Where to go for a beach holiday in February – the warmest destinations by distance and budget

Where to head in February for warmth without a long flight

Southern Europe and the Atlantic islands already have spring-like weather in February. It's too cool for swimming all day, but the conditions are ideal for walks, hikes and sunbathing on a terrace. The flight takes roughly three and a half to five and a half hours, and tickets to these destinations are among the cheapest on the whole list. For more tips on the winter months, see our article where to go for a beach holiday in winter.

Tenerife and whale watching

In February Tenerife offers daytime temperatures of 21 to 23 °C and a sea around 19 °C. You can sunbathe on the south of the island almost every day, while the lush green north is perfect for spectacular trips. The island's volcano Teide is Spain's highest mountain, and a cable car takes you up to just below its summit (the summit itself requires a permit). Boats leave the south coast to watch whales and dolphins, which live here all year round. Flights to Tenerife can be found from roughly CZK 4,000.

Gran Canaria and its sand dunes

Gran Canaria is usually a degree warmer still than Tenerife in February, with 22 to 24 °C during the day. Its biggest draw is the dunes at Maspalomas, which look like a little desert right by the ocean. The interior has mountain villages and hikes with views all the way to Tenerife. Flights start at around CZK 3,500.

Many low-cost airlines fly to the Canary Islands. Before buying a ticket, check the allowed cabin baggage dimensions with your airline so you don't pay an unnecessary surcharge.

Madeira and its lava pools

In February Madeira sits at 19 to 21 °C, with a steady climate and no big swings. The sea is around 18 °C, so hardy swimmers can take a dip in the natural lava pools on the north of the island, which are sheltered from the waves. Everyone else heads out on walks along the levadas, the old irrigation channels in the mountains. Flights start at roughly CZK 5,000.

Cyprus: skiing and the sea

In Cyprus, February temperatures are 17 to 19 °C and the sea is around 16 °C. For most people that's too cold for swimming, but the island has another surprise. In the Troodos mountains you can ski in February, while on the coast the almond trees are in blossom. In Paphos you can explore the UNESCO-listed archaeological park with its ancient mosaics. Flights start at roughly CZK 4,000.

Where to go on holiday in February for exotic warmth

If you want guaranteed summer warmth, you need to head beyond Europe. The following destinations have February temperatures above 25 °C and usually a dry season, though most of them involve a longer flight. Before you travel, check the visa requirements of the destination country and the recommended vaccinations. Many exotic destinations require an electronic visa to be arranged in advance.

The United Arab Emirates and Oman

In the United Arab Emirates February days reach 25 to 27 °C, and the sea is around 23 °C. The destination has luxury hotels, desert trips and afternoons on the beach. Neighbouring Oman has similar temperatures and a sea around 24 °C, but with much quieter beaches. You'll find canyons with pools, desert camps and coastline without the crowds.

Zanzibar, by far the warmest choice

At 32 to 34 °C, Zanzibar is the warmest destination on this list. The sea is around 30 °C, a temperature you only get elsewhere in summer. February falls in the short dry period before the rains, which makes it ideal for swimming and for trips to Stone Town.

The Maldives and Mauritius

In the Maldives February brings 30 to 32 °C, a sea around 28 °C and a dry season with clear water for snorkelling. Mauritius is similarly hot, but February falls in its rainy season. Showers tend to be short, though you should still expect the occasional tropical storm.

Thailand in peak season

In Thailand, February is peak season, with no rain. On the Andaman Sea coast temperatures climb above 30 °C and the sea is around 28 °C. For the tropics, pack light clothing and sun protection. Our general holiday packing list can help with the rest.

Where it's warm enough to swim in February, and the warmest seas

A warm day doesn't automatically mean a warm sea. If swimming is your main goal, watch the water temperature above all.

Sri Lanka and Vietnam

On the south-west coast of Sri Lanka it's dry in February, with 29 to 31 °C during the day and a sea of 27 to 28 °C. Swimming here pairs nicely with an excursion to the tea plantations. In southern Vietnam, for example on Phu Quoc island, February brings daytime temperatures of 30 to 31 °C and a sea of 27 to 28 °C. Flights to both countries start at roughly CZK 15,000 to 16,000.

Egypt and Cape Verde

• Egypt is the most affordable exotic option for swimming. In Hurghada and Marsa Alam daytime temperatures reach 22 to 25 °C and the sea is 21 to 22 °C, but evenings are chilly. Flights come to roughly CZK 6,000.
• Cape Verde: temperatures of 24 to 26 °C, a sea around 22 °C and steady wind for kitesurfing. Flights start at roughly CZK 12,000.
• The warmest seas in February, however, are found in Zanzibar at 30 °C, and in the Maldives and Mauritius, where the water is around 28 °C in both.

And if you're planning a trip a month earlier, don't miss our article where to go for a beach holiday in January.

Where to fly in February by budget

The price of a ticket can vary fivefold or more between Europe and the exotic destinations. A rough breakdown by budget looks like this:

If the sea isn't your priority and you'd rather explore, head to European cities in February. Barcelona, Rome, Athens and Istanbul offer more pleasant weather than Prague, and tickets to them are among the cheapest on the whole list. Venice's carnival also peaks in February. For more inspiration, see our overview where to go on holiday.

A February beach holiday: 3 tips before you book

A February holiday works a little differently from the peak season. Keep these points in mind when you plan:

1. Book in advance. In the Czech Republic, February and early March are spring-break season, and the breaks rotate by district week by week. Families with children therefore book flights and hotels as early as the autumn.
2. Check the sea temperature. On the Canaries and in Cyprus it's pleasant for sunbathing in February, but the water is cold unless you're a hardy swimmer. If you want a comfortable swim, head for the tropics.
3. Take advantage of lower prices. Outside the main summer season, hotels and flights offer better value, especially if you're not travelling during spring break. Put the money you save into travel insurance with medical cover, because treatment costs in exotic destinations can easily run into the hundreds of thousands of Czech crowns.

Think about the airport trip the same way you think about the ticket. Book your parking spot right after buying the flight, because airport lots fill up fast during spring break. We explain the benefits of airport parking with a transfer in a separate article. Before you leave, go through the holiday packing list too.

Where to go in February based on what you expect from a holiday

For certain warmth, head for Zanzibar, the Maldives or Thailand. A warm sea for swimming also awaits you in Sri Lanka and Vietnam. On a smaller budget, go for Egypt and Cape Verde. If you want a short flight and spring-like weather is enough, choose the Canary Islands, Madeira or Cyprus.

And if February doesn't work out in the end, you can always find inspiration for a later date in our article where to go on holiday in April.