Paris in Winter: The Perfect Off-Season Guide to the City of Light

After living in Paris for six months, I’m of the opinion that this romantic city is best explored in the off-season. I studied abroad in the City of Light from January to May and have since also visited in April (check out my spring in Paris guide). 

Paris in winter is even more magical. You’ll find half the tourists of summer, a cheerful atmosphere during the holidays, and, if you’re lucky, you might even get to see famous sites, like the Louvre, shrouded in snow.

Cozy up in dimly lit bistros with a glass of Burgundy and a steaming bowl of French onion soup, escape from the cold to see Impressionist masterpieces, and sip hot cocoa in the legendary Angelina Tearoom. 

Come with me to discover the magic of Paris in winter, including what to do, what the weather is like, and what to pack!

A shortcut guide to Paris in winter

Weather: Contrary to popular belief, Paris actually sees the least amount of rain during the winter than any other time of year. That doesn’t mean you won’t have classic, gloomy skies during this time, though! Temperatures hover between 37°F–39°F for a low and 47°F–49°F as a high.

What to Pack: You’ll want to pack your typical winter weather gear, including thick coats, hats, scarves, and gloves, alongside some rain protection like an umbrella, boots, and a rain jacket.

Best Things to Do: Sip hot cocoa at Angelina’s, browse Impressionist art in museums, gorge yourself on classic winter treats, and visit the Christmas markets. 

Is winter a good time to visit Paris?

Yes! In my opinion, winter is one of the best times to visit Paris. Sure, you might be treated to the classic gloomy Parisian winter weather, but there’s something enchanting about exploring the City of Light during this time of year. 

If you happen to visit during the holiday season, you’ll get an entirely new perspective on the city as everything is decked out in Christmas baubles and lights. Christmas markets are also scattered throughout the city. 

On the other hand, January visitors will have the city (almost) to themselves, and February brings Mardi Gras celebrations. 

Winter weather in Paris

Winter weather in Paris stays delightfully chilly with a slight chance of rain. Snow is fairly uncommon, although we did have a freak ice storm when I lived in the city, and a few inches of snow also fell.

Although precipitation stays pretty consistent in the City of Light throughout the year, hovering between 1.5 to 2 inches on average, winter in Paris has (technically) the least rainy months.

Does it snow in Paris?

Paris sees an average of 2.5 inches of snow a year. If flurries fall, they will likely occur between January and March.

What’s the weather like in Paris in December?

Paris in December typically sees highs around 47°F and lows hovering at 39°F. December is the exception to the rule in terms of winter rain, seeing just over 2 inches. 

The Christmas season can feel a little more bleak than other times of year, with only 8.5 hours of daylight, but this is remedied with Yuletide decorations, cheer, and melty Mont d’Or cheese!

What’s the weather like in Paris in January?

January is the coldest month of the year in Paris, with temperatures ranging from a high of 46°F and a low of 37°F. This is one of the least rainy months, with 1.6 inches on average of precipitation. 

What’s the weather like in Paris in February?

Temperatures climb just a smidgen in Paris in February, increasing to a high of 48°F and a low of 38°F. You’ll have a good amount of rainy days, but only 1.5 inches of precipitation fall on average. Daylight hours really start to creep up towards the end of the month, at around 10 hours in total.

What’s the weather like in Paris in March?

March in Paris says “Adieu!” to winter and “Bonjour!” to spring. Still, winter weather clings on with highs around 55°F and lows at 42°F. Expect 10-14 days of rain overall, although it won’t always be a washout!

Why Paris is the ultimate European winter destination

• Get the sights all to yourself: Visiting Paris in winter is a wonderful chance to have its major sights all to yourself — especially if you visit from January to March. 
• Indoor activities galore: There are endless things to do indoors in Paris, from famous museums to hole-in-the-wall cafes and patisseries. You could spend months exploring all of the inside activities in the City of Light.
• Holiday festivities: Christmas and New Year’s are a magical time to visit Paris, seeing the city all decked out in Yuletide decor. An added bonus: Parisians typically icy façade also tends to warm at this time of year!
• Delicious winter treats: Winter is a time to delight in culinary decadance in France and there’s no better place to do it than in Paris. Indulge in ooey gooey Mont d’Or cheese or fondue and keep your eyes peeled for wintery pastries, too. 

