So you’re thinking of visiting Paris in February, huh?
You’re in for a treat!
Not only will you experience the magic of one of the most beautiful cities on Earth, but February is also the best time of year to visit the French capital.
February marks the middle of the low season in Paris, so it’s usually not as crowded as other times of the year.
Not only that, but the winter sales are in full effect in February, and you can snag deals as low as 40% off in some department stores.
As far as activities go, February offers plenty of things to do in Paris.
The Louvre and Musee d’Orsay are open every day, with extended hours on Thursday evenings. There are also plenty of galleries and exhibitions to explore if you’re an art lover.
For the more active types, there’s ice skating at La Patinoire de Montmartre or a scenic boat ride tour of Paris along the Seine.
However, Paris in February can also be not-so-romantic: due to the cold temperatures and plain old grey skies. (Paris syndrome, anyone?)
But, If you can brave the chill, bundle up with a few cozy layers and you’ll be set to explore.
That said, it pays to be prepared if you want to make sure your Parisian adventure is nothing short of perfect.
Let’s take a deep dive into what you can expect in Paris during the month of February, and make sure you’re prepared for whatever gets thrown at you!
This 10-page Paris travel guide includes all the best foods to eat in Paris, where to eat, the top things to do and see in Paris, including day trips, scenic tours, museums, attractions, and more. Find out the best (and worst) places to stay in Paris, including my top picks for hotels in each area. Links in this PDF are clickable so you can book your tours and hotels directly!
In this post, you'll find...
What is the weather like in Paris in February?
I can’t lie… Paris weather in Feburary is pretty freaking cold.
In fact, February is known for being one of the coldest months of the year in Paris.
And if I’m being really honest, it’s actually one of the reasons why I hate living in Paris entirely.
But, just how cold is Paris in February?
The average temperature for the month hovers around 3°C (37°F) and temperatures can drop as low as -2°C (28°F). It’s not quite winter, but it’s definitely not summer either.
But don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom!
You can expect to have some sunny days and a few warmer days mixed in with the chillier ones. This makes it the perfect time to explore Paris’s outdoor attractions and take advantage of the city’s culture and history.
Just pack your scarf and gloves and you’re good to go.
⚡ Related read: When is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
Does it snow in Paris in February?
In the past few years, there have been a few snow days in Paris during February.
It’s essential to keep in mind that when it does snow, the city usually only sees a light dusting and it doesn’t last very long.
On top of that, the streets are well-prepared for winter weather, so you don’t have to worry about any disruptions or closures due to the weather.
If you are lucky enough to be here during a snow day, it’s your chance to enjoy the beauty of Paris in the winter.
Is Paris in February busy?
In general, you can expect Paris to be less crowded in February.
Since it’s the middle of winter, most tourists prefer to visit during the warmer spring and summer months.
Which I can relate to considering I absolutely hate the winter. Like, with a burning passion.
Though I must say that the cold weather has grown on me just a teeny bit since moving here. I mean, who doesn’t love a good hot chocolate or cozy café?
The only time in February that Paris can get a bit busy is for Valentine’s Day.
As you can imagine, all the couples in the city flock to Paris on this day, and they usually stay for a few days afterward.
So if you’re looking for a quieter experience in Paris, this is the time to go. You’ll still find plenty of things to do and see (more on that below!) but you won’t have to fight the crowds.
What to wear in Paris in February
Layers, layers, layers!
When packing for a trip to Paris in February, you’ll definitely want to bring plenty of warm clothes.
Layers are key – think sweaters, scarves, hats, and gloves. The weather can fluctuate between warm and cold, so having multiple layers will make sure you stay comfortable.
You’ll also want to have a light jacket or coat on hand for when the temperature drops. It’s also a good idea to wear long pants and closed-toe shoes as a precaution against the cold.
I like to wear tights or stockings under my jeans or pants to help keep my legs warm – it’s a great way to add an extra layer of warmth without feeling bulky.
Paris can get pretty wet and muddy in the winter months. Pack a good pair of boots so that you don’t slip and fall (trust me, it’s happened to me more times than I’d like to admit).
⚡ Related read: How to blend in while visiting Paris (and not become a target for scams)
What to do in Paris in February
Now for the good stuff – what are the best things to do in February in Paris?
First, don’t forget about all the classic Paris attractions. You can still enjoy a walk along the Seine River, visit the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral, and explore all of Paris’s beautiful parks and gardens.
And if you’re looking to get out of the cold for a little bit, there are plenty of indoor activities to check out.
You can take a tour of the Louvre Museum, explore Paris’s cathedrals and churches, or even see a show at one of the city’s theaters or concert halls.
Aside from sightseeing, there are plenty of other activities you can do in Paris in February.
