Best Places to Visit in Europe in February: Top Winter Destinations

Known For : Prague Castle Charles Bridge Old Town Square Prague

Prague in February feels like stepping into a snow globe. With average temperatures hovering around freezing and occasional snow blanketing its Gothic spires and cobbled streets, the city becomes beautifully atmospheric. Fewer tourists mean you can enjoy the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle in peace, and the local Masopust carnival brings colorful costumes and traditional celebrations to life—something you won’t find in the warmer months.

Best Time: April to October

48 Prague Attractions

Known For : St. Mark's Square St. Mark's Basilica Grand Canal

February in Venice is all about drama and elegance. The chilly, mist-filled canals add to the city's surreal winter charm, with temperatures ranging from 3°C to 8°C. It’s also Carnival season, and nowhere does it better than Venice. Expect elaborate masks, gondola parades, and opulent masquerade balls. The unique theatrical atmosphere of the city in February is simply unmatched during other seasons.

Best Time: April to October

42 Venice Attractions

Known For : Eiffel Tower The Louvre Notre Dame

Cool and romantic, Paris in February is tailor-made for lovers. With crisp weather averaging 3°C to 8°C, it's the perfect time for warm drinks in candlelit cafés and strolls along the Seine. Valentine’s Day brings a special sparkle, and winter sales are still on for shoppers. You'll enjoy the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Montmartre with fewer crowds, making it one of the most romantic European cities to visit in February.

Best Time: April - early October

62 Paris Attractions

Known For : Royal Palace of Madrid Almudena Cathedral The Sun's Gate

February is bright and brisk, with sunny skies and daytime highs around 12°C, in Madrid. It’s ideal weather for outdoor cafés and walks through Retiro Park without summer’s scorching heat. The city celebrates Carnaval with colorful parades and dancing in the streets, and the local tapas scene is alive with cozy spots perfect for warming up. Plus, February sales continue, making it great for fashion lovers.

Best Time: March to early October

29 Madrid Attractions

Known For : Northern Lights Reykjavik Rainbow Street Reykjavik Hallgrimskirkja

For those chasing winter’s wild side, Reykjavik offers freezing temperatures and short daylight hours in February, typically ranging between -2°C and 3°C. It’s prime time for Northern Lights viewing and ice cave excursions in nearby glaciers. The city’s Winter Lights Festival brightens the darkness with stunning light installations, performances, and celebrations of Icelandic culture—an experience that can only be had in the heart of winter.

Best Time: June to September

50 Reykjavik Attractions

Located in the Arctic Circle, Tromsø in February is pure magic. With temperatures dipping below -5°C and long polar nights, it’s one of the best places to visit in Europe in February for seeing the Northern Lights. It’s also the time for Sami Week, a celebration of indigenous culture featuring reindeer races and traditional food. Snowy adventures like dog sledding and snowshoeing round out this authentic Nordic escape.

Best Time: November - March , June - August

Known For : Castle Hill Budapest Fisherman's Bastion St. Stephen's Basilica

Budapest is beautifully frosty in February, with temperatures typically between -2°C and 5°C. It’s a perfect season for sinking into steaming thermal baths surrounded by snow. The city celebrates Farsang, a lively carnival with masquerade balls and traditional Hungarian fare. Iconic sites like the Chain Bridge and Buda Castle feel extra enchanting against a wintry backdrop, without the throngs of summer tourists.

Best Time: March to October

46 Budapest Attractions

Known For : Teide National Park Anaga Rural Park Siam Park

If you want sunshine in the heart of winter, Tenerife is one of the warmest European places to visit in February. The volcanic island is perfect for hiking, whale watching, and lounging on black-sand beaches. February also means the Santa Cruz Carnival, one of the world’s biggest and most dazzling events, with colorful costumes, parades, and music that rival Rio’s.It's warm and pleasant, with highs around 21°C and lows near 15°C.

Best Time: Throughout the year

31 Tenerife Attractions

Known For : Acropolis Athens Acropolis Museum Ancient Agora

Mild and slightly rainy, Athens in February sees temperatures between 7°C and 13°C. With thinner crowds, you can explore the Acropolis and other ancient wonders without queues or heat. The city’s Apokries carnival season brings masquerades, traditional dances, and local food festivals to the streets, offering a perfect mix of history and cultural celebration that’s unique to this off-season window.

Best Time: Apr - Jun, Sep, Oct

78 Athens Attractions

Sicily offers an early taste of spring in February, with pleasant temperatures averaging 10°C to 15°C. The countryside begins to bloom, especially in Agrigento during the Almond Blossom Festival—when pink and white flowers frame ancient Greek ruins. It’s an ideal time to savor hearty Sicilian dishes and explore cities like Palermo and Catania without the summer heat and crowds.

With daytime temperatures around 17°C and lush greenery year-round, Madeira is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers in February. The island's levada trails are ideal for scenic walks through waterfalls and terraced valleys. The local Festa dos Compadres, kicking off Carnival season, brings humorous theatrical performances to the streets—blending Madeira’s natural beauty with cultural flair.

Known For : Tower of London British Museum London Eye

London in February is chilly, with temperatures between 3°C and 8°C and occasional rain. But the city is alive with culture—perfect for indoor attractions like the British Museum, afternoon teas, and West End shows. Kew Gardens bursts into color with its Orchid Festival, and Valentine's Day gives the city an extra dose of charm. With fewer crowds and lower prices, it’s a smart time to visit.

Best Time: April to September

56 London Attractions

Known For : Reichstag Brandenburg Gate Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe

Berlin experiences cold, often snowy weather in February, averaging around 0°C to 4°C. It's the month of the Berlinale, one of the world’s top film festivals, drawing cinema buffs from around the globe. The city’s gritty beauty shines through its winter coat, and cozy cafés and markets offer warmth and character. February’s vibe is edgy, creative, and uncrowded.

Best Time: May to September

35 Berlin Attractions

Known For : Vienna City Hall Austrian Parliament Building Museums Quartier

Vienna in February is like a classical painting come to life, with temperatures ranging between -2°C and 5°C. The city's baroque architecture glistens under occasional snow, and the cultural calendar is in full swing with elegant winter balls and concerts. One of the biggest draws this month is the Vienna Opera Ball, where guests in formalwear waltz in the opulent State Opera House—a tradition exclusive to this season. Coffee houses, museums, and warm strudels complete the picture-perfect winter escape in one of the most regal European cities to visit in February.

Best Time: May to October

49 Vienna Attractions

Known For : Rijksmuseum Van Gogh Museum Anne Frank House

Amsterdam in February is quiet and cold, with average temperatures between 0°C and 6°C. Occasionally, the canals freeze—giving locals the rare chance to skate across them. It’s an atmospheric time for canal walks, museum visits, and snuggling into warm cafés. The Valentine’s mood enhances its charm, making it one of the most romantic and underrated European cities to visit in February.

Best Time: March to September

47 Amsterdam Attractions