Paris in Winter: Outfits, Weather & Things to Do

Paris in winter? Always a good idea. The city of light is just as stunning (if not more!) through the colder months – as long as you know where to go. 

Paris Christmas markets on a crisp winter day? Gorgeous. Even Paris in the rain is romantic, and the city has more than its fair share of beautiful buildings to explore. 

After several visits to Paris in winter over the past few years, I thought I’d put together a quick guide for those hoping to do the same. 

This guide covers things to do throughout the whole winter season (not just at Christmas), including rainy day ideas, and things to do with kids. 

You’ll also find some inspo for your Paris winter outfits, plus a quick run-down of what to pack. 

I’ve also included some FAQs at the end, but if there’s something I haven’t covered here, please feel free to ask away in the comments section. 

10 Things to Do in Paris in Winter 

1. Go Shopping in Galeries Lafayette 

Galeries Lafayette is one of the most iconic department stores in the world, known for its incredible golden dome. It’s the perfect way to while away an afternoon in Paris in winter, when the frigid temperatures outdoors may drive you indoors. 

Along with show-stopping architecture, this iconic shopping mall is crammed to the brim with French and international designer brands. It’s huge too, so if your budget doesn’t quite stretch to haute couture, you can browse the high-street labels too, or check out the food court. 

Lots of people love to visit around Christmas time because the mall is famous for its decorations. 

They put on mega displays throughout the store, including a huge suspended Christmas tree in the main atrium, hanging from the gilded rooftop. 

The place is still impressive after Christmas, when you can make the most of the sales, or head up to the rooftop terrace for sprawling views of the city. 

2. Cosy Up in a Romantic Paris Hotel 

Paris is romantic at any time of year, but there’s something particularly romantic about a winter sojourn in the city. 

It’s full of the most gorgeous boutique hotels, where a weekend with your other half consists of lazy breakfasts in bed, strolls along the Seine wrapped up in big coats, and visits to the hotel spa. 

I wrote a guide to the 25 most romantic hotels in Paris with something for every budget, but the top three I recommend for a lover’s getaway are:

• Maison Cassandre: This cosy boutique in Montmartre has glamorous interiors and overlooks the artistic district of Montmartre, where cosy bistros are lit by candles on every corner. 
• Le Parisis: This mid-range boutique is located within walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, and some rooms come with tower views. Plus, there’s a gym and sauna. 
• Hôtel Plaza Athénée: Looking for the ultimate Parisian winter retreat? This stunning five-star hotel hosts a pop-up winter ice rink and chalet restaurant in its charming courtyard each year.

3. Learn How to Make Croissants 

If you’ve been to Paris before and you’ve already ticked off iconic sites like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower – or you’re just looking for something a little more unique – why not try a cooking class? 

Spending the day in a cosy kitchen learning the art of a real French croissant sounds like a dreamy way to spend a day in Paris in wintertime. This pastry workshop takes place at the Maison Flueret pastry school in the heart of the city. 

Not only will you learn the method behind the buttery, flaky magic, you’ll also get to hear a little bit about the history of this iconic breakfast treat and French cooking traditions. 

See rates and availability. 

4. Visit the Louvre and Other Iconic Art Galleries 

Perhaps one of the most obvious things to do in Paris during winter is to go art gallery hopping. 

You can easily spend a whole day exploring the warren of art that is the Louvre, meaning you’ll stay warm and dry all day while you hunt down priceless works from the Mona Lisa to the Venus de Milo. 

If you’ve already done the Louvre or you’re looking for more galleries to explore, I loved the Musée de l’Orangerie – home of many Claude Monet pieces – or Musée d’Orsay, which is housed in an old railway station.

I recommend booking your tickets in advance because the lines for these galleries can get very long, especially in winter.

Don’t make the mistake we did and end up waiting out in the freezing rain for over an hour (for the Musée d’Orsay on a weekend in February). 

Book your timed entrance tickets to the Louvre. 

Book tickets for the Musée de l’Orangerie. 

Find tickets to the Musée d’Orsay.

