Paris in wintertime: what to do, weather, clothing, events, and tips

Paris in wintertime has a very special magic for the traveller coming closer to pay it a visit. Except for some marked dates during Christmastime, you will find much fewer queues at museums and landmarks, friendlier prices, and an unforgettable atmosphere thanks to the lights, the Christmas markets, the ice rinks, and the cosy cafés dotting its streets.

Do you feel like getting to know Paris in wintertime? We will tell you what to do and how to plan your trip so that your experience turns out to be unforgettable!

What to do in Paris during wintertime (unmissable experiences) 

Should you be wondering what to do in Paris during wintertime, we have great news for you, since there are plenty of wonderful plans: from paying a visit to the Christmas markets to skating on ice, all the way through admiring the Christmas lights and the streets adorned for the occasion, or also visiting much less crowded museums and monuments and, by all means, joining us on an English free tour. 

Top 10 plans to do in Paris during wintertime:

• Christmas lights and displays: you can enjoy them from the Champs Elysées all the way to the moving displays at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, or go on a mini route on foot across the Opéra-Haussmann area. 
• Christmas markets: the Tuileries markets, La Défense, Saint-Germain, or Montmartre offer mulled wine, raclette, handcrafts, and a unique and festive ambiance.
• Ice skating: skate on the temporary, open air rinks such as the ones in the Tuileries or La Villette, and also in the roofed rink at the Accor Arena, should you prefer to seek shelter from the cold.
• Museums and grand exhibitions: pay a visit to classics such as the Louvre, Orsay, and Pompidou, as well as the immersive Atelier des Lumières. They all refurbish their programs from January to February!
• Covered passageways and galleries: explore places such as Vivienne, Jouffroy or Véro-Dodat, nooks and crannies from the 1800s which combine boutiques, cafés and ideal shelters if the weather turns sour.
• Night-time cruise across the Seine: cruise along the river in glass-covered boats while the city becomes aglow at dusk, showing off the most romantic side to it. Join an English tour with us here!
• Historical cafés and hot chocolate: from the iconic Café de Flore and Les Deux Magots, all the way to the famous chocolate at Angelina or the Café de la Paix, the cafés in Paris are waiting for you during wintertime. Discover the best cafés in Paris here!
• Indoors shows: go to the ballet or the opera at the Garnier or Bastille houses, and explore legendary jazz clubs and cabarets such as Moulin Rouge or the Lido.
• Shopping and “Soldes d’hiver”: the official January sales are ideal to catch some Parisian fashion, accessories and luxury at a fine price.
• One day trips: plan a getaway to Versailles or the Fondation Louis Vuitton, which always hosts world class seasonal exhibitions. 

And do not forget that you can join our free tours in English in order to unravel all of Paris’ secrets!

What to do with kids during wintertime in Paris

Paris in wintertime presents kids with a whimsical blend of open air activities and indoors plans. An unmissable stop would be the ice skating rink at the Tuileries Garden, in which fun merges with a Christmas atmosphere and fair attractions. The moving displays at the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps are equally charming, as they surprise us each year with mechanical characters and themed decorations which amaze kids and adults alike. After a walk, nothing beats a sweet pause with some hot chocolate or crêpes at one of the nearby cafés!

For the colder, rainier days, Parisian museums offer venues which are especially designed for the youngest audiences. The Cité des Sciences et de l’Industrie, at La Villette, displays interactive areas in which kids can experiment with science and technology in a child-friendly environment. Another gem would be the Musée en Herbe, devised as a leisurely route through the arts featuring creative workshops for all ages. 

Paris in Wintertime, month by month: December, January, and February

Paris in December

• Peak Christmas atmosphere: in December, Paris changes with markets, lit trees, and decorations aglow across neighbourhoods and monuments. The city resonates with a unique, festive flair!
• More crowds and higher prices: during the weeks including Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the amount of visitors soars, and so do the prices for hotels and flights, even though the atmosphere compensates for it. 
• Foremost events: the Village de Noël at the Tuileries, with its fair, the light shows at the Jardin des Plantes, and the Christmas concerts at churches offer unforgettable plans.

Paris in January

• Beginning of the winter sales (soldes d’hiver): as of the first week of January, stores launch discounts for fashion, luxury items, and accessories. It is an ideal opportunity to go shopping in Paris!
• Fewer queues at museums and lower prices: after the Three Wise Men festivity, the amount of tourists decreases, which makes it easier to visit museums and monuments at ease and for a lower cost.
• Foremost events: do not miss out on the Three Wise Men parade across the streets of downtown Paris, the Jazz Festival featuring concerts across the entire city, and the seasonal exhibitions bringing this month alive as far as culture goes.

