Your Complete Guide to Visiting Paris in February [2024]

Considering a visit to Paris in February? 

I recently did just that, visiting not only Paris in February but additional cities in France as well. Following the Christmas and New Year rush, and before spring sets in, the French capital is about as peaceful as you can ever expect it to be. 

That said, Paris is known as the City of Love and right in the middle of the month is Valentine’s Day. Just as in the rest of the world, gifts, romantic dinners and even short breaks are popular at this time of year.

This guide will walk you through all you need to know before traveling to Paris in February, from the weather and what to pack to what to do in Paris in February. If you’re curious about taking a winter break in Paris, read on to discover all you need to know!

Planning a trip? Use my favorite resources:

• Accommodations: booking.com
• Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
• Tours & Excursions: Viator
• Flights: Skyscanner
• City Pass: Go City
• eSim: Airalo

Pros and Cons of Visiting Paris in February

If you don’t mind the Paris temperature in February, then this is a relatively quiet time to head to this incredibly popular city.

Pros

• There’s a chance of beautiful snow
• Paris is fairly peaceful in late winter
• Accommodation and flight costs may be lower
• You can spend Valentine’s Day in the City of Love

Cons

• Ice or snow could slow you down
• February is one of the coldest months
• You’ll need to pack thicker, heavier clothing

Weather in February in Paris

• Average temperature: 3°C (or 37°F) to 9°C (48°F)
• Days of precipitation: 8

In February, it’s winter in Paris, just as it is across Europe and North America. According to the meteorological calendar, February is the third month of winter. 

Snow

Snow lovers will be wondering, of course, if precipitation in the context of Paris in winter means you’ll see the white stuff. It does snow in Paris – but not very often. Nor very much.

When it does, the flakes rarely settle for long. So if you do see snow in Paris in February, make sure to capture it on camera before it melts away completely!

It snows around nine days per winter, on average, in Paris. If you divide that by the winter months of December, January, and February, then there may be three days of snow in February. In reality, this might occur as a snowy spell spread over several consecutive days, rather than the odd day here and there. 

In a nutshell? Sadly for fans of wintry landscapes, you’re more likely not to see snow in Paris than you are to witness snowfall. But there is a chance you’ll get lucky. 

Ice, frost, and slush

In fact, after snow, you’ll need to take care when walking the city streets. Black ice is what you really need to be aware of, and you won’t be able to see it. Frost can also be slippery, but is of course more obvious as the sidewalks and parks will twinkle. 

Otherwise, you might find yourself walking on slush as snow is melting. This can be very slippery and could leave you with wet feet, too! If it has been very cold, leave the heels at home in favor of warm, waterproof walking boots. 

Temperatures

Snow aside, when visiting Paris in February the weather you can expect is cold. It’s marginally warmer than in January, and slightly chillier than during December, but there’s very little in it. Daytime and overnight temperatures tend to be in the pluses. 

Average temperatures in Paris in February range between 3°C (or 37°F) and 9°C (48°F). You can expect around eight days of precipitation. Remember, though, that these are averages. It can get a lot colder – or milder – than this. 

Despite sub-zero temperatures not being the norm in February in Paris, they’re not uncommon. Also, don’t underestimate how cold you can feel when spending hours outdoors, exploring.

I experienced days on my February visit to Paris when I felt like I simply couldn’t get warm, despite clear and sunny conditions. So, definitely plan to layer up if you’re easily chilled like me.

What to Wear in Paris in February

If you’re asking how to dress in Paris in February, this section is for you!

For late winter in the capital of France, you need to pack clothing, accessories and footwear suitable for cold weather. As getting wet can make you feel the chill, waterproofing is also something to seriously consider. 

Clothing

As the Paris in February temperature range is pretty variable, layering is a good idea. Conditions will vary throughout the day, anyway. Layering therefore means you can adjust your clothing to suit what’s going on in the morning, afternoon and evening. 

