France Paris Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Paris is Average
December is Average for Paris.
December is Paris's most magical month for visitors — Christmas markets, illuminations, and the iconic Tuileries ice skating rink. Champs-Élysées illumination from late November through early January transforms the avenue into a 1.9km tunnel of lights.
Top Christmas markets: Champs-Élysées (largest, most touristy), Notre-Dame area (atmospheric), Saint-Sulpice (smaller, local feel). Roasted chestnuts ($4-5), vin chaud (mulled wine, $5-7), and tartiflette ($10-15) define market food.
Travel score
Paris December Weather Stats
Avg High
8°C
Avg Low
3°C
Rainy Days
11
59mm total
Sunshine
1.5h
Daily avg
Humidity
85%
Damp
UV Index
1
Low
Wind
14 km/h
Gusts 30
Snow Days
1.5
Monthly avg
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Expect about 1.5 snow days this month. Bring slip-resistant shoes and warm gear.
Air Quality
PM2.5
17 μg/m³
PM10
25 μg/m³
Status
Moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
6°C
Nighttime
0°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
14 km/h
Max gust 30 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Magical Christmas markets and illuminations
- Tuileries ice skating
- New Year's Eve Eiffel Tower fireworks
Cons
- Hotel prices peak for Christmas/New Year week
- Cold, damp, gray weather most days
- Many restaurants close December 24-25
December Events & Festivals
- Champs-Élysées Christmas market (late November to early January)
- Tuileries ice skating rink
- Christmas Eve dinners (Réveillon) — restaurants book 4-6 weeks ahead
- New Year's Eve at Champs-Élysées + Eiffel Tower fireworks
Paris in December — Full Picture
December is Paris's most magical month for visitors — Christmas markets, illuminations, and the iconic Tuileries ice skating rink. Champs-Élysées illumination from late November through early January transforms the avenue into a 1.9km tunnel of lights.
Top Christmas markets: Champs-Élysées (largest, most touristy), Notre-Dame area (atmospheric), Saint-Sulpice (smaller, local feel). Roasted chestnuts ($4-5), vin chaud (mulled wine, $5-7), and tartiflette ($10-15) define market food.
Christmas Eve (Réveillon de Noël) is the major French dinner event. Restaurants run 4-7-course holiday menus at $80-200 per person — book 4-6 weeks ahead. Christmas Day itself, most restaurants close; book your hotel's restaurant ahead.
New Year's Eve sees the Champs-Élysées close to traffic with public celebrations. Eiffel Tower hosts a special fireworks show at midnight (visible from Trocadéro, Pont d'Iéna, Champ de Mars). Hotel rates spike 50-100% for December 30 to January 2.
Weather is cold and damp — daily highs 7-9°C / 45-48°F, occasional snow that doesn't stick. The shortest daylight of the year (sunrise 8:40 AM, sunset 5:00 PM). Bring a heavy waterproof coat and prepare for indoor-focused days.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Heavy waterproof coat, scarf, gloves, hat. Layered with sweater and thermal base. Damp cold most days; waterproof boots essential.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
16°C
7.3°C
10/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
24.3°C
15.3°C
8.3/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
16°C
8.7°C
10.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current7.7°C
2.3°C
10/mo
Paris Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7° | 2° | 10d·51mm | 2h | 84% | 1 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 8° | 2° | 9d·41mm | 3h | 81% | 2 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 12° | 4° | 10d·48mm | 4.5h | 75% | 3 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| April (Best) | 16° | 7° | 9d·47mm | 5.5h | 70% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| May (Best) | 20° | 11° | 11d·63mm | 6.5h | 70% | 6 | Busy | Peak |
| June (Best) | 23° | 14° | 9d·50mm | 7.5h | 67% | 7 | Busy | Peak |
| 25° | 16° | 8d·53mm | 8h | 67% | 8 | Very busy | Peak | |
| 25° | 16° | 8d·58mm | 7.5h | 70% | 7 | Very busy | Peak | |
| September (Best) | 21° | 12° | 9d·55mm | 5.5h | 73% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| 16° | 9° | 11d·62mm | 4h | 80% | 3 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 11° | 5° | 11d·56mm | 2.5h | 84% | 2 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 8° | 3° | 11d·59mm | 1.5h | 85% | 1 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Paris December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Paris?
Paris in December is Average. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Paris in December?
Paris December averages a high of 8°C and a low of 3°C.
Does it rain much in Paris in December?
Paris December averages 59mm of rainfall over about 11 rainy days.
What should I wear in Paris in December?
Heavy waterproof coat, scarf, gloves, hat. Layered with sweater and thermal base. Damp cold most days; waterproof boots essential.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Paris in December?
Paris December sunrise is 08:40 and sunset is 16:55, with 8h 15m of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Paris in December?
Paris December air quality (AQI) averages 40, rated Good. PM2.5 averages 17μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Paris in December?
In December, Paris is great for Champs-Élysées Christmas market, Tuileries ice skating, New Year's Eve fireworks.
Is December peak season in Paris?
Paris December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Paris
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.