5. Go Cafe Hopping on the Canal Saint-Martin 

Looking for something a little more unique to do in Paris in winter? 

The Canal Saint-Martin is loved by locals and lined with gorgeous cafes – the perfect place to get your pastry fix while exploring the city. 

Cafe culture is a huge part of any visit to Paris, but the cafes near the major monuments tend to be very touristy, not to mention a rip-off. 

Meanwhile, Canal-Saint Martin offers an artsy collection of more authentic cafes, boutiques, and trendy restaurants, mostly because it’s a popular residential area for young people. 

There’s also a covered market nearby called Marché Couvert Saint-Martin if you feel like picking up a bottle of wine or some cheese to take home. 

6. Make your Signature Scent in a Perfume Workshop

If you’re searching for the perfect souvenir to take home, make like Coco Chanel with a perfume-making workshop! 

Ideal for a cold or rainy day, this workshop let you blend your own signature scent in a bottle to take away with you while learning about the history of the perfume industry in France.

See rates and availability.

7. Go Wine and Cheese Tasting

There is something about the cold weather and dark winter nights in Paris that is just crying out for a good glass of wine. 

I recommend a cosy wine and cheese tasting experience in Montmartre – you can head there right before watching the sunset by the Sacre-Couer, or a show at the Moulin Rouge. 

You’ll get to sample some top-shelf French wines with a workshop led by a local, with cheese samples to complement each sip. 

It takes place in a charming, red-painted fromagerie in the city’s beautiful bohemian quarter. Is there anything more Parisian than that? 

Book it here. 

8. Find a Free Indoor Exhibit 

It was last February when we found ourselves in the middle of Paris in the pouring rain and wondering where to go next, when we stumbled on the free LV Dream exhibit. 

At the time, the space housed a unique collection of antique Louis Vuitton luggage paired with bold, contemporary furniture, but the exhibit changes regularly.

All you have to do is book a time slot in advance, and you get to enjoy free and unique art exhibitions from world-class designers. 

Alongside regularly rotating exhibitions, the space is home to a quirky cafe and an LV store – in case you’re in the market for splashing out. 

There are lots more similar free exhibitions usually going on around Paris, you can see some of the upcoming ones on the Paris Secret website. 

9. See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle from a River Cruise

On a summer trip, I’d always recommend an evening stroll along the Seine, or dinner with an alfresco terrace and view of the Eiffel Tower.

But in Paris during winter, the best way to see the tower sparkle at night is with a dinner cruise along the river. 

This way you can enjoy a cosy, candlelit meal as you cruise along the Seine and spot Parisian landmarks all dressed up in their winter finery. 

See more here.

10. Check out the Ice Skating Rinks and Christmas Markets 

In Paris, the festive season brings a sprinkling of pop-up ice rinks and charming Christmas markets that give the city a winter glow up.

Temporary ice skating rinks appear in iconic settings: the Tuileries Garden often hosts a rink alongside its Christmas market, and the spectacular Grand Palais transforms into a spectacular skating arena under its historic glass dome.

Meanwhile, Christmas markets (marchés de Noël) pop up across Paris, from grand-scale village markets to intimate neighbourhood stalls.

You’ll find markets in the Tuileries, Notre-Dame / Square René Viviani, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, La Défense, and more, each offering wooden chalets stocked with regional crafts, gourmet treats, mulled wine, artisanal gifts, and festive sweets.

These markets typically run from mid-November through early January (though exact dates shift annually).

You can also take a walking tour of the Christmas lights and markets, with visits to the most sparkly spots in the city, and a chance to learn about French Christmas traditions from a local. 

Book it here. 

Bonus: Go on a Day Trip to Champagne 

If you prefer your winter sparkle in a French flute, a day trip to the Champagne region is an unmissable way to spend a spare day on your itinerary. 

Available as a shared or private tour, you’ll be collected from your hotel to travel to the heart of the Champagne region, with croissants and sparkling commentary from your wine expert guide along the way. 

You’ll visit famous Champagne houses such as Mumm, Veuve Clicquot, or Mercier and lunch is included, either at a local restaurant or family-run chateaux. You’ll even get to sample an incredible 8 glasses of the bubbly stuff. 

