Paris in winter?
 

I have enough frequent flyer miles to go to Paris in OCt for 55,000 miles or in Jan-Feb for 30,000 miles. Hotels are very expensive in Oct; nice ones are more reasonable in Jan-Feb. This will be my 6th trip to Paris and I've never been in winter but am thinking it would be worth it to save enough miles for another trip to Europe later and to stay at a pretty nice hotel for less. This trip i am planning to SAVOR - not rush around to sites although am planning things like the Marmatton, other smal museums, perhaps a ballet, the covered passages...

If anyone has gone in winter, do you recommend it? How was the weather (dont' mind snow, hate rain) and any interesting experiences? i am thinking it will not be as crowded.

Planning to do alot of pastry sampling and poking about shops. perhaps a drink at the George V.

I've been to Paris several times in Jan and Feb - and from what my French friends say it is rare for there to be snow and ice in Paris - can happen but once every few years it seems and then quickly melts.

But rain is a possible always in winter - I have had temps often in the 40s and 50s and even sunny so it is variable.

As for crowds Paris can be surprisingly busy during the two-week mid-winter French school breaks but not nearly as bad as in summer.

I'd say go for it for sure!

I have been several time in December, and love it. Paris does not handle snow well, but it is also relatively infrequent.

In Paris in winter rain is much more likely than snow - it just doesn't get very cold. And the days are very short.

That said there are a million things to do indoors and the cultural attractions (opera, ballet, etc) are in full swing.

However, day trips - unless to another city - like Strasbourg - probably are't a great idea.

I've been to Paris in mid-January, and wouldn't hesitate to go again. We were lucky, I don't recall any precipitation.

~Liz

We have spent our late nov anniversary in Paris the last 7 years and spent nye there in 2009/2010. It is wonderful that time of year.

You can see my pics here

https://www.flickr.com/photos/pug_gi...7636716043473/

Have you thought about this time if year when Paris is decked out for the holidays?

I wouldn't hesitate to go in Jan or Feb but the weather might not be great.

It will probably rain, of course, but February is one of the months with the least precipitation in Paris (better than January). The weather in Paris in winter is fairly similar to that of Washington DC or NYC, if you know what that is like.

GOing for the holidays would negate the purpose of cheap hotels, of course (they are most expensive during Christmas holidays and continuing into NY day), and most likely you won't get the ticket for that few miles, either, so I don't think that's probably viable. I'd go in February rather than January if I had to choose. IN reality, I wouldn't go then at all because I don't have that much vacation time that I can spend it on holidays that aren't really what I want to do, and other costs are still very high (like hotels and food). So it's just not an investment I would make. Besides, I go skiing in the winter.

The ticket with so few FF miles is the best deal. I get better hotel prices in July in Paris than you can probably get in Jan-February, anyway, as many hotels typically offer discounts at the end of July and August in Paris. I like going to Europe in summer, I like it staying light out late and not having to lug so many clothes (not to mention heavy shoes/boots). I also like to take day trips and those often involve walking around outside a lot, and none of those would be appealing to me in the dead of winter. But if you only want to stay in Paris, that would work better. FYI the Paris OPera Ballet doesn't really do anything in January and most of February, though. They do start again very end of February sometimes.

I'd choose February as the weather should be a bit better than in January. If you care about the winter "soldes" or sales, they start around January 7th next year and last about a month. So you'd have to go very beginning of February for that, and stuff at the end is rather picked over.

Paris is an all-season city. I've gone in December and January and it was fine both times. You could certainly get rain or snow but there is so much to do indoors it doesn't matter.

Most of our first trips to Paris were in the winter during Martin Luther King weekends and Presidents' weekends and we always enjoyed it. It's nice to know that you are getting to see Paris for about 1/3 less in terms of airfare and hotel costs. Saves more $$$ for fab meals.

We hit the January "soldes" at least twice during that timeframe, and while I'm not a shopper, my sister sure loved it.

But rain is part of the equation.

On the other hand, Paris really DOES look fabulous in the rain.

I would like to go to Antwerp as a day trip - a long day, but doable I think. Hotels I am considering are: Britannique, St JAcques, that caliber. Many hotels have done renovations and are quite modern. I like modern, but I want to feel like I'm in Paris, not NY. So I want a typical Parisian character hotel.

Lovely photos, Jamikins. I like to take artistic photos, get up early. One of the reasons I think this trip will be solo.

I'd go to Paris in the winter in a heartbeat. But if rain will really spoil your entire experience, you might need to rethink the plan.

I enjoyed my visit to Paris on February. Perhaps not quite as much as I enjoyed other visits in warmer weather, but it was still very much worth it. It happened to coincide with the city's big bi-annual sale, and while I didn't buy anything in the end, I enjoyed spending some time in the department stores looking. I still regard this butter yellow Furla purse that I didn't buy.

