Paris in Winter: A Visitor’s Guide for December & January
I’ve always wanted to see it snow in Paris. It still hasn’t happened, so I’ll keep visiting this beautiful city and enjoying the festive holiday sites until it happens!
While a visit to Paris in the winter is bound to include some drizzle and a chilly breeze, the Christmas lights and festive atmosphere make a December or January visit well worth it!
Key Info on Paris in December / January
- Expect highs in the 40s and lows in the 30s.
- Bring an umbrella, hat, scarf and gloves.
- Watch the weather and have indoor options in mind.
- Chart a course to the Christmas markets.
- Consider a day trip outside the city.
Where to Stay in Paris in Winter
My personal preference is to stay in the 1st or 3rd Arrondismont. The 1st is just north of the Louvre, and the 3rd is a bit to the east in Le Marais.
This interactive map is centered on Le Marais. You can plug in your dates to see the best rates on Hotels.com, Expedia, VRBO, and other trusted sites all at once:
Winter Tours of Paris
Paris is a very walkable city, and the Metro system is easy to use for first-time visitors. Still, if you’re looking for a guide, I’d suggest these three tour options for a winter visit:
➡️ Click to Book: Private, Customized Day Tour
➡️ Click to Book: Versailles, with Hotel Pickup
➡️ Click to Book: Louvre, Guide & Skip the Line
Reasons to Visit Paris in December & January
There are more, but I’ll give you my top 4 reasons to make a winter trip to Paris:
- Flight Costs: Flights from the USA might be half the price compared to summer airfares.
- Hotel Costs: You’ll also save on hotels, Airbnbs, VRBOs, etc in the winter months (aside from Christmas week).
- Smaller Crowds: You’ll have fewer people around you inside the Louvre, and on line at the Eiffel Tower. For foodies, you’ll have an easier time getting into the restaurants of your choice.
- Holiday Decor: The Christmas markets and lights make the “City of Lights” glow in a more festive way.
Drawbacks of a Winter Trip to Paris
There are really two drawbacks, which shouldn’t dissuade you from planning a winter trip to Paris.
- The Weather: You’ll undoubtedly have a couple of chilly, drizzly days.
- Shorter Days: As with anywhere this time of year, the sun doesn’t rise until after 8:00am and sets before 5:00pm.
Still, there are plenty of options for rainy days and evenings!
Paris in December & January: The Weather
Since I mentioned the weather, here are the details. Winter in Paris isn’t very snowy, but it *is* cool and drizzly.
December
- Temperatures: Daily highs average around 43–48°F, and lows can dip below 40°F.
- Rain: December is one of the wetter months, with around 10-12 days of rain.
- Expect: light showers or drizzle rather than heavy downpours.
- Snow: Occasional. I hope to see it myself one day!
January
- Temperatures: Similar to December, daily highs range from 42–46°F, and lows hover around 35–38°F.
- Rain: January has 9-11 days of rain.
- Expect: Generally in the form of light showers.
- Snow: Usually light.
Christmas Sites to See
I’m not including the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre. They’re iconic landmarks any time of year.
As always, I suggest walking to the top of the Arc de Triomphe for the best view of Paris. It’s more efficient, and less expensive than going to the top of the Eiffel Tower. The price is 13 Euros per person (which is still a good deal, even though it used to be far less). That advice is for December, January, and every month of the year!
Champs Élysées at Christmas
The Champs Élysées is Paris’ most famous shopping boulevard, lined with the flagship stores of France’s most famous brands.
A brief history:
Napoleon commissioned the construction of the Arc de Triomphe in 1806 at one end of the avenue to honor his victories. In stark contrast, Adolf Hitler arrived during German occupation in 1940. The Nazi regime used the avenue for propaganda purposes and marches. A few years later, the Champs Élysées became a powerful symbol of liberation. The Allied forces, led by General Charles de Gaulle, paraded down the avenue on August 26, 1944, to celebrate Paris’s liberation from Nazi control.
While local Parisiennes might avoid the boulevard in the way New Yorkers avoid Times Square, it’s a must-see for tourists in the winter.
By December, the trees are lit beautifully along the avenue, beginning with the Place de la Concorde. It’s a 1.5-mile walk up the boulevard to the Arc de Triomphe.
Many days, you’ll see a market setup around the base of the monument, built at the site of many infamous executions in the late 1700s.
Along the way, you’ll see the big French brands try to outdo each other with fabulous Christmas and winter-themed displays on the facades of their buildings. Dior is always a favorite to see.
We were there while Lous Vuitton encased its hotel construction site in an enormous silver LV suitcase. While the hotel is sure to impress, the construction site alone was a jaw-dropper and draw for tourists in the winter of 2024-2025.
Paris Opera
The Paris Opera House (Garnier) is particularly enchanting in winter and during Christmas. Its lavish interiors and iconic architecture provide a magical backdrop for the holiday season.
