Paris Weather in November: What to Expect

Although the weather in Paris in November may be chilly enough at times to remind you winter is on its way, this month often offers enough crisp but sunny days to convince you that late fall may be the perfect time to visit the City of Light.

In fact, Paris turns golden during November. At the beginning of the month, you'll still see plenty of green leaves but as the month progresses and nights (and sometimes days) grow chilly, the city's foliage finally develops warm amber hues. 

By the end of the month, much of it will be on the ground.

What about rain? 

Well, like every month in Paris, November gets its share of rainy days.  The amount averages about two inches, but of course the actual amount varies from one year to the next.

Does Paris get snow during November?  No, not normally.  In fact, almost never. 

Combined with shorter spans of daylight hours (x hours at the start of the month and y hours by the end), Paris earns its reputation for grayness (or grisault (FIND RIGHT WORD) in November. 

But here's what you should know:  Despite the rain, the grayness, and, let's admit it, occasional biting wind, November can be a glorious time to visit - especially if you pack the right clothing and plan a weather-friendly assortment of activities and other things to do.

So that's what this article is about - a few more November weather (and fall foliage) tips, as well as tips about what to pack for November. 

We also include suggestions about the best things to do on sunny days plus back up plans for those rainy days when you may secretely feel tempted to just stay in your cozy hotel room or apartment - but you're in Paris, so of course you want .

So you'll need to pack layers to prepare you for whatever version of November 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 November winter weather makes itself felt, spend time at museum exhibitions, concerts in historic churches, covered 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 November weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do in November, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

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

Top photo: Eiffel Tower and fall foliage during November - Photo: AdobeStock

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What Is Paris Weather in November Really Like?

Even though the official beginning of winter doesn't happen until December 21, you'll see (and feel) the transition from fall to winter take place during November, 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 November, 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 November:  Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what November 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 November high temperature:  48°F (9°C)
• Average daily November 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 November. 

To better understand what actual temperatures might be during your November visit, always check the November high and low temperature ranges in the following section.

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

If you want to find out what November 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 November:

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

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

• Highest monthly November temperature (1991-present):   70°F (21°C) in 2019
• Lowest monthly November 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 November when daytime temperatures soar (relatively speaking) into the 60s and possibly as high as 70°F. 

Although these high temperatures routinely in the spring, they can feel like a heat wave in November.  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 November weather conditions.

Sun and Clouds during November:  What to Expect

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

Days begin to feel noticeably shorter this month, partly because the Daylight Savings period ends at 2am on the final Sunday morning in October. 

Here's what you can expect:

• Average hours of daylight:  10 hours, 10 minutes
• Average hours of sunshine during November:  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 November?

Paris records about 1.6 inches (about 4.1 cm) of precipitation on average during November.  That's the least precipitation of any 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 November, 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 November 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 November.  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 November 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 November:

• 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.
• A short-sleeved t-shirt in case the thermostat soars to 70°.
• One or two sweaters to 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.  If you don't want to bring one from home, you can easily 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 5-20€ 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 November 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 start of the month, you'll see some splashes of fall color as trees in the parks take on golden hues.

Here are more benefits to visiting Paris in November:

• Cheaper flights and "shoulder" season hotel rates, which drop a bit after higher levels in September and October.
• 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 seasonal fall treats; toward the end of the month, you may see a few Bûche de Noël cakes in bakery windows to inspire early Christmas orders
• Crowds remain smaller 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 November

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

• Covered Markets & Passages - Explore these historical places designed to keep 19th century Parisians warm and dry
• 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
• 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

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in November

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Where to Stay in Paris during November

As you know by now, November 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 November:

• 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.

For historical weather data sources, check out The Weather Channel, Weather Spark, and Time and Date

For day by day, hour by hour, and almost minute-by-minute weather predic

 

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Best places to stay in Paris in the Fall (model after winter)

 

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