Where to Go on Holiday in February
Winter sun, atmospheric city breaks, February half-term ideas and proper Alpine snow. Here is how to choose the right escape.
February is a month of contrasts. You can escape to the milder Atlantic islands, enjoy warm days in Dubai, spend a short break exploring Spanish or Moroccan streets, experience Venice dressed for Carnival, or head into the mountains for skiing. The best destination depends less on a list of average temperatures and more on what you actually want to do when you arrive.
For UK travellers, February also brings school half-term, so dates matter. A beach holiday that looks good value in early February may be a different proposition during the school break. And a destination described as “sunny” may be excellent for sightseeing without being warm enough for a swimming holiday.
February holiday ideas at a glance
- Tenerife: the most straightforward of these choices for mild winter beach-resort days and family facilities.
- Madeira: green landscapes, gardens and coastal walks, with changeable mountain weather.
- Venice: a distinctive winter city break; time a Carnival visit carefully.
- Seville: food, architecture and walkable sightseeing without summer heat.
- Austrian Alps: a genuine winter sports holiday, with snow conditions varying by resort and altitude.
- Dubai: warmer outdoor weather and family attractions, but generally a longer journey and potentially higher costs.
Weather note: any temperatures mentioned here are typical climatological conditions, not a forecast or a promise of sunshine. Check your specific resort and dates before booking.
Explore holidays departing on your dates
TripsByDate shows advertised package holidays across its wider inventory. The changing options below are not necessarily Christmas-week departures or packages to these five destinations. Use them as starting points, then compare your own dates and check the final price, availability and festive arrangements with the provider.
BRS • 7 nights
SC · On the Beach
STN • 7 nightsB&B · Olympic Holidays
LGW • 7 nightsAI · Thomas Cook
LGW • 7 nightsSC · Olympic Holidays1. Tenerife: the easiest choice for February winter sun
For a February break built around relaxing near a pool, eating outdoors and enjoying some beach time, Tenerife is a sensible first place to look. According to Spain's meteorological agency AEMET, Tenerife South Airport has a typical February daily high of about 22°C, with cooler evenings. That is pleasantly mild compared with the UK, but it is not the same as peak-summer heat.
Where to stay: Costa Adeje tends to suit families and travellers wanting hotel facilities and easy access to restaurants; Los Cristianos is useful for a walkable resort with a harbour; Playa de las Américas has livelier nightlife. If warmer, drier weather is the priority, compare locations on the south coast rather than assuming the whole island has identical conditions.
What makes the trip worthwhile: enjoy coastal promenades, beaches, boat excursions (choose responsible operators) and the volcanic landscapes of Teide National Park. Teide itself can be very cold or snowy in winter, so do not dress for the coast if you are heading uphill.
Think twice if: you need guaranteed hot weather or warm sea swimming. A heated hotel pool can matter more than an extra degree on the forecast. Wind and cloud are possible, and conditions differ across the island.
Best for: couples and families wanting a conventional resort holiday in a milder climate.
AEMET's official Tenerife South climate averages give useful context for choosing the season.
2. Madeira: a scenic February escape, not a tropical beach holiday
Madeira is the alternative for people who would rather see mountains, dramatic cliffs, gardens and ocean views than spend a week on a sunlounger. The island has a mild winter climate, but its topography creates sharp differences between sheltered coastal areas and exposed high ground.
Where to stay: Funchal is a practical base without a hire car, with restaurants, gardens, museums and organised excursions. Travellers planning more independent walks may prefer somewhere with straightforward access to their chosen routes, but should check transport before booking.
What to do: explore Funchal, take in viewpoints, visit coastal towns and consider a levada walk matched to your fitness and comfort with heights. Rain, strong winds and fog can cause trail closures. Check the official current trail status, access requirements and safety notices rather than relying on an old itinerary.
Think twice if: you want reliably dry hiking weather every day or a classic sandy beach holiday. Leave space for weather-swapped plans and pack a waterproof layer.
Best for: walkers, nature lovers, couples and travellers who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace.
The Madeira tourism board's climate guide explains why conditions can vary so much across the island.
