What to do in Paris in February

Though the winter chill lingers on in February in Paris, this time of the year still offers loads of exciting things to do and see. The cold weather in Paris might dissuade some visitors. However, if you would like to feel like you have the entire city all to yourself, this is the perfect time to visit. There are fewer tourists during the winter months in Paris, which means shorter queues and a great opportunity to enjoy the city’s best views, unhurried. 

Besides, what better place to celebrate Valentine’s Day than in the city of the Eiffel Tower? In order to make your February stay in the city romantic, opt for a cozy boutique hotel, or why not try these romantic apartment rentals in Paris. 

Along with that, the month of February also includes a celebration dedicated to crêpes! Can’t get more French than this! For those interested in scoring some good deals, the French winter sales, or les soldes  last until 6th of February. So head to your favourite French department stores and shop your favourite French fashion brands at deep discounts. Refer to HiP ultimate Francophile gift guide for some help with your shopping. 

Weather in Paris in February 

Paris weather in February can be unpredictable. Expect a mix of chilly temperatures and occasional rain showers, interspersed with some sunny days. Average temperature hovers around 6 to 8 degrees Celsius (43 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit).

This is definitely the month where you need to master the art of layering to keep warm. Don’t forget your warm coat and chic umbrella! Along with this, comfortable walking shoes (definitely water-proof) are also a no-brainer. Plus, don’t forget to pack these eight Paris essentials. 

Apart from rain, random spattering of snow could happen in Paris in February, if we get lucky. The French capital has already experienced snowfall in January this year. Although it was only a light dusting of snow, it was enough to turn places such as Eiffel Tower and Montmartre into ethereal wonderland. 

In a nutshell, February weather in Paris is moody– a mix of grey and sunny skies, some rainy days, and the occasional snowflakes. But with the number of things to do and see in the city of light, the weather will be the last thing on your mind. 

Things to do in Paris in February 

In the very beginning of February, is La Chandeleur or Candlemas, on February 2^nd. It symbolizes the expected end to the winter, and prosperity in the coming year. Traditionally, the French mark this day by making crêpes. Wash down your crêpes with some good French cider for a memorable meal in Paris. If are you are more into staying in and celebrating at home, we have the secrets for how to make great crêpes. 

The Chinese Lunar New Year will take place on February 10^th this year. This is celebrated with fervor in several arrondissements of Paris, notably 13th arrondissement, the 3rd arrondissement and Belleville. However, you will notice decorations dedicated to Chinese New Year, popping up even in République and Faubourg Saint-Honoré. There are parades complete with dragons, music and martial arts, organized on Lunar New Year Day. Stay tuned to HiP Paris’ Instagram for all the details about this year’s parade. 

Then comes Valentine’s Day on February 14^th. And what better place to celebrate the loved ones in your life, than in the city of love. Stroll along the Seine river, hand in hand, or head to the top of the Eiffel Tower to steal a kiss from your Valentine. Try one of these romantic itineraries in Paris. Or for something more offbeat, discover what Paris locals do with insider addresses for celebrating Valentine’s Day. 

If you are single in Paris, and a bit cheesed off by all the saccharine vibes in the city this month, don’t worry. We got you covered. Here’s a single’s guide to surviving Paris on Valentine’s Day.  If you are celebrating with friends, here’s how to have the perfect girl’s night out in Paris.

February is also the best time to indulge in delicious comfort foods and enjoy cozy bars in Paris. I mean, who can say no to mulled wine and raclette!

Events

All in all, February in Paris is definitely a good idea! There’s loads happening in the city to ensure you have a good time despite the cold days. Here are some of the best things to do in Paris this February.

Carnaval de Paris, Promenade du Boeuf Gras 2024, 11 February 

Carnival de Paris is like the city’s mardi gras: a vivacious testament to the city’s zest for life. Traditionally, it was known as La Promenade du Boeuf Gras. This literally translates to ‘march of the fat beef cow.’

From whimsical floats to masquerade balls to music and dancing, this day transforms the streets of Paris into a kaleidoscope of colors, music and vibrant energy. This year’s celebration is dedicated to artist and carnival enthusiast, Basile Pachkoff. The carnival starts from at 13:00- 20:00 from Place Gambetta, Paris 75020 until Place de la République, Paris 75011. 

Tattoo Planetarium, the Grande Halle de la Villette, 2- 4 February 2024

The 2024 edition of Tattoo Planetarium is going to received 500 tattoo artists from all over the world. The event promises to bring together a huge spectrum of tattoo styles, techniques and influences.  

Tutankhamun, the immersive pharaonic experience, Galeries Montparnasse, 3 February- 28 April 2024

This Paris event is a unique opportunity to learn more about the history of Tutankhamun through an immersive experience. Tutankhamun, the immersive pharaonic experience, will have you and your family solving several puzzles in a quest to reach the ‘treasure room.’ For this event, the 3,000-m² area of the Galeries Montparnasse has been transformed into an adventure playground.

Le Salon de l’Agriculture, Porte de Versailles, 24 February- 3 March 2024

This is an annual event that brings together a wide variety of players from the agricultural world. This includes breeders, producers, unions, ministries and research institutes. Le Salon de l’Agriculture is a benchmark agricultural event, internationally.

Exhibitions

Vera Molnár. Talking to the Eye, Centre Pompidou, 28 February- 26 August 2024

This retrospective on Hungarian media artist Vera Molnár at Centre Pompidou, will present some of her most important works. She is widely lauded as a pioneer of digital art. The artist’s digital drawings, installation and sculptures shows her mastery of technology, and arts, with a flair for surprises. 

