in short
- Weather: 3–8 degrees Celsius per day and about nine rainy days per month, and snow is rare but possible.
- End of sales: The winter sale ends at the beginning of this month (February 2 in 2027), with discounts of up to 70%–80% on what's left.
- February 2: It's La Chandeleur (Crepe Day), and all of France eats crepes.
- February 14: Valentine's Day, with an evening cruise on the Seine or a cabaret evening, and both are booked early.
- Chinese New Year: Parade and fireworks in the 13th arrondissement, in 2027 on February 6.
- For car enthusiasts: Rétromobile Salon at Porte de Versailles, usually the first week of the month.
- Savings tip: The Paris City Card combines the Louvre, a cruise on the Seine, and the Eiffel Tower or Montparnasse.
February 2026 in Paris. On the one hand, winter is still here and the coats are still in use. On the other hand, the days are starting to get a little longer, there's a whiff of romance in the air (it's Valentine's Day, after all), and the city is filled with colorful events that make you forget the gray outside.
This is a great month for those who like to combine last-minute shopping (really cheap), comfort food (the month of crepes!) and unique cultural events.
Ready to travel? Take a look at the article on recommended hotels in Paris to choose an excellent, heated hotel for you.
Shopping: Winter's Last Chance
If you're arriving in Paris at the very beginning of the month, you're in luck. The official 2026 Winter Sale ends on February 3rd . This means that during the first few days of the month (the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd), stores are trying to get rid of whatever is left on the shelves.
This is the time to look for the “Dernière démarque” (Last price reduction) sign. The selection may be limited, but the prices are rock-bottom (up to 70% and even 80% off). My recommendation for these days: skip the big chains that have already sold out, and head to the independent boutiques in the Marais or Saint-Germain-des-Prés, where you can still find great deals.
Crepe Day – La Chandeleur (February 2nd)
If there's a good reason to be in Paris in February, it's this holiday. Chandeleur is a day when all of France eats crêpes. Tradition says that eating crêpes on this day promises prosperity in the coming year, and who am I to argue with such a delicious tradition?
There's a cute superstition: try to flip the crepe in the air with your right hand while holding a gold coin (or just a euro) in your left. If the crepe lands safely in the pan, you're financially secure for 2026. Where to eat? Try Breizh Café (they have several branches, all excellent) or the more modern Brutus.
Valentine's in Paris 2026: Romance for the Advanced
Let's face it, Paris is the most beautiful cliché in the world on February 14th. The entire city comes together to celebrate love. Here are some ideas on how to celebrate Valentine's Day 2026 without falling into tourist traps:
Romantic cruise on the Seine
It may sound banal, but in the evening, when the Eiffel is sparkling and the city is lit up, it just works. In winter, the boats are closed and well heated, so there is no fear of cold. It is recommended to book a place in advance because on February 14th everything is taken.
To book a romantic cruise on the Seine
A sparkling evening at Paradis Latin
If you're looking for the "wow" factor, an evening of cabaret is the answer. The oldest cabaret in the world offers the show "L'Oiseau Paradis" with modern choreography and food under the direction of Chef Guy Savoy. An experience that is much more than just dinner.
Tickets for Freddy Latin (Recommended!)
Recommended exhibitions in February 2026
February is a month of new beginnings in the Parisian art world, especially this year. Here are three exhibitions you can't miss:
1. Pompidou at the Grand Palais
As you know, the Pompidou Center is closed for renovations in 2026, but the art hasn’t disappeared. The important modern collections have moved to the Grand Palais (which itself has reopened). In February, you can see a special exhibition called “Modernités” (temporary name) presenting the best of the 20th century in the magnificent Art Nouveau space of the Grand Palais. A fascinating combination of classical architecture and modern art.
2. The new season at Atelier de Lumière
In mid-February 2026 (usually around the 15th of the month), the Atelier des Lumières launches its new annual program. After the success of Asterix, a new immersive experience dedicated to one of the giants (previously there were Van Gogh, Chagall and Cézanne). It's the perfect place to escape to with children (or without them) on a rainy day.
To book tickets for Atelier de Lumière
3. Fashion and Design at the Museum of Decorative Arts (MAD)
The museum, housed in a wing of the Louvre , is presenting a major fashion exhibition in the winter of 2026. The museum is known for its blockbuster exhibitions (such as those dedicated to Dior or Schiaparelli in the past). If you are a fashion and design lover, this is the place to be in February, just after Fashion Week ends.
Tickets to the Museum of Decorative Arts
Chinese New Year in Paris: Year of the Horse
On February 17, 2026, the Chinese world celebrates the Year of the Horse, and Paris celebrates with it. The 13th arrondissement (Paris' Chinatown) puts on a festive look with a huge parade, dancing dragons, fireworks and lots of noise and joy. The atmosphere and good food are available all month long. It's a great anthropological experience and it's completely free.
Rétromobile car exhibition
If you are a car enthusiast, or just a lover of nostalgia, you must go to Porte de Versailles . The Rétromobile exhibition is expected to take place in the first week of February 2026 (usually around the 4th to the 8th of the month). Hundreds of rare collector cars, auctions and history on wheels. It is a motoring paradise.
Paris weather in February
February is a fickle month. Temperatures range from 3 to 8 degrees on average. Sometimes you get beautiful winter sunny days (Paris is very photogenic in low winter sunshine), and sometimes there is a light, annoying rain. Snow has been relatively rare in recent years, but it is possible.
The secret is to dress properly (layers, a good scarf, waterproof shoes) and not let the weather ruin your plans. On the contrary, rain is the best excuse to go into another patisserie or museum. Read more about the weather in Paris.
Savings tip: Paris City Card
Instead of buying separate tickets and paying more, consider the Paris City Card. It includes the Louvre, a cruise on the Seine, and entry to the Eiffel Tower or Montparnasse, all in one digital card.
Questions and answers about February in Paris
What is the weather like in Paris in February?
Cold and clear. Temperatures range on average between 3 and 8 degrees, and there are about nine rainy days a month, usually light rain. Snow has been rare in recent years, but possible. What you need: layers, a good scarf and waterproof shoes. You can find an updated forecast on the Paris weather page.
When is Crepe Day (La Chandeleur) and where do you eat crepes in Paris?
Always on February 2nd. It's Candlemas, when all of France eats crepes. According to tradition, you flip the crepe in a pan with your right hand and hold a coin in your left, and if it lands safely, the year is in order. For good crepes in Paris, I recommend Breizh Café, which has several branches, or the more modern Brutus.
When do the winter sales in Paris end?
The winter sale lasts four weeks and ends in early February. In 2027, it ends on February 2. In recent days, people have been looking for the Dernière démarque sign, the last price reduction, where discounts reach 70% and even 80%, but the selection is already limited.
How do you celebrate Valentine's Day in Paris?
The classic ideas work here too: an evening cruise on the Seine in a heated, enclosed boat, or a cabaret evening with a meal, for example at Paradis Latin. On February 14th, everything is booked up early, so it's worth booking in advance.
When is Chinese New Year in Paris?
The date moves each year according to the lunar calendar and falls between January 21 and February 20. In 2027, it falls on February 6. The main celebrations take place in the 13th arrondissement, Paris' Chinatown, with a parade, dancing dragons and fireworks, and admission is free.
What is Retromobile and when does it take place?
Rétromobile is Paris's collector car show, at Porte de Versailles, with hundreds of rare cars and auctions. It usually takes place in the first week of February, and it's worth checking the show's website for exact dates before committing to a day.
More on the subject
