Paris Weather in December
December brings Christmas magic to Paris — glittering Champs-Élysées, Christmas markets, department store window displays and New Year's Eve on the Champs-Élysées. Cold but unforgettable.
Magical for Christmas atmosphere, holiday shopping and festive dining. Cold and expensive around holidays but worth it for the experience.
Wind chill makes it feel colder.
Grey skies.
Frequent rain, occasional snow.
Use these December numbers as a practical guide, not a guarantee. Coastal areas, downtown and inland areas can differ on the same day.
| Weather metric | Typical December value | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime temp | ~7°C | Cold. |
| Nighttime temp | ~2°C | Near freezing. |
| Sunshine | ~2 hrs/day | Grey. |
| Rainfall | frequent | Rain, occasional snow. |
| Daylight | ~8 hours | Shortest days. |
December in Paris is best understood through four moments of the day — morning, midday, beach time and evening.
Warm breakfast.
Christmas markets.
Window displays.
Champs-Élysées lights.
The best December base depends on what matters most to you — beach access, snorkeling, nightlife, culture or budget.
Historic district with museums, boutiques and cozy cafés.
Literary cafés, galleries and classic Left Bank charm.
Luxury shopping and iconic avenue.
Sacré-Cœur, artists and village charm.
Student area with bookshops and bistros.
Iconic views and major museums.
This simple tool matches December weather with your travel style to suggest the best area and hotel type.
What matters most?
What type of stay do you prefer?
This simple tool matches December weather with your travel style to suggest the best area and hotel type.
Packing for December should match the reality: daytime heat, humidity levels, beach conditions and any rain risk.
In December the type of hotel matters — it shapes your daily comfort, flexibility and overall experience.
This helps visitors decide whether to travel now or shift their dates slightly.
Start with hotels matched to December conditions — filtered by type, area and traveler reviews.
Magical for Christmas markets, shopping and festive dining.
Around 7°C — feels colder with wind. Full winter gear needed.
Champs-Élysées celebrations with fireworks at the Arc de Triomphe.