February In Paris: How To Have The Best Time

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I first moved to Paris in the month of February. What I remember, aside from the heady mix of excitement sprinkled with fear, are the flowers. Delicate pink blossoms appeared while hyacinths and daffodils dared to show themselves.

February in Paris comes with a cold wind but Paris, with fewer crowds, less expensive accommodation, longer days, and a few early blossoms, is well, Paris after all. Always a good idea!

Here are the best things to do when visiting Paris in February.

Weather In Paris In February

Is it cold in February in Paris? Does it snow in Paris in February? These are two questions I get asked often about coming to Paris in February. Here are the answers:

February in Paris Temperatures:

Average Low Temperature: 37°F | 3°C

Average High Temperature: 46°F | 8°C

Wet Days: 6.6

In 2023, there were many mornings that began at 30° F (-1°C). That’s cold.

It does not snow frequently in Paris in February, but it can. The snow never lasts long but it is a beautiful sight! Here is how to enjoy a snowy February day in Paris.

The Paris February weather has a mind of its own. In late February 2023, there had been 30 days without precipitation. In other years, it rains frequently and even snows.

I find the most surprising thing about the February weather in Paris is the wind. It’s a very cold wind, even if the sun is shining.

Paris In February What To Wear?

For the cold February Paris wind, bring warm clothes. Bring a winter coat, warm gloves, a woollen hat and a cashmere or wool scarf. A key tip is to dress in layers.

Bring an umbrella for the rain.

Bring a crossbody bag, like this, fashionable and safe. There are multiple advantages of a crossbody bag. It allows you to put your hands in your pockets, hold a warm cup of hot chocolate, sip on mulled wine, and pull it under your arm for safekeeping on the Paris métro.

Comfortable walking shoes or boots are another essential item to pack. The sidewalks are not icy, nor snow-covered making walking a perfect way to visit Paris in February.

Where To Stay In February In Paris

Paris hotels:

• Hôtel la Comtesse with an Eiffel Tower view
• Chouchou Hotel with an eclectic vibe
• Hôtel de Joséphine Bonaparte in the heart of the Marais
• Hôtel des Académies et des Arts in Saint-Germain des Prés (the left bank)

Prefer staying in an apartment? Here are some fabulous Paris apartments:

• Portrait of Splendour literally filled with portraits, in the Marais
• Joyau de Marais
• The Panthéon Pageantry

Paris In February: The Holidays

February 19 – March 5, 2023 – School Holidays Paris

Celebrations And Events In February In Paris

Chinese New Year

Usually in February, the Chinese New Year fell in January 2023. On January 22, the celebrations for bringing in the Year of The Water Rabbit began. Celebrations take place in the Marais, Belleville, and the 13th arrondissement with parades and lion and dragon dances.

La Chandeleur(Candlemas)

February 2, 2023,

Candlemas is celebrated 40 days after Christmas. One way it is celebrated is by eating crêpes. Yum! Originally a pagan festival, it was thought that using wheat from the previous crop would bring good luck for the next season’s harvest. and though you’ll find plenty of crêpes folded into triangles in the local boulangeries, plain or filled with chocolate, the circular shape of a crêpe represents the sun and the cycle of life. Phew. Spring is on its way!

Paris Face Cachée

February 3, 4, and 5, 2023

For three days in February, one hundred sites in Paris, that are not normally open to the public, open their doors and offer behind-the-scenes tours. Imagine going into an abbey that is tucked away in the 5th arrondissement.

Or, finding out the story behind a brothel, Aux Belle Poules, in the 2nd arrondissment? Imagine buying what you thought was an office and discovering hidden frescoes and mosaics and uncovering the history of a famous Paris brothel! Book your tickets in January and enjoy incredible experiences in Paris.

I went to two events in 2023 and found them both to be unforgettable experiences.

February In Paris Tip: If you are coming to Paris in early February, book your tickets for Paris Face Cachée starting the third week of January.

1001 Orchids

Grand Serres du Jardin des Plantes, 47-57 rue Cuvier 75005 or 18 rue Buffon

February 8 to March 6, 2023

This year is the 10th edition of the 1001 Orchids Show in the greenhouses of the Jardin des Plantes in the Latin Quarter. Over 700 varieties of rare orchids are on display. Don’t forget to investigate the pop-up orchid shop.

Course de la Saint-Valentin

February 11, 2023

This fun run in Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement of Paris draws over 1000 runners of all ages. The purpose of this February event, organised close to Valentine’s Day, is to raise public awareness about all forms of discrimination. Read more about the fun run here.