I don't remember it being overly dreary. Chilly, yes, but not horrible. Dress accordingly and you'll be fine. I did find it a bit harder to fill the time between "closing time," i.e, the time that museums and attractions shut down and dinner time. It was my norm to just wander or sit at outside at a cafe and watch life go by. Obviously, cold weather doesn't prevent that; it just made it a bit more challenging. If I had to do it over again, I'd figure out a few additional things to do to fill that time.

I've been in Paris in all seasons and cannot say that any one is better than another, just different. One of my fondest memories is being stuck in Paris due to a winter storm in the early 90's - was kind of like the fun kids have on a snow day school closure.
Miserly traveler that I can be, the chance to save enough miles for a second trip and to get a deal on a hotel usually beyond my budget would be too much to resist.

I have been to Paris in the rain and in the snow in the winter. Snow is fun. It doesn't stick around long and all the locals are walking around taking pictures just like you will be, because it is unusual. It's not like New York, where there is deep snow on some streets and sidewalks and mush on the intersections, so you don't really need boots.

The cultural season is active at that time of year, many concerts, operas, ballet. If you check the website for the Paris Opera, you will see ballet scheduled for some dates in January and February at the Opera Garnier.

I have not gone to Paris in the summer in recent memory, but I believe the summer crowds are much larger. The things you mention that you plan to do will be fine even if the weather is sketchy. I don't find the early onset of darkness a problem that keeps me in at night since I am not doing outdoor sightseeing but going to shows and restaurants.

I've been twice in February, two weeks each time, and one year two weeks over Christmas and New Year's. Only once was there a bit of snow, and once it was sooooo cold that I stopped into a store in Monmartre for stockings! Other days coats wide open in the sun. I would not hesitate for a minute. For me, I hate the heat so it's a great time to be out and walking all over the city. Cafés have heaters outside, so watching the world go by was no problem. Dress in layers, you'll be fine. Days are shorter than Toronto, because it's further north, but milder because of the jet stream.

We're going this October for five nights, and I'm hoping we'll finally be able to see leaves on the trees!

Paris and environs have had more snow than usual the past few winters but before that it was unusual to have a flake of snow in winter I believe.

I go all the time in winter months. I do not go in summer, May has too many holidays. I stay a couple months when I go. I will be there just before Chrismtas this year and will stay until the end of Feb, 2015. Last trip was Jan to March, 2014.

Weather is varied. Usually not much snow..except a couple years ago. Can be mild, can be chilly. It is layered clothing.

Weather has become very uncertain all over the world. Nothng is normal!

Go whenever... and enjoy!

a bientot...

Joan

I think my best trip to Paris was at the very end of November, but I've also had a great time in February, twice.

I prefer to save the miles.

I was in Paris for 10 days in February once when it was 70+ F every day. I was in sleeveless tops. I've also been in snowstorms in January (not big ones), and been in November and June when it poured for days on end. You just can't predict.

We've gone twice in early December. It is before the hotel and apartment rate hikes but when all of the Christmas decor is up. I'd definitely go then again!

Living in 30 minutes of Paris for more than 20 years, I can give you certain elements onto the weather report and what it passes in Paris.
In October is a soft month when Paris begins its wintering. In November, the Parisian are sad because of the rain which can be regular. In December and January, it is cold, there are many tourists and the main places are accessible(approachable) after a very long wait(expectation). I think that February is a good compromise even if it risks to be cold and luckily, of credit note of the snow more often at the beginning of February.

We have gone to Paris in January or February for years. Weather has been all over the place. Last trip in 2012 in February it was very cold and had snow several times during our two weeks there. The snow was actually lovely and melted quite quickly. We walked less that trip and relied more on buses and the metro because of the cold. Other trips we've had beautiful, sunny weather with temps in the 50's/60's. As mentioned the crowds are less, but there are lots of school children who live in France on their breaks.
I agree with gracejoan that weather everywhere we have gone the last years has been crazy -- never what the norms are supposed to be.
I would save the miles and take layers with gloves and hats.

Anytime is good...rain boots, travel umbrella, good coat and scarf. I love the air activated hand warmers for chilly weather. Plenty to do indoors and when you are outside and cold there is a cafe nearby...more excuses to have hot chocolate. Enjoy.

For the last half dozen years, I've gone to Europe for most of January. I travel from city to city on trains, go to museums and concerts, share the cities with the locals, go to the tops of snowy mountains although I'm not a skier, stay at excellent hotels for discounted prices. I have just returned from London and Paris in May and June and said that, if given a choice, I'd never visit at that time of year again--too many people.
Each person has a different travel taste, but I love Europe in the winter. It's almost like visiting 50 years ago.

Despite the fact that global warming seems to be making europe colder in winter - Paris is still usually quite a bit warmer than NYC - more like VA or N C in winter. There can be snow but rain is much more likely.

