Paris in December (2026)
Good time to visit
December is a good time to visit Paris — cold (4°c) but magical christmas lights, with temperatures around 6°C. Expect high crowds.
Temperature
6°C
Weather
Cold (4°C) but magical Christmas lights
Crowds
High
Prices
High
December vs the best time to visit Paris
The best months to visit Paris are April, May, June, September, October and the months to avoid are July, August. December sits outside peak season, which often means better value and thinner crowds.
See the full month-by-month guide →Things to do in Paris in December
Eiffel Tower at Sunset
Book tickets online (essential) for the second or third floor platform for the best city views. Return after dark to watch the tower's hourly light show sparkle across the Seine.
The Louvre
The world's largest art museum contains 380,000 works. Focus on the Richelieu Wing (French paintings) and Denon Wing (Italian sculpture). The Mona Lisa room is always crowded.
Le Marais Walking Tour
Paris's most fashionable district blends medieval streets, Jewish delis, gay bars, art galleries, and the grand Place des Vosges. Explore on foot — every alley reveals something extraordinary.
Versailles Day Trip
The Sun King's incomprehensible palace complex is just 45 minutes from Paris. The Hall of Mirrors, royal apartments, and 800-hectare gardens demand a full day of exploration.
Montmartre & Sacré-Cœur
Climb through bohemian streets to the hilltop basilica that overlooks all of Paris. Artists, street musicians, and the best city panorama in the French capital await.
Musée d'Orsay
Housed in a jaw-dropping Beaux-Arts railway station on the Seine, the Orsay holds the world's greatest collection of Impressionist art — every Monet, Van Gogh, and Degas you've dreamed of, with far fewer crowds than the Louvre. The rooftop café viewed through the station's giant clock face is one of Paris's best-kept secrets.
Paris in December — FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Paris?
December is a good time to visit Paris — cold (4°c) but magical christmas lights, with temperatures around 6°C. Expect high crowds.
What is the weather like in Paris in December?
In December, Paris sees cold (4°c) but magical christmas lights with temperatures around 6°C. Christmas markets, Champs-Elysees lights
Is Paris crowded and expensive in December?
December brings high crowds and high prices in Paris. The best months overall are April, May, June, September, October, so you may find better value than peak season.
What should I pack for Paris in December?
Pack for temperatures around 6°C. Light layers work well, with something warmer for evenings.
Full Travel Guide
Planning a Paris trip in December?
Things to do, where to stay, budgets and local tips — all free.
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