From visiting chocolate shops and cafes to finding the best winter markets and flea markets, there’s something for everyone.
And if the weather permits it, you can even try one of Paris’s outdoor activities such as ice-skating or visiting some of the city’s nearby snow-covered ski resorts.
Here’s a list of my choices for the best things to do here in the City of Love:
Things to Do in Paris in February
1. Spend the day at Disneyland Paris
One of my favorite ways to pass time in Paris is to visit Disneyland.
Even if it’s cold outside, you’ll be guaranteed plenty of fun and excitement inside the amusement park. Not to mention the sweets, parades, and all the other Disney-themed activities.
Buying Disneyland Paris tickets can actually be pretty affordable for this time since it’s the off-season. And especially if you book in advance.
I like to use the Tiqets site to book all my tickets in advance and save some money. They offer tickets and admission to over 20 attractions in Paris and hundreds of others all over the world.
If you’re coming from the States and are used to the huge Disneyland parks in Anaheim and Orlando, you might be disappointed.
Disneyland Paris is much smaller than its American counterparts, but it’s still a great way to get your Disney fix.
The upside is that there are guaranteed to be fewer tourists in the parks during this time, so you’ll have to battle fewer crowds.
A win is a win in my book!
⚡ Related read: How to Get to Disneyland Paris from Paris Center
2. Explore Montmartre
Montmartre is a picturesque neighborhood in the north of Paris that’s full of pretty cobblestone streets, beautiful buildings, and breathtaking views of the city.
It’s also home to some famous landmarks such as the Sacré-Coeur church and the Place du Tertre, where you can find many talented local artists.
This is one of the best areas to explore on a cold winter day and you’ll be sure to come away with some stunning pictures as well. There are always quite a few painters here ready and waiting to draw you a beautiful portrait!
February may actually be one of the best months to visit Montmartre. Since it’s such a picturesque place, this area is always packed with tourists in the warmer months.
Like – packed to the brim, sardines in a can type of crowded.
But in February, it’s much quieter and you can really take your time exploring the area.
Though it might not be as pretty against a gray sky as it would be against a blue one, it’s still stunning.
I personally love seeing all the antique buildings in Montmartre and taking photos of them against the winter sky.
3. Visit a tea room
When it’s cold outside, there’s nothing better than snuggling up in a cozy little cafe with a hot cup of tea. Fortunately, Paris has plenty of charming tea rooms perfect for warming up on chilly days.
My personal favorite is the Angelina Tearoom on rue de Rivoli. This place looks like it came straight out of a fairytale and I love how elegant yet cozy this place always feels.
And the food here is absolutely delicious!
You can also check out some of the other tea rooms in Paris like the Palais de Thé and La Durée. Each one is unique in its own way and you’re sure to have a great time exploring them all.
And if you’re looking for something a bit more modern, there are plenty of cool coffee shops too. Just make sure to bundle up before stepping outside!
So if you’re looking for a way to escape the cold, there’s no better place to be than one of Paris’s many tea rooms and coffee shops.
Grab a cup of your hot chocolate (or your favorite beverage) and relax in comfort on rainy days in Feb.
4. Visit the Galeries Lafayette Department Store
Galeries Lafayette is a massive department store located in the center of Paris. It’s full of luxury items, high-end brands, and designer labels for sale.
It’s a great place to pick up some souvenirs unique to Paris, or just window shop and admire the beautiful displays.
Chances are you’ve probably seen this massive department store come across your Instagram feed at least once.
It’s really a sight to behold, with its elegant art nouveau architecture and three-story glass dome that glitters against the night sky. It’s an iconic landmark in Paris, so you can’t miss it!
Plus, if you plan on visiting during the winter months, Galleries Lafayette offers some great discounts and deals.
January to mid-February is the period of “les soldes” (or “sales” in English) where prices on a variety of items are heavily reduced.
So if you’re looking for some amazing deals on designer clothes, this is the perfect place to go!
Even though I live in Paris and have gotten used to the scenery, I always make a point to visit Galleries Lafayette whenever I have free time.
It’s one of those places that just never gets old and is an absolute must-visit for anyone visiting the city in February.
💡 Pro tip: Galeries Lafayette is home to Creatures Restaurant& Bar – one of the best rooftop bars in Paris with an incredible view of the city.
The views from the rooftop are the best at sunset, so I’d recommend heading there to watch the light show. There’s even a restaurant up there where you can have a romantic dinner and enjoy the sunset.
5. Celebrate Chinese New Year
February is also a great time to experience the Chinese New Year celebration in Paris!
It’s a vibrant and colorful event that takes place every year during late January or early February, depending on when the Chinese calendar falls.
