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Where is hot in February?
Whether you’re in search of an affordable escape from the last cold snap of the British winter, or looking for far-flung wall-to-wall sunshine, we have the perfect suggestions for a getaway in February.
Andalucia is already warming up and the ancient port city of Cadiz is gearing up for carnival: over a week of colourful street celebrations.
Or flee the chill with a far-flung adventure in the Philippines. On the island of Palawan you’ll find glass-like lagoons and hidden beaches backed by dense rainforest.
We’ve even included suggestions for romantic Valentine’s getaways, plus top destinations for chasing the northern lights in 2026.
Where to go on holiday in February
- Palermo, Italy, 13°C
- Dalaman, Turkey, 15°C
- Cádiz, Spain, 17°C
- Nice, France, 11°C
- Northumberland National Park, UK, 6°C
- Tromsø, Norway, -2°C l
- New Orleans, USA, 18°C
- Palawan, the Philippines, 31°C
Where is hot — and cheap — in February?
Dalaman, Turkey
February high: 15°C
Summer temperatures that soar to over X in Turkish hotspots like Dalaman rob you of the opportunity to explore, with a temptation instead to flop onto the beach and call it a day.
Visiting in February offers mild climes and with it the chance to hike the national parks, take boat trips, relax in hot springs and visit the area’s ancient ruins without sweltering heat or stressful crowds. We found plenty of return flights from just £51pp for a week’s stay.
Because it’s off-season, you’ll be spoilt for choice with cheaper hotel stays too. Just pack a jacket — it might get chillier at night, and the odd rain shower is possible.
Planning a holiday to Turkey? Book a package holiday with a Which? Recommended Provider like Trailfinders, Destination2, Kuoni and Jet2 Holidays.
Cádiz, Spain
February high: 17°C
The Spanish cities of Valencia and Seville are always well-rated in our surveys, but Cádiz - a sunny 17°C in February - may have fallen under your radar. With return flights available for as low as £42 in February (arriving at Seville airport), it’s time to get acquainted with this dreamy spot in Andalucia.
The port city is almost entirely surrounded by water, with narrow, cobblestone streets of its old town winding to Playa de La Caleta, a golden cove flanked by two ancient fortresses and backed by a mock-Moorish boathouse.
The 19th-century Mercado Central de Abastos, Spain’s oldest covered market, is the best lunch spot - try the sushi, artfully prepared with the fresh catch of the day. A boat trip across the Bay of Cádiz to the pine-fringed beaches of El Puerto de Santa Maria - part of the sherry triangle - is also not to be missed. Order the local ‘fino’, a much lighter and drier alternative to the sweet tipple we’re more accustomed to.
Time your Cádiz visit to coincide with the carnival street parties (from 11-22 February in 2026); an 11-day riot of fancy dress, fireworks and colourful parades.
Book a package holiday in Cádiz with a Which? Recommended Provider like Trailfinders, Destination2, Kuoni and Jet2 Holidays.
Palermo, Italy
February high: 13°C
The Sicilian capital of Palermo is certainly warmer than the UK in February, and offers five hours of sunshine compared to the UK’s two.
February is also festival and carnival season in the city, with the 500-year-old Acireale Carnival, the Sant’Agata patron saint celebrations, and a full calendar of parades and special exhibitions throughout the month.
You can even wrap up warm and make an excursion to the famous Mount Etna (a two-hour drive from the city). And if you’re lucky, you might also find snow in Piano Battaglia, Sicily’s only official ski resort.
Otherwise, stay local and revel in the shorter queues and lower admission fees for world-famous museums, galleries and historical sites. Don’t skip the commencement of opera season at Teatro Massimo, one of the largest theatres in Europe, which is known to invite esteemed musicians and singers to perform during February’s opening concerts. Though book ahead, as tickets are known to sell out fast.
We found return flights as low as £73 for a week in February, or £139 if you’d like to be there during Valentine’s weekend.
Book a citybreak in Sicily with Which? Recommended Providers Trailfinders, Jet2 Holidays and Saga
Nice, France
February high: 11°C
This elegant resort city on the French Riviera, at the foot of the Alps, is mobbed during the summer months - so why not make the most of the peace and quiet and low rates during winter, with return flights from London available for as low as £51?
Blessed with 300 days of sunshine a year, Nice enjoys pleasant highs of 11°C in February.
Take a stroll along the palm-lined Promenade des Anglais (named after the 18th century English aristocrats who paid for its construction) for uninterrupted views of the bay. The area isn’t just a magnet for chilly expats, but artists too.
Appreciate the best of them at the Musée Matisse and the Musée National Marc Chagall - a mile apart in the leafy Cimiez district. But Nice’s old town, Vieux Nice, is its showpiece - a warren of narrow, shaded streets crammed with pastel-hued buildings, baroque churches and market stalls.
