The warmest parts of Europe await Brits chilled by a sudden drop in temperature and the rising threat of heavy snow.
Today is officially Blue Monday, a supposedly depressing day invented by travel industry chiefs in order to encourage people to book holidays.
It generally comes at the furthest point from the pre-Christmas pay day when times are particularly tight for many, and once the festive glow has fully disappeared.
This year's gloomy outing comes as a cold snap has hit the country, the mercury plunging to -8C overnight into Tuesday with snow and ice forecast to come.
If you are feeling full of doom, gloom and chill, and are hoping to get away from it all for a while, then Europe's warmest locations may be a good place to start.
Although no where on the Continent is roasting in February, some coastal areas enjoy average temperatures of 20C, meaning the beach is definitely on the cards on warmer days.
There are also some great bargains to be found, as the hotels and resorts are generally less busy than in the spring and summer.
The majority of the warmest spots are actually islands, primarily those in Spain but also, Greek and a few Italian ones too.
This is mainly due to their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean which draws in warmer currents from Africa.
At the top of the list is Gran Canaria, a firm favourite with British holiday makers due to its welcoming atmosphere and excellent weather.
It is located off the northwest coast of Africa and is a hugely popular destination for winter sun-seekers with its near-constant sunshine and average temperatures of 20°C.
If the weather isn't quite warm enough to spend all day at the beach, then Gran Canaria is full of great hikes across the mountains and quality restaurants for you to wile away the day.
A week in a double room with a balcony at the Caybeach Meloneras hotel can be yours for £438 per person in the middle of February, including flights from Manchester Airport.
In a close second place is Fuerteventura, another of the Canary Islands where the average temperature us 19°C.
The island is an even better beach location than Gran Canariam, being home as it is to miles of coastline with golden sands and crystal clear waters.
Seven nights at the Blue Sea Jandia Luz resort on the island in February are currently going for £462 per person for a two person room all inclusive.
Return flights from London Stansted are thrown into the deal.
The third warmest destination in the Portuguese island of Madeira, where the mercury sits around 18C during the day on average.
The verdant destination is known for being teeming with beautiful vegetation, flowers and vineyards, making it the perfect place for a walking holiday before the temperature gets too high.
Seven nights at the Hotel Madeira Panoramico, which enjoys sweeping views out over the Madeiran coastline, can be bagged for £318 per person in February, including return flights from Birmingham Airport.
- Gran Canaria, 20C
- Fuerteventura, 19C
- Madeira, 18C
- Lanzarote, 18C
- Tenerife, 18C
- Malaga, 18C
- Algarve, 17C
- Cyprus, 17C
- Crete, 16C
- Sicily, 15C