Outerwear

What about outerwear? I just visited Paris this past February. During my visit, there were mostly sunny days, but it was still quite cold at times. In hindsight, I would’ve opted for something slightly thicker than the wool blend coat I wore. 

Try something like this fleece-lined coat, which has previously kept me more comfortable during winter months in Europe. 

Accessories

Essentials for your suitcase or backpack include warm sweaters and socks, a winter jacket that’s preferably waterproof, and a thermal hat, scarf and gloves to ward off winter chills. 

When I was there in February, Paris was pretty sunny. So do pack a pair of sunglasses. Wearing these can also add a dash of style to practical winter clothing! I actually ended up buying a polarized pair while there from Izipizi.

Footwear

Because of the risk of ice or slush, waterproof footwear is also recommended. Walking boots are ideal, as they also offer good grip. Save heels or thin-soled shoes for the evening, and even then do watch your step if it’s very cold, is frosty, or has been snowing. 

You could always slip them on after arriving at the restaurant or bar, rather than taking risks when getting there. This is a stylish city, so everyone wants to look good!

Bag

Other than clothing, think about the sort of bag you want to carry on a day-to-day basis. The best choice is a theft-proof cross-body bag. This will keep all your essentials within easy reach, and give you some protection against opportunist thieves. Paris is a safe place overall, but as in any big city, crime does occur. 

What to Pack for Paris in February | The Shortlist

• Sweaters
• Sunglasses
• Warm socks
• Hat, scarf, and gloves
• Waterproof walking boots
• Theft-proof cross-body bag
• Wind and waterproof winter jacket

Top 10 Things to Do in Paris in February 

Alright, now that we’ve covered the basics here are my top recommendations for experiencing Paris on your visit: 

1. Celebrate Valentine’s Day

St. Valentine’s Day falls on February 14th, and is celebrated in countries all over the world. As a city associated with romance, Paris is a popular place to be in mid-February. This is still a quiet month overall in terms of tourism, though.

Whether you travel as a couple or want to spoil yourself with a spa break or whatever sort of self indulgence you’d prefer, Paris is a great place to be on Valentine’s Day.

Romantic dinners and overnight stays are popular at this time of year, so make sure you book as far ahead as possible if you have somewhere special in mind. 

I had a friend join me on my trip to Paris this time of year and we went out to a lovely dinner together on Valentine’s evening. We weren’t too particular about a specific restaurant, and were able to make reservations the week of without issue. 

2. Jump on a Seine Cruise

One of the most romantic things to do in Paris – whether it’s Valentine’s when you visit or not – is to take a cruise on the Seine. It’s a wonderful way to see the city from another angle and is fun no matter whether you’re visiting Paris solo, as a family, as a couple or as a group. 

There are plenty to choose from, and you can even dine on board for some of them if you’d like to (though I myself have not yet opted for a dinner cruise). Some tickets also include other Paris attractions, which can save you money.

Here’s the one I booked, in case you’d like to take the same one. 

👉 Click here to book a Seine River Cruise

3. Discover the Museums and Galleries

Travel to Paris in February and the cold weather gives you the perfect excuse to spend all day indoors. Paris is a major player on the global scene when it comes to art, culture, and history. The galleries and museums here are second-to-none, and winter is an ideal time to immerse yourself in it all. 

Getting hold of a Paris Museum Pass is highly recommended. It can save you money while helping you budget. In some cases, skip-the-line entry is included, which can also be a real time-saver. 

Do keep in mind that some Paris museums will be closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. The Paris Museum Pass lasts for 2, 3 or 6 days, and covers over 50 museums and attractions in and around Paris. 

Whether you’ve been to Paris before or not, there’s way more to the city’s artistic and cultural scene than The Louvre. Other big-hitters you can visit with a Paris Museum Pass include the Arc de Triomphe, though entry to the Eiffel Tower is not covered. 

