Where's hot in February?

Average maximum temperature in February: 18°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 7 hrs

Tenerife, the largest of the Canary Islands, is hugely popular with Brits. Why? Perhaps because of its dreamy beaches that range from golden sands in the south and darker volcanic stretches further north to naturally-formed volcanic pools. Or maybe it’s the outdoor adventures on offer in otherworldly Teide National Park. Evenings spent savouring fresh seafood, salty papas arrugadas and local volcanic wine help too.

But one of the most appealing parts of a holiday to Tenerife is its year-round mild climate where sunshine is practically guaranteed and rain is a rarity.

In Tenerife in February, you can enjoy beachside strolls and hikes in its national park basking in seven hours of sunshine with daily maximum temperatures of 18°C. If heat is your priority, look at resorts in the south where the average temperature in February is likely to be a degree or two higher with less chance of cloud cover.

Average maximum temperature in February: 20°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 7 hrs

There’s beaches and then there’s the beautiful stretches of sand in Fuerteventura, which are considered some of the best in Europe. Combine these with whitewashed mountaintop villages, family-friendly waterparks, stargazing and sundowners, plus a short flight time from the UK, and it’s clear why Fuerteventura is a top pick for warm February getaways.

Fuerteventura is one of the warmest Canary Islands in February with average maximum temperatures of 20°C compared to 18°C in Tenerife and 16°C on La Palma. While you may need an extra layer for evening strolls and the sea is at its coldest for the year at 18°C, it’s the perfect weather for outdoor adventures such as hiking or windsurfing.

February holidays in Fuerteventura are ideal for families with younger children or anyone who struggles with the intense heat of the summer months. And there’s seven hours of sunshine compared to a paltry two in London.

Average maximum temperature in February: 16°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 6 hrs

A holiday to fun-filled Benidorm is always a good idea as there are packages for all budgets, from slick all-inclusives and hotels with photogenic pools, to cheap and cheerful self-catering apartments. Wherever you’re based in this seaside resort, you’ll want to spend some time on its golden sands, strolling around its old town and taking in the panoramic views from the Balcón del Mediterráneo lookout.

While Benidorm is one of the hottest places in the Mediterranean in February, with average maximum temperatures of 16°C – more than double the temperature of London – it’s worth bearing in mind that it’s warm rather than sweltering like the summer months and sea temperatures at 14°C are for the brave only. But February can still be a lively, action-packed time to visit with its carnival taking place at the beginning of the month in 2027.

Average maximum temperature in February: 16°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 6 hrs

If you love the Canary Islands but have ticked off the big four – Tenerife, Lanzarote, Gran Canaria and Fuerteventura – it’s time to discover your new favourite: La Palma. Nicknamed “La Isla Bonita” (the pretty island), the entire island is a Unesco-listed Biosphere Reserve thanks to its wide range of habitats stretching from the coast to the mountain peaks.

With temperatures in the mid-teens in February, it’s the ideal weather to explore its forests, volcanic landscapes, black-sand beaches and natural pools. It’s also a lovely time to see the pink flowering almond trees on the island and to explore its capital’s colourful houses and 17th-century castle with panoramic views.

While you may experience some rainfall (February sees rain on an average of six days), it’s much less likely than at home (London sees an average of 12 days with rain in February).

Average maximum temperature in February: 33°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 9 hrs

Krabi’s dry season runs from November to March, but the Thai province tends to be at its busiest in December and January. So, February is an ideal month to visit to lap up temperatures in the early 30°Cs, the lowest rainfall of the year and prices that are falling compared to the previous months. And, to top it off, the sea will be a heavenly 29°C.

A highlight on a holiday to Krabi will be visiting its picture-perfect islands which include Koh Phi Phi and the quieter Koh Lanta where you’ll find white-sand bays, calm waters and excellent snorkelling and diving conditions. But you’ll fall in love with the whole province thanks to its soaring limestone cliffs, hot springs, mangrove forests and picture-perfect sunsets.

Average maximum temperature in February: 29°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 8 hrs

Weather-wise, February is one of the best months to visit Montego Bay in Jamaica. Average maximum daytime temperatures are 29°C, there are just six days with some rain and you can lap up eight hours of sunshine throughout the day. Need another reason? The sea is a lovely and warm 27°C – bliss.

And there’s plenty to keep you entertained in Jamaica’s second city if you can drag yourself off its pearly-white sands. During the day, there are world-class golf courses to improve your swing on while in the evening the restaurants, bars and shops on its Hip Strip are the place to be. Its underwater world is as alluring as its beaches, too, with colourful coral reefs and technicolour tropical fish. A good place to snorkel is Doctor’s Cave Beach.

Average maximum temperature in February: 28°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 7 hrs

If you’re toying with booking a holiday to Cancun in February, you’re probably wondering what the weather is like. While the average high in London in February is 7°C, it’s a toasty 28°C in Cancun. Rain-wise, you can expect 12 days with some rain in London in February and just five in Cancun. And, perhaps the most compelling weather stat: while London sees only two hours of sunshine in February, you’ll be able to bask in seven in Cancun.

The obvious thing to do in such beautiful weather is to hit one of Cancun’s wide blonde beaches, dipping in the Caribbean Sea to cool down. But you can also visit Tulum’s cliffside Maya ruins, swim in the azure waters of a cenote (a limestone sinkhole the ancient Maya thought were entrances to the underworld) or take a ferry to the 8km-long (five miles) Isla Mujeres to swim, snorkel or birdwatch.

Average maximum temperature in February: 31°C

Average hours of sunshine in February: 10 hrs

There are few destinations that epitomise a tropical beach break like the Maldives with their powdery-soft sands, swaying palm trees and luxury resorts. And February is a great time to visit as it’s dry season in the Indian Ocean islands, with maximum daytime temperatures reaching 31°C, ten hours of daily sunshine and the sea temperature a dreamy 28°C.

To make the most of this special setting, with its twinkling turquoise waters, you could explore by kayak, book a boat trip or admire the underwater world while snorkeling or diving – spotting turtles, manta rays, reef sharks and more. Sound too energetic? The Maldives is known as a place to go for a wellness retreat so book yourself in for a spa treatment and switch off.