The festivities usually start off with parades, performances, and dragon dances throughout the streets of Chinatown. After that, you can enjoy a variety of Chinese dishes and delicacies in the many restaurants throughout the area.
It’s also a great opportunity to mingle with locals and pick up some unique gifts like jewelry or traditional clothing.
This is definitely an event you won’t want to miss if you’re visiting Paris during February!
6. Take a romantic dinner cruise on the Seine River
If you’re visiting Paris for Valentine’s Day, or just want to experience something extra special with your significant other, why not book a dinner cruise?
You can enjoy spectacular views of Paris as you float along the Seine river and enjoy a romantic dinner for two.
The cruise floats back iconic Paris monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, so you can enjoy the views in all their glory.
It’s a great opportunity to spend some quality time together and make new memories. Plus, there are usually live musicians on board for entertainment too!
Most cruises also offer live music, so you can relax on deck as you take in the night skyline of Paris.
And for all my singles out there, don’t fret. You can easily take this cruise alone or with a friend.
My best friend Tylah and I decided to embrace our singlehood and take a cruise together one evening. We had the best time!
It was such a unique experience that it ended up becoming one of the best core memories we have together.
No boyfriends, no problem.
⚡ P.S. You can read my in-depth review of the dinner cruise and the dining options here.
A Seine dinner cruise is a perfect way to escape the Paris cold but still get a chance to see some sights of the city. It’s an experience that you seriously won’t forget.
We booked our cruise in advance through Viator here. (I recommend booking at least a week in advance so you can be sure to have a spot)!
7. Enjoy a cabaret show at Moulin Rouge
If you’ve heard of Paris (which you obviously have if you’re reading this), you’ve probably heard of the iconic cabaret show at Moulin Rouge.
Moulin Rouge is a legendary Parisian nightclub and the most famous cabaret in Europe.
The show features over 60 talented artists who perform a variety of acts like ballet, acrobatics, and burlesque dancing. It offers an unforgettable performance filled with glitz, glamour, and comedy.
I’m not usually one for shows, but there’s something about Moulin Rouge that really captured my attention. I found it to be so mesmerizing and elegant – it truly is a special experience.
Plus, if you’re visiting Paris in February, you can enjoy the show with a glass (or two) of champagne to make it even more memorable.
Moulin Rouge is definitely a must-visit if you’re in Paris during February! You can find tickets here.
8. Climb to the top of the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe for panoramic views of the city
The Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe are two iconic structures that offer stunning views of the city – but did you know you can climb to the top of them?
If you’re visiting Paris during February, it’s a great opportunity to take on this challenge! Both the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe offer spectacular views of the city, so it’s worth making the trip up to the top.
The Eiffel Tower offers elevator rides up to the second and third levels, so you can take in the views without having to do any hard work.
However, if you’re feeling adventurous there’s also a stairway up to the top – it’s an intense challenge but definitely worth it!
There’s a bar on the second level of the Eiffel Tower, so you can grab a drink and enjoy the views of Paris from a new perspective.
This Eiffel Tower entrance ticket and guided tour will take you all the way to the top of the tower, and provide you with an experienced tour guide too.
At the Arc de Triomphe there’s a winding staircase that takes visitors to the top.
284 steps total, to be exact.
I’m not going to lie, it’s pretty tough.
But at the end of your climb, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the city and a 360-degree panoramic look at Paris from the top.
The view from up there truly is one of a kind, so it really is worth every step you take.
There’s no elevator for this one though, so make sure you’re up for the challenge before attempting it!
💡 Note: You can grab your entry tickets for the Arc de Triomphe here.
If you’re visiting Paris during February, make sure to carve out some time to climb to the top of one or both of these iconic structures.
Not only will you be able to appreciate the beauty of Paris from a whole new perspective, but you’ll also get to tick off an incredible achievement from your bucket list.
⚡ Related read: How to Visit the Arc de Triomphe
9. Explore some lesser-known museums
February is the perfect time to explore some of the lesser-known museums in Paris. There are plenty to choose from, many of which offer free or discounted entry during the winter months.
Some of my favorite museum visits include:
Musée des Arts et Métiers – This is a fascinating science and technology museum with interactive exhibits, historic artifacts, and hands-on experiments.
Entrance starts at just €9 and can be booked online here.
Musée Cluny – This is one of the oldest museums in Paris, featuring a wide range of art pieces that span from the Middle Ages to the 19th century.
Tickets can be bought on the official museum site.
Musée de la Vie Romantique – If you’re looking to appreciate some romantic art, this is the perfect spot for you. It’s filled with pieces from famous French painters, as well as sculptures and photography. Check out their current expositions here.
Centre Pompidou – This modern art museum is a must-see. It has pieces from some of the world’s most renowned contemporary artists. Plus, it provides stunning views of Paris from its rooftop terrace. Grab your tickets in advance here.
