What’s the weather like in Paris in February?

Expect cold but manageable winter weather in <link linkType="internal" newTab="true" url="http://www.paristickets.com" id="4JA4ImSV" shortCodeType="link" text="Paris" />, usually around 3–8°C (37–46°F). You'll likely get a mix of grey skies, occasional sun, and light rain rather than constant snow.

Does it snow in Paris in February?

It can, but most trips won't revolve around snow. If it does happen, it's usually brief and more photogenic than disruptive.

Is Paris crowded in February?

Much less than spring and summer, yes. But it is not empty. Valentine's Day, school-holiday dates, and late-February fashion traffic can make central areas feel busier.

Is February a good month for a first trip to Paris?

Yes, especially if your priorities are museums, classic monuments, food, and evening experiences. If you want long terrace lunches and park days, wait for spring.

Is Paris expensive in February?

Often less expensive than April–June, but not uniformly cheap. Central hotels and date-night experiences rise around Feb 14, and luxury stays can lift again near fashion events.

Should I book Eiffel Tower tickets in advance for February?

Yes. Even in winter, good time slots go first. If you book **Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor**, remember security lines can still take time.

Are Seine cruises worth it in February?

Very much so. The boats give you a warm sightseeing block, and early darkness makes evening departures feel dramatic without needing a late night.

Is February good for museums in Paris?

It's one of the better months for them. The Louvre, Orsay, Sainte-Chapelle, and smaller museums like Palais Galliera fit naturally into a winter itinerary.

How long do I need for Palais Galliera?

Usually 45–90 minutes, depending on the exhibition. It is a rotating-exhibition museum, so always check what's on before deciding if it fits your interests.

What should I pack for Paris in February?

Bring a proper coat, warm layers, scarf, compact umbrella, and shoes that handle wet pavements. A fashionable outfit helps if you're doing cabaret or a nicer dinner.

Is Disneyland® Paris worth doing in February?

Yes if you want cooler-weather park days and can plan around French school holidays. Weekdays are usually the smarter choice.

What’s the best day trip from Paris in February?

Versailles is the easiest all-rounder for culture, while Disneyland® Paris works well for families. Reims is the best food-and-Champagne detour.

Are restaurants and cabarets harder to book in February?

Only on specific dates. Valentine's week is the main pressure point, followed by popular weekend evenings and some late-February dining demand near fashion-heavy areas.

Can I do Paris well in three days in February?

Yes. Three days is enough for major sights, one strong museum day, one evening splurge, and either Montmartre or a half-day detour. Four days gives you room for Versailles or Disneyland® Paris.

Paris in February | Winter Romance and City Walks

With sunrise at 8:10 AM and sunset near 5:55 PM, February is Paris’s coldest month (2–7°C/36–45°F), but the city comes alive for Chinese New Year’s parade in the 13th arrondissement and Valentine’s Day. The Salon de l’Agriculture draws huge crowds for food and livestock, while the final week of winter sales offers deep discounts. Carnival parades and Paris Grand Slam judo add color. The upside: museums are uncrowded and restaurants are easier to book—except on Valentine’s. The downside: biting cold and occasional rain, but the city’s warmth is found indoors, from crêperies to cozy wine bars.

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Paris in February at a glance

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Weather

Maximum temperature: 7°C

Minimum temperature: 2°C

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Daylight

Around 9 hours 45 minutes of daylight

Sunrise: 8:10am

Sunset: 5:55pm

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Key events

Patinoire de l'Hôtel de Ville, Chinese New Year Grand Parade, Soldes d'Hiver, Salon de l'Agriculture

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Crowds

Fewer tourists, shorter queues at attractions, and a quieter overall vibe, as locals may be on holiday.

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What to pack

Insulated coat, hat, gloves, wool socks, waterproof shoes, umbrella, dressy outfit for Valentine’s, layers for changing weather.

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Seasonal treats

Crêpes de la Chandeleur, oysters, black truffle dishes, soupe à l'oignon, raclette, chocolat chaud, tartare de bœuf, croissant.

