The best spring half-term destinations
The early part of the year is an awkward time to travel. But, hot or not, there are still brilliant places to visit for a holiday in February. Here are our top destinations for the spring half-term.
In this article:
Long-haul sunshine: Dominican Republic | Barbados
Ski: Bansko, Bulgaria | Les Arcs, France
Calling a holiday in February (the middle of winter) the ‘spring’ half-term feels weird. But beyond a simple terminology issue, this specific school holiday is a tricky time to travel: it’s chilly in Europe, expensive in the Alps, and most Med resorts are still closed.
But there are options. From short-haul sunshine in the Canaries to long-haul Caribbean escapes, plus snowy adventures and cheaper ski destinations, here are the best destinations for families this February.
Best for short-haul sunshine
If you’re after winter sun without the long flight, these destinations deliver the warmest February weather within five hours of the UK.
Budget option - Tenerife
Tenerife is the most popular of the Canary Islands for good reason: year-round sunshine, family-friendly resorts and a mix of beaches and attractions. In February, the island averages 20-22°C, warm enough for pool days and light jackets in the evenings. Resorts in the south like Costa Adeje, Los Cristianos and Playa de las Américas stay lively, and Tenerife offers more variety than its neighbours, from waterparks to volcano hikes.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 20–22°C
Sunshine hours: 6–7
Rainy days: 4–5
Sea temperature: around 19°C
Why choose Tenerife in February?
Families can enjoy a proper winter sun break without a long flight, just four and a half hours from the UK. Loro Parque zoo and Siam Park waterpark are big draws for children, while Mount Teide National Park offers easy day trips with stunning views. Prices are competitive compared with mid-haul sunshine, with all-inclusive packages starting under £1,900 for a family of three. With dependable weather, plenty to do and value for money, Tenerife is the safest short-haul bet for half-term.
More expensive - Madeira
The Portuguese island isn’t a beach holiday in February, but it is one of the most scenic and mild options within a short flight. Average highs of 18–19°C mean warm walking weather, and the island’s dramatic cliffs, levada walks and whale-watching trips make it perfect for active families.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 18–19°C
Sunshine hours: 5–6
Rainy days: 9–10
Sea temperature: around 18°C
Why choose Madeira in February?
Madeira offers a calmer, more grown-up alternative to the Canaries, while still being family-friendly. Children will love spotting dolphins and whales, exploring botanical gardens and taking the cable car in Funchal. Heated pools are common in hotels, so beach weather isn’t essential. Flights are around four hours and prices are higher than Tenerife, but families looking for nature, space and sunshine will find it worth the premium. All-inclusive packages start from around £2,000 for a family of three.
Best for mid-haul sunshine
For guaranteed warmth at reasonable prices, Egypt and Dubai are top mid-haul choices between five and seven hours from the UK.
Budget option - Hurghada
Hurghada, Egypt, is one of the best-value winter sun options within five-and-a-half hours of the UK. February averages 22–23°C, with clear skies and warm seas, ideal for swimming. The town is packed with large all-inclusive resorts designed for families, and often cheaper than the Canary Islands.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 22–23°C
Sunshine hours: 9–10
Rainy days: 0–1
Sea temperature: around 22°C
Why choose Hurghada in February?
The Red Sea coast offers beaches, snorkelling trips and glass-bottom boat rides, while day trips to Luxor or the desert add variety. Resorts often have waterparks, kids’ clubs and family rooms. All-inclusive packages can start under £1,600 for a family of three. With guaranteed sunshine and excellent value, Egypt is a standout mid-haul choice.
More expensive - Dubai
Dubai in February offers warm but not overwhelming weather (around 25–27°C), making it perfect for theme parks, beaches and desert excursions. Families can combine relaxation with big-ticket attractions, from Atlantis waterpark to indoor ski slopes.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 25–27°C
Sunshine hours: 8–9
Rainy days: 2–3
Sea temperature: around 23°C
Why choose Dubai in February?
Dubai is designed with families in mind: almost every hotel has kids’ facilities, and the choice of activities is vast. Beyond beaches, there’s Dubai Aquarium, IMG Worlds of Adventure and evening desert safaris. Costs are much higher than Egypt’s, with all-inclusive packages for a family of three typically £2,600–£2,800, but the sheer variety makes Dubai one of the most reliable half-term destinations.
Best for long-haul sunshine
Families wanting a proper escape from winter will find the Caribbean in peak season during February, with two very different options depending on budget.
Budget option - Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic is one of the most affordable ways to enjoy the Caribbean in the peak dry season. February offers perfect beach weather, with highs around 28°C, and the island is dotted with large resorts that cater specifically to families.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 27–28°C
Sunshine hours: 8–9
Rainy days: 5–6
Sea temperature: around 26°C
Why choose the Dominican Republic in February?
Families can spend days on white-sand beaches, go snorkelling in calm lagoons or take excursions to waterfalls and eco-parks. All-inclusive packages are much cheaper than neighbouring islands, but it’s still the Caribbean, so you’ll pay a lot more than destinations closer to home. A family of three can expect to pay around £3,200 for a seven-night all-inclusive holiday including flights.
More expensive - Barbados
Barbados is at its best in February: dry, sunny and warm, with plenty of choice for families. Resorts line the calm west coast, while the island’s culture and wildlife offer plenty to explore.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: 28–29°C
Sunshine hours: 9
Rainy days: 4–5
Sea temperature: around 27°C
Why choose Barbados in February?