Local tip: All Paris museums are completely free to enter every first Sunday of the month. So if you’re visiting Paris in February, consider planning your trips around a Sunday to save some money!
⚡ Related read: How to spend a Sunday in Paris
Events happening in Paris this February (2024)
Carnaval de Paris – February 19
This annual carnival is a great way to experience the vibrant culture of Paris. It’s full of parades, live performances, and colorful costumes.
This carnival has been a Parisian tradition since the 16th century, and is always a great time. It marks the beginning of the Lenten season, and is held in late February or early March.
The highlight of the carnival is Dimanche Gras (Fat Sunday) which includes a parade through the town center.
Join the parade at Place Gambetta at 2 pm and dance your way down the streets of Paris to the parade’s end at Place de la Republic!
You can check out the exact dates and times here.
Valentine’s Day Run (Course Saint-Valentin) – February 14
If your visit to Paris falls on Valentine’s Day, why not join in a fun 5k run?
This annual event is held each year at the Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. The course starts and ends near the picturesque lake, so you can enjoy some of the best views in all of Paris while you run.
The annual run is organized by the FrontRunners of Paris, an LGBTQ running group raising awareness.
But everyone is welcome, so join in and enjoy a fun evening out with friends!
For more information or to sign up for the event, check out their official website.
Retromobile Vintage Car Show – February 1-5
Car enthusiasts in Paris will be thrilled to check out the Retromobile Vintage Car Show.
This annual event is held every February at the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Centre, and it’s a great way to appreciate some of the most iconic vehicles from days gone by.
You’ll get to see vintage cars, motorcycles, and even boats up close and personal. Plus, you can buy some great souvenirs to take home with you!
Tickets cost €20 and can be booked online here.
Where to stay in Paris in February
February is part of the “off-season” in Paris, so you can find plenty of great places to stay at reasonable prices.
⚡ Related read: Where to Stay in Paris: 10 Best Areas & Best Hotels
Budget
If you’re looking for a budget option, try out any of the hostels located throughout the city. Most offer dorm-style rooms with shared bathrooms and facilities.
Plus, many have communal areas where you can meet other travelers.
Some of my favorite Paris hostels include:
– St. Christopher’s Inn Gare du Nord – This hostel offers great value for money and is located right near the train station.
– Generator Paris – An upscale hostel in the heart of the city, offering comfortable furnishings and plenty of amenities.
– Les Piaules – A cozy hostel with unique decor, a restaurant, bar, and much more.
You can search for hostels in Paris and compare prices on Hostelworld.
Mid-range
If you’re looking for something a bit more luxurious, there are plenty of mid-range hotels in Paris.
Or if you want to splurge, check out any of the five-star accommodation options near the Champs Elysees.
Some of my favs for mid-range/luxury hotels in Paris:
– Grand Hotel Francais ($$) – A stylish Art Deco hotel in the 11th arrondissement.
– Shangri-La Paris ($$$) – This five-star hotel offers stunning views of the Eiffel Tower and is located in a prime location.
– Austin’s Arts et Metiers Hotel ($$) – Located in the trendy Marais district, this boutique hotel offers a unique rustic-chic style.
You can search for hotels in Paris and compare prices on Hotels.com or Booking.com.
Wherever you stay, make sure to book your room in advance to ensure you get the best price.
⚡ Related read: The 10 Best 4-Star Hotels in Paris for a Luxury Stay
Thanks for reading!
And there you have it – your complete guide to visiting Paris in February!
Hopefully this has given you some great ideas of what to do, where to stay, and what to pack so that you can have the best experience possible.
I’m sure you’ll find that no matter how you decide to spend your time in Paris this February, there’s something here for everyone.
From stunning views from atop iconic monuments to interactive museums and parades to runs with friends – it’s all part of what makes Paris such an incredible destination.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your ticket to Paris now and let the adventure begin!
Bon voyage!
Related reads
Planning a trip to the City of Lights sometime soon? Don’t miss my related posts:
– 8 Easy Day Trips from Paris (to other countries)
– 17 Coolest Speakeasies and Hidden Bars in Paris
– Best Marriott Hotels in Paris
– 10 Best Restaurants in Paris with an Eiffel Tower View
Have you been to Paris in February? What did you like the most?
Hi, I’m Tiana – founder of and author here at Where Tiana Travels. I’m a 20-something with a love for all things travel, photography, and food. I have been living abroad for the past 5 years and solo traveling the globe in my free time. I created this blog to share my travel stories and inspire other women to go out and see the world. Read more about me here!
8 Easy Day Trips from Paris (to other countries in Europe) | Where Tiana Travels
Saturday 6th of May 2023
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