EVEN if you enjoy crisp mornings and a bit of snow, it’s hard not to daydream about a sunny break during the British winter.
You could be looking for a half term getaway with the family or simply trying to escape the UK at its chilliest.
Whatever your motivation, the desire to shed your winter coat is understandable.
There is a great variety of destinations ranging from long to short-haul which offer a chance to catch some February rays, whether that be in the sizzling tropics or the mild Mediterranean.
We’ve rounded some of these up, along with great deals that will get you there, so that you can chase the sun all year round.
Agadir, Morocco
Average high temperature: 21C
Just under four hours from the UK lie the golden sands of Agadir’s crescent-shaped beach.
The six mile stretch of coast is a hotspot for surfing – but it’s also popular with holidaymakers who simply want to kick back and enjoy the sunshine, which the city gets 300 days of per year.
And Agadir boasts more than just a beach, with a bustling souk and stunning 16th century ruins adding to the reasons it was named a top travel destination by British Airways in 2025.
The Sun’s Deputy Travel Editor Kara Godfrey visited and said: “You can easily sunbathe on the beach with highs of 21C in February, and I was easily able to walk around in a t-shirt during the day. Just make sure to bring a jumper for the evening as it can drop to 10C by night.”
Plus, this Moroccan gem is incredibly easy to reach from the UK as most major European airlines offer direct flights from London, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow.
Orlando, Florida
Average high temperature: 24C
Florida benefits from a powerful Atlantic Ocean current which causes warmer water to be brought in from the tropics, which means it’s warm year-round.
With temperatures reaching highs of 24C in February, a tan is definitely on the cards.
It might still be worth packing a brolly, as chances of rain do increase in February with the average total rainfall being 77mm across the month.
That being said, Orlando is home to some of the world’s best theme parks, and February might be one of the best times to visit as you won’t be queueing under the scorching summer sun.
Gran Canaria, Spain
Average high temperature: 21C
Winters in the Canary Islands are balmy, with temperatures regularly surpassing the 20C mark.
Gran Canaria sees little to no rainfall during the whole month of February, making it a safe bet if you want to enjoy outdoor activities like hiking or boat tours for dolphin-watching.
The island boasts over 80 beaches with both white and volcanic black sand, so visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to sunbathing spots.
One of these is Playa de Maspalomas, which was recently named the sunniest beach in Europe due to getting over 10 hours of daily sunshine, even during the winter months.
Cape Verde
Average high temperature: 25C
As an archipelago off the coast of West Africa, Cape Verde is surprisingly close to the UK in terms of flight-time.
The six hours it takes to travel from Blighty – and the added benefit of no jet lag – makes it a convenient, mid-haul destination for sunseekers.
Strong breezes keep the warm temperatures comfortable while also making the islands ideal for activities like windsurfing and kiteboarding.
“I visited Cape Verde in February, when the sunshine is guaranteed and there is less than a millimetre of rainfall in a month,” said Jacob Lewis. “I was also lucky enough to be around for Carnival, the nation’s biggest annual celebration.”
Of its 10 islands, head to Boa Vista for pristine white-sand beaches, Sal for watersports and Santo Antão for breathtaking landscapes.
Malta
Average high temperature: 16C
If you prefer milder weather, Malta is a fantastic option for a winter trip.
Even with an average high of 16C, it can reach up to 20C on the warmest days.
You’ll get to enjoy impressive amounts of sunshine while you explore its ancient citadels and lesser-known islands – all without the crowds that arrive during the hottest months.
February is also the cheapest time to visit, with direct return flights from the UK available for as little as £33 per person.
Cape Town, South Africa
Average high temperature: 27C
February is Cape Town’s hottest month of the year, and allows you to swap the extremes of UK winter for South African summer.
It is also one of the driest months, unlike in tropical destinations where you’d run the risk of a shower.
There are many events happening in February, with the Cape Town Art Fair and the Pride Festival both taking place.
To make it even better, February marks the end of the peak holiday season, so you can make the most of significantly cheaper accommodation and flights.
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Average high temperature: 26C
There’s a reason that February is the high season in Dubai.
The days are pleasantly warm without reaching the sweltering temperatures of a UAE summer, meaning you can better enjoy daytime outings such as tours, water parks or even a desert safari.
The Sun’s Daniel Tison holidayed in the city in February, saying: “The weather was hot, especially around noon which made the cold sea water very refreshing.”
With its opulent skyscrapers and luxurious resorts, Dubai during this month offers the best of its desert climate.
The Gambia
Average high temperature: 32C
The hottest place on our list is the unsung nation dubbed ‘the smiling coast of Africa’ – The Gambia.
It has a small Atlantic coastline where soaking up the sun is best done in February, as the month falls within the dry season and guarantees endless sunshine.
Besides beaches, The Gambia’s diverse natural environment includes savannahs and wetlands, making it a prime destination for nature lovers.
What’s more, it’s a highly accessible country for British travellers, with English as the official language, direct TUI flights and no time difference at all.
Valencia, Spain
Average high temperature: 16C
Just over a two-hour flight from the UK is Valencia, with its mild climes that make February feel more like spring than winter.
Caroline McGuire – The Sun’s Digital Head of Travel – said: “I travelled to Valencia in February half term and the weather was lovely and warm.
“There’s plenty to see and do for kids and it’s a beautiful city with a gorgeous beach. It wasn’t roasting, but definitely t-shirt and shorts weather – and it beat the 5C back in the UK for sure.”
At this time of year flights can be bagged for just £28 return per person, with budget airlines including easyJet, Ryanair and Vueling all offering direct routes.
If you’re after a city break rather than a beach escape, Valencia’s striking architecture, vibrant atmosphere and exciting food scene make it an excellent choice for some winter warmth.