Bucharest Weather in February

February: cold, grey days

Bucharest feels properly wintry in February. Afternoons reach about 7°C, but nights can drop to -2°C. The air is often damp, skies are cloudy, and there's limited sunshine. Rain falls on around seven days, so pavements can feel chilly and slick.

It's still a good month for indoor stops like the National Museum of Art or the Palace of Parliament. Save long walks through Herăstrău Park for a brighter spell, and don't count on a warm, sunny café terrace. February is colder than March, though usually less wet than January.

Quiet sights and local traditions

If you hate crowds, February is a calmer time to see the Old Town and major sights than the busier spring and autumn months. It's also winter low season, so flights and hotel rooms are often cheaper than in April or September to October.

Dragobete, a Romanian celebration of love, falls on February 24. It's a local tradition rather than a large city-wide festival, but you may spot themed events or displays. Valentine's Day is marked too, especially at restaurants. Travelling with kids? The Grigore Antipa National Museum makes a handy indoor break from the cold.

Make the most of a cold day

For a practical winter plan, visit the Palace of Parliament on a guided tour, then take a short walk around nearby Izvor Park if the weather is clear. The building is vast, and tours run inside, so it's a better bet than spending hours outdoors.

Bucharest's sidewalks can be uneven, and slush or ice makes them trickier. Choose sturdy shoes for the route between Lipscani's Old Town lanes and Calea Victoriei. If the weather turns damp, settle in for ciorbă de burtă, a sour tripe soup served in many traditional restaurants.