Waterdog.

I thought maybe someone had the same question, only for current dates. Does not seem so!

a bientot...

Joan

I love Paris BEST in December for the following reasons:
1. No lines at the museums. When I tried to see the Van Goghs and other art in early June, (after waiting an hour to get in) the rooms were so densely packed that I could barely see the art and certainly couldn't enjoy it. When I went I went in December, there was no line and maybe 10 people in each room at most.
2. It is dark early. I hate to say it, but that's an advantage because Paris is more beautiful at night, no argument. Place de la Concorde never looked so beautiful. It was breathtaking. I'm convinced that it is partly because there is less foliage in the winter and so buildings and monuments that are lit up in light and views to the Eiffel Tower are just that much more visible and dramatic. The cloud cover creates a dramatic backdrop. The pictures I took were way better.
3. The Champs Elysees in the several weeks before Christmas (and I think even a week after Christmas). What a party! They put up many blocks of structures on both sides full of food stands, gift shops, ice skating, beer gardens, an arts and crafts village, all lit up in serious holiday lights. You would have to be quite cynical and lifeless not to find this scene fun.
4. Airfare and lodging are cheaper
Having said all of this, it is critical to bring proper clothing and be prepared for some cold weather (although its not brutally cold like upstate NY) and occasional rain. Dressed properly, its perfectly comfortable and maybe even preferable to the brutal heat that can occur in the summer.

I'm already looking forward to trying to get back next December!

carlobottaro66: Welcome to Fodors. Before posting to threads it is good to look at dates. This thread is more than 5 years old.

It was topped by a spammer - you might not catch that a post was deleted but the dates are a sure signal (even an old time Fodorite like gracejoan didn't notice)

But in general, if you have information you want to share it is usually better to start a thread of your own rather than piggy backing on old/moldy topics.

Airfare may be cheaper in December (early Dec), but lodging is not. The week between Christmas and NY is about the most expensive time in Paris for lodging costs. July-August is the cheapest.

I realize this is an old post but I appreciate all the comments.

Paris in December is...
just like any other month in Paris to me...
Wonderful!

I live in Hawaii and was reluctant to go because of the weather, and when I finally did it...I am hooked.

Paris is all sparkles in December.

I have gone twice now, leaving right after Thanksgiving and coming home before the 19th.
Apts on sale, and airfare frequent flyer miles too.
I would do it again in a heartbeat.

The key for me is to dress for cold.
And then it will not stop you from doing whatever it is you want to do.

If its not raining do outside things, If raining do indoor things.

Water resistant, boots, tights, scarf, gloves and layers...

My best advice...don't resist going just because of the weather.
Just adapt.

We just spent a week in Paris, a few days before Christmas to a few days after. The weather was unusually warm according to the Parisians we spoke to (40s to 50s...it got into the 30s one night, but barely). It drizzled a few days, was sunny the others. The temperature was *perfect* for walking around, not too warm, not too cold. We didn't have to bundle up every day or worry about hauling around bulky coats for our kids.

That said, even if the weather had been colder, I'd still have been happy. I like chilly weather and love cold, rainy days (I think sitting and eating/drinking after a cold, wet day out is so cozy!). I also find Paris most beautiful at night, so the shorter days did not bother me one bit. An additional plus was that I adored the Christmas lights during our visit...the decorations in store windows, outside store and hotel doors, the different versions of light garlands strung across streets in different neighborhoods...so the longer night hours were a plus.

If I had to do this last visit again (our previous one was over Thanksgiving week years ago), I'd have gotten their earlier and ended our trip sooner. The crowds before and right after Christmas were light...but on Monday the 28th? Holy cow. If the crowds had been that heavy during our entire stay, I'd have been miserable. Which leads me to believe that if I ever go to Paris in spring or summer when it's more crowded, it will be for a few days to walk around and enjoy the parks/flowers, not to visit museums or shops.

Basically, I think visiting Paris in late fall or winter is up to personal preference. If you don't mind cold, shorter days, etc. (or if you come from a cold climate where chilly weather is either warm to you or a welcome change if you come from a hot climate), you will enjoy Paris at that time of year. If you have low tolerance for crowds, again, you may very well enjoy it. If you enjoy chilly, wet days... If you like walking around cities at night and enjoying the lights...

etc.

And if all of those elements are things you cannot stand, avoid Paris in fall/winter!

Did you go to Paris in December? If so what was it like?

welcome to Fodors demback. Are you planning a trip to Paris? If so, you probably should start a new thread of your own. If you are asking tissotc, s/he registered 7 years ago, asked the question, and never returned to the forums.