Paris Weather in December: What to Expect, Pack, & Do

The arrival of cold weather in Paris in December marks the true beginning of winter as days grow shorter, temperatures drop to the freezing mark, and rainy gray days threaten to outnumber the sunny ones.

Fortunately, Christmas markets offering roasted chestnuts and hot mulled wine, spectacular holiday decorations in store windows, and plenty of sparkling lights bring a festive glow to the city, making December a wonderful time to visit.

But packing can be a challenge since weather conditions can shift rather rapidly from icy to almost balmy. 

And you also need to plan a variety of activities with indoor options for those cold rainy days and outdoor destinations for bright sunny conditions. 

In this article, we provide you with all the tips and advice you need for planning a trip to Paris during December weather, including:

weather

what to pack

What to expect in Paris during December

what to do on good-weather days

what to do on bad-weather days

Best places to stay during December

 

Although you may still experience relatively balmy days in the 50s this month, the temperature can also hover around the freezing mark during the day and drop even more at night. 

Rain, ranging from drizzle to downpours, wind, and even the rare snow flurry can make you feel even colder. 

 

But here's what you should know:  Paris December weather still packs plenty of wintery punch, including cold, rain, and perhaps even a day or two when you'll wake up to see snow on the ground.  These cold winter days can happen at any time during the month - and the same is true for the warm spring days.

So you'll need to pack layers to prepare you for whatever version of December weather greets you when you wake up this morning - more about what to pack later.

You should also plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for your visit.  When December winter weather makes itself felt, spend time at museum exhibitions, concerts in historic churches, covered passages and markets, and cozy bistros where you can sip hot chocolate and enjoy a steaming bowl of onion soup.  

But also schedule a outdoor activities where you can soak up some sun while exploring the city - perhaps a cheese, wine, and pastry tour of artistic Montmartre, or a fun bike tour through Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, and the Marais neighborhoods.

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about December weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do in December, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

• Paris weather temperature ranges for December - Plus What to Really Expect
• How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during December
• What to pack for your December visit to Paris
• Should you visit Paris during December?  Or wait for a warmer month?
• Activities for all types of December weather in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris during December

Top photo: Rainy December evening in Paris's Saint Germain neighborhood, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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What Is Paris Weather in December Really Like?

Even though the official beginning of spring doesn't happen until March 21, you'll see (and feel) the transition from winter to spring take place during December, when the Paris weather also becomes even more unpredictable than normal.

Of course, weather patterns differ each year, but if you visit Paris for a week or more during December, you're likely to experience a little of everything this month offers, from warm sunny days to cold rain, wind, and perhaps even snow. 

Paris Temperatures in December:  Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what December weather in Paris looks like on Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) degree scales for average daily high and low temperatures, which have increased by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit during the past decade:

• Average daily December high temperature:  48°F (9°C)
• Average daily December low temperature:  35°F (2°C)

Remember, these are averages - useful for comparing one month with another, but they are definitely not a weather forecast for Paris in December.  To better understand what actual temperatures might be during your December visit, always check the December high and low temperature ranges in the following section.

Weather Statistics for December in Paris:  High & Low Temperature Ranges

If you want to find out what December weather in Paris might be like, looking at the average temperature ranges will give you a better idea than just checking the monthly averages.  You'll also get a much better sense of what to pack - because Paris weather seldom hits the "average" mark for more than a day or two.

Here's the range of daily highs and lows throughout a typical Paris December:

• Range of monthly high temperatures during December:   31°F to 70°F (2°C to 17°C
• Range of monthly low temperatures during December:  10°F to 50° F (-12°C to 10°C)

Notice how the huge temperature variation of about 40 degrees - and now check e record-breaking temperatures for the past three decades, and when they occurred:

• Highest monthly December temperature (1991-present):   70°F (21°C) in 2019
• Lowest monthly December temperature (1991-present):   10°F (-12°C) in 1991

As you can probably guess from the high end of these ranges, it's not unusual for Paris to have several days during December when daytime temperatures soar into the 60s and as high as 70°F.  Although these temperatures happen frequently later in the spring, they can feel like a heat wave in December.  Stroll through almost any city park, and you'll see Parisians laying on the ground to soak up the sun.

But remember, Paris's climate is unpredictable from one year to the next (and on a daily basis) so you need to be prepared for a range of December weather conditions.

Sun and Clouds during December:  What to Expect

December in Paris offers a mix of cloudy, overcast conditions and brilliant, vividly blue skies - often during the same day. 

Days begin to feel noticeably longer this month compared with January, partly because they typically include slightly more hours of sunshine.

Here's what you can expect:

• Average hours of daylight:  10 hours, 10 minutes
• Average hours of sunshine during Febuary:  3 hours per day
  

In a typical year, you can expect about 7-13 days to be totally or mostly sunny. 

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How Much Rain, Wind, & Snow does Paris Get in December?

Paris records about 1.6 inches (about 4.1 cm) of precipitation on average during December.  That's the least precipitation of any month, although of course December is also the shortest month. 

In a typical year, you can expect brief showers on 4-7 days, including maybe 1-3 days when steady rain falls for a longer period of time.  You may also encounter occasional downpours - but thankfully, they don't usually last very long.

Scattered rain showers or sprinkles may occur on perhaps another 5-6 days. If you get caught in one, just duck into a doorway or under an overhanging balcony because the shower will most likely end as soon as it began.

On nights when the temperature drops below freezing, you may see a few snowflakes or even "ice fog," which is exactly what it sounds like:  frozen fog or mist suspended in the air.  During some years, the temperature never drops low enough for this to happen.

