The Best Family Destinations for February Half-Term Winter Sun

The Great British winter can seem to drag on endlessly for months and months, and while we may get the odd nice snow shower, months spent in dreary and cold weather aren’t much fun for families.

When your kids want nothing more than to go out and play but your life feels like a constant struggle with muddy boots and wet clothes; dreaming of jetting off to find some sun may be even more appealing.

When you are looking for family get always, you are usually restricted to week when the children are off school. After Christmas, the next half-term falls in February, and although the weather in Britain is still particularly miserable at that time of the year, there is plenty of winter sun to be found if you look further abroad.

Dubai

If you want guaranteed sun and plenty of it, then a half-term break to Dubai this February may be right up your street. With average temperatures of around 27 degrees and at least 9 hours of sunshine a day, Dubai offers families the perfect escape from the cold and damp of Britain at that time of the year. For men, there are some great golf courses, which gives you time to work on your swing flexibility.  There are a plethora of family-friendly hotels across Dubai which offer visitors wonderful food and experiences which the kids will remember for years. For younger children, plenty of Dubai’s hotels offer kids clubs and activities to keep them on their toes and for older children, there are water parks, theme parks and plenty of shopping malls throughout the area.

Dubai is a 6-hour flight away, so this trip may be better for slightly older children unless you can get overnight fights that the kids can sleep through. However, if you’d prefer a more authentic Arabian adventure, Oman has a very similar climate to Dubai in February but has a much less commercialised culture.

Tenerife

If you would prefer a shorter fight for your family escape to the sun, then Tenerife offers some lovely winter sun during February. The island is arguably the best place in Europe if you’re after warm temperatures during half term and there is plenty to do for all ages. Families with younger children will find an array of hotels with inclusive clubs and activities aimed at keeping kids entertained and happy while teenagers will find plenty of enjoyment with sports and leisure activities taking place all over Tenerife and its beaches.

The weather in Tenerife in February (See weather forecast here) is much warmer and brighter than you will find at home with plenty of sunny days and while the temperature will not be blistering, you will find it more than comfortable to be outside which is more than can be said for a cold, wet February in England.

Cyprus

Cyprus enjoys a great climate in February and makes for a scenic and interesting destination for a family half term break. Although February is actually the coldest month in Cyprus, average temperatures usually sit around 17 degrees during the day which is much warmer than the temperatures you will be treated to in Britain during half term.

While it will be warm enough to enjoy relaxing on the beach during the day, you will need to pack some warmer clothes for the evening, when temperatures will usually drop to around 8 degrees.

Cyprus is a very family orientated island and so makes for the perfect half term destination. Hotels in the area pride themselves on their customer service experience with an emphasis on great food and family entertainment. The historic parts of the island make for excellent day trips and the glorious beaches offer fun and frolics even in February.

France

France has so much to offer families during half term that you may struggle to decide which part to visit. Paris is an obvious tourist hot spot, with the added attraction of Disneyland for the kids. However, the weather in the north of France is very similar to that of Britain so if it is winter sun you are in search of then you are better heading further south. The further south you travel, the more rustic you will find the land, you can even stay in a restored, 19th century windmill. The South of France has some tremendous beaches which offer plenty of space for young ones to play and also some great waves for older kids who want to take part in some water sports. The sea may still be a little chilly in February however so best pack those wetsuits. There are plenty of hotels in France however if you are travelling as a large group or looking for a break for the entire extended family, why not hire a chateau or gite in the mid-South so to give you all plenty of room to reconnect and enjoy yourselves at your own pace.

While the temperatures might not be anywhere near warm, another place to grab some winter sun in France is on the ski slopes. February is the pinnacle of the ski season in France with clear skies and plenty of sun making ideal conditions on the slopes. There are plenty of ski resorts in France such as Val Thorens, many of which cater for families looking for an adrenaline-filled half term break. This won’t be the perfect break for families with very small children, but older kids and teenagers are bound to get a kick out of learning to ski during half term. While it may not be the kind of tanning experience you had in mind, the winter sun on the slopes is sure to give you a one of a kind half-term family holiday.

Chasing the winter sun

Nothing breaks up the dull monotony of the British winter quite like a breakaway in the sunshine. Naturally, the further you go from Britain, the better the weather gets, but there is plenty of winter sun to be found closer to home too. Do your research and pack accordingly and you are sure to enjoy your February family holiday no matter where you end up.

*This is a collaborative post.