Planning a visit to Paris in February? Thankfully, the shortest month of the year packs a punch for visitors and locals alike!
I was lucky enough to be in Paris in February last year, and it was nothing short of amazing! Seriously! Yes, it was chilly, but we were lucky enough to be met with sunny days, and we had so much fun exploring the smaller museums, eating fondue, and walking in Paris’s parks without crowds.
After having visited Paris 17 times and counting (I’ve already got 4 more visits planned so far this year) and going at various times of the year, I have to say, winter in Paris is honestly pretty nice!
But to help you plan your visit to Paris this time of year, I’m going to discuss everything you need to know including the weather, what to wear, events to check out, things to do, where to stay, and more!
Let’s talk about it.
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Contents
- Paris in February Weather
- What to Wear in Paris in February & What I Wish I Had Worn
- Iconic Events in February in Paris
- Best Things to Do in February in Paris
- 1. Head to some great museums and attractions.
- 2. Go on a Seine River Cruise.
- 3. Admire the Eiffel Tower.
- 4. Eat all the hearty, French winter comfort foods.
- 5. Winter is the perfect hot chocolate season.
- 6. Enjoy a plethora of coffee shops.
- 7. Take a cooking class.
- 8. Go to the park(s).
- 9. Spot the views from Montmartre.
- 10. Climb to the top of Sacre Coeur.
- Best Day Trips From Paris in February
- Where to Stay in Paris in February
Paris in February Weather
This is probably the question that I get asked the MOST when it comes to sharing Paris in winter videos on TikTok. I even made a January video discussing how normally January in Paris isn’t super cold, and then of course the weather decided to be chaotic and snowy for a hot minute.
This is why no matter what I share here (which are averages based on historic data), please ALWAYS check the weather before your trip to pack accordingly.
The weather these days is honestly crazy worldwide, so while historically Paris in winter isn’t super freezing, Paris weather can be moody and do weird things sometimes.
Here are averages for February weather though for some planning ahead:
- Average high: 45-48ºF / 7-9ºC
- Average low: 34-38ºF / 1-3ºC
- Number of days with precipitation: 8
- Hours of sunlight: 9.5-11 hours a day
You’ll find that the averages are actually above freezing for the most part. Yes, they do dip below freezing at times, these are just averages.
But the biggest thing to note is that Paris in the winter experiences higher humidity. Higher humidity can make it feel colder than it is.
Now it isn’t like 20º colder, but yes, it’ll feel a little colder outside than the temperature says… this is what brings me to my next point.
What to Wear in Paris in February & What I Wish I Had Worn
The reason I give the weather above is because that’ll help you figure out what to wear while in Paris during your trip.
Yes, it is cold. I was there in February 2025 where the temperatures were right around the average for that time of the year. And I’ll be honest, I didn’t wear the right jacket for it.
I had packed both for Paris for 6 days and Finland (including Lapland) for 10 days on that trip. Needless to say, those are wildly different temperatures, weather, and activities to plan for.
I did have a tri-climate jacket for the arctic and Finland, but for Paris I was wearing a trench coat. Don’t get me wrong, it was a thickish, warmer one, but it wasn’t warm enough. I also had my gloves buried and forgot to bring them out and about with me in Paris.
And I could’ve used gloves. Other than that though, I definitely wore the right stuff. So here is what to pack for Paris in February:
- Waterproof boots. I love and wear my black Timberland‘s all the time. They’re waterproof, warm, and are comfortable for walking around all day. They also go with everything! I basically lived in these while in Paris last winter. Men’s boots here.
- Wool socks. These will keep your toes warm while exploring the city in winter.
- OPTIONAL: Wool under layers. I didn’t wear these and I didn’t need them. However, I live in Cleveland, Ohio, where winters here are far worse than probably anything Paris has ever faced. So it never felt that cold to me to justify wearing layers under my trousers. But if you’re from a warmer climate, are sensitive to cold, it’s a super frigid day, or just like to be super warm, then pack them as it’ll help (especially if you’re outside and it’s really cold). Men’s under layers here. (The ones linked have both a bottom and top)
- Jeans/Trousers. I wore jeans the whole time and it worked out well! Jeans are very popular in Paris year-round! Men’s jeans here.
- Sweaters. I like to wear fun sweaters like this one or just stuff I’ve purchased from Sezane in the past. Men’s sweaters/shirts here.
- Long-sleeve tops. On days it wasn’t that chilly, I just wore mock-neck long-sleeved tops.
- Thicker coat. Other times during the winter, I’ve worn a Northface Parka or I also love my newer wool coat (this is similar as mine is currently sold out). Those would’ve been a better choice for Paris in February. Men’s coat here.
- Gloves and scarf. There were times where I wished I had some gloves to wear to keep my hands warm outside. Scarves are also a good idea (here is a men’s scarf).