Valentine’s Day

February 14, 2003

Oh là là! Spending Valentines Day in Paris, the most romantic city in the world, is a dream for many couples. Visit the Eiffel Tower, take a cruise down the Seine River or, wander through Paris to find her hidden gems.

Valentine’s Day in Paris as a solo traveller is a day to treat yourself to the max! Here is how to spend Valentine’s Day in Paris on your own!

Pro Travel Tip: Valentine’s Day in France is not as widely celebrated as in North America. Shops and chocolate boutiques though have plenty of “love” in the air!

Paris Mardi Gras And Carnaval

February 19, 2023, 1 pm to 5 pm

2023 marks the 25th edition of le Carnaval de Paris. It’s a time to dress in colourful costumes in the streets of Paris and move to the music!

The parade called La Promenade du Boeuf Gras or the March of the Fat Beef Cow is led by a sizeable French cow from Limousin a region of France that produces some of the finest beef in France.

The parade starts at Place Gambetta and ends at Place de la République.

Wine Paris And Vinexpo

February 12 – 14, 2024 (plan ahead!)

The Wine Paris and Vinexpo Paris draw wine and spirit producers from all over France and the world at large. If you love wine and learning more from world-class sommeliers, this will be the February in Paris event for you! Highlights include Be Spirits where 20 bars, from Europe, France, and Paris, share a 40-m-long bar and mix incredible creative drinks. In the Craft Pavillion, you’ll find young producers who have come to promote their brands. I wonder what new craft beer surfaced this year?

What To Do In Paris In February

1. Take A Seine River Cruise

It’s an essential thing to do in Paris. A Seine River cruise. Seeing Paris from a different perspective is awesome. Cruise past Notre Dame Cathedral and the Conciergie. Pass under the beautiful bridges. It’s an unforgettable experience.

With the cold temperatures and wind, it might be advisable to take a dinner cruise on the Seine River. That way, you are on the water longer (2.5 hours) and while dining, out of the cold elements.

Here is another variation on the Seine River Dinner Cruise.

2. Visit A Museum In Paris

Winter in Paris is a great time to visit museums and see some of the special exhibitions that are on. Pick up your copy of L’Officiel des Spectacles at one of the corner kiosks in Paris. It comes out every Wednesday and lists absolutely everything going on in Paris.

Try visiting the Louvre Museum and /or the Musée d’Orsay in February in Paris. Fewer crowds will make the experience more enjoyable. It is highly recommended to purchase your entry ticket beforehand.

Paris has around 130 museums. There is a museum to meet everyone’s interest – fashion museums, a smoking museum, a fairgrounds museum, a medieval museum, and a wax museum. Which will you visit?

Be sure to check which day of the week the museum of your choice is closed. Many museums have free entry on the first Sunday of each month, excluding high season. There is literally something for everyone.

Passionate museum-goers will love the 2,4, or 6-day Paris Museum Pass which includes entry to the Louvre Museum and Versailles.

Read More | My guide to 20 Paris museums.

3. Wander And Explore

The best way to enjoy Paris is to walk. Morning. Noon. & Night! Embrace the Parisian way to flâner, which is really to amble, saunter and observe your surroundings. Here are some tips on how best to flâner in Paris.

Toss on your woollen scarf (in the most Paris chic fashionable way) and head out to one of the best neighbourhoods for walking. Here are a few suggestions:

• le Marais – Place des Vosges, gorgeous mansions, shopping…
• Saint Germain des Prés – iconic left bank Paris
• Ile Saint-Louis – oldest village in Paris…
• Montmartre – Sacré Coeur, staircases and oozing charm…
• the 7th arrondissement – Eiffel Tower & views, La Grande Epicierie…
• Canal Saint-Martin – iron bridges, boutiques, wine by the canal

Or start to flâner on one of these Paris streets.

When sauntering in Paris in February, plan for more frequent stops to warm up.

4. Browse In A Bookstore

Slow right down and browse. Investigate the famous booksellers (bouquinistes) along the banks of the Seine River. Who knows what treasure you may find? Or on a February in Paris, head over to Shakespeare and Company. It’s not hard to while away a few hours here. Be sure to climb the tiny staircase up to the second level. I have listed all my favourite English language bookstores in Paris. Any bibliophile would be thrilled to spend a day bookstore hopping in Paris. Of course, interspersed with hot chocolate or vin chaud.

