I'm going to Paris at the end of December. Any recommends for type of clothing to take or other recommends for making this trip pleasant?

I have gone to Paris every year for the past 20 or so. Most of the time its Jan/Feb. Sometimes its nice enough tho wear only a sweater. Only once did it snow (About 1/2 inch). I would say that I have experienced just the opposite of what you expect. Because Paris is so far inland, it is almost never "bone chilling cold" that one might expect from a city closer to the coast.

I've been in December and did find it pretty cold most of the time. Avg high for the month is 43/42F. I was comfortable walking around wearing a heavy coat, hat and gloves. It was still clear and beautiful though. I didn't have any rain, but it does rain about 17 days out of the month in December (this according to my handy "Traveler's Weather Guide." Just bundle up a bit.

I agree with Letoile.

I was there last December and it was low 40's in the day and 30's at night. I dressed in layers and wore a polo shirt, a sweater, and a lined jacket, but not a heavy winter coat. I also wore a scarf, hat, and gloves, something I usually do only in the snow in New England. Don't pack the last few items and you can buy them in Paris and look like a native. I was glad I brought mine, however.

Walking during the day was fine, but at night walking along the Seine or, worse yet, atop the Arc de Triomphe was as cold as I have ever been. Otoh, you can always sneak into a cafe for a warm coffee and pastry and warm right up. No lines anywhere either.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by OB one:
...you can always sneak into a cafe for a warm coffee and pastry and warm right up. No lines anywhere either. </font>

IMHO, the most important words written--sign me up!

JP

--have been in Paris many times in December. Xmas and New Years in Paris is great. Whatever your religion, go to Notre Dame on Xmas eve; memorable and magic experience. indeed, the weather can be "bone-chilling" when that wind kicks up and your ears freeze while walking along the Seine.Best advice: A cashmere scarf around your neck--a hat to pull over your ears, warm gloves, and, for sure, layer-up. If you own a fur coat, this is the time to wear it. Parisians are not very P.C. when it comes to fur.

Paris is cold and often grey and wet in winter. The wet is not necessarily rain - it's just humid and often foggy/overcast (not helped by the air pollution). The days are very short, so that just makes it seem colder sometimes! Snow is rare and temps range from the upper 30s to 40s mostly.

Polar fleece stuff is nice for walking and layering; it also dries quickly on a radiator in your hotel room. A windbreaker/rainjacket is a must. Hat, cloves and scarf are good, too. Good socks and waterproof walking shoes should be on your list.

One item the French wear a lot in winter (both men and women) is Barbour (http://www.barbour.com/default.asp) type overcoats/outerwear which are waterproofed and can be used for casual as well as dressier venues.

Layering is the answer. I've been to Paris in the Winter several times. Each time I've taken an overcoat, t shirts, dress shirts and a sweater. You can layer based on that day's forecast, and if you are too light, well, just a couple more trips in for chocolate chaud and an eclair.

BRING GLOVES *AND* A SCARF every time you go out, which is the ultimate fix if it's tres froid.

But freezing? Not really. Try Chicago..... (BTW, the comments about wind along the Seine and up on the monuments are pretty accurate. Not a surprise, really).

And not having to do much special for meal reservations gives Paris a whole nice flexibility that the summertime visitor misses out on.

Here is a historical reference point -
http://www.weatherbase.com/weather/weather.php3?s=094170&refer=

Since I'm from Chicago, I'd say Paris is pleasant in the winter. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/wink.gif Seriously, I would have to agree with letiole, above. As someone once said, however, "Paris is always a good idea."

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Jeff

BONE CHILLING COLD IS RIGHT! I was wearing wool in into July... Besides all your warm layers something to cut the frigid wind would help a lot!

Bon voygage!

"bone-chilling cold" in WINTER???

I've been in Paris in APRIL when water in the gutters was frozen solid!

I've been to Paris twice during the winter, specifically in January and early February and on both visits, it was quite cold, rainy and grey. The crowds were smaller than during my visits during the summer months, which incidentally were rainy as well. A scarf, gloves and a warm coat are highly recommended.

Believe me....IT HAS BEEN MORE THAN BONE-CHILLING FOR SEVERAL DAYS ON...

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http://mapage.noos.fr/fles/

Just my luck!! I'll be in Paris on Sunday...hopefully it'll get a few degrees warmer. I've lived in sunny Southern California my whole life. I'm just not used to cold weather!

BUSTER: Looks like we picked an excellent time to visit!! Guess we'll recognize you by the "bundled-up" look http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/cool.gif

Those who travel to Paris in hopes of enjoying the fine weather are likely fare as well as those who travel to Aruba in hopes of enjoying the fine culture, cuisine, and street life.

Forecast for this middle week in January, high approximately 45 in the daytime, low 32 at night. So you don't walk at night, you eat and drink and take it easy.

Beats New England where it was 17 this morning and my driveway is a sheet of ice 3 inches thick. Don't know how many times in the past week I have slammed my brakes to stop from sliding into moving traffic and with absolutely nowhere to park with all 55 inches of snow still on the ground. i'm outta here.