Hotels
Where is hot in February? 8 half-term destinations and where to stay
February brings the half-term holidays, and plenty of us want the sun. These are the places where it is hot in February, from Tenerife and Cape Verde to Zanzibar, Vietnam and Thailand.
In February the days start to stretch at home, but spring still feels a long way off. This is when half-term arrives and many of us dream of swapping coats for sandals. Happily, February is one of the best months in many warm destinations, with the dry season at its peak in Asia and East Africa.
We have gathered eight places where it is hot in February, from the nearby Canaries and Cape Verde to the Red Sea, Zanzibar and South-East Asia. In each we have chosen one hotel we would happily check into.
The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. You choose your own dates and room on the hotel page.
How to choose a February sun destination
If you are travelling over half-term, book early, as flights and hotels get pricier once the school holidays begin. For a short flight, the Canaries and Cape Verde are best. With more time, February is one of the finest months in South-East Asia and Zanzibar.
Short haul: Tenerife and Cape Verde
The Red Sea: Egypt and Jordan
East Africa: Zanzibar
Asia: Hoi An, Koh Samui and Goa
Close to home: Tenerife and Cape Verde
The Villas at Bahia del Duque
The pool and palms in the evening light.
Tenerife: The Villas at Bahia del Duque
Tenerife is as sunny in February as it is before Christmas, and the carnival in Santa Cruz is one of the biggest in the world, with parades and music in the streets.
The Villas at Bahia del Duque are in Adeje, a few minutes from Fañabé beach. Each villa has its own pool, and breakfast is included. A great choice for families or friends who want privacy.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Villas at Bahia del Duque
VOI Praia de Chaves
A long white beach on Boa Vista.
Cape Verde: VOI Praia de Chaves, Boa Vista
Boa Vista is the quietest of Cape Verde’s main islands, with dunes, long beaches and reliable winter sun.
VOI Praia de Chaves is an all-inclusive resort on Praia da Chave, one of the island’s longest beaches. Breakfast is included, and the sand is right below.
Book your stay: See rooms at VOI Praia de Chaves
The Red Sea: Egypt and Jordan
The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh
White villas running down to the Red Sea.
Egypt: The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh
The Red Sea has warm winter days, clear water and some of the world’s best coral reefs. Sahl Hasheesh lies south of Hurghada, quieter and more exclusive than the big resort towns.
The Oberoi has three restaurants and sits right by the sea, so you can snorkel in the morning and dine outdoors in the evening.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Oberoi
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba
The terrace facing the Red Sea as the sun goes down.
Jordan: Kempinski Hotel Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city, with warm winter days and excellent diving. From here it is a short trip to the desert of Wadi Rum and on to Petra.
Kempinski Hotel Aqaba is on the Red Sea, a few minutes from the ruins of the Islamic city of Ayla. There are three restaurants, and guests praise the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Kempinski Hotel Aqaba
East Africa: Zanzibar
Zanzibar: Zuri Zanzibar
In Zanzibar February is dry and hot, and the north coast around Kendwa has beaches where you can swim whatever the tide. Read more in our article on a new beach hotel on Zanzibar.
Zuri Zanzibar is on Kendwa beach, with three restaurants and lush gardens running down to the sea. Every room has a balcony or terrace.
Book your stay: See rooms at Zuri Zanzibar
Asia: Vietnam, Thailand and India
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
The pool and palms leading down to Ha My beach.
Hoi An: Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
In central Vietnam the dry season begins in February, and Hoi An is at its prettiest, with lanterns in the old town and calm days on the beach. Read about the food of Hoi An too.
The Nam Hai is on Ha My beach, a short drive from the old town. There are three outdoor pools, and guests praise the helpful staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Nam Hai
Six Senses Samui
A private pool above the sea in the north-east of Koh Samui.
Koh Samui: Six Senses Samui
On Koh Samui February is one of the driest and sunniest months. The island has both lively beaches and quiet bays.
Six Senses Samui sits on a headland in the north-east of the island, by Samrong beach. There are two outdoor pools, and many villas have their own pool with sea views.
Book your stay: See rooms at Six Senses Samui
Taj Exotica, Goa
Beach and green lawns in the south of Goa.
Goa: Taj Exotica Resort & Spa
Goa’s dry season runs from November to March, with warm days and long beaches. South Goa is quieter than the north, with fishing villages and palms along the coast.
Taj Exotica is on Benaulim beach, with three restaurants and large gardens leading down to the sea. Guests are particularly happy with the staff.
Book your stay: See rooms at Taj Exotica
When should you book a February half-term holiday?
Half-term is one of the busiest times for winter sun, and both flights and hotels rise in price. Book before Christmas if you can. If you travel the week before or after half-term, you will often find better prices.
Book early for the February half-term
Check visas and entry rules for destinations outside Europe
Choose a hotel with a kids’ club or larger rooms if travelling with children
See also our guides to where is hot in January and winter sun destinations in Europe.
Frequently asked questions about where is hot in February
Where is hot in February in Europe?
The Canary Islands are the warmest part of Europe in February, with sunshine and mild weather. Tenerife and Gran Canaria are the most popular islands. Madeira is mild too. Just beyond Europe, Cape Verde offers more reliable warmth.
Where is hot for February half-term?
The Canaries, Cape Verde, Egypt and Thailand are among the most popular half-term destinations. The Red Sea gives you warm days with a small time difference, while Thailand and Vietnam have their dry season and tropical heat.
Where is hot in February with a short flight?
The Canary Islands are around four hours from the UK and the easiest choice. Cape Verde and Egypt take a little longer but are warmer. All three have little or no time difference.
Where is tropical in February?
Thailand, Vietnam, Zanzibar and Goa are tropical and dry in February. Koh Samui and Hoi An are especially lovely now that the rains are over. Zanzibar has warm seas and little rain.
When should you book a half-term holiday?
Book in the autumn or before Christmas if you can. Half-term is peak season for winter sun, and the most popular hotels fill up. Travelling the week before or after is often cheaper.