5. Eat Warm Comfort Food

Paris in February is the perfect month to indulge in warm comfort food. French onion soup anyone? Or how about raclette? These hearty dishes that warm you up right down to your toes are essential when partaking in Paris in the winter. My favourite place to share a raclette is in the 11th arrondissement at Chalet Savoyard. Reserve in advance.

Bouillon restaurants offer traditional French cuisine at affordable prices. The service is quick and efficient and they are open 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. Slip into a Bouillon restaurant in Paris to warm up on a February day. Which one will you choose? My favourite is Bouillon Julien.

Read More | Here is everything you need to know about Bouillon restaurants in Paris.

6. February In Paris: Plan A Day Trip

Obviously planning a day trip is for travellers who have ample time. Paris is not to be rushed but it is also in a fantastic location for visiting other parts of France. Here are 18 suggested day trips from Paris. Recommended February day trips are:

• Visiting Versailles Palace and Gardens
• Visiting the Château de Fontainebleau
• Visiting the Château de Chantilly

7. Hit Up The End Of The Winter Sales

Les Soldes in France in 2023: Wednesday, January 11 – Tuesday, February 7

You’ve got 7 days!!! By the last week of les soldes, merchandise has been pretty picked over… but the prices are further reduced. I have had good luck in the final days of the winter sales in Paris.

Pro Travel Tip: By law, sales are allowed twice yearly in January and July. In my experience, there are pre-sales before the real sales begin. Once the real sales begin, the reductions are significant and the shoppers are out!

8. Stop By The Hemingway Bar

It’s cosy. It’s iconic. And even if you have never read a book by Ernest Hemingway, you can’t help but get caught up in the fabulous atmosphere in this bar tucked away in The Ritz Hotel. Siddle up to a Hemingway typewriter and choose a legendary cocktail! Read more about the Hemingway Bar.

9. Disneyland Paris In February

Disneyland Paris is one of the most popular day trips from Paris. With the school holidays in February in Paris, Disneyland Paris is a prime destination for locals. That being said, Disneyland in February is much less busy than in the summer months. The best days of the week to visit Disneyland Paris are Tuesdays and Thursdays. The weather at Disneyland Paris in February is similar to Paris. Wear layers and be prepared for the wind!

Here are some great planning tips for Disneyland Paris.

Buy your tickets in advance for Disneyland.

10. Indulge In A Hammam Experience

On a sunny windy February day in Paris, why not head over to the Grand Mosquée in the Latin Quarter? For women only, the Hammam at the Mosque is the perfect way to treat yourself. Sit in the steam room, and have a gommage (a scrub with black soap) and a massage. You will step back out into the Paris streets just relaxed and glowing.

Read More | The full experience at the Hammam at the Paris Mosque

I hope you enjoy February in Paris as much as I do, just remember to bundle up!

Until next time,

More Paris Info…

Get mixed up with the arrondissements of Paris? This guide to the Paris arrondissements will help you plan your best visit to the City of Light!

If you love hidden gems, here are 25 to discover in Paris.

 This post on Montmartre leads you to the most popular sites as well as some lesser-known places in Montmartre.

Another of Paris’s most-loved areas is Saint-Germain des Prés. Here are my best tips on things to do in Saint-Germain des Prés.

Le Marais is one of the best areas of Paris to flâner. Here are 23 tops things to do in le Marais.

La Butte aux Cailles, tucked away in the 13th arrondissement, is another place in Paris that has retained its village-like charm. My article on La Butte aux Cailles will lead you to discover some of the area and its visually enticing street art.

Canal Saint-Martin is another place full of small restaurants, boutiques and plenty of character. Stroll the bridges of the canal under the chestnut trees and feel like a true Parisian. All the details on this “bobo” district are in this article on Canal Saint-Martin.

Here are all the things to do on Ile Saint-Louis, one of the oldest villages in Paris.

Don’t forget that the 7th arrondissement has lots to see and do once you have seen the Eiffel Tower.

And the 11th arrondissment of Paris? Authentic and full of great restaurants and shopping (like a local).

Other Paris and France Travel Tips:

Travelling to Paris alone? This article on navigating Paris alone is full of tips and tricks for the solo traveller.

This page has all my articles on Paris that will help you plan out your trip, including day trips from Paris. I hope you subscribed to my newsletter to get my free download – An Amazing 2-day Itinerary in Paris.

If you are going further afield in France, make sure to check out my page on France.