We've been twice in December right after Christmas. It was a damp-cold, but definitely doable. We live in New England and are used to pretty cold weather. That said, wear layers and you will be just fine.

The holiday rush is all around and it's fun and can be exhilarating. True it's dark early, but there are places to go after dark; restaurants, clubs, museums. I would go in a minute. Paris is great any time of the year.

I've been to Paris for Christmas. It was cold, sometimes sunny and bright, sometimes dark and gray--you know, weather. It didn't really change anything for us. The city looked beautiful, so many streets decorated with holiday lights. We certainly enjoyed ourselves immensely. I'd go again in a heartbeat. Wanna put me in your suitcase?

<i>While it is true that summer/spring are nicest for the gardens and greenery in general, there is something special, a different vibe, about the city. Darker earlier, the wet sidewalks reflecting the neon lights of the restaurants, the welcoming warmth when you walk into a cafe or restaurant...with the greenery gone, the 'bones' of the city are exposed..and what grand bones they are.</i>

Michel Paris, well said! I feel exactly the same way.

Add me to the group that enjoys Paris in any and every season. I've been during blizzards/ice storms and summer heat waves and most everything in between, enjoyed it all in different ways. Frankly, the cold is easier to handle for me than the heat - you can always pile on another layer of clothing but there's a socially defined limit as to how much one can remove to contend with the heat.
One thing I do recommend for winter visits is to plan to wear layers that an be removed when going indoors, as the heat is often quite stifling. Most pubic venues have cloakrooms.

<<I love Paris when daylight hours are short. Paris by night is magical to me. It isn't called the City of Lights for nothing!>>

We think alike Jeanne. I completely enjoyed Paris in late November and in December. I'd go in December in a heartbeat.

"Darker earlier, the wet sidewalks reflecting the neon lights of the restaurants, the welcoming warmth when you walk into a cafe or restaurant...with the greenery gone, the 'bones' of the city are exposed..and what grand bones they are."

That's lovely, Michel.

<<How is the weather? Is it cold and rainy and gray? Or cold and crisp and sunny?>>

I've seen both in November and December.

Michel:
You are definitely after my heart!

My fondest memory of Paris is sitting in the window of a little cafe across from Notre Dame on a damp, drizzly, frosty night.

It was mid-November and the plane trees had just dropped their yellowed leaves. The damp streets sparkled in the lamp light and the leaves made them look like they were paved with gold. All that with the soft-lit cathedral as a backdrop.

I cherish that "instamatic" memory. It's warmed many a cold winter night here at home.

Ditto Kerouac. And like RonZ, I also will arrive on 12/11. I have seen it in summer and fall, and now winter. Guess 2010 will need to be spring.

I live in a cold weather place now, so my thoughts on Europe in the winter are "I could be cold and at home where it gets dark at 4:30, or in Paris or Salzburg or wherever that also gets cold and dark at 4:30. And I would rather be in Europe." Also there is something about the Christmas and Holiday decorations and activity that puts me much more in the spirit while on holiday, than on the bus coming home from work in my own town.

I'm in Paris now. Arrived yesterday and will be here until Dec. 14th.

I was here last year the first half of Dec. and have also spent Christmas in Paris.

Yesterday was rainy, some wind..not too pleasant a day. Supposed to be rain the next few days.

It will not bother me much. I have things to do...

I will be passing on the weather and other things with my running report...

Joan

Allow me to join the chorus: the beauty of Paris transcends the seasons. EJ

So, not to belabor the point, but does it tend to pour? I see people on other threads suggesting leather jackets and an umbrella for early November. Will a warm, water-resistant (resistant only) coat suffice? Or should I take my (rather unattractive) waterproof raincoat?

Thanks for the poetic descriptions of Paris in Winter. This will be my first visit in November. As I think back, it actually poured during my first trip ever in October many years ago. I mean really poured, thunder and lightning at the Louvre, etc. I was still a happy camper!

I don't remember it pouring when I was there so I think your warm coat with an umbrella will suffice. However, no one can guarantee that it wou't pour. Bring hat and gloves too and you'll be fine.

I do remember one thing. I was shopping and it started to rain. By the time I got back to the hotel, the paper bags were falling apart. After that I took my large Longchamps pliage along to use as a shopping bag. Any type of nylon bag would work though.

Well I was just there last weekend and on Sunday it POURED. All day! It also poured one day when we were there at the end of April. So it can pour at any time of year!

That said we are heading back for a week for New Years this year so you can tell where we stand on the issue!

<i>So, not to belabor the point, but does it tend to pour? I see people on other threads suggesting leather jackets and an umbrella for early November. Will a warm, water-resistant (resistant only) coat suffice? Or should I take my (rather unattractive) waterproof raincoat?</i>

It isn't likely to pour, but the odds are that there will be some rain. Paris sees about 2 inches of precipitation in an average December and has an average of 16 wet days. I don't think you need rain gear, but I would probably consider an umbrella if my coat was only water resistant.

I would think carefully about my shoe choice, though, and try to have something that could handle any rain while walking around.

tg: Agree completely: waterproof footwear is the most important!

I think it's hard to say on the coat. I prefer a lightish, waterproof, windproof raincoat. One that can be crumpled up and in a bag or tied around the waist if it gets too warm. Removable layers underneath with silk underwear, scarf, boots, gloves, as needed. I would worry that a heavier coat might be cumbersome later in the day, especially if it gets damp.

Completely agree on having footwear that stays dry. That can make all the difference on being comfortable and even after a rain, lots of puddles sometimes.

I think someone on this thread mentioned layers--I find that the museums, restaurants, stores etc tend to keep the heat up much higher than I am used to. Being able to take off my coat and a layer is key to me to stay comfortable. I like to take a pashima, use it as an extra layer if need be on my coat and then as a wrap once inside buildings.

Have a great time!

Can you give me any information about how to spend New Year's Eve in Paris?

I have beem to Paris in late November and June. I LOVED November, but not so much June. I didn't mind cold and gray. The architecture of the buildings actually look beautiful in the dreary weather. Not as many crowds, Christmas lights! It was beautiful. We felt like we had the city to ourselves. In June, it was hot, humid, and just sooooo many people. We are returning to Paris next week. :)

is this your first trip to Paris? I think that makes a difference. If it is your first trip you might want to experience it at its best. If its a second trip I think you would love Paris anytime of year and you could get in all those activities and museums that you haven't seen before.

This is a five year old thread.