Paris for Christmas - What's the Weather Like
 

Would love some advance predictions? Do we need snow boots or just heavy coats and gloves?

I've been there at Christmas twice. Both times were raw and damp, but no snow. Layering is important. Scarves and gloves are important. I wore regular shoes for comfortable walking and boots that would also double for dressing up. Also, bring a travel umbrella.

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I've been btwt Xmas-New Years when it has been very raw and damp. It has even snowed a bit. Watched the children try to make a snowman in the Tuileries. So I take a heavy coat, cashmere or wool sweaters, several scarves, gloves, wool hat and my Mephisto boots, since the streets can be slushy.

We were there last Christmas until New Year's. It snowed and one day even hailed. Bring a winter coat, hat, and boots. But even with the weather like it was, Paris was beautiful!

I was there two years ago from 12/19 to 12/24. Business trip, flew home on Christmas Eve.

One day was glorious - crisp and clear. The rest of the time it rained (light to moderate) and was chilly. But like someone said - it didnt matter - the city was alive and the natives were even a bit friendlier than usual !!

Take a coat and go - you'll have a wonderful time.

This is good news. We know winter weather. We live in the northeast. What better antidote to a bitter day than a warm bistro?

I would bring boots with a good sole to stop slipping, just in case there is snow/ice. WE had unexpected snow here [cornwall, where is never snows] last November, and I was soooo grateful for those boots as i trudged along the icy pavements. By all means bring a heavy coat, but be prepared to wear lighter things underneath as public buildings should be well heated.

< We know winter weather. We live in the northeast >

But do you know about weather around 0C where slight changes make streets into ice rinks & where you are constantly losing body heat due to evaporation of the damp air off your skin

Chances are you'll get warmer weather in Paris than the NE. We had a very light dusting of snow one day that we were there during the Christmas period and it was cold but above freezing the whole time.

No need to take snow boots unless you feel more comfortable with grippy soles. I'd take a light down jacket rather than a heavy coat which would take ages to dry if it got wet.

Been there three times in December. Once was bitter cold with an ice storm that made walking treacherous. Once was a mix of days that were cold and damp with some more mild (but still quite chilly) and no precipitation, and once was cool enough for scarf and gloves with a nice dusting of enough snow to make it pretty but not hamper activity. Bottom line is pack layers, remember that inside heated buildings it can be quite warm (sort of the inverse of how people complain that Americans use AC to make it too cold in summer) and bring footwear that provides traction.