Paris in winter is calmer and easier to navigate, but the cold is real. Dress for it.
Winter here isn’t dramatic snow; it’s a steady, chilly dampness that sinks into your bones if you’re not prepared.
Layers matter.
A warm coat, scarf, gloves, and comfortable shoes make exploring so much easier.
The beauty of winter is that you can enjoy the city without fighting crowds, which means shorter lines and quieter neighborhoods.
Paris feels more local in the winter, and that’s when you get to see its everyday rhythm. It gets darker earlier so keep that in mind as you plan your days. You won’t have as much daylight to see all that you will want to see.
PARIS IN THE WINTER
The cold can surprise visitors because it’s a wet cold, not a dry one. Even on days that don’t look freezing, it gets into your hands and feet quickly.
Walking is still the best way to experience the city, but plan to duck into cafés, shops, and museums to warm up throughout the day.
Paris rarely gets snow, so you won’t deal with icy streets, but expect cloudy skies and early sunsets.
The trade-off is worth it: museums are calmer, the metro is less crowded, and restaurant reservations are easier to get.
Paris Winter Weather at a Glance
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Precipitation | Chance of Rain | Daylight Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 46–50°F (8–10°C) | 37–41°F (3–5°C) | 2–2.7 in | High | ~8 hrs |
| January | 41–50°F (5–10°C) | 36–39°F (2–4°C) | ~2 in | High | ~9 hrs |
| February | 43–52°F (6–11°C) | 36–41°F (2–5°C) | 1.7–2 in | Moderate | ~10 hrs |
| March | 52–54°F (11–12°C) | 39–43°F (4–6°C) | 1.6–1.8 in | Moderate | ~11.5 hrs |
Paris Winter
If you’re visiting in January, try a Galette des Rois.
Every bakery sells it and it’s only available for that one month. It’s one of the best parts of winter in Paris and many locals look forward to it all year.
January is also the season for winter sales, so you can shop for high-quality items at better prices.
Winter is a perfect time for indoor exploring: department stores, covered passages, small museums, and cozy bistros serving warm dishes. You’ll get a very Parisian experience without rushing.
Paris at Winter: Drawbacks
There are a few drawbacks of traveling to Paris in the winter.
- The cold can make rooftop bars uncomfortable.
- Outdoor seating can be limited and when heaters are out, they’re usually full of locals.
- Early sunsets mean less daylight for photos or long walks.
- Rain is more common than snow, so keep a small umbrella in your bag.
- Walking in the rain may be more difficult for you to navigate the city.
These activities will help you see Paris without having to worry about navigating the city while it’s cold. They’re warm, easy, and perfect for winter sightseeing.
Stay warm indoors while exploring world-famous masterpieces with a guide who handles all the planning. This tour lets you avoid long outdoor lines in the cold.
Book Skip-the-Line Louvre →If you’d prefer a more intimate experience with fewer people, this semi-private tour gives you a calmer, cozier way to visit the Louvre in winter.
Book Semi-Private Louvre →Versailles in winter is stunning—and with a guided tour, you can stay focused on the beauty instead of the cold. Everything is organized for you so you can relax and enjoy.
Book Versailles Tour →Some links may be affiliate links. If you book through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me create more helpful guides for women traveling with confidence.
Tips A Parisian Would Tell You when traveling to Paris in Winter
- Dress warmly because Paris is made for walking and you’ll want to explore.
- Wear shoes that can handle cobblestones and occasional rain puddles.
- Step inside bakeries often; they’re warm, inexpensive, and a perfect break from the cold.
- Keep your metro card handy because it’s a quick way to warm up between neighborhoods.
- Visit museums early in the day for the best experience.
- Try hot chocolate at a café when you need to thaw your hands.
- Don’t expect perfect weather, but do expect a more authentic, peaceful Paris.
- If you want to blend in with locals, skip the flashy winter gear and choose simple, clean lines in neutral colors.
- If coming from the US, make sure you have a power adapter, you’ll need it for your electronics.
- Book your attractions ahead of time.
- Many museums are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, plan accordingly.
- If you’re visiting around the Christmas holiday, there will be lots of crowds.
Paris in winter can be cold and damp, but you can still feel cozy and put-together. These pieces will help you stay warm, comfortable, and cute while you’re out exploring the city.
A warm, easy-to-layer sweater you can wear with jeans, trousers, or over a dress—perfect for cafés, museums, and evening walks along the Seine.
See the Sweater →This matching set keeps your body, head, and hands warm while still looking stylish in photos. Ideal for chilly days in Montmartre or by the Eiffel Tower.
Shop the Knit Set →Slip these into your coat pockets or gloves for extra warmth while you’re waiting in line, walking along the river, or watching the city lights at night.
Grab Hand Warmers →For when you’re back in your room and want to be comfortable but still cute—perfect for relaxing, journaling, or planning the next day’s adventures.
See the Lounge Set →Some links may be affiliate links, including Amazon links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me create more helpful guides for women who want to travel well.
Paris in the winter is a quieter, more intimate version of the city, and it rewards anyone willing to bundle up and explore.
The cold may slow you down, but the calmer streets, shorter lines, and everyday Parisian rhythm make it worth it.
With the right layers, a warm café nearby, and a willingness to enjoy the city at a slower pace, you’ll experience a side of Paris most visitors never see.
Winter may not offer rooftop sunsets or long, sunny walks, but it gives you something better which is Paris, unfiltered and uniquely yours.
These are resources I personally created to make your time in Paris smoother, more meaningful, and a lot more fun— whether you’re on the plane, exploring the city, or relaxing in a café.
Make tipping in Paris simple and stress-free. These envelopes include wording in three languages so you can leave tips confidently for hotel staff, drivers, and guides without worrying about what to say.
Shop Tip Envelopes →A practical, no-nonsense guide to experiencing Paris with confidence—especially if you’re a woman who wants to feel prepared, comfortable, and still a little bit spoiled on your trip.
Get the Paris Guidebook →For adults who love to color, these Paris-inspired pages are perfect for long flights, quiet moments in your hotel, or slow mornings in a café. A relaxing way to soak up the Paris vibe wherever you are.
Shop Coloring Sheets →These are my own creations. Some links may be affiliate links (including Amazon). If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my work and helping me keep creating resources for women who want to travel well.
Looking for a hotel in Paris? Check out this post that gives you 15 Paris hotels with a balcony.
This post helps you figure out which area is best for you to stay in on your first visit, and this one is for those of you who will be visiting Paris in the summer.
