Paris in December
Festive, cold, uneven pricing
The short answer
December is a good time to visit Paris.
Festive Paris without the summer crowds if you go early.
7/10 overall4–9°CModerate crowds€€€ (Moderate, spikes late)
Weather5/10
Crowds6/10
Prices6/10
Events8/10
December in detail
What December actually feels like
- Weather
- 4–9°C
- Cold and grey with occasional clear days
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Quiet early, very busy from around 18 December
- Prices
- €€€ (Moderate, spikes late)
- Reasonable in the first two weeks, then high
+Christmas lights and window displays are genuinely worth the trip.
–Holiday fortnight sends crowds and rates sharply up.
My tip for December
Travel in the first two weeks for the atmosphere at half the price.
- Markets
- Shopping
- Museums
How December compares
Against the other eleven months
6th of 12 overall in Paris, 9th for weather, 8th for space, 6th for value. The emptiest month is November; the best value is November.
See all twelve months for ParisPlan around
What’s on in Paris in December
- Christmas fortnight
- Prices jump sharply. Early December delivers the same atmosphere for far less.
18 December – 2 January
Not set on December?
Even stronger months in Paris
Ready to book December in Paris?
Christmas lights and window displays are genuinely worth the trip.
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