Paris in December
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2019
Posts: 5
Paris in December
Wife and I were looking to travel to Paris at some point in the near future, and we're seeing some great prices on flights in December. Almost too good to be true.
Is there a catch? Is Paris in December particularly bad for some reason?
I did see mentions that December is the wettest month for Paris, and since it's winter it'll be cold. We don't mind the cold at all, we'd like to avoid rain as much as possible. Would this be a problem in December?
Thanks!
Is there a catch? Is Paris in December particularly bad for some reason?
I did see mentions that December is the wettest month for Paris, and since it's winter it'll be cold. We don't mind the cold at all, we'd like to avoid rain as much as possible. Would this be a problem in December?
Thanks!
#2
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: FRA/SXB
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Paris has an oceanic climate, so Nov-Apr is mostly gray and drizzle and not many sunshine hours. Think Vancouver or Seattle, but cooler. The days are short as well. The upshot is that there are lovely Christmas decorations and some markets, and stores are open on Sundays during the holiday sale season.
#3
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Weather is impossible to predict now. So you should be fine. This is a pleasant period for Christmas decoration as mlin32 said. And Paris is nice all the time
#4
Join Date: Apr 2008
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Great time
Along with Spring and Summer visits, have visited Paris in December a couple times, most recently last year (2018) to ring in the new year, and loved it. Weather will be cool to cold, maybe some precipitation, but just pack your scarf and gloves and maybe a travel umbrella. It does get dark early but the glow of shop and street lights is cozy. And the holiday window displays at the department stores as well as the Christmas market vendors around town (Place de la Concorde and Abesses are favorites) are seasonal treats.
Was stranded for two days by weather several years ago and did a visit to Versailles to include the town along with the chateau, and it was simply wonderful. Still remember the sumptuous hot chocolate I had in a salon de th in "downtown" Versailles.
Was stranded for two days by weather several years ago and did a visit to Versailles to include the town along with the chateau, and it was simply wonderful. Still remember the sumptuous hot chocolate I had in a salon de th in "downtown" Versailles.
#5
Join Date: Jun 2017
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I spent a week in Paris last year in early December, and I much preferred it to my summer visit a few years back. I enjoyed the cooler weather, as it made walking around and exploring a lot easier - as mentioned above, just be sure to bring a scarf, gloves, and hat. There were far less crowds at most tourist attractions; I never had to wait to do anything.
#6
Join Date: May 2010
Location: London
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Paris in December is not a bad time to go at all. There is a Christmas feel and Christmas markets dotted around (the market at La Defence is quite good). Less people around so you can actually enjoy the city and its sights. It will be quite cool but the last couple of years when I have gone over in December it was not raining at all so hopefully you will also avoid it
#12
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
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I've spent Christmas week in Paris every year for the past five years and will do so again this December. I love it that time of year, with fewer tourists, festive lights and grand magasin window displays. There are always things to do on Christmas Day - I've gone to the movies and visited museums (a few are open Dec. 25th). As others have noted, weather is unpredictable but I never found it to be so cold or rainy that I wouldn't return. Perfect weather to relax in a nice bistro with some cassoulet and Cabernet.
#13
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#14
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I've spent Christmas week in Paris every year for the past five years and will do so again this December. I love it that time of year, with fewer tourists, festive lights and grand magasin window displays. There are always things to do on Christmas Day - I've gone to the movies and visited museums (a few are open Dec. 25th). As others have noted, weather is unpredictable but I never found it to be so cold or rainy that I wouldn't return. Perfect weather to relax in a nice bistro with some cassoulet and Cabernet.
Hope to finally see you this year, BUT without the cassoulet... with the cab.
#15
Join Date: Jun 2006
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