Weather in France in February

February climate overview

Daytime highs across France in February run from 8.3°C (Paris) to 12.1°C (Nice). Days over 25°C are rare anywhere in France in February. Nights average 3.3°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Paris fall to -3°C or below.

Rainfall in February

Expect around 9 rainy days (1 mm or more) in February, with Nice the driest (8 days) and Paris the wettest (10 days). The wettest February at Nice between 1991 and 2020 was 2014 with 159 mm; the driest was 2020 with 2 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 13.3°C around France in February. That is cold for swimming without a wetsuit.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 4.0 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 10.3 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

February against the rest of the year in France

February is the 10th warmest month of the twelve in France. It is 0.8°C warmer than January and 3.0°C warmer in March. The hottest month here is August (26°C) and the coolest January (9°C).

Which part of France in February?

• Most sunshine: Nice, 5.2 h a day.
• Driest: Nice, about 8 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Nice, 13°C.
• Hottest: Nice, 12°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Paris, 8°C.

What to pack for France in February

Based on the averages: proper layers and a jacket - daytime highs average only 10°C; a warm layer for evenings, when it drops to around 3°C; a rain jacket - roughly 9 wet days.

Similar weather elsewhere in February

Within 1.5°C of France's February daytime average: Madrid (12°C), Dubrovnik (12°C, sea 14°C), Budva (11°C, sea 14°C), Alonissos (11°C, sea 14°C), Halkidiki (11°C, sea 14°C). See the full ranking for February.

Nice for milder days, not beach weather

Nice is the warmer choice, with daytime temperatures of 12°C and nights around 5°C. That makes it a better fit for travellers who want to spend time outside without quite as much cold as Paris, though you should still pack a coat and layers. The catch is that mild does not mean reliably dry: 8 rainy days make a waterproof jacket useful and flexible plans sensible. Keep longer walks for the warmer part of the day, and take an extra layer if you will be out into the evening. Choose Nice for a gentler February climate, not for summer-style warmth.

Paris for a trip that works around the cold

Paris is cooler, averaging 8°C by day and 2°C at night, so it suits travellers who do not mind dressing warmly and taking indoor breaks. Its daytime average matches London in February: if that feels cold to you, Paris is unlikely to feel like a warming change. With 10 rainy days, leave room to move outdoor plans around rather than relying on a dry afternoon. A warm coat, comfortable shoes that can handle wet pavements, and layers are sensible choices. Evening temperatures are the main reason to pack for warmth, even if you expect to do most of your walking during daylight.