Things to do in Paris in winter

1.) Go ice skating around the City of Light

As if Paris weren’t already romantic enough, ice skating rinks dot the city come Christmastime. In fact, this might be one of the best places in Europe for gliding on ice with stunning views. Here are a few of the best ice skating rinks in Paris…

• Grand Palais des Glaces: Located in the 8th arrondissement just off the famous Champs-Elysées, the Grand Palais des Glaces is France’s largest indoor ice skating rink. This rink is best visited in the evening when it turns into a party with a giant, glittering disco ball, DJ, and spotlights.

• Eiffel Tower: Hidden on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower itself, this skating rink is suspended in the air, overlooking the city of Paris and the Seine down below.

• Jardin des Tuileries: Part of the Marche de Nöel, aka the Christmas market, in Jardin des Tuileries, this outdoor ice skating rink is the perfect activity after you’ve filled up on raclette and vin chaud. 

• Galeries Lafayette: Situated on the rooftop — yes, the roof — of Galeries Lafayette, this ice skating rink is one of the most popular in Paris. You’ll also have the chance to pop inside and see this mall’s famous Christmas tree, too. Even better, this ice skating rink is completely free!

And these are just scratching the surface! There are so many more scattered around Paris in the winter. 

You’ll be able to rent skates at all of these locations, although you’ll want to go at off times during the holidays to beat the crowds. I would say that weekday mornings and late evenings are the best times to go.

2.) See Mona Lisa without the crowds

There might be no better destination in the world for art than Paris, and no better time to see its masterpieces than during the off-season. 

From heavy hitters like Le Louvre and Musee d’Orsay to more off-the-beaten-path gems like Musee de L’Orangerie, Paris’s art museums are also the perfect places to thaw out from your winter strolls.

If you want a chance at seeing the Mona Lisa or Van Gogh’s Starry Night Over the Rhône, sans crowds, plan a visit to Paris in January or February. The holiday visitors have left, and the spring breakers haven’t yet arrived, making this an ideal time to get these masterpieces all to yourself.

3.) Go patisserie hopping to find the best treats

It wouldn’t be a trip to Paris without hopping between patisseries in search of fresh-baked goodies to fuel your winter explorations. 

Some of my favorite spots for pastries in the city are Du Pain et des Idées, Eric Kaiser, and La Boulangerie Moderne. There’s nothing like grabbing a pastry and café au lait and watching the city through foggy windows.

I can’t believe I’m doing this…but I’ll let you guys in on my super secret, absolute favorite bakery in the city. Solques Bruno is the kind of bakery you find in your dreams, wandering the streets of Paris nonchalantly in search of baked goodies. 

Get there early in the morning for their piping hot pain au chocolat! I loved seeing all of the sculptures made from flour and water, and the giant saucers of pastries. It’s one of those places that is just pure magic.

4.) Eat seasonal goodies

On that note…winter is also one of my favorite times for food in Paris! Here are just a few of the goodies you should keep your eyes peeled for in the winter months…

• Mont d’Or: An ooey, gooey cheese that’s only available from September to May. Literally perfect with a crusty baguette.
• Raclette: Speaking of cheese, Paris’ Christmas markets will be rife with raclette, a melted cheese thats poured over potatoes, ham, and other ingredients.
• Galette de Roi: A puff pastry and almond frangipane cake served around Epiphany in January. 
• Bûche de Nöel: Literally translated to Yule Log, this chocolate and hazlenut cake is literally in the shape of a log and often decorated as such. It always reminds me of a Swiss Roll.
• Vin chaud: France’s answer to mulled wine, vin chaud is a warm, spiced wine that you’ll find all over the city in the winter. It’s the perfect pick-me-up for exploring the city.

