I have an urge to return to Paris (after 25 years) for a major birthday celebration in early November. It seems that the weather is typically very cold and rainy. I know that there are many indoor activities. Heck,I could spend a week in the Louvre alone. Do you think that the cold and rain will make the iconic outdoor attractions of Paris unbearable that time of year? I understand that the crowds will be smaller and the other option is to wait until May. Are there things I should consider about early November? Thank you, Fodorites!

It probably won't rain all day - mostly light rain. But November is one of the windiest month, so umbrellas will be useless.

If you wear appropriate clothing, I don't see why you shouldn't do anything you have in mind.

Paris has changed a bit, though - there will be crowds pretty much anywhere you go.

We spend the last weekend in November in Paris every year for our anniversary and always spend a lot of time walking outside. No problem at all, even if there is rain. It doesn't usually last for long period at a time (although it did a couple of times).

You can see our pics here
https://flickr.com/photos/[email protected]

Paris is great under any weather. I actually like it more in november than in august. My tastes I guess.

Go in November. You'll love it in a less popular month, and the cafes are just as inviting, even more so, perhaps.

Do you think that the cold and rain will make the iconic outdoor attractions of Paris unbearable that time of year? >>

I don't know what attractions you are referring to, so hard to say. Yes, I think it would be unbearable to sit in a park if it is raining and cold, why would you do that? It may not be raining many days, however, November is not one of the rainiest months nor any worse than June-July nor most months except a few. Of course it's colder, it's November, but it is certainly not "very cold" by my terms, but I guess that depends where you are coming from. Form your name, I gather the US VI, so maybe that is your idea of "very cold", it isn't for most people. Paris is no different than many parts of the US at that time, such as mid-Atlantic coast area, which is where I live (say Wash DC up to NY or Boston).

It's up to you, I think you have enough info to know what November weather is like to decide for yourself.

Of course you also have the issue of different clothing required at that time of year. So if you don't own clothing like that, it will be a bigger investment for you. And it takes up more space than summer clothing, or May clothing, even. I sure wouldn't pick May myself, though, that's a rainier month in terms of amount of rain than November (although statistically a couple fewer days when it does rain), and has a few holidays that may affect plans. It is warmer, though, if that's your big issue. If it's the rain, November is no worse than most months.

Christina: Yes, we are accustomed to warmer temperatures, but have access to warm clothes, too. ;-) I was trying to get an idea if everything would be taxi ride, get feet soaking wet, taxi ride to next place, etc. or if there would be times we could walk- with hats and gloves and scarves, of course! Of course, the weather was absolutely beautiful when I was there in May previously, so surely it's ALWAYS nice then, right?

fuzzbucket: I *know* it will be different. I was able to stand in front of La Gioconda with no one in front of me. Everywhere has changed in the last 25 years. But all the articles say it is less busy in November. Correct?

jamikins: Love your pictures and your travel stories.

Okay, I think I'm going to pursue my dream.

There's something very appealing to me about Paris in late fall/early winter, but I'm not often put off by weather. I like the cold and rain almost as much as I like sunshine and heat. It's just a different take on a place, not necessarily a limiting one. Taking shelter inside a warm café on a blustery, drippy day can be as rewarding as sitting outside enjoying the sunlight.

One of my very favorite trips to Paris was in November. Every November, I long to go back.

We had buckets of rain once in March but chilly and dry weather in November.

There are some who believe Paris is the most beautiful in the rain. (smile)
I've been there in November and had clear and sunny, but cold weather for 6 days. It was marvelous. It started raining the day we left.

As I said, Paris has changer quite a bit.
I'd recommend getting a Muséum Pass for getting through the Pass Holders' Entrance . Everybody must go through Security checks - even in département stores - and you'll see lots of soldiers on the streets to keep us safe.
It would be a good idea to read up on current scams and how to protect yourself from pickpockets.

A "carnet" of 10 tickets might be all you need, if you plan to walk a lot. Buy Museum Pass, carnets or if your dates fall correctly, a Navigo Pass.

Metro or Bus makes the most sense. There are flat fees going to and from the airport - 50 or 55€, depending on your destination.No luggage fees.
You can srand on a busy intersection to hail a taxi - green light on top means it's available.

Check the ratp website and get a good street map. "Paris - l'Indispendable"(blue book) has all the streets and more information.
About € 6 at newsstands.

The legal minimum charge for taxis is currently €7, even if going a short distance.

I walk all the time in Paris - one of the joys of living here.
If it rains too hard, one more excuse to duck into a cafe.

Weather is tricky. In November But if plan enough sights do indoors if the weather is bad. Tgen YOU are fine.
I say go.
Crowds are light in November. One November
I was the only person in some of the rooms at the d' Orsay
And only seven of us viewing the Mona Lisa. Heaven
Yes it was cold outdoors for me - i still walked everywhere and visited Le jardins sometimes dodging puddles. indoor spaces are heated. Sometimes uncomfortably hot -if you time in right you might even catch the beginning of the Christmas
Decorations. Which are delightful.
Packing is a pain.
Thingk layers.
And walkable water proof closed toe shoes/ boots

I think the clothes are the same as for Scotland, eh?

Bring 2 pair of shoes, so if one pair gets wet you won't suffer.

Bring boots with platform soles so the cold sidewalks won't affect you.

It is cold today and rained cats and dogs.
Just to add on the inpredictability.

The last time we were in Paris, we visited about 6-8 passages (indoor - out of the rain). We also had lunch at a nearby historic cafe or brasserie.

Here are the passages we visited, and where we had lunch. We would often visit a series of passages in the morning as soon as the shops opened, then had lunch at noon, then re-visited the same series of passages after lunch when they we more "active".

1.Passages Caire, Ponceau, Ste Foy, Lemoine, then Prado, Brady, Reilhac
- Lunch at Julien 16 r du Faubourg St Denis 01 47 70 12 06
re-do passages in reverse
- Passages Grande Cerf, Bourg-l'Abbe

2. Passages Panoramas, Jouffroy, Verdeau, Princes
- Lunch at Brasserie Gallopin 40 r Notre Dame des Victoires 01 42 36 45 38
- re-do passages in reverse

3. Passage Vero Doudat
Passages Vivienne, Colbert,
Passage Choiseul
- Grande Cafe 4 blvd des Capucines 9Th 01 43 12 19 00 42

Stu Dudley

>>we more "active".<<

were more "active"

You can put felt insoles in your shoes that you can remove if they get wet.