Methods for determining downhole fluid parameters include disposing apparatus including a sensor in a fluid in a wellbore. The sensor includes a heater and a temperature sensor, and the fluid is flowing at a velocity of about zero centimeters per second to about ten centimeters per second. The fluid includes particulates, paraffin or asphaltenes. The methods further include obtaining a first measurement via the heater and obtaining a second measurement via the temperature sensor. Based on the first measurement and the second measurement, the velocity of the fluid is determined.