Frankly I don't understand not wanting to visit in the rain - unless it's a tropical downpour (unlikely) I actually walking in the rain and prefer places with some of the tourists hiding inside (in case they melt). You can tell who comes from a walking city or a driving suburb.

Hi,
Yes, I have been to Paris in January. It was particularly cold when we were there, but we were dressed for it and didn't mind. Don't know if anyone mentioned the shorter daylight hours, so something to consider is to get up early so you're ready to get going to take full advantage of the daylight. Also, some of the attractions might have reduced visiting hours, but then again, you're not standing in line for hours to get into that favorite museum.

With those notes, I'd go for it in a heartbeat too.

Have a wonderful trip!

Though it's not relevant for this post on Paris, I'd still like to correct an incorrect statement by nytravler --

"Despite the fact that global warming seems to be making europe colder in winter - "

This isn't true throughout Europe, of course. Here in Bavaria, we've been getting warmer and warmer winters, and last winter was abominable. Our skiing season was spring-like starting from February, and it ended a few weeks sooner than usual. We no longer have summer snow on the peaks, and the scientists say that our glaciers will be gone in 30 years.

I think the truth is nearer to what others have said -- weather is unpredictable. Go when you can, and bring layers.

s

Vicky, I've been to Paris in February and loved it. The days are much shorter, but I found Paris to be especially beautiful then and less crowded. I was prepared with warm clothing including a hat and gloves. I wouldn't hesitate to go again in February. October is also a wondeful time to go to Paris so enjoy whatever you end up doing!

The only thing I'd add to the discussion is this. While I really enjoyed Paris in winter, one of the reasons I typcially hestitate to travel during that time of year is that weather at home. I live in Indiana and while we don't have the worst winters, it's certainly not uncommon for winter weather to disrupt travel. Even if planes are flying, just getting to and from the airport can be tricky. We also have pets who are visited by a sitter when we travel, so bad weather is a concern through the duration of any trip. Now bad weather at home may not be a concern to you or is one that you can readily deal with, but it's a major reason that my husband and I don't travel more in the winter.

Open-air skating rinks are great for skaters - you can rent them on site - I love the large one in front of the Hotel de Ville (at least several times I was in Paris in winter but not in the past few winters have I been there).

I was just there this past May 2014...it rained (poured) every day we were there. The bright side was we rented a beautiful 100 year old apartment (airbnb) in the Bastille area less than a block from the Metro, so it was pretty easy getting around to places without getting too wet. It was wonderful to come back to the apartment, take a nice bath and have a cup of tea, or a glass of wine after being out and about. We were on the Hop on Hop off bus on the top open air part of the bus. The day was cloudy, but had not rained (yet) the sky opened up on us and poured...I think it's one of our funniest memories...It's only water...

Hi Vicky

Marmottan, other small museums, perhaps a ballet, the covered passages...pastry sampling and poking about shops... perhaps a drink at the George V....

Worth the rain! Or you can always Uber it if you really hate the rain that much. I've never been to Paris in the winter but it's one of my life goals. Have a fantastic time!

I am concerned about flight delays. Pet not an issue- my mother just moved to a senior apartment a few blocks away and my niece is down the street. As a bonus we have off for MLK h
Jr day and the governors inauguration the next day so that's 2 less vacation days I need to use

I was in Paris a year and a half ago during Feb. No precipitation, but a couple of the days were very cold. Still had fun walking all around. Saw a great Chagall exhibit at the Luxembourg Palace (along with half of Paris - it was opening day), went to several interesting films. Took a self guided tour of the Marais. I would happily go back then, but do be prepared for the weather.

Vicky,

I can tell you that summer thunderstorm season can wreak just as much havoc on flight schedules. Our flight from Venice and its US-based connecting flight were both delayed for many hours just a few days ago.

So please don't worry about flight delays as your deciding factor.

Our secret to enjoying Paris in the winter--again, over many, many trips--was to pack layers. We all came armed with silk underwear, fleece vests, turtlenecks, nice neck scarves, a good hat, longer coats (wind off the Seine can be brutal on the legs)and a few pairs of those cheapie stretch gloves (because one invariably loses one pair somewhere).

You may not have to use all these layers--as a poster above said, you might have days when you'll be walking around with an open coat. But there could be days when you'll layer up.

No matter what, cafe plopping is even better in winter!

who knows where I can get those little hand heaters like DeniseA mentioned?
I heard the TSA taxes are going up; perhaps I should book this now (I still have to pay $151 in taxes and fees).

YOu can get handwarmers in sporting goods stores (REI, SPorts Authority, etc., should have them). You may even be able to get them in regular all purpose stores like Walgreens, Target, etc., in the winter. I've never used them myself even when going skiing, gloves work fine for me. I certainly don't use them at home just to walk around in winter.

The TSA fees are extremely trivial, they are only going up about $1 or something. So don't book based on that, but if you have your mind made up, you should as those tickets can disappear.