December in Paris: climate and what to expect
“Cool and moody. Best paired with warm rooms and long lunches.”
Roughly 12 rainy days across the month, on average.
December wraps Paris in grey light and damp cold. Expect highs around 8.8°C (48°F) and lows of 3.6°C (39°F)—chilly enough that you'll feel the bite on your cheeks during morning walks along the Seine. Rainfall averages 72mm spread across roughly 12.5 days, so wet patches are common, but the month rarely brings downpours. Sunshine is scarce at just 3.5 hours daily, which means overcast skies dominate and darkness falls by 4:30pm. Mornings tend to be damp and clammy; afternoons stay cool and dry.
The city transforms into a Christmas postcard during December. Shop windows along the Champs-Élysées and Galeries Lafayette fill with elaborate displays, ice rinks pop up in public squares, and the smell of roasted chestnuts drifts through metro stations. Crowds are moderate early in the month but surge after mid-December as holidaymakers arrive. Hotels fill fast, prices climb 20-30% above November rates, and restaurants book solid weeks ahead. That said, locals still outnumber tourists in most neighborhoods—you'll spot Parisians wrapped in camel coats, heading to holiday markets or ducking into cafés for hot chocolate.
Over the past decade, December temperatures in Paris have held remarkably steady, hovering within 1°C of the 8.8°C average. Rainfall patterns remain consistent too. Winter 2026 is expected to track the historical norm—no extreme swings. Climate data suggests the month remains reliably cold and wet, with no significant warming trend altering the traditional December feel.
December suits travelers seeking romance, festive atmosphere, and fewer crowds than summer. Photographers love the soft, diffused light. It's less ideal for those who hate rain or prefer outdoor walking. If you're planning a 2026 trip, book accommodation and restaurants by October, pack waterproof layers, and accept that you'll be indoors often—museums, galleries, and covered markets become your world. Budget travelers should know prices spike; consider visiting early December or just after New Year for better rates.
Paris is 20 arrondissements arranged like escargot and locals identify tribally: 11eme is Republique cool, 20eme is Belleville working-class multicultural, 6eme is bourgeois old money. Boulangerie baguette is a state-protected recipe; Poilane and Du Pain et Des Idees are exceptions worth queuing. Aperitif is 7pm sharp on cafe terraces, and lunch menu formule at any bistro is a third the price of dinner. Bonjour before asking anything or receive attitude forever.
What to pack for Paris in December
December in Paris demands layering. Temperatures hover just above freezing, and damp air makes cold feel sharper than the thermometer suggests. Waterproof outer layers are non-negotiable; rain is frequent but light.
- Waterproof winter coat or light rain jacket
- Merino wool base layers or thermal leggings
- Wool scarf, beanie, and insulated gloves
- Waterproof ankle boots or Chelsea boots
- Sweater or fleece for layering underneath
What to pack for Paris in December
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Where to stay in Paris
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Compare hotels on Booking.com→Estimated December trip to Paris
Peak season prices — book early or shift by 2–3 weeks to save. Rule-based estimates from a couple based in London — actual prices vary.
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Delayed flight to Paris?
Flights to Paris in December can be delayed by storms. Claim up to €600 if yours is 3+ hours late. EU regulations cover flights departing from or arriving in the EU/UK.
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Things worth doing
Christmas markets and ice rinks, Louvre and indoor museums, café-hopping and hot chocolate tasting, Seine river walks at dusk.
December vs. the rest of the year
How this month compares in Paris. Tap any month to read more.
highlighted months are among the best time to visit.
Best time to visit Paris
While December has its own character in Paris, the data-backed best months to visit Paris are May, June, July, August. These months combine the most favourable temperatures, rainfall, and sunshine across an 11-year climate record (2015–2025).
See the full best-time-to-visit guide for ParisOther places with a similar climate right now
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Paris in December — FAQ
Q01Is December a good time to visit Paris?
Is December a good time to visit Paris?
It is a fair time to visit — expect variable conditions and plan flexibility. In December, Paris averages a high of 9°C (48°F) and a low of 4°C (38°F), with 72mm of rainfall across roughly 12 rainy days. Late May-early June marronnier chestnut blossoms peak in Luxembourg and Tuileries; Fete de la Musique on June 21 fills every arrondissement with free street music.
Q02What is the average temperature in Paris in December?
What is the average temperature in Paris in December?
The average high temperature in Paris during December is 9°C (48°F), with an average low of 4°C (38°F). These figures are averaged from 11 complete years of daily records (2015–2025, Open-Meteo Archive). January drops to -2C nights; museum passes cheap, Louvre queues gone, marchande de marrons chestnut vendors on street, and gluhwein at hidden Christmas markets.
Q03How many rainy days does Paris have in December?
How many rainy days does Paris have in December?
Paris averages approximately 12 rainy days in December, with a total monthly rainfall of about 72mm. This is based on daily precipitation records where days with 1mm or more of rain are counted as rainy days.
Q04What should I pack for Paris in December?
What should I pack for Paris in December?
For Paris in December, pack a warm winter coat, a merino base layer for evenings, a compact umbrella or waterproof jacket, comfortable walking shoes. These recommendations are based on 11 complete years of weather averages for this specific month. A silk scarf worth its weight in style points: Parisians layer them year-round and cafe evenings on terraces get windy by the river.
Q05How crowded is Paris in December?
How crowded is Paris in December?
Tourist crowds in Paris during December are typically low — winter is off-season, meaning quiet streets and better hotel deals. Consider this when planning accommodation — prices track crowd levels closely. Paris is 20 arrondissements arranged like escargot and locals identify tribally: 11eme is Republique cool, 20eme is Belleville working-class multicultural, 6eme is bourgeois old money. Boulangerie baguette is a state-protected recipe; Poilane and Du Pain et Des Idees are exceptions worth queuing. Aperitif is 7pm sharp on cafe terraces, and lunch menu formule at any bistro is a third the price of dinner. Bonjour before asking anything or receive attitude forever.