This city is governed by all things seasonal produce and ingredients, and winter is no exception to this rule. 

5.) Attend the Christmas markets (aka Marche de Nöel)

There are seemingly endless Christmas markets to attend in Paris. So many, in fact, that it can be difficult to decide which ones to go to. Most European Christmas markets open sometime in mid-late November and end around the New Year.

Here are a few of the best, in the most popular locations where you’ll already likely be hanging around.

• Notre-Dame Marche de Nöel: This Christmas market is situated right in the shadow of the cathedral so you’ll be perusing the stalls and sipping vin chaud with dreamy views of the Notre Dame de Paris hovering above you. Given that this is on the Ile-de-la-Cité, that alos means that this is one of the most centrally located Christmas markets in Paris.

• Jardin des Tuileries Marche de Nöel: The largest Christmas market in Paris proper, the Marche de Nöel in the Jardin des Tuileries is truly sprawling. Stretching the entire length of the Tuileries Gardens, you’ll find everything from amusement park rides to artisan crafts and plenty of food stalls.

• Montmartre/Sacre Cœur Marche de Nöel: Tucked on the hill of Montmartre, this Christmas market is on the smaller side, situated just beneath the Sacre Cœeur cathedral in Place des Abbesses. You’ll find winter French cuisine from all corners of the country and loads of handicrafts — it is the artist neighborhood, after all!

• Saint-Germain-des-Prés Marche de Nöel: Located in one of my favorite Parisian neighborhoods, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, this Marche de Nöel might be the most charming of them all. Each stall is built from white wood and fringed with pine garland, twinkle lights, and red ribbons. It’s tiny but worth a stop for pretzels (ahem, bretzels) and vin chaud.

• Hôtel de Ville Marche de Nöel: Fringed with real-deal pine trees, the Hôtel de Ville’s Christmas market is akin to a Christmas tree parade. What sets this Marche de Nöel apart is the light show that takes place every evening, cast against the facade of the Hôtel de Ville itself. 

6.) Go shopping in the covered markets 

Escape from the cold in one of Paris’ legendary covered markets. Once crisscrossing the entire city, the Marche des Enfants Rouge is a 17th-century leftover from a bygone era. Tucked away in the charming Marais neighborhood, this is the oldest covered market left in the city. 

You’ll find everything from cheesemongers and flower vendors to full-blown food stalls peddling savory crepes and burgers. It’s actually the perfect spot for a casual lunch on the go!

If you don’t mind the cold, you can also wander up to the antique markets at Saint-Ouen Clingancourt — one of my favorite “hidden gems” in Paris. These are a mixture of indoor and outdoor shops, so you won’t be wandering in the Parisian weather the entire time. 

Another popular spot for shopping in the winter — especially during the holidays — is the Galeries Lafeyette. I highly recommend you stop here if you’re in Paris in December as the towering Christmas tree, situated under the stained glass dome, is utterly jaw dropping.

7.) Take a boat cruise (you can sit indoors!)

While you might think “summer” when looking to cruise in Paris, sailing down the Seine is an activity you can do at any time of year! I would even dare to say that cruises are more fun in the winter.

You’ll have your pick of the litter when it comes to sailing options, from romantic dinner cruises with floor to ceiling windows to private boats that come equipped with Rosé, macarons, and your own driver. If you’re looking for a little adrenaline, you could also opt for the amphibious bus which cruises around the city and splashes down into the Seine for a grand finale.

Cruising is simply a great way to see some of the city’s best sites, from Le Louvre to the Grand Palais. I highly recommend cruising at night as Paris takes on a whole new ambiance after darkness falls. Trés romantique!  

8.) Explore the depths of Paris in Les Catacombs

Visiting Paris’ underground mausoleum, better known as Les Catacombs, is practically a rite of passage. 