Book it here. 

Paris Weather in Winter 

In winter (December through February), Paris is cool, often damp, and atmospheric — perfect for lovers of cosy cafés, museums, and softly lit streets.

Rain (often in the form of drizzle or short showers) is frequent, though extended downpours are less common. Snow is relatively rare — when it falls, it usually makes a dusting or melts quickly.

Because daylight hours are short and skies often overcast, many visitors find the winter ambience in Paris especially charming: it adds intimacy to evening strolls, winter lights and holiday season decor take on extra sparkle, and indoor escapes like cafés and galleries feel all the more inviting.

Temperatures in Paris in the Winter 

Average daytime highs tend to hover around 7–8 °C (45–46 °F), while nighttime lows dip toward 2–4 °C (35–40 °F).

What to Wear in Paris in Winter 

You need to be prepared for cold and potentially wet weather in Paris during winter, so layers are going to be your friend. 

On days when the sun is shining and it’s crisp and cold, you can still look chic in long skirts or dresses with trainers, cosy cardigans, and a warm coat. I loved layering a vest top with a striped blouse and a cardigan. 

Lots of the shopping centres and galleries are quite warm once you get inside, so wearing layers makes it easy to stay comfortable after you’ve checked your coat. 

For walking around outdoors, I recommend a thick, wool coat, plus matching accessories like a hat, scarf and gloves. Sunglasses are a fab way to add a bit of extra style on sunny days. 

A hat or a coat with a hood is a great choice for those days when it rains, and you might want to swap a skirt for a pair of jeans or faux leather trousers. 

I recommend sneakers or trainers for walking around during the day – it’s the most comfortable option. 

In the evenings, you could wear heels or flat shoes, depending on where you’re going. Lots of the fine dining venues and cabaret shows have a dress code, so be sure to check before you go. cold

Cold Weather Paris Winter Outfits 

Here are a few things I’ve recently worn for winter in Paris, in case you’re looking for inspiration! You can save the pictures to your Pinterest boards by clicking the red button in the corner of each image.

Festivals and Events in Paris During Winter 

Winter is such a fun time to visit Paris. Not only have you got worldwide holidays like Christmas and New Year’s, France also has its own festivals and traditions for the colder months. 

Pop-Up Ice Rinks and Christmas Markets

In the months leading up to Christmas, you’ll find pop-up events, ice-rinks and markets around the city to help celebrate the festive season. 

The most famous ice rink is the Grand Palais des Glaces, where you can glide under the enormous glass roof of the Grand Palais. It’s typically open from mid-December to January. 

There’s a much smaller rink at the  Hôtel Plaza Athénée, tucked into a charming courtyard and surrounded by a pop-up chalet restaurant – as seen in Emily in Paris. 

It’s primarily reserved for guests of the hotel, but you can also sometimes visit when you book tickets for one of the hotel’s special festive events. 

In terms of markets, the main one to visit is the Tuileries Christmas Market, located at the Jardin des Tuileries, near the Louvre. There’s also an ice rink here in addition to the classic chocolate box stalls and carnival rides. 

There’s a smaller one in the square by the Notre Dame, and for something a little bit more unique, you can try the market in Montmartre. This one is all about sipping vin chaud in the charming cobbled streets and shopping for unique finds in the wooden chalet stalls. 

The Festival of Lights

Paris’s Festival of Lights isn’t a single event but a whole season of dazzling illuminated trails across the city, with highlights like the Jardin des Plantes lantern festival, Lumières en Seine at Saint-Cloud, and light trails in parks such as Parc Floral and Jardin d’Acclimatation. 

Running from late November to mid-January, these after-dark experiences combine art, nature, and technology, with timed-entry tickets (around €18) and leisurely walks of 1–1.5 hours. F

In my opinion, it’s the perfect winter evening in Paris. Pair the light trails with fine dining, a romantic hotel stay, or a Seine cruise for a sparkling Parisian night.

New Year’s Celebrations 

New Year’s Eve in Paris is a chic affair.

