Things to Do in Toulouse in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Toulouse
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Lowest accommodation prices of the year - hotel rates drop 40-60% compared to summer, with excellent availability even booked just 1-2 weeks ahead
- Perfect museum and indoor attraction weather - the 15+ major museums including Musée des Augustins and Cité de l'espace are comfortable when it's 3-11°C (37-52°F) outside
- Cassoulet season at its peak - local restaurants serve the heartiest versions of this signature dish during cold months, with white beans sourced from fresh winter harvests
- Minimal tourist crowds at major sites - Place du Capitole and Basilique Saint-Sernin are essentially crowd-free, making for better photos and authentic local experiences
Considerations
- Limited daylight hours - sunrise around 8:00 AM, sunset by 6:15 PM gives you only 10 hours of natural light for sightseeing
- Unpredictable drizzle on 10+ days - not heavy rain but persistent light precipitation that requires constant umbrella carrying and affects outdoor walking tours
- Many outdoor markets operate on reduced schedules - some close entirely on rainy days, limiting access to fresh local produce and regional specialties
Best Activities in February
Historic Center Walking Tours
February's cool temperatures make 2-3 hour walking tours through Toulouse's pink brick old town comfortable. The reduced crowds mean better access to photograph Place du Capitole's neoclassical facade and explore narrow medieval streets without tourist bottlenecks. Light rain creates atmospheric reflections on the pink brick buildings.
Cité de l'Espace Space Center Visits
Perfect February activity when outdoor weather is unpredictable. This interactive space museum offers 4-6 hours of indoor exhibits, planetarium shows, and hands-on activities. February's low tourist season means shorter queues for popular simulators and IMAX screenings.
Toulouse Cathedral and Basilica Interior Tours
February's shorter days make the stunning interior lighting of Cathédrale Saint-Étienne and Basilique Saint-Sernin more dramatic. Cool weather encourages longer indoor exploration of these UNESCO World Heritage sites. Minimal crowds allow for peaceful contemplation and detailed photography of medieval architecture.
Canal du Midi Covered Boat Tours
February boat tours use covered or heated vessels along this UNESCO World Heritage canal. Bare winter trees provide clearer views of historic bridges and locks. Cool weather means comfortable touring in enclosed boats, and you'll see the canal's engineering marvels without summer vegetation obscuring views.
Musée des Augustins and Art Gallery Circuit
Toulouse's premier fine arts museum is ideal for February's cooler days. The converted medieval monastery houses exceptional Gothic sculptures and paintings. February visitors can spend 2-3 hours exploring without summer heat or crowds. Combine with nearby contemporary galleries for full-day indoor cultural immersion.
Regional Food Market and Covered Hall Tours
February showcases winter specialties at Toulouse's covered markets like Marché Victor Hugo. Cool weather is perfect for sampling hot cassoulet, regional cheeses, and seasonal produce. Indoor markets operate regardless of rain, and February features the best selections of preserved meats and winter vegetables from surrounding Occitanie region.
February Events & Festivals
Festival Occitan
Annual celebration of Occitan language and culture featuring traditional music, regional foods, and historical reenactments. Local performers wear traditional costumes and demonstrate ancient crafts. Street performances occur in covered areas and indoor venues due to February weather.