Writer: Helena Bergström
Are you getting fed up with snow and freezing temperatures? Winter has taken hold in Sweden this year, and today we're offering some dreamy inspiration for those who'd rather rest in the shade under a palm tree... Here are 12 destinations where you can swim in February and March - and we're not talking about cold dips in an ice pool!
Tweet
Share
Share
Pin
Share
ShareTable of contents
Short journey time (4-7 hours)
We start with some destinations that are not located too far away. With a journey time of around 4-7 hours, you can find both sandy beaches and warming sun.
1. Canary Islands
Travelling time: about 5-6 hours (direct flight)
Air: 21-25°
Water: about 19-20°.
Canary Islands is a safe winter classic with stable weather and many hours of sunshine. The sea is cooler than in the tropics, but fully swimmable for those who crave salt water and beach life in the middle of winter. We've visited Gran Canaria and Tenerife, but there are also several other interesting islands.
2. Egypt
Travelling time: about 5-6 hours (direct flight)
Air: 22-28°
Water: about 22-24°.
Egypt is one of the closest destinations with genuinely warm bathing water. The Red Sea keeps really nice temperatures in February and the visibility for snorkelling is often fantastic. Discover for example the popular holiday resort Hurghada or the slightly smaller El Gouna.
3. Agadir, Morocco
Travelling time: about 5-7 hours (direct or 1 stopover)
Air: 20-26°
Water: about 17-18°.
The Moroccan holiday resort Agadir offers a sunny and pleasant climate with long beaches facing the Atlantic Ocean. The water is fresh, but the climate is perfect for combining beach holidays with adventure and cultural experiences. In March, temperatures are slightly higher than in February ...
4. Dubai / Abu Dhabi
Travelling time: about 6-7 hours (direct flight)
Air: 25-32°
Water: about 22-24°.
We have not visited the UAE ourselves, but if you are going to Dubai or Abu Dhabi February and March seem to be really good months - warm, but not extremely hot. Simply perfect for a combination of city, beach and pool life.
READ MORE: Top 6 last-minute travel destinations for sun, sea and beach
Medium journey (7-14 hours)
Ready to travel (or dream away) a little further? Here are some sunny destinations you can reach with a journey time of around 7-14 hours.
5. Cape Verde
Travelling time: about 7-10 hours (direct or 1 stopover)
Air: 24-26°
Water: about 22-23°.
We haven't visited Cape Verde either, but it sounds a bit dreamy! Cape Verde is a sun-safe alternative with long fine sandy beaches. The climate is dry and pleasant - simply ideal for a week focused on swimming and resting.
6. Oman
Travelling time: about 9-11 hours (1 stopover)
Air: 25-32°
Water: about 23-24°.
We have considered Oman as a destination a few times, but haven't got round to it (yet). However, Jonathan's report on Oman! We like it when there is also interesting history to discover. February and March should be good months to visit, with perfect warmth for both beach life and excursions.
7. Zanzibar
Travelling time: about 11-14 hours (1 stopover, sometimes 2)
Air: around 30°.
Water: about 27-28°.
Zanzibar is a dream holiday destination that we visited many years ago. Palm trees, paradise beaches, snorkelling and exotic culture await you here. February and the first half of March are perfect, with tropical heat. Later in March, the rainy season approaches, with a greater risk of showers.
8. Thailand
Travelling time: about 11-14 hours (direct or 1 stopover)
Air: 30-35°
Water: about 27-28°.
Thailand is a long way away, but as there are direct flights from Sweden, travelling time can still be manageable. February is the high season with calm seas, tropical bathing temperatures and plenty of sunshine. March is still a good month, but now it can be hotter.
Dream trip (12 -24 hours)
Do you have plenty of time and plan to be away for a while? Then maybe it's ok to take a little more time to travel. Here are some dreamy destinations that require a little more travelling time.
9th Yucatán, Mexico
Travelling time: about 12-15 hours (direct or 1 stopover)
Air: 27-32°
Water: about 26-27°.
We have never visited Mexico, But it does sound exciting! Caribbean beaches and warm, clear waters make both February and March excellent months. In Mexico, you can enjoy beach life interspersed with excursions to interesting Mayan ruins.
10. Mauritius
Travelling time: about 13-16 hours (1 stopover)
Air: 27-30°
Water: about 26-27°.
No, we haven't been to Mauritius... But it sounds exotic and exciting! It's a tropical destination that offers warmth as well as beaches, lagoons and hiking-friendly nature. You can visit Mauritius all year round, and this time of year it's hot and humid.
11. Vietnam
Travelling time: about 15-20 hours (1-2 stopovers)
Air: around 30°.
Water: about 27-28°.
Vietnam is an exciting alternative to Thailand, although the journey time may be a little longer. February and March can be a good time to visit southern Vietnam, where you'll find places like Phu Quoc and Nha Trang. Also charming Hi An can be visited during this time.
12. Palawan, Philippines
Travelling time: about 18-24 hours (2 stopovers)
Air: 28-32°
Water: 27-29°
Last but not least, we must recommend the magically beautiful Palawan in Philippines. The island world here offers spectacular cliffs and fabulous little beaches. It may take some time to get here, but it can be worth it! Not least for the incredible the boat trips at El Nido.
More destinations where you can swim in February and March
Of course, there are even more destinations where you can swim in February and March. Do you have any tips or experiences to share?
English (UK) 
Svenska
Jossu says:
I lived on the north-west side of Mauritius, and what beaches! It was my favourite beach until I visited Panama.
Panama is the perfect place to visit for sun and sea this time of year if you can bear the long journey time. It's the dry season, and in what country can you swim in the Pacific Ocean one day and find yourself on a Caribbean beach the next?
Sydney was also lovely at this time of year, and there are plenty of beaches nearby so you can combine a city break with swimming.
14 February 2026 - 9:36
Ditte says:
We had planned to spend a week in the sun in February. And a week feels too short for longer destinations. We thought about Egypt but it fell because it is basically only large hotels and not so much outside these. (Have been there before) CAPE VERDE was also an option but even there it was mostly large hotel complexes a bit away from urban areas so we chose not to go. Talked to various friends who have been there and no one was directly enthusiastic. So the choice fell on southern Tenerife and our favourite hotel which is well located and with rooms that have great views of the Atlantic. It will be the sixth time we go here, but so perfect for a week of sun, relaxation, But we have thought. Malta was also included as an option.
We would love to take a longer trip to Mexico, the Seychelles or Mauritius.
14 February 2026 - 12:13
BP says:
The Canary Islands, Morocco and Dubai I have ”worked off”. Can also mention Costa Blanca which before all the climate changes was absolutely perfect to spend a few weeks on. Really brave guests even bathed, but not me;-)
14 February 2026 - 18:14
Orsakulla mamma vid 20 - Dalaliv, finporslin & pudelliv says:
What a dream to be able to go for a warm bath now.
14 February 2026 - 22:43
Znogge says:
We have visited Dubai and Egypt during the winter months and were very happy with both destinations. The Canary Islands have never attracted me. Not sure why...
15 February 2026 - 9:19