Going to Paris in late November
Oct 25th, 2018 | 07:38 PM
#1
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Joined: Jul 2007
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Going to Paris in late November
If you’ve been at that time, tell me what the crowds are like. I’ve been to Paris twice before — once in September and once in February.
Also wondering about weather. I have checked my guidebooks, etc., but I want first-person info.
Thanks!
Also wondering about weather. I have checked my guidebooks, etc., but I want first-person info.
Thanks!
Oct 25th, 2018 | 07:54 PM
#2
Joined: Aug 2003
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We were there for 2 weeks in late November-early December of 2017 and loved it. We’d been previously in May, July, August, September and October and I think this might have been my favorite time. Crowds were never bad except on the 1st Sunday free day at the Louvre. We enjoyed going to the Christmas markets which certainly had a lot of people but not so crowded that we couldn’t enjoy the experience.
Weather was cold but we were prepared for that. The only rain we got was on our final evening and even then it was just a drizzle. I think we may have been lucky with that but you never really know what you’ll get with the weather.
Weather was cold but we were prepared for that. The only rain we got was on our final evening and even then it was just a drizzle. I think we may have been lucky with that but you never really know what you’ll get with the weather.
Oct 25th, 2018 | 08:35 PM
#4
Joined: Nov 2004
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We've visited Paris in April, May, June, late Aug, Sept, Oct, late Nov/early December (2 times for 10-14 days each) for a total of about 25 weeks.. Early Dec was our favorite time there. We just returned from 3 weeks in Paris on Oct 7th this year.
Stu Dudley
Stu Dudley
Oct 26th, 2018 | 01:49 AM
#5
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Cold, maybe wet and very short days. It gets dark early and gets light late. Which I actually love. I like Paris best at night when the lights make everything more magical. You don't say how late in November. If you're lucky the Christmas Illuminations will be started. Last year they started on the 22 of Nov. I haven't seen anything yet about this year.
It will be more crowded on weekends, when the French are visiting the most popular places.
It will be more crowded on weekends, when the French are visiting the most popular places.
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Oct 26th, 2018 | 05:08 PM
#9
Joined: Jun 2016
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Thanks, Pal, we will be there till the 14th of December. I have always enjoyed Kerouac's pictures. I am trying to decide what coat to pack. I had a knee length goose down last Feb and it was perfect. I think I will wait till the last moment.
Oct 26th, 2018 | 10:17 PM
#10
Joined: Jul 2004
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Yes, have a look at weather trends and then pack. Also make sure your footwear is up to wet streets and the cold.
Oct 26th, 2018 | 10:44 PM
#11
Joined: Oct 2006
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No one here can tell you what the weather is going to be like. Even weather history charts cannot predict the future.
If weather is that important then wait until a few days before and look at weather forecast site. But even then you may find they change what is predicted during your stay.
If weather is that important then wait until a few days before and look at weather forecast site. But even then you may find they change what is predicted during your stay.
Oct 27th, 2018 | 03:01 AM
#13
Joined: Jan 2003
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I was there in late November several years ago. You might get a sense of it from my trip report. Thanksgiving in Paris - Isabel goes to Paris and the Cote d'Azure
Obviously weather differs from year to year, but the timing of sunrise/sunset will be the same - and there will be more darkness, but Paris is the city of lights and everything is beautifully lit. So actually in that sense it's better than going in June when it doesn't get dark till so late you have limited time to enjoy it.
Obviously weather differs from year to year, but the timing of sunrise/sunset will be the same - and there will be more darkness, but Paris is the city of lights and everything is beautifully lit. So actually in that sense it's better than going in June when it doesn't get dark till so late you have limited time to enjoy it.
Oct 27th, 2018 | 07:35 PM
#14
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Thanks for all the info. I'm just wondering what coat to pack, too. I was there in February, and I had a wool coat. I might just take that kind of coat and layer and wear scarves, etc.
Of course I understand you can't know for sure what the weather will be like; I just wanted to get an idea of what others had experienced. Thanks very much.
Of course I understand you can't know for sure what the weather will be like; I just wanted to get an idea of what others had experienced. Thanks very much.
Oct 27th, 2018 | 10:04 PM
#15
Joined: Jul 2004
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Thanks for all the info. I'm just wondering what coat to pack, too. I was there in February, and I had a wool coat. I might just take that kind of coat and layer and wear scarves, etc.
Of course I understand you can't know for sure what the weather will be like; I just wanted to get an idea of what others had experienced. Thanks very much.
Of course I understand you can't know for sure what the weather will be like; I just wanted to get an idea of what others had experienced. Thanks very much.
Layer, take your wool coat and if you're still cold, pop into H&M to buy something.
Oct 27th, 2018 | 10:21 PM
#16
Joined: Jan 2003
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Hi ksbeem,
I usually visit Paris in the winter, Nov - Feb; I like the look & feel of the city then, especially as the crowds are fewer. In November, I would be happy with a wool coat.... but I would also bring a nice, heavy cardigan. On nice days, you might be fine with just the cardigan and a wool shawl, and on those bad Paris winter days (wind and rain together), you might want to wear everything: scarf, sweater, hat, and coat.
On one of my trips, I was meeting a friend from NYC in Paris. She checked the weather report the day before she flew, and it was 60 deg, so she brought a jacket. On the day she flew, the temp went down to 40 deg, and it never went any higher. I gave her my sweater, and she wore it underneath her jacket, and she bought a few long-sleeve t-shirts, a shawl, and a hat. We spent two days looking for a coat for her, but they were either too expensive or too ugly. I had spent many hours creating an itinerary to her wishes ("cheese, churches, & wine"), but of course the plan was totally trashed because of her needs, and it never recovered. I would really try not to have to buy something when you arrive!!
Have fun as you plan!
s
I usually visit Paris in the winter, Nov - Feb; I like the look & feel of the city then, especially as the crowds are fewer. In November, I would be happy with a wool coat.... but I would also bring a nice, heavy cardigan. On nice days, you might be fine with just the cardigan and a wool shawl, and on those bad Paris winter days (wind and rain together), you might want to wear everything: scarf, sweater, hat, and coat.
On one of my trips, I was meeting a friend from NYC in Paris. She checked the weather report the day before she flew, and it was 60 deg, so she brought a jacket. On the day she flew, the temp went down to 40 deg, and it never went any higher. I gave her my sweater, and she wore it underneath her jacket, and she bought a few long-sleeve t-shirts, a shawl, and a hat. We spent two days looking for a coat for her, but they were either too expensive or too ugly. I had spent many hours creating an itinerary to her wishes ("cheese, churches, & wine"), but of course the plan was totally trashed because of her needs, and it never recovered. I would really try not to have to buy something when you arrive!!
Have fun as you plan!
s
Oct 29th, 2018 | 03:56 PM
#20
Joined: Jan 2007
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I suppose the large open-air skating rink in front of the Hotel de Ville will be in operation is you want to skate in a divine setting.
https://www.google.com/search?q=pari...w=1280&bih=625
https://www.google.com/search?q=pari...w=1280&bih=625
