It may not be the most popular time to visit the French capital, but winter in Paris definitely has its advantages including smaller crowds and special seasonal activities.
If you’re wondering whether it’s the right time for you to check out the City of Light, here are the answers to all your questions about planning a trip to Paris in winter.
- When’s the best time to visit Paris in winter?
- Is Paris crowded in winter?
- What’s winter weather like in Paris?
- What should I pack for Paris in winter?
- What things are there to do in Paris in winter?
- Where can I see holiday lights in Paris?
When’s the Best Time To Visit Paris in Winter?
January and February are good months to go to Paris if you want to avoid the crowds, however, the weather is admittedly less than ideal. While it may be cold and grey, a trip in early January is a great time to visit as you’ll get to enjoy some of the holiday decorations without the crowds you’ll find in December.
Keep in mind, though, that the twinkling lights and festive displays generally disappear by the second week in January. Late February can also be a great time to go to Paris as there tend to be some unseasonably warm and sunny days.
It’s also drier than January or December. You’re also more likely to get to experience Paris in the snow if you go in February.
Is Paris Crowded in Winter?
Out of the whole year, January and February are the months with the fewest tourists in Paris. Tourism of course sees an uptick in December for the holidays.
What’s the Weather in Paris in Winter?
We’ll be honest. The weather in Paris in winter isn’t the best. It’s very grey and December is actually the rainiest month of the year. January is the month with the least amount of sunshine — the sun usually rises around 9am and sets around 4:30pm.
Temperatures are fairly mild in Paris in winter though, with the average low slightly above freezing (37F or 2.7C) and the average high in the mid 40sF (7.5C).
What To Pack for Paris in Winter?
You should definitely pack a winter coat and gloves if you come to Paris in winter, as well as a scarf to stay warm when the cold wind blows. Aside from those obvious items, you’ll also want to bring an umbrella and some warm, ideally waterproof shoes.
Proper snow or rain boots aren’t common though; Parisians usually opt for more stylish footwear.
What are the Things To Do in Paris in Winter?
There are a lot of fun Paris winter activities, including temporary ice rinks in incredible places and eye-popping window displays to watch. There are also several annual Paris winter events including Paris Fashion Week, the winter sales season, and a particularly delicious French tradition.
Late December – mid-January: Galette des rois
Around Christmastime, you’ll start to see King Cakes in all the Paris bakeries and supermarkets. A tasty tradition for Epiphany, which arrives on January 6th, enjoying a Galette des Rois with friends and family has become a month-long affair. Be sure to buy a bottle (or two) of cider to drink with this delicious treat!
Learn more about the French tradition of the Galette des Rois.
Early January – early February: Winter sales season
The end of the holidays marks the beginning of the winter sales season, four weeks during which all stores in Paris — and throughout the rest of France — offer special discounts on their wares. From designer brands to artisan boutiques, you’ll find great deals on anything and everything.
Discover our suggestions for where to shop the sales in Paris.
Mid-Late January and late February – early March: Paris Fashion Week
Chase away the chills with the hottest fashion. For two weeks in January (Menswear and Haute Couture) and a week at the end of February (Womenswear), the crème de la crème of the fashion world descend on the City of Light to unveil the latest styles.
While the fashion shows are generally reserved to VIPs only — here’s where you’re likely to run into them —, it’s still electric to be in Paris during Fashion Week.
Late January: Paris Cocktail Week
Whether you’re an aspiring mixologist or simply a lover of a good mixed drink, Paris Cocktail Week will certainly quench your thirst. During one week in late January, dozens of bars around the city take part in this annual event to bring you the best drinks (both alcoholic and spirit-free) at reduced prices.
Along with offering special happy hours and original craft cocktails, Paris Cocktail Week also proposes mixology workshops so you can learn to make yourself delicious libations.
Find all the fizzy festivities here (in French).
Early February: Lunar New Year Celebrations
Paris has two neighborhoods that are commonly referred to as “Chinatown”: the 13th Arrondissement and Belleville. Both have big Lunar New Year celebrations and you’ll even find the city streets decorated with lanterns for the holiday.
These two districts, as well as a few others, hold annual Lunar New Year parades, with the one in the 13th Arrondissement being the biggest.
Where To See Christmas Lights in Paris?
Paris does it up for the holidays, with streets like the Champs Elysées and Avenue de Montaigne lighting up every year. Christmas markets pop up all around town and offer charming stands with local products — everything from Made in France teddy bears to chocolates — and are always fun for shopping.
Speaking of shopping, Paris’s department stores also get in on the holiday cheer.
The Galeries Lafayette Haussmann has an enormous, eye-popping tree suspended beneath its beautiful dome ceiling while Le Bon Marché decks its halls with a veritable forest of tastefully decorated Christmas trees hanging in mid-air.
You can find all of our favorite Christmas decorations in Paris here.
More Paris Travel Tips & Tales
a/d-id/1326620 The article says that Paris is “less crowded” in winter. I think this is incorrect and it should say “less touristed”. Paris is just as crowded with locals going about their daily lives. The city doesn’t shut down because it’s winter. In fact, many Parisians love winter because they finally have the city to themselves without tourists. What are your thoughts on this?
Hi Lewis, there are certainly fewer tourists in Paris in winter, and we think that on the whole, Paris feels much less crowded in winter.