Paris in February

• Romantic Valentine’s ambiance: this month is marked by a special flair, as couples celebrate at the Eiffel Tower or take a stroll along the Seine. Besides this, daytime hours will be a bit longer.
• Perfect for night-time pictures and cultural plans: the lights are still magical and the museums, theatre houses, and concert venues will serve as warm shelters with fine programs.
• Foremost events: from the celebration of Valentine’s Day at the Eiffel Tower, all the way to the colourful Paris Carnival and the well awaited Fashion Week, you cannot go wrong with Paris in February!

Take a look here at the event calendar of Paris during wintertime!

Weather and sensation: Is Paris too cold to go there during wintertime?

You will probably be wondering what the weather is like in Paris during wintertime, which are the temperature lows, and whether it rains or snows too much. We will sort your doubts out and provide you with tips on how to dress!

• The days are short and cold: wintertime in France’s capital city is marked by its short and cold days, during which sunlight is visibly reduced. Temperatures typically range from 3 ºC (37 F) to 6 °C (43 F), even though thermal sensation can be lower than that owing to humidity and wind. Make sure to dress up!
• Rainfall is frequent: as far as rainfall goes, rainy spells are frequent, therefore it is normal to find overcast skies and fairly unpleasant weather. Even though many travellers imagine Paris under a blanket of snow, the truth is that snowfall is rare, and it is commonly light and short lived.
• Dress in layers and wear rainproof clothing! In order to enjoy Paris without any concerns, it is best to dress up in layers: an undergarment, a sweater or jersey, a fine rainproof coat, and a foldable umbrella are always to be kept within easy reach. 
• Check out a weekly, up to date weather forecast here.

What to wear in Paris during wintertime (printable checklist)

Should you be planning a trip to France’s capital city during the colder months, you will  probably be wondering what to wear in Paris during wintertime and how to choose the most adequate clothes in order not to be cold nor uncomfortable. As we previously mentioned, the key is to dress up in layers and seek out versatile, comfortable, and resistant pieces of clothing for the city’s humid weather!

Quick checklist to dress up in Paris during wintertime:

• Thermal base layer (upper e lower): it helps you to keep your body heat and prevents you from feeling humidity.
• Insulating layer: a light winter lining or a wool jersey will be perfect to keep your heat in.
• A rainproof coat or jacket: it would be preferable if it is long and it covers your waist in order to protect you from the cold and the rain.
• Adequate footwear: rainproof boots or trainers with an anti-slip sole which allows you to walk across slippery streets.
• Thermal socks: it would be preferable if they are made of merino wool or technical tissues which can keep you warm without making you sweat.
• Accessories against the cold: a cap, gloves, a scarf, or a neck warmer. They do not take up a lot of space, and they can make the difference.
• Foldable, wind resistant umbrella: useful for the frequent rainy days.
• Useful extras: warm bags for your hands and your feet, a waterproof case for your backpack or your purse. 

Should anything be amiss in your suitcase, fret not: you will find plenty of options in the city. Decathlon features technical clothes at a fair price, Uniqlo is ideal for light, thermal clothing, and Monoprix offers basics and accessories for your everyday life!

Suggested routes for 1, 3, and 5 days (winter version)

What to see in Paris in 1 day

A wonderful itinerary to get to know Paris during wintertime, should you only have a single day to spend in town, is to start off at the Île de la Cité, following a visit to the finest of the Louvre and a walk across the Tuileries. After lunch, drop by the Eiffel Tower in order to take in the night-time lights, and call it a day with a cruise across the Seine. 

So that you can have further ideas and tips, take a look at this article about what to see in Paris in a single day!

What to see in Paris in 3 days

If you are wondering what to see in Paris in 3 days, take part of the previous planning for your first day, and add the rest of it, plus the Orsay Museum or the Orangerie for the second one, and Montmartre for the third one, including a night show. 

Read here our guide with many other ideas to visit Paris in 3 days!

What to see in Paris in 5 days

If you have 5 days to get to know Paris, add to your route the quarter of Le Marais, plus another museum of your choice and, to call it a day, a one day trip to the Palace and Gardens of Versailles, to Disneyland or, should you take an interest in the arts, to the Atelier des Lumières.

Do not miss out on our complete guide featuring what to see in Paris in 5 days!