Other museums to visit – with or without a pass – include:

• Musee d’Orsay, famous for impressionism and clocks
• Musée de L’Orangerie which is home to Monet’s revered Waterlilies painting
• the iconic Pompidou Centre featuring modern artworks
• Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, which is packed with architectural treasures
• Musée de Cluny, which houses the medieval The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry
• Chapelle Expiatoire, where Marie Antoinette is buried
• Musée Rodin, which has a lovely cafe and garden.

All of the above are covered by the Paris Museum Pass. 

👉 Click to secure your Paris Museum Pass

4. Visit the Palace of Versailles

You can even visit the famous Palace of Versailles, outside the city, with the Paris Museum Pass. This iconic and sprawling site often attracts more visitors than the Eiffel Tower on an annual basis.

While it’s true that the gardens aren’t at their best at this time of year, the relative lack of greenery does make for better views of the magnificent buildings. Versailles is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a former royal residence.

The palace is onlya  10 minutes’ walk from Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station. The trip takes around 40 to 50 minutes from various stations across Paris. My friend and I chose to take an Uber to the Palace to ensure we’d arrive on time, then took the train back to Paris afterward. 

Alternatively, book an organized day trip to have your transport and experience fully taken care of by a local expert.

👉 Book a Versailles Small Group Tour from Paris

5. Take a Pastry Class

Croissants and other pastries are part of the fabric of the Paris food scene. So what better way to embrace some winter warmth than by taking a pastry class in Paris? Taking a cooking class led by locals is a great way to engage in city life. You also get to sample some yummy pastries, too. 

I took a pastry class when in Paris, and can honestly say it was one of the best parts of my trip. Under expert guidance, a small group of us got to bake pain au chocolat and croissants which ended up being great as shopping snacks all day and into the next.

Do have breakfast first on the day of your lesson, though, since it’ll be a while before you actually get to eat your treats!

👉 Click here to book your croissant-baking class in Paris

6. See the Chinese New Year Celebrations

Though sometimes it falls in late January, more often than not Chinese New Year happens sometime during early February. Head to the 13th arrondissement if you’ll be in the City of Light then, specifically Avenue d’Ivry. A colorful parade takes place here, complete with dragons, firecrackers, dancers and lanterns. 

While in the area, be sure to seize the opportunity to sample dim sum and other Asian specialties. There are plenty of eateries to choose from there in Chinatown. 

7. Join a Food Tour

Explore both the city and its foodie scene by taking a food tour in Paris. This is another one of the experiences I’ve enjoyed most while visiting. Walking food tours will allow you to see architecture and districts you might otherwise have missed. 

And of course, you’ll get to devour some delicious French treats en route! Classics like croissants, macarons, crepes, and French cheeses and wine are a given; but, during the tour I took there were some less expected gems as well such as a yummy vanilla cake and hot mint tea. 

Foodie tours of Paris can also come with some unexpected benefits. You’ll get top tips about when and where to buy local delicacies, and the best restaurants to dine at. Discovering hidden parts of the city is also a plus, as is meeting new people. Especially if you’re a solo traveler like me. 

The food tour I took was in the Le Marais neighborhood, an interesting and varied district that’s particularly popular with shopping fans. 

👉 Book the Le Marais Food & Walking Tour

8. Head Out to the Champagne Region

Champagne is one of the best-known French exports across the world. If you’re a fan of fizz, then you simply cannot miss the chance to visit the producers and sample the fruits of their labors. 

Spending time among the vineyards is really relaxing, and makes a great change from exploring the city. You can visit famous champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Nicolas Feuillatte, Mercier and more. 

Also included as part of typical Champagne day tours from Paris is hotel pick-up and drop-off to make life easier. You may also visit French towns such as Epernay or Reims. A gastronomic experience is sometimes part of the deal, too, like a three-course feast, or lunch at a Michelin-starred restaurant. 

Some Champagne region tours from Paris are private, or even include an overnight stay outside the city. 

