Where to Go in February
The best family holiday destinations for February half-term
February half-term is prime escape time for UK families. After the dreary start to the year, everyone craves sunshine, adventure or snow. Here are the best destinations for February, considering weather, flight times, and family-friendliness.
Winter Sun Destinations
Guaranteed warmth within reach of the UK:
Canary Islands (4 hours)
The closest guaranteed sunshine. Expect 20-22C and minimal rain.
- Tenerife - Best for activities. Siam Park, Loro Parque, whale watching. South is sunnier.
- Lanzarote - Volcanic landscapes, quieter beaches, Timanfaya National Park.
- Gran Canaria - Mix of beaches and mountains, good value, Maspalomas dunes.
- Fuerteventura - Best beaches, great for older kids who want watersports.
Best for Young Kids
Tenerife South (Los Cristianos, Costa Adeje) has the best infrastructure for families with small children.
Caribbean & Long Haul (8-10 hours)
If budget allows, February is perfect for the Caribbean - dry season with 27-30C temperatures.
- Barbados - British-friendly, calm west coast beaches, excellent for families
- Antigua - 365 beaches, relaxed vibe, good all-inclusive options
- Dominican Republic - Best value Caribbean, massive resorts, Punta Cana or Puerto Plata
- Mexico (Riviera Maya) - Incredible value, Mayan ruins, cenotes, wildlife parks
Middle East & Indian Ocean (6-8 hours)
- Dubai - Perfect weather (25C), water parks, desert safaris, over-the-top everything
- Abu Dhabi - Quieter than Dubai, Yas Island theme parks, Louvre museum
- Maldives - Ultimate luxury, limited kid activities but stunning beaches
- Mauritius - Good mix of beaches and activities, family resorts available
Money-Saving Tip
Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer free child places at many hotels in February. Check before booking.
Ski Destinations
February is peak ski season with good snow and improving daylight. Half-term is busy but conditions are reliable.
- France (Alps) - Les Gets, Morzine, La Plagne have excellent family facilities and ski schools
- Austria - Often better value than France. Mayrhofen, Soll, Alpbach suit families.
- Italy (Dolomites) - Beautiful scenery, great food, quieter slopes. Try Val Gardena.
- Andorra - Budget-friendly, smaller but perfectly adequate for families
Warning
Book ski holidays for half-term by October - popular family resorts sell out months ahead.
City Breaks
Shorter trips that still offer a change of scenery:
- Marrakech - Warm (20C), exotic, souks and snake charmers captivate kids (3.5 hours)
- Rome - Quieter than summer, mild weather (12-15C), no queues at attractions
- Barcelona - Mild (15C), beach walks, Gaudi, excellent food scene
- Lisbon - Hills and trams, pasteis de nata, aquarium, mild but can be rainy
Generate a packing list for your February destination.
Build My Packing ListWeather Comparison
Average February temperatures and conditions:
- Canary Islands - 21C, 7 hours sun, occasional showers
- Dubai - 25C, 9 hours sun, virtually no rain
- Caribbean - 28C, 8-9 hours sun, brief showers possible
- Morocco - 20C (coast), 7 hours sun, can be cool evenings
- Southern Spain - 16C, unpredictable, too cool for beach
- Alps - -5C to 5C, best snow conditions
Budget Guide
Approximate costs for a family of four, 7 nights (flights, accommodation, some meals):
- Canary Islands - 2000-3500 GBP
- Caribbean - 4000-8000 GBP (all-inclusive recommended)
- Dubai - 3000-6000 GBP
- Skiing (France) - 3000-5000 GBP (including lessons, lift passes)
- City breaks - 1000-2000 GBP
Tip
February half-term dates vary by council. Some areas break a week earlier - check dates and book the quieter week if possible.
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