If you’re looking for a party atmosphere, Nice’s carnival celebrations are the biggest in France (from 11 February in 2026) - featuring spectacular parades and flower battles; around 100,000 mimosas, lilies, daisies, carnations and roses are thrown to spectators.
| Nice | 85% |
Find a Nice holiday with Which? Recommended Provider Jet2Holidays or Hays Travel.
Where to see the Northern Lights in February
Tromsø, Norway
February high: -2°C
The Arctic capital, 350km north of the Arctic Circle, is beautiful anytime of year - surrounded by unspoilt fjords and wild mountain scenery. But in February it’s one of the best places in Europe to see the Northern Lights.
There are tours, husky rides and cruises to maximise your chances - but you may simply catch aurora dancing overhead as you sip a schnapps in a rooftop bar.
Take a pew at the Arctic Cathedral to enjoy a concert of folk and classical tunes; its modern triangular design is inspired by ice and snow. Sami week is also held in February: a celebration of the indigenous population. It brings with it a traditional Arctic market, lasso throwing and reindeer racing.
A ride up to the Storsteinen mountain ledge on the Fjellheisen cable car (or a 1,200 step climb) will also reward you with panoramic views over Tromso and its snowy surrounds. Just remember to pack your thermals; temperatures are sub zero this time of year, often plummeting to -10°C at night.
Find a Tromsø holiday with Which? Recommended Provider Inntravel or Sunvil.
Northumberland National Park, UK
February high: 6°C
For those who prefer to stargaze on home turf, Northumberland is one of the best places to see the Northern lightsdue to its numerous stargazing centres, such as those at Kielder Observatory and at Twice Brewed, with an additional option at Battlesteads.
Northumberland is also home to some of the UK’s best walks and top-rated seaside towns, according to Which? members. So while you’re in the area, you could try an easy hike along the top-rated Craster to Dunstanburgh castle path, or enjoy a bracing coastal walk followed by freshly caught and fried fish and chips. Just make sure to check the weather forecast, and opt for decent walking boots and a warm waterproof jacket.
Planning a trip to Northumberland? Book your stay with a reputable cottage holiday provider.
Long-haul destinations to visit in February
New Orleans
February high: 18°C
The Big Easy is a long-haul city break like no other. Unmissable sites include Preservation Hall, which hosts a revolving band of the city’s most talented musicians, and Frenchmen street; a series of live music venues which thrum with jazz, Cajun and brass-band funk - attracting locals and in-the-know tourists alike.
But music spills from practically every street corner of New Orleans, and no time more so than February - Mardi Gras season.
Nearly 70 parades cavort through the streets in the 12-day lead up to ‘Fat Tuesday’ (17 February this year); float riders traditionally wear elaborate masks - historically this allowed them to mingle with people from every class without risking their reputation. February is also one of the most temperate times to visit, with highs of 18°C.
Find a New Orleans holiday with Which? Recommended Provider Audley Travel, Trailfinders or Hays Travel.
Palawan, the Philippines
February high: 31°C
Dense rainforest, virgin beaches and jewel-toned sea that looks like it’s been photoshopped - simply put, Palawan is a paradise. And February is the driest time to visit, the mercury soaring to a balmy 31°C. The vertiginous limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons of El Nido and Coron are a must see; charter a boat between the two and you could just find yourself standing alone, Robinson Crusoe-like on a pristine sandbar.
The underground river of Puerto Princesa, hidden in one of the world’s most impressive cave systems - is an area of spectacular natural beauty and one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
If Palawan’s five-star private resorts aren’t for you, the small fishing village of Port Barton is an idyllic spot to kick back and relax. For a classic Filipino dining experience, join a Boodle Fight: a shared feast laid out on banana leaves and eaten with bare hands. Waste no time swooping on the choicest coconut shrimp or you could miss out.
Find a holiday to the Philippines with Which? Recommended Provider Kuoni, Trailfinders or Audley Travel.
Where in Europe is it hot in February?
Canary Islands, Spain - 19°C
Algarve, Portugal - 16°C
Benidorm, Spain - 16°C
Costa del Sol, Spain - 16°C
Ayia Napa, Cyprus - 16°C
Ibiza, Spain - 15°C
Valletta, Malta - 15°C
Balearic Islands, Spain - 14°C
Barcelona, Spain - 14°C
Crete, Greece - 14°C
Dalaman and Marmaris - 14°C
Majorca, Spain - 13°C
Sardinia, Italy - 13°C
Data shared from Weather2Travel.
What country is hot for February holidays?
According to the met office, you should consider the below destinations if you’re planning a long haul trip in pursuit of sunshine.
Phuket, Thailand - 33 °C
Cancun, Mexico - 32 °C
Singapore - 31 °C
Barbados - 29 °C
Dominican Republic - 29 °C
Cape Town, South Africa - 27 °C
Melbourne, Australia - 26 °C
Auckland, New Zealand (24 °C)
Orlando, USA (23 °C)