While the opera house often hosts special performances, I’d suggest going on a self-guided daytime visit. It’s 15 Euros per person.
The grand staircase, ornate chandeliers, and ceiling painted by Marc Chagall are stunning and opulent.
Be sure to climb the steps to see the giant decorated Christmas tree in a ballroom.
The complex is open most days for visitors, though last time I went it was closed for a special event midday. If that happens on your trip, it’s worth going back to try again! Make sure to find the open seating boxes to walk into for a view of the opera hall itself.
Famous Parisian Hot Chocolate
I’m not a fan of lines, but a lot of people seem to think the hot chocolate at Carette is worth waiting for in winter.
Just outside the Trocadero Metro stop, you’ll find Carette, and likely a long line in December and January. Fans describe the hot chocolate sold there as thick, velvety, and more like melted chocolate, rather than the powdered pouch we’re used to.
It’s right across the street from one of the best views of the Eiffel Tower.
Grand Palais des Glaces
The Grand Palais is a glass-domed exhibition hall on the Seine, which turns into one of the largest (if not the largest) indoor ice-skating rinks in the world each December. The dates change each year. It’s opened in November in the past. In 2024, it didn’t open until mid-December.
Montmartre
If you’re walking up the steps to Montmatre, be careful in the winter because it gets slippery! People usually arrive winded from the trek, but it’s worth it to check out the Sacre Coeur.
Montmartre is very touristy. The neighborhood streets are lined with souvenir shops.
Still, if you’re looking for some unique art or to have yourself sketched, you’ll always find artists in the courtyard with their easels, paints, and pencils. It’s known as the Place du Tertre, or the Artists’ Square.
During December and January, the storefronts and restaurants are all decorated and lit festively.
Christmas Markets in December & January
Paris is home to several Christmas Markets (Marches de Noel), which begin in early December and last into January.
Some of them change locations year-to-year, so double-check before your trip.
Notre Dame Marche de Noel
- Location: Across the river to the south, next to Shakespeare & Company.
- Vendors: 30 vendors selling crafts, cheese, and other food.
- Expect: Santa walking around
- Photo Opportunities: A few setups for photos with scenery.
- Admission: Free
Abbesses Metro Christmas Market
- Location: Outside the Abbesses Metro, down the hill from Montmartre
- Vendors: 20 cabins with vendors selling leathers, knits, and food.
- Expect: Vin chaud (hot, mulled wine).
- Photo Opportunities: Nothing special.
- Admission: Free
Tour Eiffel Marche de Noel
- Location: At the base of the Eiffel Tower, along the Seine.
- Vendors: Dozens, selling crafts and a lot of food.
- Expect: An entire food court with international options.
- Photo Opportunities: The Tower’s right there.
- Admission: Free.
Things to Do on a Cold, Rainy Winter Day
On any trip to Paris in the winter, you’re bound to have some drizzly, wet, windy weather. These don’t have to be throwaway days! You can zip around underground on the Metro, popping up to dart into one of these great destinations:
Galerie Vivienne
Galerie Vivienne is one of Paris’s most charming and historic covered passages, located in the 2nd arrondissement, near the Palais Royal. Built in 1823, it embodies Parisian elegance with its stunning architecture, intricate mosaics on the floors, glass ceilings, and beautifully detailed shopfronts.
This passage is home to a selection of boutiques, including high-end fashion stores, antique shops, bookstores, artisanal craft shops, and a few food options.
The Paris Passages
Paris is home to several historic covered passages, each blending Parisian history with shopping, dining, and architectural beauty. They’re great to stroll through, especially on a rainy or wintry day in December or January.
You’ll see below: many of them are adjacent to, or very close to, each other.
1. Passage des Panoramas
- Location: 2nd arrondissement: 11 Bd Montmartre, 75002 Paris
- Metro Stop: Grands Boulevards
- The Draw: Dating back to 1799, it’s the oldest covered passage in Paris. Known for its vintage atmosphere, it features antique shops and bistros.
2. Passage Jouffroy
- Location: Adjacent to Passage des Panoramas: 10-12 Bd Montmartre, 75009 Paris
- Metro Stop: Grands Boulevards.
- The Draw: A glass-roofed gem from 1845, this passage is home to several shops, plus the Musée Grévin (wax museum).
3. Passage Verdeau
- Location: Continuation of Passage Jouffroy: 6 Rue de la Grange Batelière, 75009 Paris
- The Draw: Known for its antique bookstores, vintage items, and art galleries.
4. Galerie Colbert
- Location: Near Galerie Vivienne in the 2nd arrondissement: 1 Pass. Colbert, 75002 Paris
- Near: The north end of the Jardin du Palais Royal.
- Metro Stop: Pyramides or Bourse.
- The Draw: Built in 1826, it features an impressive rotunda and elegant architecture. While less commercial, it’s home to cultural institutions and is great for quiet exploration.
