Paris in Winter: Weather, Where to Go & What to Pack

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There’s something about Paris in the winter that makes the city feel more cinematic than any other season. The sharp light bouncing off wet pavements, steam rising from café terraces, and the sudden scent of roasted chestnuts all make you slow down and notice the details. Fewer crowds mean you can linger at top attractions without feeling rushed, and the whole city slips into a calmer rhythm.

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Eiffel Tower winter scenery or the snowy night in Paris aesthetic you’ve spotted on postcards, this is the time to visit. From Christmas markets to cosy museums and ice skating rinks to warm café corners, winter in Paris offers an entirely different mood from summer.

This guide covers the practical details, weather by month, what to pack, and where to stay, along with some ideas for enjoying the city in its winter months.

When is Winter in Paris?

Winter in France officially runs from 21st December to 20th March, but in Paris, the colder weather starts earlier. The chill creeps in from mid-November and lingers until early April.

December brings festive lights, Christmas markets, and the start of the long winter nights, while January is the coldest month of the year. February offers hints of spring light without the warmer temperatures, and March can be unpredictable: sunny café days one week, grey drizzle the next.

This season is perfect if you want fewer crowds, cheaper hotel rates, and the full winter in Paris aesthetic. The city’s streets look particularly beautiful after a rain shower, when the lights reflect in the puddles, and you can capture that French winter aesthetic for your Paris photo collection.

Winter Weather by Month in Paris

Winter in Paris isn’t extreme, but it’s definitely chilly enough to influence your plans. You’ll get a mix of cold mornings, occasional drizzle, and the kind of clear, sharp days that make the Eiffel Tower look like it’s been cut out of glass. It’s all part of the winter in France charm, but knowing what to expect each month will make your trip a lot smoother.

December

Paris in December feels like the city has dressed up for you. Average highs sit around 8°C (46°F) and lows hover near 4°C (39°F). Rain falls on and off, about 50mm through the month, and daylight lasts roughly eight hours. The air can feel damp, but the Christmas lights and markets more than make up for it. Bring layers so you can dash from chilly streets into overheated cafés without freezing or overheating.

January

January is the coldest month, with highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows around 3°C (37°F). Rain is fairly steady at around 47mm, and daylight inches up to about nine hours. The cold feels sharper than the numbers suggest, especially if there’s a breeze on the Seine. It’s a great time for museums and galleries, and you’ll get those quieter, postcard-perfect streets for your Paris photo collection.

February

By February, the days are slowly getting longer, with about 10 hours of daylight, but temperatures still hover between 9°C (48°F) and 3°C (37°F). Rain eases slightly to around 41mm, and there’s more chance of crisp blue skies. It’s a good month for long walks through Montmartre, Paris, or the Marais, with a café stop every hour or so to warm up.

March

March feels like Paris is trying on spring without fully committing. Highs reach around 12°C (54°F), lows are about 5°C (41°F), and rainfall sits near 45mm. You might get a sunny afternoon that feels almost warm, followed by a grey, drizzly morning. Layers are key, and you’ll still want that umbrella handy, just in case.

Where to Stay in Paris

Paris offers accommodation for every budget, and winter is an ideal time to find better rates, even in prime locations.

Luxury: Stay at Le Meurice for opulent interiors and Michelin-star dining, just steps from the Tuileries Garden.

Mid-range: Hotel Le Six in the 6th arrondissement is a stylish boutique hotel with a warm Parisian feel and easy access to the Luxembourg Gardens.

Budget: Hôtel de la Porte Dorée offers cosy, affordable rooms near the Bois de Vincennes, perfect for a quieter stay away from the city centre.

Hostel: The People Paris Bercy is a modern hostel with bright dorms and a lively bar, a good option if you want to meet other travellers.

What to Pack by Month for Winter in Paris

December

December in Paris is all about glowing lights, Christmas markets, and brisk walks between department store windows. It’s cold and damp, so you’ll want layers you can peel off once you’re inside a warm café. Mornings can be frosty, and evenings drop quickly into the winter in Paris aesthetic you see in postcards.

January

January is the coldest month, with crisp mornings and short daylight hours. The city feels quieter, and you’ll likely be outside in the cold more than you expect, especially if you’re sightseeing on foot. Prioritise insulation and protection from drizzle.