3. Venice: Carnival atmosphere and a memorable city break
Venice is not a sunshine recommendation. February is cool, sometimes damp and often misty. That can be part of the appeal: quieter canals outside major event days, cosy restaurants and a different mood from the crowded summer city.
Why timing matters: the official Venice Carnival is scheduled for 23 January to 9 February 2027. If masks, costumes and Carnival events are the reason for travelling, book for the actual event period; do not assume the celebration runs throughout February. The event programme and individual ticket requirements should be checked closer to departure.
Where to stay: staying within Venice's historic centre makes early mornings and evenings easier, but compare the total accommodation cost against Mestre on the mainland. Mestre can be cheaper on some dates, while commuting reduces time in the city.
What to do: explore neighbourhoods beyond the main square, visit churches and museums, cross smaller bridges, and choose one or two major attractions to book rather than trying to see everything in a weekend. Comfortable shoes and warm layers are essential.
Think twice if: you dislike crowds and are travelling for peak Carnival dates; if quieter Venice is the goal, look at dates after the celebration ends. Check any current visitor-entry rules when planning.
Best for: couples, photographers, art lovers and travellers who want a distinctive short break.
4. Seville: an excellent February city break without summer heat
Seville is a particularly good choice if you want to walk, eat well and spend most of the day sightseeing. AEMET's Sevilla Airport records a typical February daily high of around 18°C. Nights are much cooler, and some rain is normal, so think light jacket rather than swimwear.
How to spend your time: allow time for the Real Alcázar, the cathedral and Giralda area, the lanes of Santa Cruz, Plaza de España and riverside walks around Triana. Book popular attractions through their official channels, particularly if your dates overlap a busy weekend.
Where to stay: the historic centre works for first-time visitors who want to walk between sights; Triana is appealing for restaurants and local atmosphere, depending on the exact location and your preferred walking distance.
Think twice if: you want a beach holiday. Seville is inland. Its advantage in February is comfortable sightseeing rather than swimming or resort-style warmth.
Best for: food, architecture, culture and three- or four-night city breaks.
See the official Seville climate normals for the difference between daytime warmth and evening temperatures.
5. Austrian Alps: choose February if the holiday is about snow
February is an important part of the Alpine skiing season, making Austria an attractive alternative to escaping winter. But skiing quality depends on altitude, recent snowfall, lift operations and the weather. A resort being open does not guarantee every run will be in excellent condition.
How to choose: families and first-time skiers should prioritise suitable beginner areas, lessons, transfer logistics and accommodation near the ski-school meeting point. More experienced skiers might value the extent of linked pistes and higher-altitude terrain. Check the latest snow report and piste map for the exact resort.
Where to consider: SkiWelt offers a broad choice of villages and pistes, while higher-altitude areas such as Obergurgl-Hochgurgl or Obertauern may appeal to travellers prioritising snow conditions. None is a universal best; compare the terrain, atmosphere and journey from the airport.
Budget properly: add ski passes, lessons, equipment hire, appropriate clothing, transfers and insurance with winter-sports cover. A low advertised hotel price does not necessarily mean a cheap ski holiday. February school-break weeks can also affect availability and prices.
Best for: families, groups and couples who genuinely want winter sports or an Alpine winter atmosphere.
For resort selection, see our beginner-friendly ski resort guide, ski holiday costs and snow-sure resorts. The Austrian tourism board's snow-reliability guide explains the importance of altitude and local conditions.
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Find holidays by date6. Dubai: warmer February weather and plenty to do outdoors
Dubai is the warmest-weather choice in this selection for travellers who want daytime outdoor activities, modern hotels and a broad range of family attractions. Visit Dubai's official weather guide describes February as having an average temperature around 22°C. That does not mean 22°C all day, nor does it guarantee sunshine on every date.
Where to stay: Jumeirah and nearby beachfront hotels may suit a resort-focused holiday; Downtown Dubai is convenient for some major city sights; Dubai Marina and JBR appeal to travellers wanting restaurants and coastal walks. Compare transport and beach access rather than judging hotels by their star rating alone.
What to do: make use of the milder season for outdoor dining, coastal activities, neighbourhood exploration and planned attractions. Before booking a family holiday, check pool heating, room occupancy, meal arrangements and the cost of activities not included in the package.
