Things to Do in Toulouse in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Toulouse
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Fewer tourists mean shorter lines at Capitole and museums - you'll actually get close to the artwork at Musée des Augustins instead of craning over shoulders. Hotels in the city center typically drop 30-40% from summer rates.
- Violet season begins in late February, and you'll catch the first blooms around the Canal du Midi. Local markets start selling crystallized violets and violet pastries that aren't available year-round - this is genuinely seasonal, not tourist theater.
- Restaurant reservations are easier to snag, even at places like Le Bibent that book solid in spring. February is when locals go out more because tourists haven't arrived yet, so the dining scene feels authentic rather than performative.
- Carnival season brings genuine local celebrations, not staged tourist events. You'll see neighborhood associations preparing floats and kids in costume on weekends - it's the city enjoying itself, not putting on a show.
Considerations
- The weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get a sunny 15°C (59°F) day followed by 5°C (41°F) and drizzle. Pack for four seasons because you'll likely experience three of them in a week.
- Daylight is limited - sunset around 6:15pm means your sightseeing window is shorter. If you're used to long summer evenings, the early darkness can feel restrictive, especially for photography along the Garonne.
- Some smaller attractions and restaurants take winter closures or reduced hours. That charming riverside café you read about might be shuttered until March, and Sunday hours are particularly unpredictable in February.
Best Activities in February
Canal du Midi Cycling Routes
February is actually ideal for cycling the canal paths because summer heat makes midday rides miserable. The 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F) range is perfect for sustained pedaling - you'll warm up quickly but won't overheat. The plane trees are bare so you get better views of the surrounding countryside, and the towpaths are firm, not muddy like in November. Expect to have long stretches completely to yourself, which never happens May through September.
Covered Market Food Tours
February is prime time for market tours because you're indoors at covered markets like Marché Victor Hugo, protected from the variable weather. This is peak season for local winter produce - black truffles from Lalbenque, Armagnac-soaked prunes, and hearty cassoulet ingredients. The stalls aren't crowded with summer tourists, so vendors actually have time to talk and offer tastings. Morning tours from 9am to noon catch the market at its liveliest before locals finish their shopping.
Cité de l'Espace Indoor Exhibits
The space museum is perfect for February's unpredictable weather since 80% of exhibits are indoors. February crowds are minimal - you'll actually get hands-on time with the interactive displays that have lines in summer. The planetarium shows run every hour and the heated indoor spaces are welcome when it's 5°C (41°F) and drizzling outside. The Mir space station replica and Soyuz capsule exhibits work better with smaller crowds when you can take your time.
Basilique Saint-Sernin and Romanesque Architecture Walking Routes
February's lower tourist numbers mean you can actually experience Saint-Sernin's acoustics and architecture without crowds. The 11th-century basilica stays around 12-14°C (54-57°F) inside regardless of outside weather, making it a comfortable refuge. The crypts and reliquary tours run more frequently in February with smaller groups. Combine this with walks through the old town's covered passages and arcades - architectural touring that keeps you mostly sheltered from rain.
Musée des Augustins and Indoor Art Collections
This former monastery houses Toulouse's fine arts collection and is blissfully quiet in February. The medieval sculpture galleries and cloistered courtyard offer atmospheric indoor spaces when weather turns. February lighting is actually excellent for viewing the Romanesque capitals and Gothic paintings - the low winter sun through the windows creates the kind of illumination these works were designed for. Plan visits between 10am and 3pm for best natural light.
Airbus Factory Tours
February is ideal for factory tours because summer slots book out months ahead while February availability is good with just 1-2 weeks notice. The indoor assembly halls are climate-controlled, and watching A380s being built is fascinating regardless of weather outside. Tours run 90 minutes and cover about 1.5 km (0.9 miles) of walking through the facility. The Lagardère site is where final assembly happens - genuinely impressive industrial tourism that appeals beyond aviation enthusiasts.
February Events & Festivals
Carnival de Toulouse
The city's pre-Lent carnival typically runs the last weekend of February with neighborhood parades, costume competitions, and street parties. This is a genuine local celebration, not a tourist spectacle - you'll see families in homemade costumes and neighborhood associations that have been organizing floats for decades. The main parade through city center happens Sunday afternoon, with smaller neighborhood events throughout the weekend. Dress warmly as you'll be standing outside for hours.
Violet Festival Preparations
While the main Violet Festival happens in March, late February is when you'll see the buildup - flower growers bringing first blooms to market, pastry shops testing new violet recipes, and the violet cooperative in Vieille-Toulouse opening for early season visits. This is actually a better time to visit the cooperative than during the crowded festival itself. You can see the crystallization process and buy products without the March crowds.