Paris in February: What to Do, Weather & Events

Paris Weather in February & what to pack

February is a wintery month in Paris. Cold, grey days with occasional cold rain or snow contribute to the slow, relaxed atmosphere. If you are looking for a relaxed time to enjoy Paris’s many museums and monuments – February offers quiet museums and good hotel rates. Be aware February is a time of professional trade shows in Paris so book ahead for the best hotel and rate selection.

• Average Temperatures: High 48°F (8°C) | Low 37°F (2°C)
• Precipitation: On average February has 9 days of precipitation that can include snow or light, icy rain

What To Pack For Paris In February

February is a wintery month in Paris so bring a warm jacket, scarf and hat. Warm, heavier layers are best to enjoy both the indoors and outdoors. February can bring different types of precipitation including snow, sleet and rain. As always we recommend a versatile capsule wardrobe with mix and match pieces that will keep you cozy as you explore the sites and the enjoy bistros and cafes. Bring along some accessories (jewelry or a scarf) to sharpen your more casual outfits. Opt for comfortable boots that allow you to walk all day or stylish sneakers with warm socks.

What’s On In Paris In February

🎭 Opera Winter Season

Paris’s winter opera and ballet season is in full swing in February. The culture centers of opera and ballet in Paris are the Opéra Bastille and the Palais Garnier. If you are not as interested in seeing a show, a visit to the Palais Garnier is worth it. The building was originally commissioned by Emperor Napoleon III in 1861 and designed by the architect Charles Garnier. It is a fascinating building with alot of symbolism and drama. One of the highlights is the ceiling in the main auditorium painted by Marc Chagall in 1964 honoring musical composers through a dreamy background highlighting opera and ballet in bright colors.

🖼️ Quiet Museums

Have you always wanted to see Mona Lisa’s smile or the majesty of the Winged Victory in a calmer, less crowded environment? February is a great time to visit Paris’s major museums and enjoy a relaxed atmosphere.Plan your visits with our review of the Best Museums in Paris →

🍴La Chandeleur (Candlemas) – February 2

If you love crepes – you will enjoy “pancake day” or La Chandeleur on February 2. This day celebrated across Europe marks the official religious end of the Christmas season commemorating the presentation of baby Jesus at the temple. The name in France comes from the traditional candle blessing in churches, but the day also comes at winter’s mid-point looking towards sunnier spring days with golden crêpes representing the sun. Enjoy your favorite sweet or savory crêpe in a cafe to mark the day! 

Best Things To Do In Paris In February

💘 Romantic Paris – Valentine’s Day Suggestions

February is the month of love with Valentine’s Day (February 14) at its heart. Paris is one of the most romantic cities in the world – so if you are visiting in February enjoy the city’s setting with your nearest and dearest. Paris celebrates la Saint-Valentin as a low-key holiday and many couples take it as an opportunity for a special meal out. Among the more intimate and romantic places in Paris to take your favorite person – consider a wander through the charming streets of the Marais with a stop at the Places Des Vosges park, the intimate Square du Vert Galant at the tip of the Isle de la Cite near Notre Dame or the I Love You Wall in Montmartre. For a lovely winter walk, Montmartre with the Sacré-Cœur Basillica and its charming lanes is one of our top picks. Take the Montmartre Funicular (Metro Anvers Line 2) up to the Basillica and as you stroll a stop at the I Love You Wall in the Place des Abbesses. Top of your romantic plans with an evening wine tasting or a dinner cruise on the Seine.

🎭 Experience Paris Cabaret

Attending a cabaret show at the Moulin Rouge or Crazy Horse venues is one of those Paris experiences that lives up to the hype. Each has its own history and character.

Moulin Rouge

The Moulin Rouge in French literally means “Red Mill.” The venue and its cabaret show is a living piece of French culture and history that has sat at the heart of Montmartre’s bohemian nightlife for over 130 years. Today, the Moulin Rouge presents its revue show “Féerie” — a spectacular production featuring 100 performers, over 1,000 costumes, elaborate sets, acrobats, magicians, ventriloquists, and yes, the famous finale and its Cancan dance. 

Crazy Horse

The Crazy Horse Paris (officially Le Crazy Horse de Paris) is one of the most iconic cabaret venues in the world. Founded in 1951 by Alain Bernardin on the prestigious Avenue George V, just steps from the Champs-Élysées, it has been dazzling audiences for over 70 years with a unique blend of dance, light artistry, and avant-garde choreography. While the Moulin Rouge offers a large-scale dinner show format, the Crazy Horse is a far more intimate and artistic experience. The venue seats only about 350 people, which means every seat delivers an up-close view of the stage.

⭐ Don’t Miss February Experiences

Paris offers the chance to participate in aspects of French culture that are world-famous. You can take a perfume workshop or take a deep dive into French wine. Some of our favorite classes and activities include:

• Perfume Workshop: Looking for a unique gift to bring home? Perfume workshops are one of the most memorable and genuinely unique things to do in Paris. Paris has been the global capital of perfumery for over three centuries – so there’s no better place in the world to learn this art and bring home a bottle of your own signature scent. More On Our Favorite Perfume Workshops →
• Cooking Classes: Taking a cooking class in Paris will be a highlight of your trip. It is not just a fun afternoon, but one of those experiences that genuinely changes how you cook when you get home. There’s something about standing in a French kitchen, learning why butter temperature matters and how a proper roux should look, that no cookbook or YouTube video can replicate. More On Our Favorite Cooking Classes→
• Wine Tasting: Tasting wine in Paris is one of those experiences that sounds intimidating until you actually do it — and then you wonder why you hesitated. Whether you want to sip Grand Cru Bordeaux in a historic cellar or learn to pair Burgundy with perfectly aged cheese,Paris has a wine experience designed exactly for you. More On Our Favorite Wine Tasting Experiences →

Where To Stay In February

If you are planning to visit Paris in February you have a range of options to consider for your accommodation at some of the most affordable rates of the year. Below are our guides and picks to help you choose the type of accommodation and area that fits your needs:

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