February

February can be unpredictable – bright and sunny one day, damp and grey the next. Layers are your best friend, and you’ll appreciate sunglasses for clear afternoons and a solid coat for the rest.

March

March edges towards spring but can still surprise you with a cold snap or sudden downpour. Lighter layers work for sunny afternoons, but you’ll need a sweater and waterproofs on standby.

Other Winter Vacation Ideas

Things to Do in Paris in Winter

Eiffel Tower

In winter, the Eiffel Tower feels like it belongs more to the locals than the tourists. The crowds are thinner, the air is sharper, and on a clear day, you can see rooftops stretching to the horizon, some lightly dusted with snow.

Arrive late afternoon, when the sky shifts from pale blue to deep indigo, and watch as the Eiffel Tower winter scenery turns into a golden beacon against the night. For the best late afternoon Eiffel Tower winter shots, you’ve got a few options depending on the vibe you’re after:

Trocadéro Gardens: The classic wide-angle view. In winter, the light falls behind or to the side of the tower, so you can capture that golden hour glow without harsh shadows.

Pont d’Iéna: Standing mid-bridge gives you a dramatic, straight-on view framed by the Seine, great when the lights first flick on.

Pont de Bir-Hakeim: A bit further away, but the double-deck bridge frames the tower beautifully, especially when the sky shifts from pale blue to deep indigo.

Rue de l’Université: A quieter street view with the tower looming at the end. Works well for winter in Paris aesthetic shots without the crowds.

If you want the lights plus deep blue sky in the same shot, arrive about 30–40 minutes before official sunset at the Trocadéro, then move to Pont de Bir-Hakeim as the lights come on.

Montmartre Paris

Montmartre in the colder months is a little slower, a little softer. The street artists still work in Place du Tertre, their breath visible in the air, while cafés hum quietly with the clink of coffee cups.

Climb the steps to Sacré-Cœur in the late afternoon for panoramic views bathed in winter light, and then wander down Rue des Abbesses, stopping for a warm galette at a tiny crêperie.

Louvre Museum

The Louvre in January or February feels almost intimate. Rain patters on the glass pyramid outside, while inside you can take your time in the quieter corners.

The sculpture courts are especially atmospheric when the light is muted, and you might even find yourself alone with a masterpiece.

Christmas Markets

Paris Christmas Markets are about more than shopping. The Tuileries Garden market glows after dark, with the scent of mulled wine and cinnamon in the air, while the smaller Abbesses market in Montmartre feels like a village fair.

It’s the kind of winter in France experience that makes you slow down, warm your hands on a paper cup, and just watch the city go by.

Notre Dame

Notre Dame is an unmissable winter stop. The square in front is quieter now, with the sound of church bells carrying more clearly in the crisp air.

Evening light hits the towers beautifully, and the surrounding streets are ideal for wandering, stopping in small wine bars or boulangeries to warm up.

Galeries Lafayette

In December, Galeries Lafayette is part theatre, part shopping trip. The giant Christmas tree under the glass dome pulls the crowd’s gaze upwards, and fairy lights spill over the balconies.

Step out onto the rooftop terrace for a bracing hit of cold air and a panoramic view of the Paris winter night photography scene.

Canal Saint-Martin

Winter along Canal Saint-Martin is quiet enough that you can hear the locks creak and the water ripple. Locals stroll in long coats, pausing for coffee in canal-side cafés with steamed-up windows.

It’s one of the best places to get a feel for everyday Parisian winter life, away from the postcard spots.

Ice Skating Rinks

Seasonal ice skating rinks in Paris have a way of making the cold feel joyful. Whether it’s gliding in front of the Hôtel de Ville with Notre Dame peeking in the background or skating under the Eiffel Tower’s shadow, it’s pure winter fun.

Follow up your skating attempts with a hot chocolate or vin chaud (hot red wine simmered with cinnamon, cloves, star anise, citrus, and sometimes a touch of sugar or honey) to thaw out.

Hôtel de Ville Christmas Lights

Every winter, the square in front of Hôtel de Ville (Town Hall) turns into a small festive wonderland. Strings of lights hang across the façade, a giant Christmas tree stands at its centre, and smaller decorated trees line the paths.

