With St. Valentine’s Day in the middle of February, what better idea than to spend it in the most romantic city in the world with your loved one? Having visited many many times, this is one of my favorite times of the year to be in Paris.
My husband and I enjoy the amazing view of the twinkling lights of Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower, as the entire city is a truly magical and romantic sight.
How Cold is Paris in February?
Paris is situated in the heart of the Île-de-France region, and its temperatures are often lower than those on the coast. February is when the least rain falls in the capital, but there is a chance of snow, although it rarely settles. February is the perfect month to enjoy skating at one of the city’s ice rinks.
On some days in February, when the weather is very mild, the temperature reaches 14°C (57°F), and the first cherry blossoms appear on the trees, reminding everyone that spring will soon arrive.
- Min temperature: 3°C (37°F)
- Max temperature: 14°C (57°F)
- Average temperature: 9°C (48°F)
- Average precipitation: February is the driest month in Paris. The average rainfall this month is 46mm, with rain falling on eight days.
- Average daylight hours: Sunrise is at 08:00 and sunset at about 18:00.
Is February a Good Time to Visit Paris?
Pros
- Some days the weather will be really chilly as it is still winter, but on other days, it will be surprisingly warm and sunny with the first signs of spring.
- To make Paris an even more romantic destination than usual, this is the month when the city can get a light dusting of snow.
- Flights and hotel rates are still low in February, but prices will start to climb towards the end of the month.
- What I like the best is that there are no crowds at all the popular landmarks, so you can take your time to really enjoy your visit.
- There are always some excellent exhibitions held in the museums this month. With a Paris Museum Pass, you can enjoy free entrance to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and more than 50 other museums.
- To let you in on a local secret, if you are a lover of chocolate cake and other delicious gateaux, the city’s patisseries will have an irresistible selection as St. Valentine’s Day approaches.
Cons
- Some days will be mild and sunny, and others could be cold and rainy, so it’s essential to plan your itinerary with plenty of indoor activities.
- Some outdoor activities may not be available or open in February, and the capital’s beautiful parks may not be as attractive.
- Although the days are beginning to get noticeably longer in February, there are still fewer daylight hours for sightseeing, which may mean no sleeping in.
What to Wear in Paris in February
The best advice for enjoying Paris in February is to pack plenty of warm layers. A warm coat and boots are needed. Ideal choices include warm pants, shirts, knitted dresses, cardigans, or fleece-lined sweatshirts, complemented by a thermal inner layer on really cold days.
Your cozy February outfits can be completed with stylish hat and gloves, and, of course, a smart warm scarf is the perfect final touch, as you are in Paris!
Best Events in Paris in February
We have a quite few great (and some unusual) recommendations of things to do in Paris that only locals will know of, so you can discover Parisian life away from the tourist crowds.
31 January – 4 February: Rétromobile Vintage Car Centenary
A must for all car aficionados, the exhibition showcases a dazzling array of beautifully maintained vintage cars and tells the history of the auto industry. With over 600 exhibitors and many rare treasures, the exhibition takes place at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles.
2 February: Six Nations Rugby Tournament in Paris
The greatest rugby tournament starts in Paris, with three months of excellent games played between France, Italy, England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. The first tournament was played in 1883, with France joining in 1910. The games, including the opener between France and Ireland on 2 February at 21:00, will be at Stade de France.
2-4 February: Paris Grand Slam Judo
This annual event attracts over 15,000 spectators to watch 400 athletes from 70 countries. There are 14 gold medals in this huge international competition. The event takes place at the Accor Hotel Arena, locally known as ‘Bercy’.
8 February – 6 March: The Mille et Une Orchidées Festival
A fantastic event that Parisians look forward to every year is the ‘1001 Orchids Festival’. This is an annual event at the Jardin des Plantes’ Grandes Serres (greenhouses), showcasing over 700 orchid varieties meant to brighten up a grey winter day in an instant.
10 February: Welcome the Year of the Dragon
The Chinese New Year is celebrated in grand style by the Chinese community in the 13th Arrondissement. The celebration, attracting over 200,000 spectators, includes the traditional dragon parade, tea-tasting and ceremonies, lantern-making workshops, Chinese classical dancers, and plenty of Asian music.
11 February: Carnaval de Paris
First held in the 16th century, the Carnaval de Paris was a popular annual event until the 1950s. It was reintroduced in 1997 by the city’s cultural groups. There are actually two carnivals – Carnaval de Paris and the Carnaval des Femmes de Paris – both full of fun.
12-13 February: Wine Paris and Vinexpo
This popular event draws wine and spirit producers from around the world. It’s a great opportunity to learn about new and exciting wines from top sommeliers and sample creations by bars from all over Europe. The Craft Pavilion features new and dynamic producers of wines, spirits, and beers.
13 February: Mardi Gras
Mardi Gras, a significant part of Carnaval de Paris, features a grand parade with colorful costumes. Titled ‘La Promenade du Boeuf Gras’ (the March of the Fat Beef Cow), the parade is led by a cow from the Limousin region and runs from Place Gambetta to Place de la République between 13:00-17:00.