Descend into a macabre world of human skeletons, hidden beneath the streets of Paris, on a self-guided tour. Over six million Parisians were buried here in the late 1700s, when the cities other burial sites were overflowing.

You might be scratching your head as to why diving into the depths of Paris’ largest cemetery is such a good winter activity, but that’s just it. You’ll be underground, where the temperature is fairly regulated, and out of the constant drizzle that often plagues the city at this time of year!

Getting tickets to Les Catacombs is actually really tricky and you’re chances of snagging them last minute are nearly impossible. While it used to be possible to rock up the morning of and potentially snag tickets to the Catacombs, post-COVID all tickets are online. 

Make sure you book at least a month in advance! It’s hard to get tickets no matter the time of year and they’re usually snatched up a minimum of one month ahead of time.

9.) Attend a concert inside a cathedral

Sure, seeing Paris’ cathedrals is great and certainly a worthwhile way to spend a winter afternoon in the city. But what if I told you that you could attend a concert inside these storied architectural wonders? 

Pick between the stately La Madeleine, stunning stained glass at Saint-Chapelle, or the Gothic masterpiece of Saint-Germain-des-Pres — one of the oldest churches in Paris.  

You’ll have the chance to hear classical music in a seated concert, outside of normal visiting hours. I attended a concert at Saint-Chapelle and it was nothing short of magical! There’s something so special about being in one of Paris’ most beautiful monuments at nightfall, listening to a live orchestra. 

Each concert is about 1 hour long. That might seem short, but its actually a good amount of time in more extreme weather seasons like winter.

Winter concert-goers will want to be sure to bundle up. These cathedrals don’t have central heat (or A/C) and temperatures can be frigid. I highly recommend wearing lots of layers, as you won’t be walking around to increase your body temperature, and bringing hot hands or something similar.

As an alternative, you can also go to the ballet or a concert at the Opera Garnier. Don’t forget to look up if you do decide to attend! Marc Chagall painted the whimsical, rainbow mural that hovers above the theater. 

10.) Take a day trip to Versailles

Luckily, the Palace of Versailles can be visited at any time of year, including winter. Take a day trip outside of Paris, watching the cityscape slip away into countryside. The train from Gare Montparnasse can take as little as 15 minutes to reach the city and its a short walk to the palace.

The one and only time I’ve been was in February and it actually snowed! While the sprawling gardens obviously aren’t the star of the show in the winter, the chateau itself is well worth a tour and it was extra charming watching snowflakes fall out the windows.

Although the palace itself doesn’t get decorated for Christmas to keep its traditional aesthetic, walking around the town of Versailles is magical around the holidays! You’ll find the Nöel des Créatures, a gorgeous Christmas market, in the center of the city. 

What to pack for Paris in winter

Packing for winter in Paris means two things: layers and rain gear! Something I also always keep in mind as an American is that Parisians will be dressed more formally. I usually like to bring clothes that won’t make me feel like I’m sticking out like a sore thumb (even though I probably still am!)

I highly recommend you bring a rain jacket or trench coat at the bare minimum. Your more likely to encounter rain than snow during winter in Paris. A few thick sweaters and thermal layers are also a great idea. 

Because you spend most of your time wearing a coat in the winter, I also like to have a more fashionable coat to wear. A scarf will be your best friend, too. If there’s one thing that screams “Paris” wardrobe-wise, it’s a scarf!

In terms of footwear, a comfortable pair of water resistent boots are ideal. I usually go for a mix of fashion and sensible. You’ll probably be walking a lot and you want to protect those tootsies at all costs!

Final Thoughts

If it were up to me, I would always visit Paris in the off-season! Whether that be in spring, when the flowers are in bloom, or winter, when there’s a chance to see the city covered in a blanket of snow, which I was lucky enough to see in January.

Whether you’re exploring Paris at Christmas or looking for an alternative way to discover the City of Light, I hope this guide helps you plan your trip to Paris in winter.