The atmosphere is pure Paris winter aesthetic. Arrive just after sunset when the lights glow against the deep blue sky, and linger for photos before wandering into the Marais for dinner.

Palais Royal

In the colder months, the Palais Royal’s symmetry and bare trees have a stripped-back beauty. The black-and-white columns in the courtyard make for a perfect Paris photo in winter light, while the surrounding arcades shelter antique shops and cafés where you can linger over a café crème.

Winter Sales

If you’re in Paris in January or early February, the official les soldes d’hiver turn the city into a shopper’s playground. From designer boutiques to tiny vintage shops, prices drop dramatically. It’s the perfect excuse to add something Parisian to your winter outfits, and maybe find a piece you’ll wear for years.

Sample Paris’ Winter Food

Winter in Paris isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s a full season of comforting, indulgent food. Cold days call for slow-cooked dishes, rich sauces, and pastries still warm from the oven. Here’s what to put on your list.

French Onion Soup at Au Pied de Cochon: Bubbling under a crust of melted cheese, French onion soup is a winter staple. At Au Pied de Cochon, it’s served all day and night, making it perfect after an evening walk through the 1st arrondissement. The deep, caramelised onions and rich broth are pure Paris in the winter comfort food.

Chocolat Chaud at Angelina: Thick, velvety, and just this side of drinkable pudding, Angelina’s hot chocolate is a winter ritual. Order it with whipped cream on the side and linger at a table overlooking Rue de Rivoli.

Cassoulet at Chez Papa: This slow-baked dish of white beans, sausage, and duck confit comes from the south of France but feels perfect in a Parisian bistro on a frosty night. Chez Papa serves generous portions in a cosy, unfussy setting.

Galette des Rois from Stohrer: January in France means galette des rois, a buttery puff pastry pie with frangipane filling. Stohrer, the city’s oldest pâtisserie, makes one of the best. Buy it to take away and eat with coffee back at your hotel.

Tartiflette at La Jacobine: This dish of potatoes, reblochon cheese, lardons, and onions comes from the Alps but is a favourite winter treat in Paris. La Jacobine’s version is gooey, hearty, and perfect after a long day of sightseeing.

Crêpes at Breizh Café: For a lighter option that still feels indulgent, head to Breizh Café in the Marais. Order a buckwheat galette for savoury and a butter-sugar crêpe for sweet. Pair it with cider served in a ceramic cup.

Winter Day Trips from Paris

Winter in Paris is magical, but a day trip can give you a different perspective on France in winter. From fairy-tale châteaux to cosy coastal towns, these escapes are easy to reach by train or car.

Versailles

The gardens may be bare, but the Hall of Mirrors and royal apartments feel even more opulent against a grey winter sky. Fewer visitors mean you can linger in the grand salons without being swept along by a tour group. Bring a scarf and gloves for a short garden stroll before heading back to Paris. Book your Versaille day trip here.

Reims

Just 45 minutes by TGV, Reims is the capital of Champagne. Tour the chalk cellars of famous houses like Taittinger, then warm up in a brasserie with a glass of bubbly and a plate of escargots. The Gothic cathedral, where French kings were crowned, looks particularly dramatic in winter light.

Chartres

An hour from Paris, Chartres is home to one of Europe’s most beautiful cathedrals, famous for its stained glass. In winter, the medieval streets are quiet, and the cathedral’s interior feels even more contemplative. Pair your visit with a hearty lunch in a local bistro.

Rouen

In just under two hours, you can be in Normandy’s capital, a medieval city of half-timbered houses and cobbled streets. The winter air seems to sharpen the details of its Gothic cathedral, famously painted by Monet, and the Christmas market here runs into late December.

Provins

A UNESCO-listed medieval town about 80 minutes from Paris, Provins is enchanting under a dusting of frost. Its ramparts, towers, and old market square make it feel like stepping into a winter fairy tale. Some weekends in December bring medieval-themed Christmas festivities.

Fontainebleau

Less crowded than Versailles, the Château de Fontainebleau offers a rich history, ornate interiors, and sprawling grounds that look beautiful in winter light. If the weather’s mild, explore the surrounding forest for a dose of fresh air before catching the train back.

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