14 February: Saint-Valentin – Valentine’s Day in Paris
Enjoy a romantic stroll along the banks of the Seine or take a selfie at Le Pont des Arts, the iron arch footbridge crossing the river from the central square at Notre Dame.
For many years, couples attached engraved ‘love locks’ to the bridge’s railing, a custom that started in 2008 and resulted in over 700,000 locks. The weight began damaging the bridge, leading to the removal of most locks and their replacement with panels painted by local artists. The bridge remains a popular spot for lovers.
17 February: Run in Parc des Buttes Chaumont
An annual fun run in Parc des Buttes Chaumont in the 19th arrondissement takes place on 17 February. This event, attracting more than 1,000 runners, is held close to St. Valentine’s Day to raise awareness about all forms of discrimination.
26 February – 5 March: Paris Fashion Week
Paris Fashion Week continues with the women’s ready-to-wear shows for Autumn/Winter 2024-2025. The city buzzes with excitement over celebrities and influencers attending the Fashion Week.
Best Indoor Places to Visit in Paris in February
1. Join a Small Group Tour of the Louvre
Make the most of the low season in Paris and enjoy a leisurely private tour of the Louvre Museum with an art historian guide. The Louvre boasts eight themed galleries and over 35,000 pieces of art.
You’ll be shown some of the most famous exhibits such as the ‘Venus de Milo’ and the ‘Mona Lisa’, and will also have free time to explore the artworks that interest you most. The tour is limited to 25 people, and your guide will speak in English.
2. Explore the Sights of Paris in a Citroën 2CV
Even on a cold day, you’ll be comfortable traveling around the city in a retro Citroën 2CV. This fun tour is a unique way to see Paris, especially for St. Valentine’s Day. You’ll see all the famous highlights of the city, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Invalides, Montmartre, and the Arc de Triomphe, learning about each place’s history and stories from your knowledgeable driver. The tour lasts two hours.
3. Experience an Evening at the Moulin Rouge
Dress to impress for an exciting evening at the Moulin Rouge. Begin your evening with a coach transfer to the lamp-lit streets of Montmartre and the famous Moulin Rouge nightspot.
Enjoy a three-course meal with wine, then sit back and relax as the show begins. You’ll be delighted by the showmanship of the dancers, especially during the famous can-can.
4. Enjoy Visiting the Cirque d’Hiver
Admire the impressive circus building and join in the fun at the world’s oldest circus, Cirque d’Hiver-Bouglione. It began in the 19th century and has been run by the same family ever since.
The circus building is quite impressive, with twenty sides, huge Corinthian columns, and steep tiers of seating reminiscent of the Colosseum.
Best Winter Activities in Paris
1. Sample the Gastronomy of Paris
Sampling French cuisine is a must when in Paris. Take tasting tour exploring either the Montmartre or Notre Dame neighborhoods. Enjoy tasting stops featuring Paris’s most famous savory and sweet foods like macarons, cheese, wine, crepes, viennoiseries, and fresh oysters.
2. Celebrate St. Valentine’s with a Night River Cruise
Make this St. Valentine’s Day truly memorable with a dinner cruise along the Seine River. See all the city’s iconic monuments floodlit at night, including the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Île de la Cité.
Relax and enjoy dinner with French wine on a comfortable river bateau, including local and seasonal specialties accompanied by a glass of Champagne.
3. Discover the Père Lachaise Cemetery
If you have spare time and it is not raining, a really interesting place to visit is the Père Lachaise cemetery – which is the most famous in Paris, if not in Europe. Interestingly, with more than three million visitors each year it is also the most visited necropolis in the world!
Situated in the 20th arrondissement, the cemetery was opened in 1804 and covers more than 100 acres. The first people to be buried in the cemetery were the famous star-crossed lovers, Héloise and Abelard.
There are numerous graves under the leafy canopy and these include such famous people as Frédéric Chopin, Maria Callas, Oscar Wilde and Jim Morrisson.
In July, on the anniversary of Morrison’s death, hundreds of his fans visit as his grave is the most visited in the cemetery. The graves of 40 singers, 40 composers and 75 painters can be seen here.
The cemetery is open 08.30 – 17.30 seven days a week.
4. Walk Around Montmartre
Montmartre inspired countless 19th century artists including Renoir, Monet, Van Gogh, Picasso and Cézanne who were all key in developing the Impressionism art movement. Follow in the footsteps of these renowned artists when you walk the streets of this popular Parisian neighborhood.
See the famous Moulin Rouge and pause awhile in Place du Tertre (Artists’ Square). Climbing to the top of the hill of the Basilique du Sacré Coeur, you will be stunned by the amazing views over Paris.
A Local’s Tips for visiting Paris in February
Boy scouts have the motto ‘Be Prepared’ and this is perfect if you are planning a trip to Paris in February! Be prepared to encounter a few cold, wet days during your visit to Paris and be prepared to be flexible in your plans with plenty of indoor activities in case the weather is not good.
Paris in February is truly amazing and there is always plenty to see and do. If the rain catches you by surprise, just pop into the nearest café to enjoy a cup of coffee or hot chocolate until the rain stops. There is no bad time to visit the marvelous Paris, in our opinion.
