Paris is one of the most famous cities in the world. It’s been a tourist destination for centuries and is home to many famous landmarks and museums.
The city has a solid cultural background with a rich history that dates back to ancient times. In fact, it was also the capital of France during the Middle Ages.
The city is also known as “the City of Lights” because it has many breathtaking monuments and buildings that light up at night, making Paris one of the most beautiful places in Europe.
The city is crowded with tourists all year round. But, if you plan to visit Paris in December, you can enjoy some quality time as the crowds are a bit smaller.
As a matter of fact, it is a fantastic idea to visit Paris in December.
The Christmas markets and the streets are decorated beautifully, and the weather is perfect for walking around.
Moreover, you won’t have to wait in queues for hours at a stretch.
That’s the beauty of visiting one of the most famous cities in the world during the off-season.
However, as exciting as the thought of visiting Paris in December sounds, you need to dress correctly and according to the weather to avoid mishaps.
We’ll give you all the necessary guidelines for what you should wear in Paris in December.
Keep reading to get enlightened.
Paris’s Weather in December
The weather in Paris in December can be a bit tricky and unpredictable. The city is generally cold during December, and the skies are mostly overcast with few light showers.
The average temperature in December is around 8 degrees Celsius. On colder days, the temperature can drop to around -10 degrees Celsius. On warmer days, the temperature can reach over 15 degrees Celsius.
Although light, the city experiences rainfall all over the month with an average of 1.7 inches.
What to wear for Daytime Activities in Paris?
December is a cold month in Paris, but it doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the city. There are plenty of things to do and see this time of year.
For starters, you can check out the museums. The Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., while the Centre Pompidou is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Paris also sets up special Christmas markets throughout December, with some being open from November through January. You can find these in multiple locations, such as Notre Dame and Les Halles.
The city is also filled with numerous cafés that remain open throughout the day, so you can enjoy your coffee or hot chocolate even when the temperature dips below freezing.
Another great activity for the daytime is to head out to public parks to enjoy the fresh air and walk around as you feel like it.
If you want a dedicated day for shopping, various places remain open all day, like the Champs-Elysées and Galeries Lafayette. Lastly, no trip to Paris can be complete without visiting the Eiffel Tower.
To fully enjoy these activities, you need to make sure that you are dressed comfortably and appropriately according to the weather.
Here are a few tips for dressing up for daytime activities in Paris.
- Layers
Dress in layers, right from the beginning, so you can easily take them off on the plane. If you are going to be outside for a long time, pack a jacket or sweater that can be worn over your outfit.
- Warm Clothes
Since December is one of the coldest months in Paris, pack only warm clothes, especially if you are outside. Jeans with a sweatshirt and a light sweater would do.
Top your clothes off with warm gloves, a thick coat, and winter boots to keep your hands and feet warm and mobile. Also, consider wearing a winter hat.
- Practical Clothes
As Paris is regarded as the world’s fashion capital, you might be tempted to wear trendy clothes.
That’s fine as long as these clothes go well with the weather, but most trends are not practical for winter because they’re often too light or thin.
So, instead, focus on wearing clothes that will keep you warm and dry.
What to wear for Nighttime Activities in Paris?
The nightlife in Paris is vibrant and exciting, with various activities. Many venues and bars are open until late at night, making it an ideal destination for those who want to enjoy themselves without worrying about closing time.
Nighttime activities in Paris include bars and nightclubs, art galleries, museums, and more. And of course, if you want to see how Eiffel Tower looks when the sun goes down, you should plan it for the night.
Some Paris hotels also offer Christmas packages that include a special dinner, decorations, activities, and other gifts.
You can also head out to the Paris Opera and Opéra Bastille to enjoy live performances. Or, if you want to watch any movie, the City of Lights offers a Christmas movie marathon.
Also, French food and patisserie are among the finest in the world, so don’t forget to savor your taste buds.
The weather in Paris in December can be cold, foggy and rainy all at the same time. So, you should wear long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, layers and jackets/coats.
Even if you are going to a nightclub or a restaurant, it is not a good idea to wear a dress, since it can rain anytime. Sticking to pants and warm shirts with a jacket and boots is better.
Extra Things You should keep while Traveling to Paris
Below is the list of some essential things you must take to Paris in December.
- Thick overall coat
- Light jacket or sweater
- Raincoat
- Rain boots
- Winter lined boots
- Gloves
- Scarves
- Caps
- Backpack with numerous compartments
- Charger and extra batteries
- Camera and cell phone
- Something to eat
- Water bottle
- Easy walking shoes for the day
Final Advice
Although Paris is pretty cold in December, it still has a lot going on. The Christmas markets are lit up, people are shopping and eating, and everyone is getting their Christmas tree. The Eiffel Tower is also lit at night, giving Paris a more magical feel.
You might be inclined to wear something festive and saucy, but keep your comfort as the top priority if you want to enjoy the city and its offerings fully.
Pack light but smart. Keep yourself warm and keep layers with you all the time, and nothing will go wrong.
