Clothing options for Paris in the middle of February

I am also planning for a February trip to Paris, Judy! I'll be there the week before you, leaving the 18th. I have decided to check a bag just so I will have all the layers I might need to really enjoy the trip. I'm planning for rain and possibly snow. I am breaking in a pair of Blundstone boots (thanks to some recommendations on this forum) that I plan to take with me. I might bring my snow boots since I will have room in my checked bag. It warmed up to the upper 20s and 30s here this weekend so I took a long walk both days with the coat, scarf, hat, and gloves I plan to take to Paris.

I travel a lot in the winter. I'm from Boston. I find France and the UK to be warmer than Boston in the winter ( and I think Boston is warmer than the midwest, isn't it?). I brought winter shoes once when I was traveling to London during a week that they said the city was shut down due to snow. When I arrived there was barely a covering in some areas. Lesson: forget the winter shoes. I do have good leather shoes though. I don't see why you need to check a bag as won't you wear your coat during transit from the midwest? A pair of gloves, scarf and hat take up little room if you pack rather than wear them, etc. I was in Paris in January for a week quite a few years ago when I wore an unlined trench coat, a thin cotton sweater and a blouse. I was perfectly warm. For years also my winter outfit was an unlined leather jacket, a boiled wool sweater when particularly cold, and a blouse. I find as long as I have gloves and my ears covered, I can tolerate quite low temps. So I suggest you pack a carryon suitcase as it can easily be done. However, I usually check my carryon just to avoid the hassle of having it with me.

I have been trekking it in my cold basement on my treadmill on the few weekends. Not much heat in my basement. I was thinking of doing some outdoor trekking to see bald eagles this weekend or next to get used to being outdoors walking.
Rita have fun in Paris.

Wray and MrsEB,

Thank you for all your tips. I appreciate all your tips. I was planning for a carry on but thought I would check with everyone here.

It's been much colder this winter than it has the last three or four (or five!) years. I don't know whether that will hold up into February, but right now it is freeeeezing!!!

Yes, I've been seeing reports of really bad weather throughout most of Europe, rivers freezing, snow where it never snows - Istanbul airport was backed up for days because of a blizzard, shipping that relies on the Danube has stopped, Greek beaches were covered in snow, Rome's fountains were dripping huge icicles. On the other hand I see that it's positively balmy in Chicago this week - quite a change from last year. My only advice is to look at the extended forecast a day or two before you leave. Maybe in a month, things will change dramatically.

It almost never snows in Paris, though there is often ice in the gutters and frost on cars - especially in the early morning. Most of the snow, if there is any, will be in the suburbs.
I wouldn't bother with snow boots, but would think more about cold, rainy weather and the possibility that you might have some warmer temperatures during your visit. An umbrella will be virtually useless, since it's likely to be very windy in February.
Stores and restaurants are notoriously over-heated, so you will have to think about how you will deal with this.
It would be wise to be flexible, and check a live weather report a couple of days before packing.

For shoes, anything you can walk in rain/wet will work. I think waterproof walking shoes and warm socks are plenty unless you're hiking alpine trails.

My ideal men's coat for traveling to Europe in winter is available at Costco. The brand is Weatherproof. They have all the requirements, warm, good for rain, hood, zip pockets, not very heavy to carry with you and they're about $40. I'd only bring this in winter. Other times I bring a good rain shell with a couple warm items to layer under.

Kim, i looked at your weather and it is close to what we are having now too. It does not feel that cold to me. I guess i am used to it

Thank you everyone else. No boots and carrying on. I have a really good pair of waterproof walking shoes from clark and another pair Keen walking shoes as well. I also have several thick pairs of Smartwool socks. I can't wait.

I was in Paris for 2 weeks last February.
It was a wonderful time to be there: no lineups, and very few tourists!
Anyway, the weather was anything from minus 10 C to plus 12 C; and rain, a lot of wind, a bit of sleet, and plenty sun; so quite varied!
I had two pairs of boots, and no shoes.
A Clarks ankle boot in leather and bright red, sprayed well with protector spray; and a pair of almost dressy Cobb Hill ankle rain and snow boots with good treads, and very light, in black.
Both excellent for walking for hours.
I walked about 10-12 kms every day.
I took long silk underwear, a toque, a huge blanket scarf, and thick gloves.
I wore layers and just jeans, with long undies underneath on the cold days.
I had a zip up fleece jacket to go under my outer jacket if needed.
I was very comfortable, and as my hip length jacket had a fuzzy-lined hood, I didn't use an umbrella.
I found I brought less clothes than for a summer trip, as I was wearing most of them on the plane!
Have a wonderful time!

I'll be in Paris for 2 wks this Feb too. When I Googled last year's daily daytime temps for Feb it showed between 41 and 51 F with one day at 71 F. Google also said Feb has the least amount of rain than any other month. I read Kim's post, so it seems this year is not like last year (thank you Kim).
I'm doing layers like everyone else and am taking the RS carry bag that, when not in use, folds into its outer pocket and zips up small to carry in my purse so when we go indoors and take gloves, scarves, layers off, I have a bag to put them all in.
I learned that lesson a few years ago when we went to NYC in Feb (snow was 2-3' high) we had nothing to put all our stuff in when we went indoors... akward to hold it all.
I grew up in Paris and we always had snow in Jan-Feb but that was a long time ago!

Susan and S Jackson, thank you for your advice. Susan, the idea of an extra bag for outer gear is a great idea. I always travel with small shopping bag that clips to whatever bag i am carrying. I will be doing layers for the week i am there. Enjoy your travels.

My family will be in Paris March 5-14. Will the weather be better than mid-February?