Lyon in December

Listed as a month to avoid: Aug (many restaurants shut), Dec 8 week (book months ahead for Festival of Lights).

December is rated avoid. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatInside Lyon's best window: May–Jun, Sep.
• JuneGreatInside Lyon's best window: May–Jun, Sep.
• SeptemberGreatInside Lyon's best window: May–Jun, Sep.
• AprilGoodOutside the best window (May–Jun, Sep). Across France: Spring in Paris and the Loire; Easter school holidays add crowds for two weeks.

• LyonHighs around 8 °C (46 °F), lows around 2 °C (36 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 46 °F (8 °C), lows around 36 °F (2 °C), rain on about 9 days
• Centre and east, France · Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Lyon, Dordognecool

  Cold foggy winters and hot summers; Alsace Christmas markets make December busy despite the cold.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Christmas big impact

  25 Dec · France

  Most shops and many restaurants close on the 25th; Christmas Eve dinner is the big family meal.

Crowds · France overall

Medium

Prices · France overall

Medium

France overall: Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar (book hotels months ahead); ski season opens mid-month.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Lyon, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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