👉 Join a memorable Champagne tour from Paris

9. Go to Disneyland Paris

Disneyland Paris can get hot and crowded in summer, making even the most die-hard Disney fan feel jaded. But head to the home of princesses, mouse ears, and fairytale castles in February and it’s a different story. 

Disneyland Paris is accessible from the city via a 40-minute train ride. The park is open between around 9am on weekends, and 9.30 on weekdays in February. Closing time is usually 10pm. 

For any fan of Disney and especially anyone traveling with kids, Disneyland Paris is unmissable. And there’s lots going on, even in February, when winter events such as Frozen shows take center stage. 

10. Get Off the Beaten Tourist Track

If you’re looking for less obvious things to do in Paris, then you’re in luck! There are plenty of ways to get off the beaten path in this popular and often crowded city. 

How about warming up with a brisk winter walk in Bois de Vincennes park, seeing famous graves (such as Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde) at Cimetière du Père-Lachaise, exploring street art at Boulevard Paris 13 and more?

So, When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?

If you do want to avoid the inevitable crowds in spring, summer and early fall, visit Paris between October and April. Avoiding the festive season between December and January if you can. May to September are the most popular months, but also the busiest, peaking in summer. 

October, March and April are the most popular months outside the main tourist season. So visiting in November or February means avoiding the crowds, and quite possibly benefiting from lower prices too. 

The best time to visit Paris depends on what you want to do and the weather you’re comfortable with. If you don’t mind colder temperatures, the off-season months like February and November can be a great time to visit. 

Paris in February FAQs

As you prepare for a wintertime trip to Paris, you might also be curious about the following:

Is February a good time to go to Paris?

If you’re looking for peace and relaxation, then February can be the ideal time to visit Paris. While the weather is colder, the city is less crowded, and you might even save money on accommodation and flights. 

Is everything open in Paris in February?

Museums, restaurants, hotels, cafes and shops are usually open in Paris all year round. So yes, you can expect business as usual in February. 

What is happening in Paris in February?

Paris events in February include pancake day, aka Shrove Tuesday, when you can indulge in delicious crepes, and Valentine’s Day in the middle of the month. Chinese New Year often falls in February, too, and celebrations take place in the city’s Chinatown. 

How many days do you need for Paris?

If possible, book at least three nights and four days in Paris, and longer if you can spare the time. While you could easily fill a week with activities and attractions within and around the city, any amount of time is better than none!

What is the cheapest month to go to Paris?

Due to lower demand, flights and hotels in Paris can be cheaper in late November, late January, February and early March. Due to the festive season, December and early January are popular. For more affordable prices throughout the month, head to Paris in February. 

How crowded is Paris in February?

Paris is relatively peaceful in February, compared with summer in Paris, but areas can still feel quite busy. Overall, it’s calmed down after the busy festive season, yet there’s plenty to do. You can snuggle up in cozy cafés, shop in the winter sales, explore crowd-free museums and attractions, and more. 

What is the coldest month in Paris?

January is the coldest month in Paris, closely followed by December and February. Average January temperatures in Paris range between 3°C (or 37°F) and 8°C (46°F). 

What is the wettest month in Paris?

The wettest period in Paris is between November and January, when you can expect around nine days of rain. March and May also have around nine wet days. For the rest of the year, rain on seven or eight days per month is average. 

Which month will it snow in Paris?

Visit in January and February for the highest chance of snow in Paris. It doesn’t snow that often in Paris, though, and when it does it often melts very fast. So seeing snow in the French capital is more a matter of luck!

Paris in February | Final Thoughts

So is Paris in February worth it? If you value space and peace, and don’t mind wintry weather, then yes. Paris in February is very much worth it!

Not only do you get to explore the city with fewer crowds, but flights and accommodation are also likely to be cheaper in February as compared with other months of the year. February is a great time to wrap up in cozy warmth while exploring Paris for a more unique experience.