Best Family Holidays for February Half-term
By February, the new year feels well underway and the school routine is back in full swing. But that doesn’t mean you can’t break it up with a family holiday that cuts through the grey skies and puts some sparkle back into the calendar. From a dose of long-haul sunshine in the Maldives to snowy adventures in France, February offers the best of both worlds: winter escapes for ski fans and warm-weather getaways for those chasing the sun. With half-term falling this month, you’ll want to plan smart, but outside those peak weeks you can still find quieter corners, brilliant weather and plenty to keep all ages entertained. Whether it’s the wild landscapes of New Zealand, desert glamour in the UAE, or winter sun in the Canary Islands, here are the top family destinations to brighten up February, plus hotel recommendations for each
Words by Lucy Halfhead
Published: 3rd June 2026 | Last updated: 10th September 2026
A bite sized guide to: Where to go in February half term on a family holiday
The Canaries: temperatures between 20-22 degrees
South Africa: temperatures between 25-32 degrees
St Lucia: temperatures between 29-30 degrees
France: temperatures between -1-13 degrees
Morocco: temperatures between 7-20 degrees
Sri Lanka: temperatures between 24-30 degrees
Dubai: temperatures between 21-26 degrees
Thailand: temperatures between 20-30 degrees
Abu Dhabi: temperatures between 17-26 degrees
New Zealand: temperatures between 20-30 degrees
Maldives: temperatures between 20–30 degrees
Your most asked February family holiday questions, answered
Is February a good time to travel with kids?
February is made for snowy adventures and family ski trips, when the mountains are at their most magical and winter fun is guaranteed. Whether you’re keen skiers or total beginners, the Alps deliver those picture-perfect, snow-globe holidays – and if skiing isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to love with brilliant childcare and indulgent spas that keep everyone entertained. Craving a boost of vitamin D instead? For an easy European escape, the Canaries are your best bet, or head to Morocco for warmth, colour and a real change of pace. And if you’re happy to look further afield, February half term is when the world truly opens up – think beach-hopping in Thailand, unforgettable safari adventures in South Africa, or soaking up the sunshine of Dubai, three firm Tiny Travel Agency favourites
Which is the best hotel for children by age?
Best hotels for babies and toddlers in February: GF Victoria, Melozhori, Club Med La Rosiere,
Best hotels for kids in February: The Ritz-Carlton Abama, Oasis Lodges, JA Palm Tree Court
Best hotels for teens in February: Coot Club, Windjammer Landing Resort and Residences, Wild Coast Tented Lodge
How am I best to book my holiday?
We’ve designed Tiny Travelship to make booking your family holiday as simple, transparent, and stress-free as possible. If a hotel is an official Tiny Travelship partner, you’ll be directed to their dedicated listing page in our digital directory, where you’ll find detailed information on everything from flight & transfer times to room layouts, and monthly temperature guides. On these pages, we also provide honest advice on the best way to book. This might be via Tiny Travel Agency, in the instance they price match what you would pay by going direct (whilst seamlessly planning your escape end to end, for free, and even unlocking extra perks!). Or, you might get the best rates by booking with the hotel themselves (though sometimes Tiny Travel Agency can still step in and help, if you’re eager to forgo any holiday headaches). If a hotel isn’t an official partner, we’ll either link you through to booking.com to complete your booking – meaning we make a small commission – or flag that we’d recommend booking via Tiny Travel Agency (again, so you can access great rates & added benefits, whilst receiving complimentary support and insider intel). Either way, rest assured, every hotel we feature has been tried, tested, and genuinely loved by fellow well-travelled parents
More family holiday recommendations
When it comes to short-haul winter sun, the Canaries are a classic for a reason. February brings mellow warmth and manageable temperatures around 20-22°C, plus skies that stay reliably blue. Tenerife is the family crowd-pleaser with its sandy beaches, whale-watching trips and the splash-happy Siam Park waterpark, while Lanzarote’s volcanic terrain is made for little explorers with big imaginations. Quieter islands like La Gomera and La Palma promise wild beauty and walking trails shaded by palms. Add in short flights, smooth transfers and a laid-back pace, and you’ve got one of the easiest escapes for families, especially those with younger children
February weather: between 20-22 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in The Canaries, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
£
Barceló Tenerife, Tenerife
Kora Nivaria Beach, Tenerife
La Casa de los Naranjos, Lanzarote
Roca Nivaria Gran Hotel, Tenerife
South Africa
February is midsummer in South Africa, which means warm, dry days and endless opportunities for family adventures. Cape Town shines with variety at this time of year – kids can whizz up Table Mountain in the cable car, meet penguins at Boulders Beach or wander the V&A Waterfront’s cafes and craft markets. Venture along the Garden Route for beaches, forests and wildlife reserves that feel worlds away from city life, while safari fans can head north to malaria-free parks like Madikwe or Shamwari, where even younger tots can join the animal spotting. Add superb food, reasonable prices and sunshine that lasts all day, and South Africa becomes an easy yes for this time of year
February weather: between 25-32 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in South Africa, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
St Lucia
For Caribbean sunshine with a family-friendly vibe, St Lucia is a standout choice. This is the Caribbean at its most cinematic: emerald mountains, tropical canopies and beaches lapped by calm turquoise seas. February offers glorious dry-season weather (think 26-29°C), making it perfect for sandy days and water sports. The island’s lush interior means you can alternate days by the pool with rainforest walks, zip-lining through the jungle, snorkelling off the coast or even climbing the famous Pitons (better for teens than toddlers!). Resorts here are known for friendly service and excellent kids’ clubs, but there are also smaller boutique stays if you’d prefer a more relaxed vibe. With direct flights and plenty of all-inclusive options, St Lucia is an easy yet dazzling pick