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Paris in winter: How February compares

Category	January	February	March
Weather	2–7°C (36–45°F), coldest stretch, darker days	3–8°C (37–46°F), still wintery but slightly easier	5–12°C (41–54°F), early spring feel on brighter days
Crowds	Low after New Year	Low to moderate; rises around Valentine’s Day and school holidays	Moderate; spring city-break traffic returns
Atmosphere	Post-holiday calm, sale season, very local feel	Romantic, museum-friendly, fashion-minded, less rushed than spring	Outdoor café energy starts to return
Key events	New Year week, winter sales begin	Valentine’s Day, Lunar New Year events, winter sales end, fashion traffic late month	Spring exhibitions, early blossom walks, more outdoor plans
Public holidays	New Year's Day on Jan 1	No nationwide public holiday	No nationwide public holiday
Budget	Often among the year's lowest after first week	Good value on many weekdays, but mid-February spikes happen	Prices start climbing toward spring
Best for	Bargain hunters, repeat visitors, quiet museums	Couples, museum lovers, fashion fans, first-timers who prefer shorter lines	Walkers, photographers, terrace people
Book early?	Only for New Year carryover dates and top cabarets	Yes for Feb 14 dinners, cabaret, Eiffel slots, and central hotels	Yes for weekends and popular museums
Transport tips	Smooth after holiday week	Easy most days; allow more time in rain and around central evening hotspots	Busier metro lines near top sights on weekends

Top things to do in Paris in February

Walk the river, then take a daytime Seine cruise

Why this month: Winter light keeps the river views crisp, and you'll usually avoid summer-level boat queues.
Best time: Late morning to golden hour
Book by: 3–7 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate near the Eiffel Tower, lighter on weekday sailings
A February cruise is easy to slot between museums and gives you a warm reset without losing sightseeing time.
Don't miss: The stretch past the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay
Insider tip: Match it with a Trocadéro walk first, then board near Port de la Bourdonnais.
Match: Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower

Climb the Arc de Triomphe before sunset

Why this month: The low winter sun makes the Haussmann rooftops and Champs-Élysées lines look sharper.
Best time: One hour before sunset
Book by: 2–5 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate, with a bump at sunset
You get one of the cleanest city views in Paris, and February air usually means clearer long-distance visibility.
Don't miss: The star-shaped avenues radiating from Place Charles de Gaulle
Insider tip: Bring gloves; the rooftop wind feels colder than street level.
Match: Arc de Triomphe Entry Tickets with Rooftop Access

Do the Louvre while the city is still warming up

Why this month: February makes long indoor visits feel right, and timed entry helps cut out ticket-counter waits.
Best time: First slot of the morning
Book by: 1–3 weeks ahead
Crowds: Moderate year-round, but easier than peak summer
This is the month to take your time with the permanent collection instead of rushing between heat and crowds.
Don't miss: A straight early run to the Denon wing before central galleries fill up
Insider tip: Even with timed entry, keep 15–30 minutes for security.
Match: Louvre Museum Pre-Reserved Entry Tickets

See what's on at Palais Galliera

Why this month: A fashion museum built around rotating exhibitions feels tailor-made for a winter afternoon.
Best time: Weekday late morning
Book by: 0–7 days ahead
Crowds: Low to moderate, depending on the exhibition
Palais Galliera works best when you know what's on. In February, that exhibition-led format is exactly the point.
Don't miss: The current craftsmanship-focused galleries if they're running during your dates
Insider tip: Pair it with Avenue Montaigne or Trocadéro; all are easy on foot in one half-day.

