Europe in February is a mix of snowy landscapes, mild coastal escapes, and cultural experiences. The weather in Europe in February varies greatly across the continent. Northern Europe is covered in ice and snow, while Southern Europe enjoys mild temperatures. Western and Central Europe experience cold weather with occasional rain and snowfall. This month is great for skiing in the Alps, witnessing the Northern Lights, and exploring cities with fewer crowds. However, some remote areas shut down due to harsh winter conditions.
Weather in Europe in February: Region-wise
1. Northern Europe: A Frozen Wonderland
Countries: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania.
February in Europe brings extreme cold to Northern Europe, with temperatures dropping as low as -25°C in Lapland (Finland and Sweden). Strong Arctic winds make it feel even colder, especially in open landscapes like Tromsø (Norway), Rovaniemi (Finland), and Reykjavik (Iceland). Snowfall is frequent in inland areas like Swedish Lapland and Finnish Lapland, while coastal regions like Copenhagen (Denmark) and Stockholm (Sweden) may experience a mix of rain and snow. Daylight is limited, with only 3 to 8 hours of sunlight, depending on how far north you are.
February in Europe is one of the best months to witness the Northern Lights, particularly in Tromsø (Norway), Abisko (Sweden), and Rovaniemi (Finland). It’s also peak season for winter sports, with top destinations like Levi (Finland) and Trysil (Norway) offering skiing, snowmobiling, and dog sledding. Unique stays such as glass igloos in Finland and ice hotels in Sweden provide an unforgettable experience.
Major cities such as Oslo, Stockholm, and Helsinki remain active and welcoming, but rural and Arctic areas slow down due to extreme conditions. Some remote attractions, such as ice hotels in Swedish Lapland and winter lodges in Iceland, stay open, catering to adventurous travelers. The extreme cold and short daylight hours can be difficult for some travelers. Snowstorms may limit transportation in remote areas.
2. Western Europe: Mild but Wet
Countries: UK, Ireland, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Luxembourg.
The weather in Western Europe in February is cool and rainy, but not as extreme as in the north. Temperatures range from 2°C to 12°C, with frequent drizzle and cloudy skies. Snow is rare in cities like London (UK), Paris (France), and Amsterdam (Netherlands), though Berlin (Germany) and Munich (Germany) may experience occasional snowfall. Wind conditions are generally mild but can be strong along coastal areas like Dublin (Ireland) and Normandy (France). Daylight lasts 8 to 10 hours, allowing decent sightseeing time.
Cities remain busy and vibrant, as most tourist attractions stay open. Museums, theaters, and indoor attractions see an increase in visitors. London, Paris, and Brussels are great for museum-hopping and cultural exploration. While some countryside areas, such as the Loire Valley (France) or Scottish Highlands (UK), may be quieter, cities remain full of life. However, constant rain and gloomy skies can make outdoor sightseeing difficult.
February in Europe is a great time for romantic getaways, especially in Paris (France) and Venice (Italy), which are popular for Valentine’s Day trips. Carnival celebrations in Cologne (Germany) and Nice (France) bring colorful parades and festive vibes. Warm cafés, cozy pubs, and scenic river cruises along the Seine (Paris) and Thames (London) are perfect for colder days.
3. Central Europe: Snowy Cities and Alpine Adventures
Countries: Austria, Switzerland, Czech Republic, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia.
February in Central Europe is cold and snowy, with temperatures ranging from -3°C to 7°C in cities and much colder conditions in the mountains. Alpine regions, including Zermatt (Switzerland) and Innsbruck (Austria), experience temperatures dropping as low as -10°C in higher altitudes. Wind conditions vary; cities like Vienna (Austria), Prague (Czech Republic), and Krakow (Poland) have moderate winds, while ski resorts in the Swiss and Austrian Alps face stronger mountain gusts, especially on higher slopes.
Frequent snowfall covers the cities and mountains, creating a fairy-tale winter setting in places like Prague, Salzburg (Austria), and Zakopane (Poland). The Alps and Carpathians receive heavy snow, making February a peak season for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. Rain is less common in the Alps due to freezing temperatures, but lower-altitude cities like Budapest (Hungary) and Bratislava (Slovakia) may experience a mix of rain and light snow. Daylight lasts between 8 to 10 hours, allowing plenty of time for sightseeing and outdoor activities, though mornings and evenings remain dark.
4. Southern Europe: A Warmer Escape
Countries: Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Malta, Croatia.
February in Southern Europe offers milder weather compared to the rest of the continent, with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 18°C. Coastal areas, including Barcelona (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), and Naples (Italy), enjoy pleasant, crisp air with occasional warm afternoons, while inland areas such as Madrid (Spain) and Rome (Italy) can feel chilly in the mornings and evenings. The Greek islands (Santorini, Mykonos) and Malta have cool but comfortable temperatures, with plenty of sunny days.
Snow is rare in most places but can be found in higher-altitude areas like Granada's Sierra Nevada (Spain), the Apennine Mountains (Italy), and Mount Olympus (Greece), where skiing is possible. Daylight lasts between 10 to 11 hours, providing ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Southern Europe remains lively in February, especially in major cities like Rome, Barcelona, and Athens, where museums, historic sites, and restaurants are fully open. However, some smaller coastal towns and islands, including Santorini, Cinque Terre (Italy), and Montenegro’s coastal villages, slow down, with some businesses temporarily closing for the season.
5. Eastern Europe: Cold and Snowy but Scenic
Countries: Russia, Ukraine, Romania, Bulgaria, Serbia, Belarus, Moldova.
February in Eastern Europe is bitterly cold, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 5°C in most regions. In northern areas like Moscow (Russia) and Kyiv (Ukraine), temperatures can drop below -15°C, especially at night. Bucharest (Romania), Sofia (Bulgaria), and Belgrade (Serbia) are slightly warmer but still experience freezing temperatures. Wind conditions vary; open areas in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus experience strong, icy winds, making the cold feel even harsher.
Frequent snowfall covers much of the region, especially in Moscow, Kyiv, Minsk (Belarus), and Transylvania (Romania), where cities and rural landscapes turn into winter wonderlands. Ski resorts in Poiana Brașov (Romania) and Bansko (Bulgaria) attract travelers looking for affordable skiing and snowboarding compared to Western European resorts. Lviv (Ukraine) and Chisinau (Moldova) receive lighter snowfall but still experience chilly, damp weather. Lower-altitude cities like Belgrade (Serbia) and Plovdiv (Bulgaria) may have a mix of light snow and cold rain, making streets icy and slippery.
Daylight lasts between 7 to 9 hours, meaning shorter sightseeing time, but the snow-covered castles, Orthodox churches, and medieval streets create a magical winter atmosphere. Despite the cold, cities like Moscow, St. Petersburg, and Sofia remain active, with cultural festivals, opera performances, and lively cafés. However, rural areas and some mountain attractions may shut down due to heavy snowfall and road closures.
Best Places to Visit in Europe in February
- For winter sports: Switzerland, Austria, Norway, Bulgaria.
- For cultural experiences: Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Lisbon.
- For budget-friendly travel: Eastern Europe (Poland, Romania, Ukraine).
- For natural wonders: Iceland, Finland, Scotland.
What to Pack for Traveling to Europe in February
- For Cold Destinations: Thermal wear, insulated coats, gloves, and waterproof boots.
- For Milder Destinations: Light jackets, raincoats, and comfortable walking shoes.
- General Must-Haves:Umbrella & waterproof gear (especially for Western Europe), Sunglasses & SPF (for snow glare and Mediterranean sun), Moisturizer & lip balm (cold air can be harsh on skin).
