What To Pack For Paris In February
Planning a Parisian adventure in the heart of winter is an excellent choice. While many flock to the French capital during the warmer months, visiting in February offers a unique charm. You will encounter fewer tourists, shorter lines at the Eiffel Tower, and the cozy ambiance of Parisian cafés filled with locals.
However, the time of year demands strategic planning. To truly embrace French style while staying warm, you need a carefully curated capsule wardrobe. This guide will walk you through exactly what to pack for Paris to ensure you look chic on the streets without freezing in the cold.
Understanding Paris Winter Weather
Before we dive into the suitcase, let’s talk about the winter weather. February is one of the colder months in France. You can expect cold weather ranging from the low 30s to high 40s Fahrenheit. Rainy days are common, and while snow is rare, the wet weather can make the air feel much colder.
Because it is the winter months, the long days of summer are gone, but the city glows beautifully under streetlamps. To enjoy your winter trip, you must prioritize warm clothes that don’t sacrifice elegance.
The Foundation: Base Layers and Materials
The first things you should pack are your base layers. This is the secret of French women: they stay cozy in their silhouettes by wearing high-quality, lightweight layers beneath.
Chunky Knit Sweaters: A chunky knit sweater or a classic turtleneck sweater provides that essential extra layer for a damp afternoon.
Merino Wool: Investing in merino wool thermals is a good idea. They provide incredible warmth without taking up much room in your suitcase.
Fleece-Lined Tights: If you plan on wearing a skirt or a little black dress, fleece-lined tights are a lifesaver against the chill.
Choosing the Perfect Outerwear
In Paris, your coat is your outfit for 80% of the day. A good winter coat is the most important thing you will pack.
A long wool coat or a classic wool coat in neutral colors like camel, navy, or grey is a great option. Long coats are preferred over short puffer jackets as they elevate the look instantly. If you want to channel a bit of edge for a night out, a leather jacket layered over a heavy sweater can work, but for the majority of your trip, a heavy winter coat or a black coat will be your best friend.
Footwear: Navigating Cobblestone Streets
Paris is a walking city, and the cobblestone streets are notoriously unforgiving. Choosing the right shoes is the difference between a dream vacation and a painful one.
- Waterproof Ankle Boots: These are a good choice for rainy days. Ensure they are broken in before you leave home.
- Knee-High Leather Boots: For a more polished look, tall boots or knee-high leather boots keep your legs warm and look sophisticated with black pants.
- Comfortable Shoes: Avoid athletic wear or bright neon running shoes. If you want sneakers, go for leather “fashion” sneakers in neutral tones.
- The “No” List: Leave the high heels at home unless you have a taxi-to-door reservation. Also, snow boots are usually overkill for Paris unless a rare blizzard is forecast. Ballet flats are lovely, but only if you find a pair with enough support for miles of walking.
- Loafers are also a good option to wear with socks to ensure your feet stay warm. You will see Parisian women wearing loafers with socks and tights in February.
Also, Paris is not the place to break in new shoes so make sure you don’t bring a brand new pair to walk the city.
Crafting Your Capsule Wardrobe
The goal of a capsule wardrobe is to create different outfits from a few timeless pieces. Parisian fashion relies heavily on neutral colors; think black, white, navy, and beige. While you might love bright colors, sticking to neutrals allows you to mix and match effortlessly.
Another thing to think about is if any of your pieces need to be tailored before your trip. I always make sure to take anything to the tailor a few weeks before the trip to ensure they are ready in time.
Make sure to pack pieces that you can use for layers. Since the weather will be cold and damp, it’s best to have layers you can wear under your sweaters and coats.
- Bottoms: A pair of well-fitted black pants and dark-wash straight-leg jeans.
- Tops: Pack a mix of silk blouses, crisp white button-downs, and cashmere or wool knits.
- The Little Black Dress: Always bring one. It’s the only time you’ll feel truly prepared for a sudden dinner invitation at a high-end bistro.
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Essential Winter Accessories
Accessories are where you can add flair to your paris winter fashion.
- Wool Hats and Gloves: A chic wool hat or a cashmere beanie will keep the heat from escaping. Don’t forget leather gloves to keep your hands warm while holding your phone for maps.
- Travel Umbrella: A sturdy travel umbrella is a must for those frequent February drizzles.
- The Day Bag: A medium-sized tote bag is a good option for carrying your essentials, or a crossbody bag is your best option for exploring.
Travel Gear and Logistics
When packing, use packing cubes to save space for souvenirs. Don’t forget your credit card (preferably one with no foreign transaction fees) and your travel insurance documents if needed.
February is a better time than the rest of the year to find deals, but the weather requires preparation. If you find yourself getting too cold, do as the Parisians do: duck into a café for a warm red wine.
What to pack and wear in Paris during February
In case you need outfit inspiration, here are five ways to wear pieces from the packing list.
Paris in February Outfit #1
SHOP THE LOOK
Packing for Paris in February Outfit #2
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What to wear in Paris in Winter Outfit #3
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Packing for Paris in February Outfit #4
SHOP THE LOOK
What to Pack for Paris in February and Winter Outfit #5
SHOP THE LOOK
Is February a great time to visit? Absolutely. The city is quiet, there are less crowds, it’s romantic, and incredibly atmospheric. By packing timeless pieces and focusing on neutral tones, you will blend in seamlessly with the French women dashing around the city.
Remember, the important thing is to be comfortable enough to explore. Whether you are gazing at the Eiffel Tower or getting lost in the Marais, being prepared for the winter weather ensures your trip is nothing short of magical.
Hopefully, this has helped with your Paris in February packing list to help you feel put together, confident, and ready for your trip to Paris.
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This was so helpful as I’m travelling to paris in february in 2025! Would you recommend bringing puffer jacket or is a wool coat usually enough with some layers underneath? Thanks in advance!