Book a February dinner at Madame Brasserie

Why this month: Cold evenings make a warm table inside the Eiffel Tower feel even more worth the planning.
Best time: After-dark dinner seating
Book by: 4–8 weeks ahead for Feb 14 week, 2–3 weeks otherwise
Crowds: High around Valentine's Day, moderate on other weekdays
You get reserved elevator access to the first floor, a full dinner, and night views without another move across town.
Don't miss: The glass-floor observation deck after your meal
Insider tip: "City view" and "Seine view" are not the same as a true window-side table.
Match: Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie

Duck into Aquarium de Paris on a rainy day

Why this month: February weather makes an indoor animal experience far more useful than it sounds on paper.
Best time: Early afternoon
Book by: 2–5 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate, higher on school-holiday dates
This is one of the better cold-weather family backups near Trocadéro, especially if the forecast turns wet.
Don't miss: The touch pools and scheduled live shows
Insider tip: Check the daily program before arriving so you don't miss workshops.
Match: Aquarium de Paris Priority Access Tickets

Tour Parc des Princes behind the scenes

Why this month: Football season is active, so the stadium feels tied to the city's real rhythm.
Best time: Mid-morning on a non-match day
Book by: 5–10 days ahead
Crowds: Low to moderate, depending on fixtures
The self-guided route covers locker rooms, press areas, VIP spaces, and the field edge without eating a full day.
Don't miss: The trophy wall and press room
Insider tip: Check match-day restrictions before locking your schedule.
Match: PSG Parc des Princes Stadium Tour with Behind-the-Scenes Access

Walk Île de la Cité, then step into Notre-Dame

Why this month: You can enjoy the island's details without peak-season crowd pressure or summer heat.
Best time: Morning into lunch
Book by: 3–7 days ahead
Crowds: Moderate around the cathedral, lighter on surrounding streets
A guided island walk gives context that most quick cathedral visits miss, especially in a history-dense part of Paris.
Don't miss: The river views and old street pattern around the cathedral approaches
Insider tip: Dress modestly if you plan to enter Notre-Dame afterward.
Match: Notre-Dame Exterior Guided Tour with Free Entry

Offbeat experiences in February

Palais Galliera’s current fashion exhibition

Location: 10 Avenue Pierre 1er de Serbie, 75116 Paris
When: Tuesday–Sunday in February; best on weekday mornings
Tip: Check the current exhibition before you go. Galliera is rotation-led, not a permanent-display museum.

Winter morning at Marché des Enfants Rouges

Location: 39 Rue de Bretagne, 75003 Paris
When: Tuesday–Sunday in February, best before 12pm
Tip: Start with Moroccan or Japanese counters before the lunch rush blocks the narrow aisles.

A covered-passages photo walk

Location: Begin at Galerie Vivienne, 4 Rue des Petits Champs, 75002 Paris
When: Weekday afternoons in February
Tip: Go just after rain. The arcades glow better, and you avoid the dim early-evening crush.

Tea and pastries at the Grande Mosquée de Paris

Location: 2bis Place du Puits de l’Ermite, 75005 Paris
When: Afternoons in February, especially on cold weekdays
Tip: Combine it with the Jardin des Plantes; the contrast between bare winter gardens and a warm tearoom works well.

Saint-Ouen flea market in winter light

Location: 124 Rue des Rosiers, 93400 Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine
When: Saturday–Monday in February, best from 10am to 1pm
Tip: Go early for serious browsing; later hours are better for food, not for finding the quieter dealers.

Bibliothèque nationale de France, Richelieu site

Location: 5 Rue Vivienne, 75002 Paris
When: Tuesday–Sunday in February
Tip: Add it between Palais Royal and the passages; it's one of the cleanest half-hour culture detours in the center.

Festivals and events in Paris this February 2026

Patinoire de l'Hôtel de Ville

Dates:December 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Hôtel de Ville

Free outdoor ice rink on City Hall’s esplanade. Rentals available. Go early evenings for space.

Chinese New Year Grand Parade

Dates:February 17, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Barrio chino del distrito 13

Dragons, lions, costumes, and firecrackers fill Paris’s 13th arrondissement. Arrive early for views. Streets close.

Paris Cocktail Week

Dates:January 25, 2026 to February 10, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:París

Bars launch special menus and host masterclasses across Marais and Pigalle. Events vary. Book tastings.

