What December feels like in Paris
December is early winter in Paris. Afternoons feel chilly — fine for exploring on foot if you are dressed for it. Little changes after sunset — nights are cold, only slightly below the daytime level. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Paris in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on about one day in 2. Wet days average about 5.5 mm (0.2 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. That is close to Paris's typical rain per wet day for the whole year (about 5.4 mm). December is Paris's wettest month of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 8:37 am and sets around 4:54 pm local time, giving 8 h 17 min of daylight. Days are getting shorter: 56 min less daylight than in mid-November. About 43% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
In Paris's temperature order, December sits as the 2nd coolest month. Compared with November, afternoons are 3.2°C (5.8°F) cooler, with 9 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. By January, typical highs are 7.1°C (44.8°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Paris in December
Rain Protection
A compact umbrella and a light waterproof jacket.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Quick questions
How warm is Paris in December?
Expect around 8°C (46.4°F) in the afternoon and 2.9°C (37.2°F) at night, which most visitors would call chilly.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 2 and totals about 71 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Paris in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. There is little need to change for the evening.
Is December or January better for visiting Paris?
January scores better on our climate ranking (#11 of 12 vs #12), rated Fair against Fair. January has fewer rainy days.