Tips on how to save up and how to avoid the cold and the queues

• Book activities with limited capacity in advance: the most demanded activities, such as the ice skating rinks, the foremost exhibitions, or special suppers in restaurants with a view, usually sell out quickly. Book in advance, not only to secure your spot, but also to help you avoid long queues.
• Adjust your visiting hours to the weather: Parisian winter can be harsh in the morning and at dusk. Make the most of those cold hours by visiting indoor museums and monuments, and leave the strolls across parks, squares, or the riverbanks of the Seine for noon, when the temperature will be milder.
• Choose your transport wisely: moving around by means of public transport is key. Should you stay for a week, the Navigo Semaine card is really cost efficient. For shorter stays, consider the Paris Visite. We compare both of them for you in this article!
• Optimise your entry to museums and landmarks: in order to visit several museums, you are advised to compare the available tourist passes in advance. In this further article, we carry out a detailed analysis of the Paris Pass, the Museum Pass, and the Explorer Pass with their pros, cons, and real saving up examples. 
• Switch between indoors and outdoors routes: on your way from one monument to another, make the most of roofed passageways, galleries, or even shopping malls such as Les Halles or the Galeries Lafayette. In addition to sheltering yourself from the cold, you will uncover historical nooks and crannies in the city!
• Bear your budget in mind depending on the time of the year: December is the most expensive month because of its festivities and the high demand. On the other hand, January and February are typically quieter and feature lower prices for hotels and flights. 

Quarter by quarter in wintertime (indoor mini guide)

If you find Paris during wintertime alluring but the cold intimidates you, we will let you know that it is key to choose your quarters and their cosiest nooks and crannies wisely. Here you are an indoor mini guide of Paris, with plans to take shelter from the cold and still enjoy the city!

• Le Marais: this neighbourhood combines history and modernity, and it is ideal to seek out refuge in its little museums, such as the Musée Carnavalet, or Victor Hugo’s Maison. Afterwards, take a walk across its concept stores and independent boutiques, which are perfect to snoop around indoors, and do not miss out on its welcoming cafés, in which you will be able to take a pause and have some hot chocolate.
• Saint-Germain-des-Prés: cradle of intellectuals and artists, this quarter’s unique character keeps beating amongst cafés and book stores. Take your time at historic cafés such as Les Deux Magots or the Café de Flore, where you will be able to breathe in its literary life, and devote an afternoon to exploring its wonderful bookshops. 
• Ópera/Haussmann: should you be on the lookout for a festive atmosphere and visual shows, this is your quarter. The dome of the Galeries Lafayette and its  gigantic Christmas tree are a classic of Paris’ winter. Add the moving displays of Printemps to it so that you feel you are inside a fairytale, and do not forget to climb up to the free viewpoint at Lafayette in order to enjoy a spellbinding view of Paris. 
• Bercy/La Villette: both of them are modern and cultural areas, perfect for those travelling with their families. Here you will find roofed ice skating rinks, as well as indoor cultural venues, such as the Cité des Sciences or the Accor Arena, featuring concerts and shows. A different way to experience Paris, far away from the most touristy areas!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is there to do in Paris during wintertime?
You may visit museums, see the Christmas lights, skate on ice, take a walk across roofed passageways, attend a concert, relish historic cafés, and make the most of the lower prices during January and February.

What should I wear to withstand the cold in Paris?
Make sure to always dress up in layers! The ideal would be: an undergarment, a sweater, a rainproof coat, a scarf, a cap, and gloves. Add some comfortable and waterproof footwear to it.

When does it begin to snow? Does it snow heavily?
Snowfall is not that frequent in Paris. It may occur at some point between late December and February, but it usually snows lightly and briefly.

Which is the coldest month in Paris?
January is usually the coldest month, with average temperatures ranging from 3 °C (37 F) to 6 °C (43 F).

Does it rain a lot during wintertime? What am I to do if it rains all day long?
Indeed, it might rain for several days in a row, even though it will typically be light rainfall. There are plenty of indoor alternatives for a rainy day: museums, galleries, shopping malls, roofed passageways, and charming cafés to take shelter in.

What is Paris like during January and February?
These months are quieter, with fewer tourists and lower accommodation prices. The weather will be cold, but it is a good time for those seeking to save up and enjoy a more local experience.

Is Paris more expensive in December? When is it more affordable?
Indeed, December is the most expensive month due to the Christmas season. January and February are more affordable, both for flights and also for hotels, and the city will be much less crowded.

Can Paris be visited with kids during wintertime?
Of course it can! There are activities specifically tailored for them: skating rinks, the Cité des Sciences, family friendly shows, merry-go-rounds, and even some theme parks which open their gates on marked dates.

Any romantic ideas for Valentine’s Day in Paris?
Note this down! A dinner with a view on the Eiffel Tower, a cruise or a night-time walk along the Seine, skating together on an ice rink, or discovering an intimate café in Saint-Germain.