Carnaval de Paris

Dates:February 15, 2026
Event type:Festival
Location:Plaza Gambetta

Free costumed procession from Place Gambetta to Hôtel de Ville. Brass bands lead. Expect traffic and diversions.

Soldes d'Hiver

Dates:January 8, 2026 to February 4, 2026
Event type:Lifestyle
Location:París

Government-regulated winter sales run four weeks with 30–70% discounts across Paris retail. The first days draw the biggest crowds, especially at big department stores.

Salon de l'Agriculture

Dates:February 21, 2026 to March 1, 2026
Event type:Exhibitions
Location:París Expo Puerta de Versalles

France’s biggest agricultural fair fills Porte de Versailles with animals, competitions, and regional food and wine stands. It draws huge crowds, so arrive early and expect long halls.

Paris Grand Slam (Judo)

Dates:February 7, 2026 to February 8, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Accor Arena

International judo meet at Accor Arena (Bercy) with top athletes and a loud crowd on the iconic tatami. Tickets sell fast for finals sessions, book ahead.

Six Nations Rugby (France home matches)

Dates:February 1, 2026
Event type:Sports
Location:Estadio de Francia

Six Nations brings international rugby crowds to Stade de France in Saint-Denis for France home matches. Match days pack trains and nearby brasseries, plan transport early.

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Planning your February visit

Lead time	What to book	Why & when	Seasonal price change
2–4 months ahead	Central hotels, romantic dinners	Feb 14 weekend drives demand first; late-Feb fashion traffic can tighten central availability	Feb 13–15: +15–35% vs early-Feb weekdays; late-Feb luxury hotels can also rise
3–6 weeks ahead	Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator	Weekend sunset slots and date-night tables go first, especially around Valentine's Day	Feb 13–15 evening slots: +10–25% vs weekday lunch or daytime slots
2–4 weeks ahead	Louvre Museum Reserved Access Tickets	School-holiday dates and wet-weather weekends push indoor demand; morning entries disappear first	Mostly stable; prime morning and weekend slots can feel effectively 10–15% pricier through lower availability
2–3 weeks ahead	-Day Ticket to Disneyland® Paris or Experience	French school-holiday periods lift attendance, especially on weekends and milder forecast days	Holiday weekends: +10–20% vs plain midweek winter dates
7–14 days ahead	Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower	Weather decides many bookings; people wait, then book once the forecast looks clear	Usually flat; last-minute weekday winter deals are common
5–10 days ahead	PSG Parc des Princes Stadium Tour with Behind-the-Scenes Access	Good flex picks for rainy days and family itineraries; availability depends more on calendars than on season	Often stable vs winter base

February highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers

Families with kids

Must-experience: Aquarium de Paris or Disneyland® Paris on a weekday. Book early around school holidays.
Better in February: Indoor attractions work hard for you when the weather turns wet and cold.

Couples

Must-experience: Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie or a Seine dinner cruise. Reserve now, not later.
Better in February: Valentine's week gives the city a built-in date-night excuse.

Art and culture lovers

Must-experience: Louvre in the morning, Palais Galliera in the afternoon, cabaret at night. Build that day.
Better in February: Cold weather makes museum days feel intentional instead of like a compromise.

Solo travelers

Must-experience: A Seine cruise plus a self-guided museum afternoon. Easy, safe, and low-friction.
Better in February: Lower crowd pressure makes Paris easier to navigate alone.

Shopping enthusiasts

Must-experience: Winter sale browsing at Galeries Lafayette and BHV Marais before markdowns end. Go early.
Better in February: You still catch sale energy without December-level chaos.

Friends groups

Must-experience: Book Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin, then keep the night going nearby. Lock your seats in.
Better in February: Evenings feel social, and indoor plans beat cold-weather indecision.

Foodies

Must-experience: Crêpes for La Chandeleur, onion soup, cheese-heavy dinners, and a February tasting menu. Reserve.
Better in February: This is a proper comfort-food month, not a salad month.

Adventure seekers

Must-experience: Climb the Arc de Triomphe, tour Parc des Princes, and walk river-to-river in winter light.
Better in February: The city feels active without draining summer queues.

