20 best places to go in Europe in February (2024)
Looking for the best places to go in Europe in February? I’ve handpicked the prime cities that you shouldn’t miss.
February is a great month for a Europe trip.
You can expect fewer crowds and good deals on flights and hotels. It’s also the perfect perfect time to visit whether you’re up for a romantic Valentines Day trip to Paris or a ski holiday in the Swiss Alps.
In this post, I’ve included the top warm weather and snowy destinations in Europe for February, where you can make the most of the lower prices and quieter spots.
Let’s dig in!
Read next: 55 major landmarks in Europe you should visit
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Best experiences in Europe in February
Looking for the best experiences in Europe in February? These are the best tours:
- Rovaniemi: Small-Group Husky Experience (⭐5/5)
- Kiruna: Icehotel Half-Day Tour with Street Food Lunch (⭐5/5)
- Tenerife: Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran (⭐5/5)
The best warm weather vs winter wonderland destinations
Are you looking for the warmest places in Europe in February? Or maybe the places with the most snow? I’ve made a list below with the top destinations for both:
| Warm-Weather | Winter Wonderland |
|---|---|
| Seville, Spain: 16°C (62°F) | Rovaniemi, Finland: -6°C (21°F) |
| Tenerife, Canary Islands: 20°C (68°F) | Lapland, Finland: -10°C (14°F) |
| Lisbon, Portugal: 16°C (61°F) | Tromsø, Norway: -4°C (25°F) |
| Valletta, Malta: 15°C (59°F) | Kiruna, Sweden: -10°C (14°F) |
| Madeira, Portugal: 17°C (63°F) | Reykjavik, Iceland: 1°C (34°F) |
| Valencia, Spain: 16°C (61°F) | Abisko, Sweden: -8°C (18°F) |
| Athens, Greece: 13°C (55°F) | Lofoten Islands, Norway: -1°C (30°F) |
| Sicily, Italy: 15°C (59°F) | Ilulissat, Greenland: -15°C (5°F) |
| Nice, France: 13°C (55°F) | Svalbard, Norway: -14°C (7°F) |
| Barcelona, Spain: 14°C (57°F) | Copenhagen, Denmark: -1°C (30°F) |
The weather in Europe in February
In February, the weather varies a lot in Europe.
Southern regions like Spain and Portugal have mild temperatures around 10-16°C (50-61°F).
Central Europe averages 0-5°C (32-41°F). And Northern areas, especially Scandinavia, often dip below freezing, averaging -3 to -6°C (27-21°F).
Places to go in Europe in February
Warmest places in Europe in February
1. Seville, Spain: 16°C (62°F)
Seville in February is a great choice. You get to skip the crowds, but it’s still sunny and nice – not scorching hot like in the summer months!
February is the perfect time to explore must-see spots like the Alcázar without overheating.
Plus, you can hang out in cafes, try some amazing tapas, and really get a feel for the city’s amazing vibe.
👉 Best Seville tour in February – Cathedral, Alcazar, and Giralda Guided Tour with Priority Tickets (⭐4.5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
2. Nice, France: 13°C (55°F)
Nice in February is special. You get mild weather, perfect for strolling along the Promenade des Anglais.
It’s also when the famous Nice Carnival happens, so you’ll see parades, colors, and music in the streets. This festival is a big deal – think elaborate floats and vibrant costumes.
👉 Best Nice tour in February – Molinard Perfume Workshop in Nice (⭐ 4.5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
3. Venice, Italy: 8°C (46°F)
Venice in February is worth visiting because of the Venice Carnival. The city turns into a magical scene with masks and elaborate costumes.
You’ll see incredible parades on the water, masked balls, and street performers.
Venice is a bit chilly this time of year, but you just need to dress warm.
👉 Best Venice tour in February – The best of Venice in a day (⭐4.5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
4. Tenerife, Canary Islands: 20°C (68°F)
Tenerife is the warmest place in Europe in February. It’s warm enough for wearing a T-shirt, a big plus when it’s cold elsewhere in Europe.
You’ve got to check out the beaches and maybe visit Teide National Park.
Also, the Santa Cruz Carnival happens in February – it’s huge, full of music, dancing, and cool parades.
👉 Best Tenerife tour in February – Whale and Dolphin Watching Catamaran (⭐5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
5. Lisbon, Portugal: 16°C (61°F)
In February, the weather in Lisbon is mild.
