Paris & Venice in Feb?

I visited Paris one Feb & found it bone-chilling. I'd do it again but differently. I wore a heavy weight but unlined boiled wool coat & the wind went right thru it. I bought a nice wool scarf there to wrap around my neck which helped. Next time I go in winter, I'm bringing a wind blocking outer layer along with a wool scarf, a hat & gloves. Other than being damp & cold, it was a nice time to be in Paris. For one short period, I was the only person in a room in the Louvre. That would probably not happen in the season. I think Paris is worth it any time. Have never been to Venice.

Well it is totally worth going to Paris anytime,, in fact the crowds will be down a bit, and there are so many things to see 'inside" ( hundreds of churches, museums and shops) that weather is not a huge issue,, dress warmly , and maybe you will be lucky and hit some nice early spring weather. I am not sure what you mean by miserably cold,, isn't Utah snowy and cold in winter?? Paris is unlikely( though not impossible) to have snow in mid Feb.. it may be cool and rainy, but it could be clear and just a tad cool.. its a crap shoot. But, as noted, it doesn't really matter.

Venice is not my fave place in Europe, it is pretty, and the canals are lovely,, but frankly, it IS what I would consider a "fair weather friend" ,, best time to visit would not be winter or early spring.. but hey , if you want to jump a plane and visit for a few days go for it,, I wouldn't plan more then 2-3 days there max as if it is cool there are not as many "indoor" sites to keep you amused.

If museums bore you, same with Cathederals,, then yes, perhaps you should delay trip till May.

I think Paris is great in the winter if you have a warm coat/jacket, good scarf and perhaps hat and gloves. I had all of these things and walked all over the city last January, and it was fabuluous and not crowded. I'm looking forward to doing the same thing in Venice soon.

Rick Steves says Venice is always crowded. But Feb. can't possibly be as crowded as summer! I'm going to be in Venice on November 9th! Soon!!
I very much like this thread because I haven't been to Paris yet, and I know it's very expensive. It could be I'll have to go in Feb. also when it's cheaper! I now have the perfect coat that I got for this November trip, for when I go to the Swiss Alps. It should be plenty warm for Paris. I'm thinking of going to Paris next year.

We were in Paris last February and while it was chilly, it was not much colder than at home for me. I second the coat, scarf, gloves, hat, but there were many days during our trip that I just needed the coat only. In fact, one day was so "warm" and beautifully sunny than my mother-in-law and I enjoyed sitting in the sun at the Tuilleries.

I'm going to have to try paris in Jan/Feb again. My experience was very, very cold (& I grew up in northern MN). Another person, who lives in Atlanta found it to be similar to her winter. As Pat said, it's a crapshoot. I'm going to take another go at it, but I'm bringing some warm layers this time.

If you go to Venice around Valentines Day, you'll be there for Carnival! I think that would be fabulous, it's such a spectacle. But I don't know how that might affect hotel prices.