Paris in February 2024 (What to do, where to eat & what to bring home!)

Traveling to Paris in February? Wondering what to do, what to wear, what weather to expect, where to eat and what souvenirs to bring home? I’ve got you covered! I’ve lived in Paris for over 20 years (20+ Februarys and counting!) and I’m sharing all of my expertise in this post to help you have the best trip possible. Grab a croissant and some coffee as we head into everything February in Paris!

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February in Paris

Although February is a cold month in Paris, don’t let that deter you from planning a trip during this time. During parts of the month (outside of school vacations – more on that below!), you can expect fewer crowds which makes it easier to try the restaurants on your list and visit the museums you are hoping to see. Bundle up and go exploring. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see Paris covered in snow!

Weather in February in Paris

Winter is in full force in February making it a cold and windy month in Paris.

On average, it rains 8 days of the month, so don’t forget to pack your umbrella and some cute waterproof shoes for your trip!

Temperatures in Paris in February

The high temperature in Paris in February is 48°F (9°C), whereas the low temperature in February in Paris is typically 37°F (3°C).

What to pack for Paris in February

Wondering what to wear in Paris in February? February tends to me cold in Paris so you want to make sure you’re appropriately covered up when out exploring.

• Cashmere scarf
• Cashmere gloves or cashmere-lined leather gloves
• Cashmere beanie
• A warm coat
• Warm socks
• Waterproof boots or shoes
• Cashmere sweaters
• Jeans
• Black pants
• Skirt
• Warm tights
• Sneakers
• Umbrella (a solid, foldable umbrella is essential in Paris)
• A cute crossbody bag (I always carry a little folded reusable bag in my purse as well for purchases when I’m out)

School holidays in Paris in February

The school holidays in Paris are from February 18th – March 6th, 2024. I always recommend you book things in advance because Paris is busy year round, but I would recommend you book in advance especially if you are visiting during the school vacation dates as there will also be French families visiting Paris during this time in addition to international travelers.

What to do in Paris in February

Celebrate Valentine’s Day

We love going out for dinner at one of the most romantic restaurants in Paris. There are so many beautiful restaurants to choose from. One of our favorite Valentine’s Day memories in Paris was enjoying a beautiful dinner in front of the fireplace at Le Coupe Chou. They serve classic French dishes like boeuf bourguignon and magret de canard in 4 small buildings that have been combined, dating back to the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries! It is such a special place.

Take a peek at our selection of Paris restaurants to get inspired for your Valentine’s Day dinner!

We always get each other chocolates from one of the best chocolatiers in Paris. There are several to choose from. Some of our favorites are Pierre Herme, Chapon, La Maison du Chocolat and Edwart. You can buy a box or just a few chocolates to try. If you want to select a few chocolates to taste, just ask for a “sachet” and they’ll let you choose the chocolates to put inside in most cases.

Stay in a romantic Parisian hotel

If you love special hotels like we do, and feel that the quality of the hotel really adds to the experience of the trip, you may be debating between Parisian hotels.

Hotels in Paris book quickly so it is always best to book as soon as you know you will be visiting Paris. You will also get the best rates on hotel rooms this way too.

We have done several staycations in Paris to try hotels so we can recommend them to our readers and we have a list of personal favorites.

• Hotel du Louvre – this hotel is perfectly located across the street from the Palais Royal and steps away from the Louvre and the Tuileries.
• Maison Souquet – a luxury hotel in the 9th arrondissement housed in a maison particulière from the 1800s. (Their bar is stellar too!)
• Maison Proust – a gorgeous new hotel in Paris that also has an absolutely dreamy La Mer spa!
• Hotel Parister – a more affordable stay in the trendy 9th arrondissement.
• Hotel Delavigne – an affordable option centrally located in the 6th arrondissement near Odéon.
• Hotel La Comtesse – 4-star hotel with Eiffel Tower views from all the rooms!

Paris Fashion Week 2024

In 2024, Paris Fashion Week (Women’s Collections Fall/Winter 2024/2025) will take place from February 26th, 2024 to March 5th, 2024.

Whether you are attending the shows or not, it is still fun to be in Paris during Fashion Week. We love walking down the rue Faubourg Saint Honoré to see what everyone is wearing. You can also typically get glimpses of the activities taking place around the Tuileries and the Palais Royal gardens.

The whole city has a certain vibe during Fashion Week which is fun to experience.

Enjoy a museum

There are so many wonderful museums in Paris. It can be hard to choose which ones to visit during your trip.

I’ve been living in Paris for over 20 years and there are certain museums I love to go back to again and again.

In addition to incredible classics like the Louvre and the Musee d’Orsay (this entrance ticket includes a Seine river cruise too!), I think the most special museums to visit are the small museums in Paris.