February weather: between 29-30 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in St Lucia, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
France
February is ski season in France, and the Alps are in full swing for snow lovers. Resorts such as Les Gets, La Plagne and Avoriaz are especially family-friendly, with English-speaking ski schools, gentle nursery slopes and plenty to do beyond the pistes, like tobogganing, thermal spas and indoor waterparks. Not a skier? French mountain towns still offer a wonderful winter break. Settle into a mountain chalet, ride a horse-drawn sleigh through frosty forests and indulge in fondue by the fire. And for something different, Paris and Lyon offer quieter streets and crisp, clear days for cultural exploring
February weather: between -1-13 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in France, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is magical in February: the west and south coasts are in their dry season, which means golden beaches, calm seas and sunshine galore. But it’s the country’s diversity that makes it so irresistible for families, including tuk-tuk rides through villages, elephant spotting in Udawalawe National Park and exploring ancient fortresses or colourful temples. The train journey through the tea plantations is an unforgettable experience, while whale-watching off Mirissa is always a hit with older kids. Distances are manageable, the pace is relaxed and the smiles are endless – few places welcome tiny travellers quite so warmly
February weather: between 24-30 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Sri Lanka, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Morocco
Just a few hours from the UK yet a world away, Morocco dazzles with its colours and contrasts. February days hover around 20°C – ideal for exploring Marrakech’s labyrinthine souks, serene gardens and spice-scented squares. Adventurous families can head into the Atlas Mountains for mule treks and kasbah stays or spend nights under a sky full of stars in the Agafay Desert. On the coast, Essaouira’s breezy ramparts and surfable waves invite a slower pace, with plenty of fresh seafood to enjoy. It’s a sensory feast but never overwhelming
February weather: between 7-20 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Morocco, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Dubai
A perennial winter-sun winner, Dubai hits that sweet spot between adventure and relaxation. February temperatures hover around 24°C which is perfect for beach mornings, desert safaris and waterpark afternoons. Families can hop between Legoland, the aquarium, dune-bashing and dinner under the stars. Everything runs like clockwork, from transfers to kids’ clubs, and there’s no shortage of restaurants where picky eaters and foodies can both be happy. The city’s blend of luxury hotels, international food and fun activities for every age makes it a reliable choice for families wanting winter sun without stress
February weather: between 21-26 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Dubai, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Thailand
February is one of the best months to visit Thailand, we’re talking dry season with blue skies and warm seas (around 28-30°C). Bangkok buzzes with boat rides, temples and street food adventures, while up north, Chiang Mai’s jungles and elephant sanctuaries are ideal for curious kids. Down south, the islands beckon with calm seas and soft-sand beaches – check out Phuket and Krabi for lively resorts, or Koh Samui for a more laid-back mood. Resorts often cater brilliantly to children, with kids’ clubs, family pools and cooking classes, while jungle treks and snorkelling keep even the most energetic members of your crew busy
February weather: between 20-30 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Thailand, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Abu Dhabi
Just next door to Dubai but with a calmer vibe, Abu Dhabi is another brilliant February pick. The weather is glorious (mid-20s°C), and there’s plenty to do beyond the beach: Ferrari World for thrill-seekers, cultural gems like the Louvre Abu Dhabi, mangrove kayaking for outdoorsy families and desert adventures just outside the city. Many resorts here sit right on the sand and have vast grounds, making them ideal for younger families looking for space to unwind
February weather: between 17-26 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Abu Dhabi, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
New Zealand
For families who can handle the long-haul flight, New Zealand is unbeatable in February; it’s late summer in the Southern Hemisphere, meaning long, warm days perfect for road trips. Outdoorsy families will love it here: hiking, kayaking, glowworm caves, geothermal pools and wildlife-spotting are just the start. North Island offers beaches, Maori culture and volcanic landscapes, while South Island turns up the drama with fjords, glaciers and adrenaline activities for adventurous teens. With excellent family lodges, easy self-drive routes and a welcoming atmosphere, New Zealand is a destination that inspires wide-eyed wonder in all ages
February weather: between 20-30 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in New Zeland, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
£
*Coming soon*
Maldives
For the ultimate barefoot luxury family holiday, the Maldives is hard to beat. February is peak season, with perfect dry weather (around 28-30°C) and calm seas ideal for finding tropical fish. Families can hop on speedboats or seaplanes to island resorts where kids’ clubs, shallow lagoons and water sports keep everyone happy. Many resorts now cater specifically to families with larger villas, kids’ menus and activities like coral planting or dolphin cruises. Yes, it’s a splurge, but for a once-in-a-lifetime February escape, the Maldives delivers on paradise
February weather: between 20-30 degrees
Stay
To see all of our visited & verified recommendations in Maldives, take a look at our Tiny Travelmap
Themes: Where to go when by month, with kids, The Family Friendly European Edit, The Family Friendly Winter Sun Edit, The Family Friendly Adventure Edit, The Family Friendly UK Edit, The Family Friendly Ski Edit
You might also be interested in:The best family-friendly long-haul hotels, The best family friendly hotels for kids who don’t like Kids Clubs, The best family friendly winter sun all inclusive hotels, The best hotels in Europe to keep the kids entertained