Mike Kelly: Ghost and Spirits, Bourse de Commerce Pinault Collection, Until 19 February, 2024

This retrospective presents a sequence of American artist, Mike Kelly’s (1954-2012) immersive works. Informed by his interest in music and innovation, some of the artist’s most famous works like hand-made sculptures, have been included in the show. At the Bourse de Commerce, the striking exhibition occupies the Salon, the Rotunda and all the galleries on the second floor.

Le Paris de la modernité (1905-1925), Petit Palais, Until April 14, 2024

If you are fascinated by the history of Paris, this exhibition is not to be missed. The Petit Palais is presenting nearly 400 works by imminent artists like Robert Marcel Duchamp, Amedeo Modigliani, Pablo Picasso, Marie Vassilieff and many others.

Capturing the important years between the Belle Époque to the Roaring Twenties, this show includes a range of lens to view Paris from. These run the gamut from fashion, cinema, photography, painting, sculpture, to dance, design, architecture and industry.

Préhistomania, Musée de L’Homme, until May 20, 2024

This exhibition presents prehistoric art. So, if you are fascinated by cave paintings, Préhistomania at Musée de L’Homme, should be on your list. Learn about the expeditions and surveys undertaken to unveil the secrets of our ancestors. Don’t miss the striking views of the Eiffel Tower from the museum.

Aura at the Musée de l’Armée, Les Invalides

This immersive show, displayed at the dôme of Les Invalides, combines the magic of light, orchestral music and video mapping. The 50-minute-long show takes viewers on a sensory journey through the six chapels which surround the crypt of the tomb of Napoleon I.  Aura at the Musée de l’Armée is an innovative way to engage with history. 

Egypt of the Pharaohs, from Khufu to Ramses II, Atelier des Lumières, February 9- January 5, 2025

Rediscover Egypt during the time of the Pharaohs, through Atelier des Lumières’ unique and immersive spin that combines light, music and images. Visit this exhibition with your family and friends, to marvel at fascinating objects and images from Egypt.  

Sports 

Le sport revisité par l’image, From 12 February 

This is definitely the year of sports in Paris. There will be an open exhibition at various metro stations in Paris displaying images that shed new light on sport. ‘Le sport revisité par l’image’ has been organized by RATP in collaboration with Fish Eye Magazine. Some of the 10 Paris metro stations participating include Châtelet-Les Halles, Pyramides, Madeleine, La Chapelle and George V. 

Paris Grand Slam, Accord Arena, 2- 4 February 2024, 

This international judo competition will have more than 600 competitors from 105 countries battling it out. This year will mark the 50th edition of this extraordinary tournament. You can buy tickets to Paris Grand Slam at Accord Arena official website. 

Meeting de Paris Indoor, Accord Arena, February 11

This sporting event in Paris brings together athletes from 7 disciplines such as 60m hurdles, pole vault and triple jump. Meeting de Paris Indoor is a great way to catch up on the latest in athletics, just a couple of months away from Paris Olympics 2024. 

Concerts & Shows

L’Autre Voyage, Opéra Comique, 1- 11 February 2024

With lyrical scenes composed by Franz Schubert, L’Autre Voyage is an original theatrical proposition. Raphaël Pichon and Silvia Costa present this unique blend of poetry and music for you to enjoy this February.

Cosi fan tutte, Théâtre du Châtelet, 2- 22 February, 2024

In another classic offering, Théâtre du Châtelet brings Parisians, Cosi fan tutte, an opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The story is set around a middle age couple experimenting with the boundaries of their marriage. 

The Exterminating Angel, Opéra Bastille, 29 February- 23 March 2024

Inspired by the surrealist film by Luis Buñuel, The Exterminating Angel, taking place in 3 acts, is a critique of the bourgeoise. Music is by contemporary composer Thomas Adès. 

The Rocky Horror Show, Lido2Paris, From 27 February 2024

Musicals and indoor concerts are definitely some of the top things to do in Paris in February. Watch the legendary rock n’ roll musical at Lido 2 Paris for a fun night out. 

James Blunt performing at the Zénith, 28 February 2024

Groove to the melody of James Blunt’s hit songs in Paris this month at the Zénith. 

Dreamcatches Zénith La Vilette 

If K-Pop is your thing, then this concert by girl group Dreamcatcher will certainly strike a chord. 

Jane Birkin by Friends, Olympia, 3 February 2024

This concert is a tribute to Jane Birkin who passed away last year.  Eddy de Pretto, Keren Ann, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Etienne Daho, Vanessa Paradis and many other renowned singers will be performing at the legendary Olympia in loving memory of Jane Birkin. 

Paris in February – What to Know and FAQ’s

Related links

• Galeries Lafayette has a new food court! We sampled these 7 casual restaurants from celebrated chefs in Paris.
• Wondering where to celebrate La Chandeleur? Find out where to get the best crêpes in Paris.
• For the lowdown on when to use Madame or Mademoiselle, check out the M word.
• Despite the cold, there is plenty to do in Paris in January.

Written by Pronoti Baglary. Looking to travel? Check out Plum Guide and our Marketplace for fabulous vacation rentals in Paris, France or Italy. Looking to rent long or short term, or buy in France? Ask us! We can connect you to our trusted providers for amazing service and rates or click here. Looking to bring France home to you or to learn online or in person? Check out our marketplace shop and experiences.