Paris in January

Cold and grey; winter sales; short queues at museums.

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

January 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 3 °C (37 °F), rain on about 10 daysHighs around 45 °F (7 °C), lows around 37 °F (3 °C), rain on about 10 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.

• Winter sales (soldes) check

  Mid-January to mid-February (set by law) · Department stores and shops

  Crowds and discounts on clothes.

• Christmas and New Year

  Late Dec–early Jan

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

Crowds · France overall

Low

Prices · France overall

Low

France overall: Cold and grey north of Lyon; the winter sales (soldes) start in January; ski resorts busy at weekends.

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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