Early winter · Weather & things to do
Paris in December
The year's rain peaks now, with about 2.7 in (69 mm) falling in Paris, alongside highs near 44°F (7°C) and lows of 34°F (1°C).
With a comfort score of 48/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 44°F (7°C)
- Avg low
- 34°F (1°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (69 mm)
- Humidity
- 93%
- Cloud cover
- 74%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 03 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cool, with highs near 44°F (7°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Lows average 34°F (1°C).
Some rain is likely, about 2.7 in (69 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Only about 8 h 03 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, October – December.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 03 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 60/100 in November to 48/100.
- Our Paris to the Riviera route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Paris & Reims route is planned for Dec – early Jan, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Insulated jackethighs only 44°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Paris in December
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Sainte-Chapelle
13th-century royal chapel with 15 soaring stained-glass windows.
Musée d'Orsay
Impressionist and post-Impressionist masterpieces in a former Beaux-Arts train station.
Café de Flore
Saint-Germain café open since the 1880s, linked to Sartre and de Beauvoir.
Le Baron Rouge
Standing-room wine bar by the Aligre market, wine from barrels and oysters in season.
Bouillon Chartier
1896 workers' dining hall serving classic French dishes at low prices.
Galeries Lafayette Haussmann
Department store whose 1912 glass and steel dome holds a giant Christmas tree each year, with animated windows outside.
Nearby in December
- Reims in December~81 mi · highs 42°F, 3.1 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Amboise in December~118 mi · highs 45°F, 2.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Tours in December~127 mi · highs 46°F, 2.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Saumur in December~157 mi · highs 46°F, 2.9 in rain · 1°C (2°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Paris in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Paris?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 44°F (7°C) and 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain. Our Paris to the Riviera route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Paris in December?
Average highs are 44°F (7°C) and average lows 34°F (1°C), making it the 2nd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in December?
Some: about 2.7 in (69 mm) of rain falls across December on average, the wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 26.1 in (662 mm).
What should I pack for Paris in December?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 44°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- Paris & Reims Dec – early Jan
Planning Paris in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.