Paris in February: Your perfect 3-day itinerary

Morning: Louvre Museum with timed entry right at opening. February is one of the better months for a long first visit because indoor hours feel well spent. If you want the easiest start, use Louvre Museum Pre-Reserved Entry Tickets and still allow time for security.
Breakfast: Café Kitsuné, Palais Royal. Order a flat white and a pastry, then walk through the still-quiet arcades before heading to the museum.
Midday: Tuileries Garden to Place de la Concorde. Trees are bare, fountains look severe, and the whole axis feels extra Parisian in winter. It is cold, but the walk is short and clean.
Lunch: Le Fumoir, just across from the Louvre. Get onion soup or a croque monsieur. You can walk there in minutes without breaking the rhythm of the day.
Afternoon: Musée de l'Orangerie if you want Monet in a compact format, or go bigger with Orsay Museum Reserved Access Tickets. February is ideal for art-marathon pacing.
Evening: Seine River cruise from the Eiffel Tower area using Seine River 1-Hour Sightseeing Cruise from the Eiffel Tower or 1-Hour Paris Illuminated Evening Sightseeing Cruise. Night comes early in February, which works in your favor here.
Dinner: Bouillon Chartier Grands Boulevards for a budget classic, then walk toward Opéra Garnier to see the façades lit up in the cold.

Morning: Start at Trocadéro before the tour groups stack up. The morning cold keeps the plaza clearer, and your Eiffel photos come easier. Then walk down toward the river or head into the tower with Eiffel Tower Guided Tour by Elevator: Reserved Entry to the Summit or Second Floor. Keep in mind that security waits still apply.
Breakfast: Carette Trocadéro. Order hot chocolate and a pastry. You are paying partly for location, but on a February morning that trade makes sense.
Midday: Walk 10 minutes to Palais Galliera. This is the right season for a 45–90 minute exhibition visit, especially if you like fashion, textiles, or a smaller museum that doesn't require a full afternoon.
Lunch: Forest, at the Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris side of the Palais de Tokyo area. Go for fish or a seasonal plate; it is an easy continuation from Galliera without losing time on transport.
Afternoon: Pick between Musée d'Art Moderne de Paris, Palais de Tokyo, or a slow stroll down Avenue Montaigne. If fashion is your thing, this whole part of the city clicks better after Galliera than before it.
Evening: Book Dinner at Eiffel Tower's Madame Brasserie if you want one anchor night done properly. Otherwise, keep dinner on the ground and finish with Crazy Horse or another cabaret near the Golden Triangle.

Morning: Head to Île de la Cité for Notre-Dame Exterior Guided Tour with Free Entry. February is a good month for this area because the streets are still busy enough to feel alive, but not clogged. If you prefer a fuller cathedral explanation, look at Notre-Dame Interior and Exterior Guided Tour.
Breakfast: Odette, near the Panthéon side of the Left Bank. Order cream puffs and coffee; keep it light because this day has a lot of walking.
Midday: Visit Sainte-Chapelle & Conciergerie Entry Tickets . The stained glass hits differently on bright winter days, and both sites work well when it is too cold for a long outdoor block.
Lunch: Au Vieux Paris d'Arcole or a simple bistro in the Latin Quarter. Go for a fixed-price lunch and save money for the evening.
Afternoon: Choose your detour. History-minded travelers should go to the Panthéon with Paris Panthéon Entry Tickets . Anyone who wants something darker and more unusual should take a timed entry into the Paris Catacombs with Paris Catacombs Reserved Access Tickets and wear warm layers because the tunnels sit around 14°C (57°F).
Evening: End in Montmartre with Moulin Rouge Show with Champagne or La Nouvelle Eve Cabaret Show with Champagne.
Dinner: Eat before the show in the neighborhood. A steak-frites table around Pigalle or Abbesses keeps the logistics simple and the night moving.

Best day trips from Paris in February

Versailles

Travel time: About 45–60 min by train plus local transfer
Description: February is good for palace interiors and lighter foot traffic.