5. Passage du Grand-Cerf
- Location: 2nd arrondissement: 145 Rue St Denis, 75002 Paris
- Metro Stop: Etienne Marcel
- The Draw: One of the tallest passages with a beautiful glass roof. It’s filled with boutiques, craft shops, and jewelry makers.
The Paris Opera House (Garnier)
I mentioned the Palais Garnier earlier, but it’s worth repeating in my list of things to do on a wintry day in Paris.
It’s an icon of the city, built between 1861 and 1875. On most days, the public is welcome (for a fee) to explore the grand marble staircase, the famous chandelier in the auditorium, and the ceilings painted by Marc Chagall.
The cost is 15 Euros per person. Again, it’s open most days, but can close randomly for events.
Printemps
Printemps is one of Paris’s most iconic department stores, known for its upscale shopping experience, stunning architecture, and rich history. Here’s what you should know about it:
- Established: Printemps opened its doors in 1865, making it one of Paris’s oldest and most prestigious department stores.
- Location: Its flagship store is located on Boulevard Haussmann, in the 9th arrondissement.
- Offerings: It specializes in luxury goods & brands.
- Architecture: The store’s Art Nouveau façade and its stained-glass cupola are masterpieces, offering a visual treat even if you don’t shop.
- Rooftop: The rooftop terrace provides a panoramic view of Paris, including the Eiffel Tower and Montmartre.
- Window Displays: Famous for its holiday window displays, especially at Christmas. These intricate, themed designs attract visitors of all ages.
- Fancy Food Court: The Printemps du Goût section is a haven for food lovers, offering gourmet groceries, French delicacies, and fine wines.
Galleries Lafayette
Galeries Lafayette, an iconic Parisian department store, is a must-visit destination for fashion, beauty, and luxury.
- Location: on Boulevard Haussmann in the 9th arrondissement, this historic store has been a hub of elegance and style since its founding in 1894.
- Architecture: Its centerpiece is the breathtaking Art Nouveau glass dome, a masterpiece that bathes the store in natural light and serves as a landmark of Parisian architecture.
- Rooftop: The store’s rooftop terrace provides stunning panoramic views of the city, including the Eiffel Tower and Opera Garnier.
- Window Displays: During the holiday season, it’s famed for its extravagant Christmas tree display under the dome and enchanting window decorations.
December & January Day Trips from Paris
The list of winter day trip ideas from Paris is endless, but I’ll list a few if you’re interested in checking them out:
Versailles
- Distance: ~20 km (12 miles), ~30 minutes by train or car.
- Highlights: The opulent Palace of Versailles, the Hall of Mirrors, and frosty gardens.
- Tip: Bundle up for a peaceful stroll through the gardens.
- Click here to book.
Reims / Champagne
- Distance: Reims: ~145 km (90 miles), ~45 minutes by high-speed train.
- Épernay: ~130 km (81 miles), ~1 hour by train or car.
- Highlights: Champagne tastings, Reims Cathedral, and Épernay’s Avenue de Champagne.
- Tip: Many cellars are indoors, making this a cozy winter escape.
- Click here to book.
Giverny
- Distance: ~75 km (47 miles), ~1 hour by car or train to Vernon, then a short bus/taxi ride.
- Highlights: Monet’s quiet village offers charm even in winter, with the Musée des Impressionnismes open year-round.
- Click here to book.
Fontainebleau
- Distance: ~70 km (43 miles), ~40 minutes by train or car.
- Highlights: Explore the Château de Fontainebleau and its serene forest.
- Tip: Sturdy shoes are recommended for potentially muddy trails.
- Click here to book.
Rouen
- Distance: ~135 km (84 miles), ~1.5 hours by train or car.
- Highlights: The Gothic Rouen Cathedral, medieval streets, and Joan of Arc’s history.
Wrap: Is Paris Worth a Trip in the Winter?
Paris in winter offers a unique charm with fewer crowds, cozy vibes, and a romantic atmosphere that’s hard to resist. Here’s why it’s worth visiting:
- Fewer Tourists: Popular attractions like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d’Orsay are less crowded, giving you more time and space to enjoy them.
- Festive Atmosphere: From dazzling Christmas lights on the Champs Élysées to festive markets and department store decor, Paris feels magical during the holiday season.
- Cozy Cafés: Winter is perfect for savoring hot chocolate at places like Carette, enjoying French onion soup, or indulging in pastries in cafes.
- Sales and Shopping: January brings the winter sales, with discounts at luxury stores like Galeries Lafayette and Printemps.
While it can be drizzly and cold (around 35–45°F), Paris’ beauty, culture, and seasonal festivities make it a wonderful winter destination. Just pack warm layers and an umbrella!
If you’re looking for more sun and warmth, even in December, check out Nice and the many beautiful towns along the French Riviera.