The city isn’t packed with tourists, so you get a more authentic feel. Stroll through the historic neighborhoods, like Alfama, without the big crowds.
Enjoy fresh seafood, listen to some live Fado music, and check out cool spots like the Belem Tower. It’s laid-back, full of history, and just feels real.
Plus, the sunsets are still amazing.
👉 Best Lisbon tour in February – Half Day Sightseeing Tour on a Private Electric Tuk Tuk (⭐5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
6. Valletta, Malta: 15°C (59°F)
Valletta in February is off-season, so you get fewer tourists and more space to explore.
The weather is cooler but still nice enough for outdoor walks. Check out the stunning St. John’s Co-Cathedral and the historic Grand Harbour.
The city is packed with history, and you can really take your time to see it all. Plus, the cafes are cozy, perfect for a chill afternoon.
👉 Best Valletta tour in February – Gozo Tuk Tuk Chauffered Tour (⭐5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
7. Madeira, Portugal: 17°C (63°F)
If you’re thinking about hitting up Madeira in February, you’re in for a treat. The weather is pleasant – ideal for exploring.
Don’t miss the Levada walks – they’re these unique trails through lush greenery. The Carnival in Funchal is a blast, with colorful parades and lots of music.
And the scenery? It’s beautiful, and you get to see it without the big tourist rush.
👉 Best Madeira tour in February – VipDolphins Luxury Whale Watching (⭐5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
8. Sicily, Italy: 15°C (59°F)
Sicily in February shows you a cool, quieter side of the island.
You can explore ancient ruins and charming towns without the summer crowds. It’s a bit chilly for swimming, but perfect for sightseeing.
Check out the Valley of the Temples and take a cooking class where you’ll learn to make traditional Italian food.
👉 Best Sicily tour in February – Cooking Class with Chef Mimmo (⭐5/5)
Most romantic place in Europe in February
9. Paris, France: 9°C (48°F)
Paris in February is the most romantic place in Europe, especially around Valentine’s Day.
It’s cold, but the city is less crowded, so it’s much easier for you to enjoy the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.
Strolling by the Seine or exploring Montmartre feels extra special. Perfect for cozy cafe dates or a romantic Seine River cruise.
👉 Best Paris tour in February – Champagne Tasting on a Seine River Cruise (⭐4.5/5)
Warmest places in Europe in February
10. Valencia, Spain: 16°C (61°F)
So, you’re thinking about visiting Valencia in February? Great idea! It’s not too hot or crowded, perfect for exploring.
The city’s got this awesome mix of old and new – from the futuristic City of Arts and Sciences to the charming old town.
The Central Market is a must for foodies, and you can’t miss the stunning beaches nearby. Plus, there’s Albufera Park, super cool for nature lovers.
👉 Best Valencia tour in February – Valencia Old Town Tour with Wine & Tapas (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
11. Reykjavik, Iceland: 1°C (34°F)
Reykjavik in February is pretty cool, literally and figuratively. You’ve got a good chance of seeing the Northern Lights, which is one of the most magical experiences.
The city has a cozy vibe, with cool cafes and art scenes. Don’t miss the Blue Lagoon on your way to or from the airport – it’s like nothing you’ve ever seen before.
Plus, there’s often snow, making everything look like a winter postcard.
👉 Best Reykjavik tour in February – Northern Lights Tour (⭐4.5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
12. Rovaniemi, Finland: -6°C (21°F)
Rovaniemi in February is a winter wonderland.
You’re right there in the Arctic Circle, so chances for Northern Lights are high. It’s super cold, but that’s part of the charm.
The Santa Claus Village is a must-visit – it’s Christmas vibes all year. And if you’re up for an adventure, try husky sledding or a snowmobile tour.
👉 Best Rovaniemi tour in February – Small-Group Husky Experience (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
13. Kiruna, Sweden: -10°C (14°F)
If you want to experience the Arctic winter, head to Kiruna in February. It’s super cold, but the snow-covered landscapes are amazing.
Make sure to see the Icehotel – it’s literally built from ice and snow. You’ve got a high chance of seeing the Northern Lights if you join a guided tour.
There’s also dog sledding and snowmobile tours for a real Arctic adventure. It’s a unique spot for experiencing winter in the extreme.
👉 Best Kiruna tour in February – Icehotel Half-Day Tour with Street Food Lunch (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
14. Innsbruck, Austria: -1°C (30°F)
Innsbruck in February is perfect if you like winter sports!