I have a whole guide on my other blog about what to wear in Europe in winter for more details and a full packing guide!
Note: While it can be quite chilly outside, much like how in the US during summer the AC gets absolutely blasted when you enter a building, the French instead do this with heat inside buildings. So layer accordingly as you may sweat when going indoors.
Iconic Events in February in Paris
No, this isn’t Paris in June where you’ve got Fête de la Musique or in July with the Fête Nationale, but February has some really cool events too!
So let’s chat about them!
- Catch the end of Soldes. Every winter and summer, Paris (and France in general) has their giant sale period. Think Black Friday but French. Rather than stores having sales throughout the year, there is a country-wide sale period of time to move inventory (it’s actually government regulated). And it typically begins from the 2nd Wednesday of January and goes a little bit into February. So if you’re here in early February, you may just catch the Soldes d’Hiver (Winter Soldes). In 2026, Soldes are from January 7-February 4.
- Crêpe Day! February 2nd is La Chandeleur, or Crêpe Day! 40 days after Christmas and the midpoint of winter, France celebrates with crêpes. It also carries many traditions and superstitions around it. And similar to our Ground Hog’s Day in the US, the weather that day indicates whether winter is almost over or not. If the sun is shining, winter is almost at an end, but if it is raining, it means more rain to come.
- Chinese New Year. The Lunar New Year is in February this year, and there are celebrations in Paris to enjoy it! In 2026, this takes place from February 17 and lasts for 15 days and there are parades, lanterns, and more! Enjoy parades in the 13th in Quartier Asiatique, Faubourg Saint-Honoré, Belleville, Le Marais, etc. Learn more here!
- Salon International de l’Agriculture (AKA the Paris Agriculture Show). This has been on my bucket list to attend for a long time. In 2026, this will take place from February 21-March 1. So if you’re in Paris toward the end of February, you don’t want to miss this! It’s kind of like a county fair with livestock, crops, and the best products from all over France and the world! Learn more about animals, have local beers, and try amazing products from around the world. Be sure to book tickets online!
- Valentine’s Day. Of course, February 14 is also Valentine’s Day. I’ll be honest in that it isn’t nearly as big of a deal in France as it is in the US, but it is a romantic city and there are some Valentine’s things to do, so why not enjoy it? Go on a Valentine’s Day Dinner Cruise on the Seine, see a show at the Moulin Rouge (tickets sell out though!), or enjoy one of Paris’s many Michelin-star restaurants like Tour d’Argent, Guy Savoy, Frenchie, Sushi B, Septime, Arpege, Lucas Carton, or even Le Jules Verne (in the Eiffel Tower!).
Best Things to Do in February in Paris
Paris in the winter is a great time to visit. Yes, Paris is always busy, but if you know where to go, it really isn’t bad. So let’s talk about amazing things to do in Paris while you’re here in February.
1. Head to some great museums and attractions.
The winter in Paris is honestly a great time for exploring museums.
Yes, the Louvre will always be busy and popular, but it is the largest art museum in the world and set inside of a literal palace. I mean, the whole place is a work of art on its own!
So yes, 1,000% go to the Louvre if you’ve never been!
Just book tickets ahead of time here.
Aside from the Louvre, there is Musée d’Orsay (known for its impressionist works- get tickets here!) and Musée de l’Orangerie (known for the giant Monet Water Lily paintings- get tickets here!).
And this is a great time to check out smaller museums too like Musée Marmottan Monet (it is a hidden gem that has the largest collection of Monet works in the world!), Musée Picasso, Musée National Eugene Delacroix, Dali Paris, and more!
Aside from art museums, I also love the Carnavalet Museum (Paris history museum), CLUNY Museum (Museum of the Middle Ages with epic tapestries and Roman bathhouse ruins in the basement), Musée de la Chasse et de la Nature (the Museum of Hunting and Nature that depicts human and nature interactions and is quite quirky), and so much more!
Winter in Paris is the perfect time to hit up the museums.
It’s also a great time to explore Notre Dame!
Pro-Tip: Plan to see and do a lot of museum hopping in Paris? Check out the Paris Museum Pass!
Note: If you want to visit the popular museums in Paris (Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, etc., book in advance)! These can and do sell out even in winter.
2. Go on a Seine River Cruise.
Yes, it’ll be chilly if you go outside on a cruise, BUT winter in Paris does mean less daylight hours. This means you can see the city lit up earlier in the evening!
Check out this cruise that captures that Paris evening magic!
3. Admire the Eiffel Tower.
Again, all the more reason to be in Paris in winter is that you have so many chances to spot the Eiffel Tower lit up at night!
The Eiffel Tower sparkles for the first 5 minutes of every hour beginning at dusk until midnight. The Eiffel Tower closes at 11:45 pm, the lights are turned off at midnight, and there is one final show at midnight when it’s just the sparkles with no lighting on the Eiffel Tower!