Think twice if: your budget is tight, you want a short European-style weekend break, or you assume the sea will always feel warm. Dubai is a longer journey from the UK than the nearby European options, and your spending can rise quickly if every attraction is separately ticketed.
Best for: families and couples looking for a warmer February trip with plenty of facilities and activities.
Check UK government entry guidance for the UAE before you travel.
Which February holiday should you choose?
For the simplest winter-sun resort week: start with southern Tenerife. For landscape and active days: choose Madeira. For a romantic or unusual weekend: Venice, particularly if your dates fit Carnival. For relaxed sightseeing: Seville. For a proper snow holiday: an Austrian ski resort matched to your ability. For warmer outdoor conditions and extensive family facilities: Dubai.
If none feels quite right, Gran Canaria is another Canary Islands option to compare for winter sun, Marrakech can make a rewarding culture-led city break, and Cyprus is a possibility for milder sightseeing. None should be presented as a guaranteed beach-weather destination in February; choose according to your actual plans.
How February half-term changes the decision
UK February half-term dates are not uniform. For 2027, many English schools have a break in the week beginning 15 February, while schools in Wales and elsewhere may have different dates. Individual academies can also set their own calendars. Check your child's school directly before paying for a trip.
Where school holidays overlap, popular family resorts and ski destinations may be busier and more expensive, although the actual price difference depends on the operator, departure airport and availability. If you can travel outside those dates, compare both weeks rather than assuming a particular destination is inherently cheap or expensive.
Families should look beyond the headline price: confirm baggage allowance, airport transfers, child occupancy rules, heated pools where needed, and whether any childcare or ski-school places must be booked separately. For skiing, equipment and lessons can make a substantial difference to the final cost.
How to compare February holiday prices sensibly
Start with the dates and airport that actually work for you. Then compare the total trip cost, not just the lowest advertised figure: baggage, transfers, local transport, meals, activities and resort expenses all matter. A cheaper flight from a distant airport may not be better value after parking or a hotel the night before.
For a short break, look carefully at flight times. Arriving late and leaving early can turn a nominal three-night holiday into less than two usable days. For a full week, room location, facilities and weather suitability may matter more than saving a small amount on the booking.
February is also a good month to consider two different kinds of value. A mild sightseeing city can give you full days outdoors without paying for peak summer travel; a winter-sun package can deliver easy relaxation but may not be warm enough for all-day swimming. Decide what would make the holiday successful before comparing prices.
February holiday FAQs
Where is warm in February for a holiday from the UK?
Dubai usually offers warmer weather than the European destinations in this guide. Southern Tenerife is a practical option for milder resort weather on a shorter journey. Madeira, Seville and Venice are very different propositions and should not be chosen for guaranteed heat.
Is Tenerife hot enough for a beach holiday in February?
It can be pleasant for sunbathing on suitable days, especially in sheltered southern resorts, but it is not reliably hot summer weather. Cooler evenings, wind and sea temperatures matter. If swimming is a priority, look for a hotel with a heated pool.
Is February a good month for Venice?
Yes, if you enjoy an atmospheric winter city and are happy to wrap up. Carnival can make it exceptional, but check the dates: in 2027 it ends on 9 February. The event period may be busy and accommodation can cost more.
Is February good for skiing in Austria?
February is firmly within the winter ski season at many Austrian resorts. Still, snow cover and individual slope conditions vary. Choose according to altitude, experience level, official snow reports and ski-school availability.
Should I book a February holiday around half-term?
If you must travel during school holidays, book according to your school's exact dates and compare several departure airports where practical. If you are flexible, compare the weeks on either side as well. Do not assume which one is cheaper without checking actual offers.
Can I get reliable sunshine in February?
No destination can guarantee it. Long-term climate averages help with planning, but they cannot predict the weather on your specific travel dates. Choose a destination where you would still enjoy the trip if a day is cloudy or wet.
More travel guides to help you plan
For a different month, see where to go in January, or browse the Holidays by Month hub. If February is about snow, explore our complete skiing guides, including what to pack and how to choose a resort. For group-trip inspiration, visit Girls' Trips.
Before booking, confirm official travel advice, passport requirements, accommodation details and any events that matter to your plans. February weather and availability vary, and advertised package prices can change.
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