Some of our favorites are the Rodin Museum and the Orangerie to see Monet’s water lilies.

Visit Sainte Chapelle

One of our favorite places in Paris is the Sainte Chapelle chapel on Ile de la Cité.

Built in the middle of the 13th century by Louis IX, its original purpose was to hold the Crown of Thorns, one of the most prestigious relics of the Passion of Christ, in addition to a fragment of the True Cross.

Today, visit the Saint Chapelle chapel to admire the breathtaking stained glass windows dating all the way back to the 13th century!

Go for a walk in a Parisian garden

Although it’s cold in Paris in February, it is still really enjoyable to walk through the gardens.

There may be fewer flowers than in the Spring and Summer but there are still some flowers and lots of greenery.

If you get lucky, you can even sit in one of the emblematic green metal chairs and read with the Winter sun on your face like I did yesterday. (Pure Heaven.)

All the gardens in Paris are beautiful. The Tuileries, Palais Royal and Luxembourg Gardens are particularly special.

Spend time in an English bookshop

Paris is filled with beautiful bookshops. If one catches your eye during your trip, don’t hesitate to pop in and walk through even if all the books are in French and you don’t speak French. A gorgeous book in French makes for a wonderful souvenir, whether you speak French or not.

If you are looking for books in English, head to one or several of the emblematic English bookshops in Paris.

Go for hot chocolate

There are lots of tasty hot chocolates to enjoy in Paris.

Imagine stepping inside from the cold and warming up with a delicious, thick, dark hot chocolate in a beautiful restaurant or tea room.

Head here to discover the best hot chocolate in Paris.

Take a macaron making class

If you want to take a cooking class while you are in Paris, why not learn to make macarons?

This macaron making class at Galeries Lafayette is a popular choice!

Learn baking tricks from a French pastry chef. Learn to make the macarons shells and ganache.

Go wine tasting with a sommelier

Learn how to taste and identify wine

Try different wines from a variety of regions around France.

Taste one Champagne and 5 wines from different parts of France, all accompanied by bread! Sounds like the perfect Parisian activity to me!

Book your wine tasting with a sommelier here!

Go for afternoon tea

The best afternoon tea in Paris is at Le Meurice. Tea (or hot chocolate), Champagne, tea sandwiches, scones and pastries by world renowned pastry Chef Cédric Grolet are served in the stunning salon (below).

This is one of our favorite activities in Paris. We go back for the Le Meurice afternoon tea again and again!

What to bring home from your February trip to Paris

There are so many fabulous souvenirs to bring home from Paris! Where do I even begin?

I always recommend bringing home items you can use in your day-to-day life to remind you of your fabulous trip to Paris.

If you are looking for food souvenirs, head to Le Bon Marché. They have a fantastic selection of spices, salts, chocolates, cookies and candies that you will easily be able to bring home from your trip.

Home items also make fabulous souvenirs. I love the selection of soaps, cushions, clothing, dishes, vases and more from the South of France in the Fragonard boutiques. La Trésorerie has all kinds of fabulous French finds and Caravane sells a quirky collection of International finds, many from Morocco and India. La Maison de l’Ouzbékistan is a recent find, featuring an incredible collection of treasures from Uzbekistan in the Marais.

February in Paris FAQs

Is Paris rainy in February?

It generally rains in Paris about 8 days out of the month in February. Although this may seem like a lot at first glance, it generally rains for a few minutes at a time, so don’t let the rain deter you from planning a February trip.

Is Paris too cold in February?

Define “too cold”! The high each day is typically around 48°F (9°C), whereas the low is generally 37°F (3°C). This is quite cold but if you are prepared with a proper coat, scarf, hat, gloves, sweater and waterproof boots, it shouldn’t feel too cold to go out exploring in Paris in February!

How should I dress in Paris in February?

Prepare for cold, wet, Winter weather. Make sure you are wearing warm clothing including a sweater, hat, scarf, gloves, and waterproof shoes. Bring an umbrella just to be safe as well!

Is everything open in Paris in February?

Things are generally open in Paris, including cafes, restaurants, museums and shops.

What is happening in Paris in February?

Lots of things are always going on in Paris, including during the month of February! There is always lots to do here.

In February you can enjoy cafes, exhibits at museums all over the city, shopping, Paris Fashion week and more!

Is February a good time to visit Paris?

Overall, February is a good time to visit Paris!

What month is Paris most beautiful?

Every month is a good time to visit Paris! I am highly biased because I love Paris – it’s my favorite city in the world – and I have lived here for over 20 years!

Paris in February

If you will spending time in Paris in February, I hope this post helps you get the most out of your time here!

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