The city is surrounded by the Alps, so the skiing and snowboarding are top-notch.
And the town itself? Super charming with its colorful buildings and the Golden Roof. Even if you’re not into skiing, there’s plenty to do – like cozy cafes and cool museums.
👉 Best Innsbruck tour in February – Half-Day Food Tour of Tyrolean Cuisine (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
15. Abisko, Sweden: -8°C (18°F)
Abisko is one of the best spots in the world for Northern Lights – clear skies, and great visibility.
The national park is stunning with its snowy landscapes, perfect for a day hike. It’s really cold, but that’s part of the adventure.
You should try ice climbing or a Husky sled tour.
👉 Best Abisko tour in February – The Ultimate Aurora Photo Adventure (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
16. Lofoten Islands, Norway: -1°C (30°F)
Lofoten Islands in February are the perfect destination if you want to experience the Northern Lights.
The fishing villages look like they’re straight from a postcard, especially with snow and the Northern Lights as a backdrop. It’s cold, but that makes the scenery even more dramatic.
Try winter kayaking or go on a Northern Lights tour – the landscapes are unreal.
👉 Best Lofoten tour in February – Winter Full-Day Guided Tour of the Lofoten Islands (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
17. Edinburgh, Scotland: 5°C (42°F)
Edinburgh in February is quiet, cold, and really authentic.
You can explore the castle and historic streets with fewer tourists around.
It’s often snowy, which adds to the city’s beauty. But the upside is that you can warm up in cozy pubs, taste some local whisky, and maybe catch a rugby match.
👉 Best Edinburgh tour in February – Loch Ness & Highlands Day Tour Including Cruise (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
18. Copenhagen, Denmark: -1°C (30°F)
Copenhagen in winter is all about cozy vibes and fewer tourists.
Walk around Nyhavn’s colorful buildings, see the Little Mermaid statue without the usual crowd, and enjoy the city’s cafes and museums at a relaxed pace. It’s also a great time for Danish comfort food.
Copenhagen this time of year is perfect for experiencing the Light Festival and of course ‘hygge‘ – that cozy, content feeling.
👉 Best Copenhagen tour in February – Grand Day Trip around Copenhagen (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
19. Ljubljana, Slovenia: 4°C (39°F)
Ljubljana in winter is quiet and has a real winter charm.
The Ljubljanica River with its bridges looks stunning, especially with a bit of snow. It’s cold, so wandering the historic streets and popping into cafes feels extra cozy.
The city’s castle is a must-visit for great views. Ljubljana’s smaller size means you can explore a lot without the rush, and the local food markets are still bustling.
👉 Best Ljubljana tour in February – Small-Group Day Trip to Lake Bled, Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle (⭐5/5)
Snowy places in Europe in February
20. Zermatt, Switzerland: -3°C (26°F)
Zermatt in February is prime time for skiing.
The snow is perfect, and you’ve got the Matterhorn as a backdrop – it’s stunning. The town itself is really charming, with lots of cozy spots to warm up after a day on the slopes.
It’s car-free, so it’s all about that fresh mountain air. Plus, you can try paragliding over Matterhorn or take a scenic train ride to Matterhorn Glacier Paradise.
👉 Best Zermatt tour in February – Private Ski and Snowboard Lessons (⭐5/5)
FAQ – best places to go in Europe in February
What European countries are best in February?
The best European countries to visit in February are Spain for its mild climate, Norway and Finland for winter activities and Northern Lights, Italy for its carnivals, and Portugal for its pleasant weather.
Where is the warmest place in Europe in February?
The warmest place in Europe in February is typically the Canary Islands, Spain, with average temperatures around 20°C (68°F).
Where in Europe does it snow in February?
In Europe, snow in February is common in Scandinavia, the Alps region (including parts of Switzerland, Austria, and northern Italy), and Eastern European countries like Poland and Romania.
Which country is the best time to visit in February?
The best country to visit in February depends on preferences:
Spain and Portugal for mild weather, Norway or Finland for winter activities and the Northern Lights, and Italy for its vibrant carnivals.
More posts about Europe you might like
- 20 best places to visit in Europe in November
- 20 best places to visit in Europe in December
- 20 best places to visit in Europe in January
- 27 best European cities for New Years
- 21 best places to visit in Europe in March
- 20 best places to visit in Europe in April
- 20 best places to visit in Europe in May
- 14 most romantic places to spend Valentine’s Day in Europe
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