Where to go for winter sun: four sea breaks in February
Compare a stay in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in February. They offer different ways to spend a week: a beach base on the Red Sea, walks through a large city, or museums combined with time on the waterfront.
Travel month
Average temperatures in the cities on this page, °C
Contents
Compare the weather by city
| City | Daytime | At night | Sea | Wet days | Rainfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hurghada | 22 °C | 16 °C | 22 °C | 0.4 | 1.6 mm | 11.2 h |
| Sharm el Sheikh | 25 °C | 14 °C | 22 °C | 0.9 | 3.8 mm | 11.2 h |
| Dubai | 27 °C | 17 °C | 22 °C | 1.2 | 6.9 mm | 11.3 h |
| Abu Dhabi | 25 °C | 18 °C | 21 °C | 0.9 | 4.3 mm | 11.3 h |
Air: average daily highs and lows for 2015–2024. Wet day: at least 1 mm of precipitation. Sea: a monthly coastal reference.
If swimming comes first
In February, the water averages around 22°C in Hurghada, Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai, and around 21°C in Abu Dhabi. Combine short sea swims with walks and time in a pool. For snorkelling, choose a wetsuit to suit the length of your time in the water.
Beach base or city break?
Choose Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh if you want to spend much of the holiday by the sea. Start with the beach and access to the water, then consider the district and excursions. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, list the city activities you want to do: nearby accommodation cuts travel time, while the beach can have a day of its own.
Three days or a week?
For three days, choose one base and two main routes. In Dubai these could be the Creek and a modern waterfront; in Abu Dhabi, the Corniche and Saadiyat’s cultural district. For a week on the Red Sea, leave days free of excursions between city walks and boat trips. This pace suits a stay focused on relaxing by the water.
Choosing winter accommodation
For a beach holiday, consider the walk from your room to the shore, entry to the water and somewhere to relax after swimming. A heated pool is useful if you find the sea cool. For a city break, convenient transport and cafés near your accommodation matter more. Bring an extra warm layer for evenings.
Detailed city guides
Hurghada in February
Days in Hurghada gradually get longer in February. At about 22 °C, you can combine the beach with walks by the marina and separate boat trips.
Sharm el Sheikh in February
Sharm el Sheikh reaches about 25 °C by day in February. Longer daylight makes it easier to set aside one day for a bay and another for a natural park.
Dubai in February
In February, build the trip around open-air districts: walk historic streets, spend time by the water and save evenings for restaurants or the promenade. Average daytime temperatures rise as the month goes on, and nights gradually become milder. Bring a light outer layer and group plans by district to avoid losing time to travel.
Abu Dhabi in February
February suits a trip that combines the promenade, a museum and a short break by the sea. Evenings are cooler in the first half of the month, while average temperatures rise towards the end. Plan separate visits to each district; for the Grand Mosque, bring modest clothing and allow time for the journey.
Common questions
Is the sea warmer in Egypt or the UAE in February?
Compare individual cities: Hurghada averages around 22°C, Sharm el Sheikh 22°C, Dubai 22°C and Abu Dhabi 21°C in the sea. Entry to the water and conditions on the shore also matter when choosing a beach.
Where can I enjoy winter warmth without swimming every day?
For winter warmth with city walks, Dubai offers the Creek, waterfront districts and architecture. In Abu Dhabi, combine the Corniche, museums and Saadiyat’s cultural district. Plan transport between distant areas rather than long walks across the city.
How should I choose a winter trip with children?
Start with convenient accommodation: a short walk to the beach, suitable access to the water and a heated pool help with swimming days. For city outings, leave time for one main route and a relaxed walk near your base.
Compare destinations
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in February: which to choose?
Hurghada or Sharm el Sheikh in February: choose between two Red Sea bases by the beach, district and plans beyond the hotel. For a winter trip, consider access to the water and what you want to do after the beach.
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in February: which to choose?
Dubai or Abu Dhabi in February: Dubai combines older districts with modern city life, while Abu Dhabi offers the Corniche, museums and separate days on Saadiyat. Compare the sea and the distances between stops on your route.