But, being wintertime, and the sun sets between 5:45 pm-6:30 pm- ish this time of year, you’ve got plenty of chances to see it!
Whereas in the summer, even though the Eiffel Tower stays open an hour later and turns off an hour later, you maybe have like a handful of chances later in the evening because the sun sets so late.
And, this is a great excuse to go inside the Eiffel Tower as it is lit up!
4. Eat all the hearty, French winter comfort foods.
Okay, so my first introduction to French cuisine was actually while I was living in Grenoble. I studied abroad here, and it was also winter when I arrived. So, I was able to taste melty fondue, decadent raclette, and hearty tartiflette (a scalloped potato-like dish with bacon and onions).
Thankfully, Paris, being a large international city, has alpine restaurants too. Last winter, I got to see whether the hype about Le Refuge des Fondus was real. This place is hyped up on social media, particularly for its set fondue menu and wine served in baby bottles.
Was it fun? Yes. But it was very touristy and gimmicky. Don’t get me wrong I really enjoyed it, and had a blast with the people I was sat right next to.
I’ll be honest though, it definitely didn’t feel authentic. And after living in the Alps, I think I can attest to that. However, I did really enjoy Le Vieux Bistrot in the 5th. They’ve got some delicious fondue and tartiflette.
Aside from alpine food, France has other great hearty foods that are perfect for winter. Get the onion soup at La Jacobine or the aligot from La Petite Perigourdine. Taste cassoulet (a hearty stew from the southwest of France), coq au vin, boeuf bourguignon, and so much more while in Paris.
5. Winter is the perfect hot chocolate season.
I love hot chocolate in Paris. It is a thick, creamy, dreamy cup of chocolate that will forever make your dreams come true.
My personal favorite spot is Les Deux Magots for hot chocolate. And honestly, their filter coffee is also really delicious. Carette is my second choice, although I’d go to their Place des Vosges location rather than their Trocadero one.
However, I actually have a plan to taste a whopping 7 more places that are less popular on my next trip and will be writing a full hot chocolate guide after that. But for now, these are ones to visit (and Les Deux Magots is a tough one to beat!). Have breakfast and hot chocolate to warm up on a cold winter’s day.
6. Enjoy a plethora of coffee shops.
Paris is honestly bursting at the seams with specialty coffee shops these days. You can find a good one in literally every arrondissement and seemingly every neighborhood.
I’m not complaining as an avid coffee lover, but I think we’re in a bit of a coffee bubble at the minute. So I could list out some good ones to go to, but you’ll likely find a good one upon leaving your hotel in the morning.
Here are a few to check out though in case you’re interested:
- Noir: This one is a chain but good!
- The Coffee: Another chain but good
- Kozy: Another chain, but I like their stuff and they have brunch too!
- Le Bon Moment Cafe: Fun lattes.
- Le Peloton Cafe: Such a great coffee shop.
- Popotes: The one in the 9th is super cute and I enjoyed my latte!
7. Take a cooking class.
Why not learn how to enjoy the art of making a croissant or macaron during the chillier season in Paris?
Check out this cooking class to make your own delectable treat.
8. Go to the park(s).
Yes, it may be chilly, but I still love walking around Paris in the winter. I loved walking around my favorite park in Paris, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, in the winter. It’s also fun to walk around Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, Parc Monceau, etc.
9. Spot the views from Montmartre.
The great thing about winter in Paris is that there aren’t leaves on many of the trees which means you have more fabulous views from Montmartre over Paris (including views of the Eiffel Tower)! Not that the foliage blocks out views terribly throughout the year, but it’s fun to wander Montmartre and catch views over the city.
I love checking out Square Nadar which has a dog park and views of the Eiffel Tower!
10. Climb to the top of Sacre Coeur.
No, I’m not talking about to the steps for views over Paris. I’ll be 100% honest with you, I think that’s an overrated view because 1) I’ve never been able to spot the Eiffel Tower from there and 2) there are pick pocketers and scammers galore.
But I did really enjoy climbing the steps in the Sacre Coeur and seeing Paris from the tower there! And, because it winter and chilly, it’s more comfortable for that kind of exercise than during the hot summer months.
I actually did this while super jetlagged because I arrived super early that morning and decided to wander around Montmartre as I was staying there. I ran up the steps going to the Sacre Coeur to warm up and then climbed up the steps to the top of Sacre Coeur.
I did in fact, work up a small sweat and woke up.
Best Day Trips From Paris in February
Not all day trips in Paris are best done in the winter. For starters, going to Monet’s House and Gardens in Giverny won’t work because 1) the flowers aren’t in bloom and 2 (and likely more importantly) it’s closed.