Families can split time between beaches and activities like Harrison’s Cave, wildlife reserves and glass-bottom boats. The island is more expensive than the Dominican Republic, with all-inclusive packages from around £4,700 for seven nights for a family of three. But service, safety and scenery are excellent. For a classic Caribbean escape, Barbados delivers.
Best for adventure & nature
For something different, these two destinations offer once-in-a-lifetime landscapes and outdoor fun that children will remember for years.
Budget option - Iceland
Iceland in February offers a unique mix of Northern Lights hunting, snow-covered landscapes and hot springs. The cold is manageable with the right gear, and with daylight stretches to 7–8 hours by mid-month, sightseeing is perfectly possible.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: –1 to 4°C
Sunshine hours: 1-2 (but 7-8 hours of daylight)
Rainy/snowy days: 12–14
Sea temperature: 5°C (need we say… this is not a beach destination)
Why choose Iceland in February?
Families can see geysers, frozen waterfalls and black sand beaches, all within easy reach of Reykjavík. The Blue Lagoon and smaller local hot pools are perfect for children, and short domestic flights or tours make even remote sights accessible. With flights from under £200 per person and short breaks from £1,200 for a family of three, Iceland is a surprisingly affordable adventure break.
More expensive - Finnish Lapland
Lapland in February is peak season, with snow almost guaranteed and long days perfect for outdoor activities. Families come for the fairy-tale landscapes and the mix of husky rides, reindeer safaris and ski schools.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: –10 to –4°C
Sunshine hours: 4–5
Snowfall days: 15–18
Northern Lights chance: high on clear nights
Why choose Lapland in February?
It’s one of the most magical family destinations, combining adventure with a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Resorts like Levi and Rovaniemi cater to families with cabins, ski schools and excursions. As a holiday destination, Lapland isn’t cheap (expect to spend £3,500+ for a family of three for a week), but it’s a true once-in-a-lifetime experience. But come prepared with all the right equipment. We went to Lapland in February, and many kids hated it because their parents hadn’t planned for the weather, and they were freezing.
Best for skiing
February is peak ski season, so snow reliability is high. Families can choose between budget-friendly Bulgaria or world-class French Alps resorts.
Budget option - Bansko, Bulgaria
Bansko offers one of the cheapest ways to ski in Europe, with February conditions at their best. The resort has a compact ski area, perfect for beginners and intermediates, and ski schools are well geared to children.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: –2 to 6°C
Snow depth: 50–120cm
Sunshine hours: 5–6
Snowy days: 8–10
Why choose Bansko in February?
Lift passes, ski hire, and lessons are far cheaper than in the Alps, making it accessible for first-time family skiers. The town is lively but not overwhelming, with a good mix of restaurants and family-friendly hotels — week-long packages for a family of three start from around £1,400, including flights and accommodation.
More expensive - Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs is one of the largest ski areas in France, linked to La Plagne as part of the Paradiski domain. February offers excellent snow, buzzing resorts and plenty of terrain for all levels.
February weather averages:
Daytime temperatures: –7 to –1°C (higher slopes colder)
Snow depth: 150–250cm
Sunshine hours: 5–6
Snowy days: 10–12
Why choose Les Arcs in February?
Families benefit from a massive ski area with reliable snow and excellent ski schools. Off the slopes, there are toboggan runs, indoor pools and family-friendly après activities. Costs are high (upwards of £3,500 for a family of three, including flights and passes), but the combination of world-class skiing and facilities is unbeatable.
Whether you’re after sunshine close to home, a bucket-list Caribbean escape, snowy adventures or time on the slopes, February half-term has more family-friendly options than you might think. From budget breaks in Tenerife or Hurghada to splurges in Lapland or the French Alps, there’s a destination to suit every style and budget. With schools on holiday and peak winter weather, planning is key. But pick the right spot and February can turn into one of the most memorable times of the year to travel as a family.
Whether you’re after sunshine close to home, a bucket-list Caribbean escape, snowy adventures or time on the slopes, February half-term has more family-friendly options than you might think. From budget breaks in Tenerife or Hurghada to splurges in Lapland or the French Alps, there’s a destination to suit every style and budget. With schools on holiday and peak winter weather, planning ahead is key — but pick the right spot and February can turn into one of the most memorable times of the year to travel as a family.
Interested in the topic? Check out our:
Spring half-term FAQs
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Spring half-term usually falls in February, though the exact week varies depending on where you live. In England, it’s typically the third week of February; in Scotland, there are often shorter mid-term breaks around the second or third week; and in Wales, the holiday usually lands in the fourth week of February. Always check with your school or local council, as dates can differ slightly.
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It can be. While February isn’t the easiest month for guaranteed sunshine in Europe, there are still good options if you’re flexible. Some families prefer to embrace the season with ski trips or snowy adventures, while others head further afield for warmth. The trick is to be realistic about the weather and pick destinations that work well for families at this time of year.
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The most popular ski resorts and sunshine spots can be busy, especially with families travelling at the same time. That said, many destinations are quieter than in summer, and some, like Iceland or Lapland, are actually at their best in winter.
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Yes - like all school holidays, demand pushes prices up. February half-term is generally less expensive than the long summer holidays, but more costly than travelling in January or early March. Booking early and considering less obvious destinations can make a big difference.