Although Paris can be breezy in December, including occasional strong winds (which invariably seem to happen on cold days, producing a significant wind chill factor), conditions are normally relatively calm.  Of course, storms can (and do) happen during any month in Paris, so consider adding a rain-resistant jacket to your packing list - more about that in a moment!

Snow during December is rare for Paris.  A small amount of snow typically falls on 2-4 days this month, but less than an inch accumulates on the ground during most years and it may melt before you see it. 

If you're planning day trips from Paris, you may be wondering about the weather at nearby attractions such as Versailles Palace and Disneyland Paris during December.  The good news is that the temperature, rain, and other conditions will be very similar to Paris.  Bring an umbrella or rain hat, or be prepared to dash inside if a quick shower hits.

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What to Pack for December Weather in Paris

Paris weather often changes rapidly, so pack for a range of temperatures and conditions.  Be prepared to dress warmly on cold or rainy days, but in layers you can shed if the temperature soars. 

In addition to your core wardrobe of tops, bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, and under garments, these are the essentials and options to consider for December:

• A warm jacket or a trench coat with a zip-out lining - water-resistant is ideal.  Consider bringing a rain hat for when you get caught in surprise showers.
• One or two sweaters in case the thermostat soars to 70°, and layer under your jacket or trench for extra warmth on the coldest days and evenings, especially on a Seine River sightseeing cruise or open-top hop-on hop-off bus where the temperature will feel at least 10 degrees colder.  Cashmere (check options on Amazon) is ideal for keeping you toasty outside while not making you sweat inside.
• A pair of comfortable ankle boots and your favorite walking shoes.  Bring both warm and lighter-weight socks.
• A warm scarf, gloves, fleece-lined leggings, and a warm hat are useful on cooler days and chilly nights.  If you live in a warm climate such as Texas or Australia and don't have these items in your regular wardrobe, don't worry.  You can buy what you need once you reach Paris.  Monoprix and Camaïeu offer nice quality items at affordable prices.
• A rain hat or umbrella will be useful if you experience rainy days.  A rain hat takes up almost no packing space, but umbrellas are a little bulkier.  Bring one from home, or buy one in Paris if you need it (umbrellas are also a fun souvenir) - you'll see them everywhere from small convenience stores and souvenir shops where they cost 5-10€ to pricy boutiques and department stores where you'll pay much more. 

Pro Tip:  Right before you start packing for your trip, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast in case of any surprises.  Here's the forecast in both Fahrenheit and Celsius:

PARIS WEATHER
PARIS WEATHER

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Is Visiting Paris in December Worth It Despite the Potentially Cold Weather?

Yes, definitely.  You'll feel euphorbic on the bright sunny days, and longer periods of daylight make even the chilly gray days feel quite bearable.  As a bonus if you're in Paris at the end of the month, you see the earliest magnolias, cherry trees, and daffodils start to bloom.

Here are more benefits to visiting Paris in December:

• Cheap flights and low-season hotel rates, which start to go up next month as the "shoulder" travel season begins 
• Fantastic exhibitions at many Paris museums and a huge lineup of concerts, opera, and ballet
• On warm sunny days, you can sit outside at a cafe terrace and enjoy a glass of chilled white wine (or two), but a steaming cup of hot chocolate will still be a pleasure on colder days.
• Bakeries and confiseries fill their windows with mouth-watering galettes des rois for Epiphany and luscious chocolates for Valentine's Day, which of course you must sample
• Crowds remain small at popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d'Orsay

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Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in December

Recommended activities for staying warm and dry while sightseeing in Paris during December weather:

• Paris Museums - You won't care what the weather outside is like when you use a Paris Museum pass for free admission to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and almost 60 other famous Paris museums and attractions
• Moulin Rouge - Enjoy an evening of entertainment and champagne in this famous Paris cabaret - or choose the gourmet dinner option
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus - Stay warm and dry while you ride on the covered upper deck or enclosed lower deck
• Seine River dinner cruise - Savor a gourmet meal in a cozy glass-enclosed boat while seeing famous sights along the river
• Reims & Champagne Tasting Day Trip - Taste a variety of Champagnes and French food, visit vineyards and the historic Reims Cathedral, and learn about how Champagne is produced on this special small-group day tour with transportation from Paris

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in December

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Where to Stay in Paris during December

As you know by now, December weather in Paris can be chilly and rainy so a smart strategy is to stay in central Paris neighborhoods close to top attractions, lots of restaurants, and convenient metro stations.  On warmer days, stroll by the Seine River and the outdoor markets.

With these criteria in mind, we recommend staying in these top locations during December:

• Paris Opera House neighborhood - When you stay in the lively neighborhood surrounding the Paris Opera House, you'll also be close to the famous Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps department stores, the Grevin Wax Museum, and Madeleine Church, home to classical concerts.  Find concert schedules for the Opera House and Madeleine Church
• Saint Germain neighborhood - Choose the popular Saint Germain neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine River, and you'll be close to famous bistros such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, fabulous shopping (Winter Sales!), the Orsay Museum, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
• Champs Elysees neighborhood - If shopping the Winter Sales at the "Golden Triangle" designer showrooms and boutiques will be your main focus, this is where you'll want to stay - plus the Eiffel Tower is directly across the river

Use this hotel booking map to find more hotels and apartments for your travel dates: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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Paris Weather Resources

Want current Paris weather predictions?  This is a good French source:  Meteoblue
Historical weather data sources:  The Weather Channel, Weather Spark, and Time and Date

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