What January feels like in Paris
Winter bottoms out in January, the coolest month of Paris's year. It is cold outside for most of the day; indoor breaks come as a relief. There is little difference between day and night: nights are cold, and evenings feel much like the afternoon. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Paris in January
It is a changeable month: rain comes about one day in 3, with dry spells in between. A rainy day brings about 4.9 mm (0.2 in) on average — steady rain rather than a passing shower. The yearly figure is similar, around 5.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in January
On 15 January the sun rises at about 8:39 am and sets around 5:19 pm local time, giving 8 h 40 min of daylight. Days are getting longer: 23 min more daylight than in mid-December. The sun is out for roughly 40% of those daylight hours, so sun and cloud share the day.
How January compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, January comes out as the coolest month in Paris. Compared with December, afternoons are 0.9°C (1.6°F) cooler, with 12 mm less rain. From here it only gets warmer, starting with February. The next month's average high: 8.8°C (47.8°F).
Who January 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 January
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
Insulated layers and warm shoes for the cold hours.
Quick questions
How warm is Paris in January?
Expect around 7.1°C (44.8°F) in the afternoon and 1.9°C (35.4°F) at night, which most visitors would call cold.
Does it rain a lot in Paris in January?
Quite a lot — 59 mm spread over about 12 days.
What should I wear in Paris in January?
Based on the averages: rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is January or February better for visiting Paris?
February, narrowly: it ranks #9 of 12 among Paris's months, against #11 for the other. February is warmer and has fewer rainy days.