the nice conditions across Southeast Asian countries.
