Paris in December
 

Greetings all.

Simple dilemma. I am considering a first ever trip to Paris in December, because I need a break and it is somewhere I have always wanted to go. I know that it should be less expensive then (not going at Christmas) and definately not as many toursits, but will it also be miserable? Don't mind a chill in the air and the occasional rain, but I don't want nail biting cold and miserable walking conditions, etc.

Can Paris be enjoyably experienced in December?

Dh and I were there 2 years ago the first weekend in December, and are going the same time this year. We loved it!!! Not crowded at all. And the weather was lovely. You will need a coat, hat and gloves, but it was really really enjoyable.

I have been there from the middle of December til past Christmas. Had a great time. Had Christmas dinner at Les Ambassadeurs in the Crillon Hotel.

Weather was chilly, but had no problem.

I will be there in February, 2007.

Enjoy....

Although it is not my favorite time in Paris, we are going back again this December, given that we have a chance to visit my daughter's exchange student in Provence for part of the time and the flights were cheaper. Tough to go to France as a family in July!

We felt that Paris was pretty nippy a few Decembers ago. I opt for walking in insulated Merrell's, which cushioned my feet and kept them warm. I wore warm pants and an overcoat was a necessity--annoying, because one probably has to tow it about on the flight. Nonetheless, Paris is still Paris, and the lights, particularly on New Year's eve are dramatic. I found it fairly crowded and there were indeed lines to the museums, so having a museunm pass helped get through much more quickly.

The easiest way to get around Paris is on the metro (flat fare except for airports, etc outside Paris) where you are safe from the weather. You're ouit of the weather in museums and galleries too, so not that bad in December. London has equally bad weather and is packed with tourists in December.

The Paris visits I have done in December were great. It is a different experience than in the spring or summer; in addition to the weather dfference, it also gets dark quite early. Not a bad thing - Paris is lovely both day and night.
The weather will likely be quite cool to cold, and while there is always the chance of a frigid blast you should not have to deal with Arctic conditions. Best bet is to dress in layers, especially ones that are easy to remove because the interior of buildings tend to be quite warm. Also, a scarf is quite helpful.

It will be wonderful. Weather is unpredictable but you have good advice from other posters. Be prepared for cold and plan on layering. Hat, gloves, warm socks and a scarf will help to keep you warm and can be easily removed.

I think Paris is beautiful in winter with the lights sparkling and reflecting in the Seine.

Enjoy.

Well, I thought Paris in December last year (our first winter here; we live here now) was quite pleasant - but we're from Toronto.

I think whether or not you will feel cold depends partly on: a) what you're used to; and b) luck. Canadians probably won't think Paris in December is cold. People from Florida probably will. And then there are variations from year to year. Some winters are colder than others.

I find that it rains frequently in Paris throughout the year but not for very long at any one time. Essentially, if it's anything other than bright blue sky everywhere, it's probably going to rain some time during the day. However, rain usually falls in short, intense downours - maybe 15-30 minutes - an hour at most. Then the sky clears up and you can go back to sightseeing. So, pack two pairs of comfortable water-resistant shoes, an umbrella, the layers others have mentioned - and use "rain breaks" as a reason to indulge in hot chocolate in Paris cafes.

Don't miss Bon Marche's Christmas windows.

The only reason I could give to discourage you from visiting Paris in December would be to encourage you to postpone your visit to late January, when the sale season starts. (There will be practically nothing on sale before Christmas because sale periods are regulated in France.)

We have only been to Paris once during December (New Year's). Weather was drizzly and cold but not unbearably cold at that time. Atmosphere was even nicer due to the holidays. You will enjoy your visit.

Been in early December and end January. Above zero, so for me was fine (Canadian blood). My trip in December it rained, only for a short while, every day but one. So umbrella might be good idea.

I was there in Dec 2004. It rained one day and was generally cold. I invested in good, thin long johns, an overcoat and gloves etc. You just deal with it. Some days were colder than others and we even got snow one afternoon. I would not count on extremely short lines because a lot of Europeans were taking their vacation there with the kids. Just layer your clothes so that if it "warms up" you can peel something off and keep going.

December is winter and Paris is quite far north. You can expect it to be quite chilly (though perhaps not quite as cold as NYC) and rain is much more probable than snow. Have been twice in Nove/Dec and it has been grey and drizzly most days -but never real downpours.

I found a leather jacket (not a thin blazer but a full-weight outer jacket - but I didn;t use the zip in lining) with gloves and hat to be enough. But then - I like the cold.

Winter brings the opportunity see shops all lit up before closing time, and the best way to enjoy that colorful panorama is from on high - in the bus. It also is the time to enjoy vin chaud!

We were in Paris last year in the 2nd week of December (and had the same weather related apprehensions).

It was actually great! The temperatures were around 4 (celcius) and while it was fairly cold, not much of an issue if you are appropriately clad. Get some thermal undergarments and you'll be fine.

The only crowd we expereinced were at the Eifel Tower - other than that, it was pretty easy getting into meauseums and sights.

Walking was fun - it didn't rain and overall it was great.

I would highly recommend Paris in December - particularly if you want to avoid huge crowds.

I went to Paris in December one year and found it to be a magical time of year. The lights along the Champs Elysee glistened. The weather can be variable, but for us it was chilly but dry.

Enjoy your trip!