February is an excellent month to visit the Caribbean. It’s peak season in terms of weather, with consistently hot sunny days, average highs around 29ºC, low humidity and some of the lowest rainfall figures of the year. On the rare occasions it does rain, you can expect a short sharp afternoon shower quickly followed by more sunshine. The sea will be deliciously warm, around 26ºC.
The hottest islands tend to be in the south of the Caribbean, including Barbados, St Lucia, Antigua Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada. The more northerly islands such as Cuba, the Cayman Islands and the Turks & Caicos Islands are only a couple of degrees cooler. You’ll still need high-factor sunblock wherever you are in the Caribbean.
Many islands can be reached by direct flight from the UK in around nine hours flying time. With a time difference of five hours, most flights depart the UK in the morning, arriving in the afternoon and flying overnight on the return leg. Airfares usually increase during the school half-term week, when some hotels are busier.
St Lucia
Average maximum temperature in February: 28ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 8
Flying time from UK: 8 hours 45 minutes
Monthly rainfall: 85 mm
Arguably the prettiest of the large Caribbean islands, St Lucia offers a lush backdrop of tropical forest, volcanic peaks and sheltered beaches. Those trees don’t thrive without a little rainfall, and St Lucia is a little wetter than most other islands, but in February you’ll barely notice. There’s plenty to keep you busy on this friendly island, from zip-wiring and mountain biking to the world’s only drive-in volcano. Don’t miss the Friday night “jump up” at Gros Islet, a huge street party with live music and food stalls from sunset. Find the best hotels in St Lucia.
Barbados
Average maximum temperature in February: 29ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 9
Flying time from UK: 8 hours 30 minutes
Monthly rainfall: 40 mm
If you’re looking for sophistication and glamour, head to the west coast of Barbados which is also known as the “Platinum Coast”. It has the best of the luxury hotels and golf courses, and restaurants where you’ll need to book several days in advance. However, you don’t need to travel far to find the real Barbados of lazy villages, rum shacks and cricket matches on the beach, and the east coast is totally different – more windswept, starkly beautiful and near deserted. Head to the capital, Bridgetown, for some authentic local nightlife. See the best hotels and villas in Barbados.
Antigua
Average maximum temperature in February: 28ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 8
Flying time from UK: 8 hours 40 minutes
Monthly rainfall: 35 mm
The tourist board has long claimed that Antigua has 365 beaches, one for every day of the year. Whether conveniently true or not, you won’t be disappointed by this friendly laid-back island. It’s easy to explore by car whether you want to tick off some of those beaches or visit the historic English Harbour, a kind-of tropical Greenwich packed with history and lively bars and restaurants. Our favourite hotels include Carlisle Bay and Curtain Bluff, totally different but both outstanding. The luxury all-inclusive Sandals Resort is squarely aimed at couples.
Jamaica
Average maximum temperature in February: 29ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 8
Flying time from UK: 9 hours 10 minutes
Monthly rainfall: 65 mm
All the cliches about Jamaica are true – it’s a fun friendly island with gorgeous beaches, rum, reggae and fabulous weather. But there’s a lot more to the island, with its mountains, rainforest, waterfalls and stunning birdlife and tropical gardens. Jamaica is the home turf of Sandals which has four luxury all-inclusive resorts on the island including the Caribbean’s first over-water suites. But you’ll also find a lot of small exclusive hotels and quirky boho-chic retreats. i-escape has the best selection.
Cuba
Average maximum temperature in February: 27ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 7
Flying time from UK: 9 hours
Monthly rainfall: 35 mm
You can’t hope to do Cuba justice in a short holiday but you can quickly get a flavour of this vibrant and endlessly fascinating island. Rather than head straight to the beach, spend at least a few days in the historic capital Havana and, if you can, visit the charming colonial city of Trinidad. Aside from sunbathing, there are endless activities on offer, from horse riding to scuba diving, zip-lining to caving. Make some time for a few mohitos and a night at a salsa club. See a full guide to the best holidays to Cuba.
Cayman Islands
Average maximum temperature in February: 29ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 8
Flying time from UK: 12 hours (via Nassau, Bahamas)
Monthly rainfall: 45 mm
The Cayman Islands offer the greatest variety of catalogued dive sites in the world. Whether you are a beginner or an expert (Jacques Cousteau put the islands in his premier half dozen), you’ll be able to experience both reef and wreck diving. The islands also has some excellent hotels and the beaches are pretty good too. With a reputation for safety and security, this is a great destination for the risk averse.
Anguilla
Average maximum temperature in February: 29ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 8
Flying time from UK: 18 hours (via Miami or St Martin)
Monthly rainfall: 40 mm
The tiny coral island of Anguilla has some of the best beaches anywhere in the world – white, soft, powdery and very often near deserted. It is home to some of the Caribbean’s finest hotels including Malliouhana and Cap Juluca and the beach restaurants are outstanding. It’s not easy to reach, with no direct flights from the UK, but that’s part of its charm: the extra effort means that it caters to a smaller more discerning crowd.
Dominican Republic
Average maximum temperature in February: 28ºC
Hours of daily sunshine: 8
Flying time from UK: 9 hours 5 minutes
Monthly rainfall: 52 mm
Dom Rep has a well deserved reputation for cheap Caribbean sun and February is a perfect time of year to visit. February is whale watching season, when you can sea humpback whales on an excursion booked in Punta Cana, Samaná, Santo Domingo or Bayahibe. Carnival is celebrated throughout the whole month of February with colourful parades held in most cities, culminating in the celebration of Dominican Independence Day on 27 February with parades and a large military display in Santo Domingo.
Last updated: 12 April 2022
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