So here are great day trip ideas from Paris in winter:
- Versailles. Enjoy fewer crowds both midweek and in the winter here! I have a whole guide to Versailles here, and you can book tickets here!
- Loire Valley. Wine and castles without the crowds? Yes, please!
- London. Take the Eurostar to London for a day!
- Bruges. Take the Eurostar to Bruges for a day!
- Visit Château de Fontainebleau.
- Explore the Medieval town of Provins.
Where to Stay in Paris in February
Thankfully, where to stay in Paris is kind of my specialty. I talk about it at length in these posts:
Yes, I talk about this a lot and update those guides frequently. And when I go to Paris I try out more hotels! But here are some great hotels to stay in during the winter in Paris. For more ideas, check out those posts!
Budget: Hotel Joyce- Astotel
Located in the 9th arrondissement (one of my favorite areas of Paris), you’re not far from the action, but this hotel is affordable, especially this time of the year! I’m actually planning to stay here on my next visit, and the rooms look super cute!
Mid-Range: Terrass Hotel
This is actually where I stayed last February and LOVED it! Thankfully, February is a more affordable time to visit Paris, meaning hotels are cheaper. So we upgraded to an Eiffel Tower view room and got to witness the Eiffel Tower sparkle at night while in our pajamas. This place also has a rooftop bar and I honestly could go on and on. It’s literally my favorite hotel in Paris and it’s in Montmartre.
Check out my video about Terrass Hotel here:
Mid-Range: Hotel Atmospheres
I’ve stayed at this hotel a couple of times. It is in the Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement), and they have large elevators and walk-in showers. I stay here with my parents and in-laws when I visit as that is so helpful to have these amenities with their knees. Also, the staff are great and the rooms are really cute! It’s also really close to Maison d’Isabelle for great croissants!
Luxury: Grand Hotel du Palais Royal
Stay at a 5-star hotel in the heart of Paris! With prices starting around $600 a night in February, it is far cheaper than in June!
Plus, it has a spa with a Turkish bath, fitness center, restaurant and bar, and more!
Other Tips For Visiting Paris in February
Here are just a few other tips before you go!
1. French school holidays.
If you’re wondering why Paris may be really busy toward the end of February at touristy spots, you may be in the midst of French school holidays. In Paris, they’re around the end of February through early March.
Check out French school holidays here.
2. Be vigilant of pick pocketers.
Yes, even in February, there are people trying to scam you. Just be vigilant, keep your bag on you at all times (not draped over a chair), and never sign a petition.
I even keep my hand over my bag in crowded areas like the metro!
Having a crossbody bag helps too!
Basically if someone comes up to you and starts striking up a conversation, be wary and just walk away. Don’t sign anything or accept anything from anyone as it is likely a scam or distraction to pickpocket you.
3. Here are helpful things I use while booking trips:
- Skyscanner for searching the best flight deals
- Get Your Guide for tours
- Booking.com for hotels
- World Nomads for travel insurance
Is February in Paris Worth it?
I can say with 100% confidence that it is! I honestly love visiting Paris no matter the time of the year. Whether it is the spring, summer, fall, or winter, Paris shines year-round and there is always something really cool going on!
Paris in February is great because there are fewer crowds compared to like June, and it’s just a fun time to go! Paris is still buzzy with action while not being as bad as the height of summer.
There are also fun events going on around the city!
So yes, I love going to Paris no matter the time of year, but February in Paris is definitely great!
Check out my tips for Paris in February in this video!
Would you visit this time of year?
Want more Paris ideas? Check out these posts!
- When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
- Top Tips For Visiting Paris For the First Time
- My Favorite Restaurants in Paris
- Guide to Visiting Paris in January
- My Guide to Paris in March
- My Paris in April Guide
- Paris in May Guide
- Paris in June Guide
- Why You Should Visit Paris at Christmastime
- Top Things to Do in Paris in Summertime
- Guide to Paris in the Fall
- Alcohol Free Guide to Paris
- 1 Day in Paris Itinerary
- 2 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 3 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 4 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 5 Days in Paris Itinerary
- 7 Days in Paris Itinerary
- Solo Travel Guide to Paris
- Best Hidden Gems of Paris
- Best Smaller Museums in Paris
- Most Romantic Things to Do in Paris
- Paris Bucket List
Pin it here!
Kat is the France travel expert behind France Voyager. After studying abroad in Grenoble and traveling throughout France, she fell head over heels for the country. She has since visited many times since 2012 (including visits to 10 of the 13 regions in Metropolitan France) and is sharing all the tips for visiting France in this blog, which she has run for 4 years. Kat shares places she has traveled to and provides tips based on her own personal experiences of traveling and living in France. Aside from France Voyager, Kat also has a couple’s travel blog called World Wide Honeymoon and a podcast that she co-hosts with her husband, Chris, called the World Wide Honeymoon Travel Podcast.