Disneyland® Paris

Travel time: About 40–60 min from central Paris by RER and local transfer
Description: Cold-weather weekday visits can feel efficient.

Reims

Travel time: About 45 min by TGV, longer on regional options
Description: Good for cathedral architecture, cellar visits, and a long lunch. February makes this a food-and-Champagne trip, not a picnic trip.

Provins

Travel time: Around 1.5 hr by train
Description: This medieval town is quieter in February and works best for travelers who like walls, towers, and low-season calm more than café terraces.

What to eat in Paris in February: Seasonal delicacies

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Crêpes de la Chandeleur (Candlemas crêpes)

February 2 brings thin sweet crêpes for La Chandeleur. Try with sugar, pair with cider, go at lunch.

Where to get: Café Breizh

Truffe noire du Périgord (black truffle)

February keeps black truffle quality high. Add to omelette or risotto. Book truffle menus, prices stay steep.

Where to get: La Casa de la Trufa

Escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails)

In February, escargots suit winter dining, snails baked in garlic-parsley butter. Order before steak, share plates.

Where to get: L'Escargot Montorgueil

Raclette et fondue (melted cheese dishes)

February cold calls for raclette or fondue, melted cheese with potatoes and bread. Go with friends, reserve dinner.

Where to get: Les Fondus de la Raclette

Gibier (game meats)

February ends much game season, think boar or pheasant slow-cooked. Choose bistro plat du jour, book evenings.

Where to get: París

Go shopping in Paris in February

When: Usually until early February; best before 12pm on weekdays
Where: 40 Boulevard Haussmann, 75009 Paris
The final days of soldes d'hiver are good for discounted French labels, beauty sets, cashmere basics, and cold-weather accessories. Start from the upper fashion floors, then work down. The central dome area gets the photos, not the best browsing space.

When: Usually until early February; strongest on weekday mornings
Where: 52 Rue de Rivoli, 75004 Paris
Better for practical buys than fantasy buys: scarves, homeware, stationery, and useful Paris-branded gifts. Enter from Rue du Temple if you want a faster start. Rivoli-side flow is slower and more tourist-heavy.

When: Roughly Feb 1–14
Where: 38 Rue de Sèvres, 75007 Paris
Come here for chocolate boxes, jam gift sets, fancy biscuits, and pantry items you can actually carry home. It smells like butter and toasted sugar near the pastry side. Skip peak lunch hour and head straight to the confectionery counters first.

When: Around Lunar New Year weekends in February, dates vary each year
Where: Around Avenue d'Ivry and Avenue de Choisy, 75013 Paris
Look for tea tins, red envelopes, sweets, and festive decorations rather than polished department-store stock. Go before the parade crowds build. Side streets often have the better food stops and less shoulder-checking.

Pro tips for visiting Paris in February

• Reserve Valentine’s Day dinners at least 4–6 weeks ahead, especially at romantic spots in Saint-Germain or Montmartre—last-minute tables are rare.
• Go early to the Chinese New Year parade in the 13th arrondissement for the best viewing spots; crowds peak by midday.
• Head to Paris Expo Porte de Versailles for Salon de l’Agriculture—buy tickets online to skip long entry lines, especially on weekends.
• Choose oyster bars like Huîtrerie Régis for peak-season oysters; February is the last great month before spring.
• Avoid shopping on the final day of Soldes d’Hiver (Feb 4), as stock is picked over and crowds are intense.
• Book tickets for Rétromobile (classic car show) in advance if you’re a fan—this 50th edition draws collectors and enthusiasts from across Europe.
• Reserve spots at Paris Grand Slam judo at Accor Arena early, as the event is popular with locals and international fans.
• Skip open-top bus tours—cold winds make them uncomfortable; opt for indoor museums or cozy cafés instead.

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Frequently asked questions about visiting Paris in February

Expect cold but manageable winter weather in Paris, usually around 3–8°C (37–46°F). You'll likely get a mix of grey skies, occasional sun, and light rain rather than constant snow.