February is the perfect time to escape the monotony of work we’ve been stuck in since the holidays and to enjoy some new scenery, food, even a new language. Croissants, wine, and gorgeous architecture sounds like the perfect getaway. Plus, nothing sounds more romantic than spending Valentine’s Day in Paris, right? 

I don’t disagree, and my partner and I had the exact same idea. But, while your flight booking may not allow changes, the weather forecast sure does. We visited Paris in February 2026, and coming from New York, we didn’t think it could get much worse than the single-digit temperatures we had been existing in for weeks. 

The weather in Paris wasn’t worse, just not amenable to all the walking around we were hoping to do. So, here’s how to plan a February trip to Paris that can still include all the fun things you want to do, while offering alternatives based on weather conditions. 

1. Choose a location/arrondissemont you really want to explore. 

While you can always take an Uber or the metro to get to a dinner reservation or a specific museum, it’s also nice to stroll around and pop into a cafe, or some stores, or even boulangeries. I highly recommend booking an accommodation in an area you can grab lunch, sit for a coffee, or spend at least an hour doing some activity (shopping, drinking, museum) within a few blocks of your hotel. Also, if it happens to be cold, you’ll at least be in an area you’d be happy staying in for a few days and really get to know. It will be your neighborhood for the weekend – find your favorite croissant or bookstore or jazz bar.

2. Decide what vibe you want this trip to be.

When I was planning my February trip, I was thinking about all the things I hadn’t had a chance to do when I visited in July a couple years before. Things like the Luxembourg Garden, the Tulip Garden, and a walk to Montemartre. After coming to the realization that all the plants would be dead in these gardens and that an hour-long walk to Montemartre in the rain would not be feasible, we decided to pivot our goals for the trip and ended up making museums and wine bars our focus. It was a complete blast. We learned a lot, saw a lot of awesome art, indulged in 3 euro glasses of wine, and even made friends with the owner of a wine bar around the corner from our hotel.

3. Don’t try to do everything Paris has to offer.

This is probably the most difficult piece of advice to follow, but it can be what makes or breaks your trip. The weather is not cold and rainy every single day in February, and you may get lucky with partially cloudy skies and temperatures in the low 50s (F). In that case, visiting the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and walking along the Seine all in one day may be doable. But, if the weather is not ideal, you should choose 2 or 3 things that are really important for you to do and really take your time enjoying them. Save some things for your next trip!

4. Be prepared for closures due to renovations/construction.

Because February isn’t peak tourism season, many museums and attractions may be closed for renovations during this period. For example, I planned to see the Musee l’Orangerie but found the permanent exhibitions were closed that week. There are so many things to see and do, so check that things are open before you go there, and always have a back up just in case. This applies to the airports and metro as well!

5. Just go with it.

Paris is a great city, and regardless of the weather remember you are there to spend quality time with yourself and/or loved ones. It’s a time to forget about your responsibilities back home and appreciate a new environment. It may not be perfect, but Paris shouldn’t be stressful, so don’t put too much pressure on yourself or on your itinerary. If you aren’t the most spontaneous person, have a few closeby lunch spots/cafes/sandwich windows on your list. Same with shops and museums in case you need to duck inside for a bit.

Traveling during a season with unpredictable weather can change a trip, but definitely doesn’t ruin it. It just requires flexibility and a willingness to go with the flow. February can be a great time to see Paris with less crowds and cheaper hotels and flights (maybe besides on Valentine’s weekend). Restaurants typically have great menus and fresh produce during this season, as well. Take this time to slow down, and smile, because you’re in Paris!