The heart of the celebration is on the Champs-Élysées and by the Arc de Triomphe, where a dazzling projection and light show draws crowds, followed by fireworks at midnight. 

If you prefer a more curated experience, you’ll find elegant Seine river dinner cruises, gourmet multi-course menus in top restaurants, cabaret or concert soirées, and rooftop parties. 

A few practical travel tips:

• Book your dinner, cruise or show well in advance; venues typically sell out. 
• Be prepared for crowds and tight security, especially around the Champs-Élysées. 
• Transport can get tricky late at night; plan logistics ahead.

Epiphany Day 

Epiphany Day is celebrated on 6 January in Paris.

The highlight is the Galette des Rois (King’s Cake), a flaky puff-pastry tart filled with frangipane, sold in every bakery and patisserie through early January. Inside is hidden a small fève (charm), and whoever finds it in their slice is crowned king or queen for the day, complete with a golden paper crown. 

While there are no major public parades in Paris (unlike in Spain), you can enjoy the festive moment by sampling galettes from famed pastry chefs at Ladurée, Pierre Hermé, or Angelina, or even taking a cooking class. 

It’s a deliciously local way to savour French culture after the festive rush, best enjoyed with a glass of Champagne or a hot chocolat in a chic salon de thé.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day in Paris feels almost made-to-measure for lovers: romantic, elevated, and richly atmospheric. 

The evening often centres around a gourmet dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a special Valentine’s menu at a refined bistro, and many couples choose to cruise the Seine by night, sipping champagne while Paris’s monuments glow in the dark. 

Beyond dining, there are curated experiences like cabaret or dinner-shows at places such as the Moulin Rouge, Crazy Horse or Paradis Latin, private romantic walks through Montmartre or along the Seine, or even creative couple’s activities like a chocolate making class or perfume making workshop.

Be sure to reserve well in advance (the best restaurants and cruises fill fast), dress for the season, and leave room for a leisurely after-dinner stroll under the Parisian lights.

Paris in Winter: FAQs

Is Paris Worth Visiting in Winter?

Visiting Paris is absolutely worth it in the winter months, if you’re willing to wrap up warm to make the most of the city in one of its most beautiful seasons. You’ll benefit from lower accommodation costs (especially in January and February), and there are fewer crowds than in summer. 

Time it right, and you could even end up celebrating romantic holidays like Christmas, New Year’s or Valentine’s in the City of Love itself. 

How to Spend 4 Days in Paris in Winter? 

4 days is the perfect amount of time to fit in all the highlights of Paris, along with some more unique things to do too.

My guide to spending 4 days in Paris includes everything on your bucket list – from the Eiffel Tower to the Notre Dame – while leaving time for some insider recommendations too. 

Read the full guide to spending 4 days in Paris. 

Where to Stay to Enjoy Romantic Paris in Winter? 

If you’re looking for a romantic winter break in the city of love, boy do I have some suggestions for you! I wrote a whole guide on the top 25 most romantic places to stay in Paris (with something for every budget), but if you’re short on time, here’s the top three I recommend: 

• Maison Cassandre: This cosy boutique in Montmartre has gorgeous interiors that give that old-school glamorous vibe, this lover’s perch overlooks the city in the artistic district of Montmartre.
• Le Parisis: A mid-range boutique in the heart of the action. Some rooms come with Eiffel views, plus there’s a gym and sauna. 
• Hôtel Plaza Athénée: If money is no object, this is the ultimate bucket-list hotel, with an iconic winter ice rink and chalet restaurant that featured in Emily in Paris. 

What to Do in Paris on a Rainy Day?

You could easily spend a rainy day in Paris getting lost in the Louvre or one of the city’s other incredible art galleries, like the Musée d’Orsay or the Musée de l’Orangerie. 

If art is not your thing, I recommend a cooking class. If you have a sweet tooth, you can learn the art of the macaron or find out the secret to a perfect French croissant. 

A more unique option would be a perfume-making workshop, where you can make your own signature scent for a gorgeous souvenir. 

Still have questions about visiting Paris in winter? Let me know in the comments, I’d love to help plan your trip!