Paris in December

Christmas lights and markets; cold; closures on 25 December and 1 January.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

December is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• MayGreatPleasant; several bank holidays close shops and museums.
• JuneGreatLong evenings; Fête de la Musique on 21 June.
• SeptemberGreatWarm, fewer families; fashion week and heritage weekend crowds.
• MarchGoodCool, changeable; gardens waking up.

• ParisHighs around 7 °C (45 °F), lows around 4 °C (39 °F), rain on about 11 daysHighs around 45 °F (7 °C), lows around 39 °F (4 °C), rain on about 11 days
• Paris and the north, France · Paris, Lille, Champagne, Normandy inlandcool

  Grey, damp winters; late spring and September are the sweet spot. Paris heatwaves hit 35–40 °C (95–104 °F) in July–August and most flats and small hotels lack air conditioning.Grey, damp winters; late spring and September are the sweet spot. Paris heatwaves hit 95–104 °F (35–40 °C) in July–August and most flats and small hotels lack air conditioning.

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 markets and lights check

  Late November to early January · Champs-Élysées, Tuileries, department stores

  Crowded evenings; closures on 25 December and 1 January.

• Christmas and New Year

  Late Dec–early Jan

  Lights and markets; closures on 25 December and 1 January.

• 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 Paris, side by side.

• A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast
• Layers: a fleece or light jacket

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