24 reasons to visit Paris in Winter 

Updated: August 2019

What are the best things to do in Paris in winter?

Our picnic covers are tucked away and with faint regrets we’re bidding farewell to the mild Parisian summer nights. To chilled beers and wine in plastic cups, to pot luck dinners along the Seine and the good company of friends and strangers. Winter is coming (yeah.. i know…).

If you wonder when is winter in Paris… Paris winter season is officially starting from shortly around Christmas in December to February, but November and March can also be quite chilly. Temperatures are starting to dip already in October though.

Average temperatures in Paris in Winter

December 4°- 8°C  (39°- 46°F)

January 3°- 8°C  (37°- 46°F)

February 3°- 9°C  (37°- 48°F)

Keeping in mind that those are averages, you absolutely need to pack winter gear! A hat, scarf, fleece jacket and even potentially long undergarment are a must, if you plan to stay outside: temperatures can fall far under 0°C (32°F).

But even though Paris’ winter will be cold, and probably often grey, wet and windy, it doesn’t mean that your city trip to Paris is doomed to failure. You’re wondering what to do in Paris in the Winter to make it an awesome trip or asking yourself the question “Should I visit Paris in the Winter” ? Yes! Absolutely! (and not just because Paris has only half of the tourists!)

Check the following ideas on activities for all seasons. We summed up the top things to do in Paris during winter!

Tip: Don’t miss our Hotel guide on affordable AND romantic accommodations! 

≡ visit a museum – one of the best things to do in Paris in the winter to stay warm

Visiting a museum is obvious activity when the weather isn’t great and equally obvious is it  to head over to the famous Parisian museums like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. You should however purchase your tickets in advance as waiting times can be long, especially if waiting means standing outside, waiting 😉 (If you wonder though if it’s cold in the Louvre during winter.. it isn’t!)

But did you hear about those ones?

• Musée des Egouts the museum of the Parisian canalisation – the history of sewers from the times of Lutèce until today
• see fairgrounds, cabinets of curiosity in the Musée des Arts Forains 
• Musée de la Magie an exhibition about magic, illusions and automats that offers as well magic workshops
• Musée de Montmartre a museum about the history and the artists of Montmartre
• Musée Gourmand du Chocolat – taste your way through 4000 years of chocolate (check here to know more)
• visit  the Fragonard Parfumeur and Museum

Do you need more ideas for some indoor culture during your Paris vacation? Click here for a full list of museum in Paris or, if you’re on a budget, don’t miss our guide on free museums in Paris!

In any case, I advise also to look into the 2 day Paris Museum Pass  that grants you “Skip the Line” access to more than 60 Parisian Museums and activities (Louvre and Musée d’Orsay included) – it’s paying off as soon as you visit 2 museums with priority access: it’s a really good value for money and time, especially if you are only a few days in town! Check here for rates or check out Kasey’s review on the Museums Pass.

Don’t make those popular mistakes – check this post and avoid all tourist traps!

≡ Put that skates on! – Go ice skating at the most famous locations in Paris

During winter season, several ice skating rinks are installed all around town and it’s one of the best winter activities in Paris during winter. Locations are usually announced in autumn, so stay tuned!

≡ take some “me time” at a Spa

There is really nothing better on a cold and rainy Parisian winter day than spending a few relaxing hours in a Spa. Personally, I have been a few times to the Lush Spa and I liked it a lot. You need to book quite in advance though and well, you need to like the scents of Lush. For everyone else and also for the more spontaneous traveler I can recommend Massage Concept.  It’s not as fancy but good value for money.

≡ see a cabaret show 

Visiting a cabaret show is one of the big 5 of Paris – a classic “must do” in Paris, especially in winter!

≡ see the parades for the Chinese new year

The asian quarter in Paris is the largest Chinatown in Europe. So obviously there are parades for the Chinese new year. The biggest one takes place near Place d’Italie, be there early to get a good spot!

≡ take a special sightseeing tour: in a vintage Citroën 2CV!

Winter is probably not the hot season for a classic hop on hop off tour with an open roof bus (to be fair, there are closed ones though) but why not taking advantage of the weather and opt in to something special?

Take a private sightseeing tour in a vintage 2CV! Click here for more info, rates and options!

≡ explore the Covered Galleries during winter in Paris

Escape the rain and the cold with a stroll from one covered passage to the next. Most of them are close by so it’s really a good themed walk through Paris on a wet day. (I found this excellent map a while back and did not find anything better since!)

≡ enjoy Paris during Winter from the comfort of a boat: take a trip with a bateau mouche

Despite all the clichés, it is actually a very nice thing to do and probably one of the most romantic things to do in Paris in winter weather. I lived in Paris for years when I took a Bateau Mouche for the first time and the change of perspective was simply amazing. Plus, you can sit comfy inside. You could even have dinner there! (click here to know more about our own River Seine Cruise experience)

≡ see the festive Christmas displays at the big department stores

A must-do for many Christmas fans in Paris is the visit of the big department stores. Not only because the are facades of Gallery Lafayette, Le Bon Marche, Printemps Haussmann and BHV illuminated! The window displays are revealing whole worlds of Christmas scenes with animated figures, wrapped gifts and everything that goes with it. If you are already at the Galeries Lafayette, don’t miss their excellent food hall! Click here to know more about it!

≡ attend a reading at “Shakespeare and Company” or Barkelys

There are quite a few American book stores in Paris and most of them are hosting regularly events like concerts or readings. Check out the programs of Shakespeares and Company or Berkeley Books of Paris, there is always something going on. And even if your visit is not matching on of their sessions, both stores are well worth a visit!

≡ see a concert

it can be overtaxing to find the good gig, especially in a city like Paris with a uncountable amount of venues, bars and open mic sessions. Check out the list of Parisian Venues and find the right place for you. Also have a look at the concert calendar, fnac.fr or ticketmaster 

≡ have fun at a Pub Quiz

Are you wondering what to do in Paris in winter at night when picnics at the Seine are not an option? Go to the Quizz!!! That tradition is well established in Paris and you find Quiz Nights in basically all Irish, English and Scottish pubs, but also in a hand full of “not UK themed” Bars. For example at The Highlander on Sundays and sometimes as well at le Petit Joseph Dijon.

If you fear that a Sunday pub night might not meet your expectations when it comes to party, join a pub crawl! Click here to secure yourself a spot

≡ put on your coat and have a walk – a classic activity when visiting Paris in the winter season

Winter time in Paris is cold but it’s not like batshit crazy freezing. Put on a winter coat, a scarf and maybe a bonnet and you’re good to go outside to enjoy the humidity that will crawl up your legs and bones. Nah, don’t worry haha 🙂 Having a walk in Paris along the Seine, the Bois de Boulogne, or Bois de Vincennes is always nice. Or just walk around Montmartre, the Père Lachaise cemetery, or the Marais. Just get outside, it’s worth it!

≡ go shopping

Sayin’ Paris is decent for shopping is a vast understatement. If the weather is not on your side, check out Les Halles, La Beaugrenelle, or Le 4 Temps at La Defense. Those are the big shopping malls in and around Paris. If you are at La Defense, you can also visit the Grand Arche!

≡ sign up for an Escape Game

It’s not super cheap and you have to book in advance, but it’s a great activity and you have quite some choice in Paris. From Maya Temples, Haunted Manors, Submarines, Japan, Catacombs… you name it. You escape!

(Personally, I am a huge fan of escape rooms and I loved the Assassins Creed escape room and the Japan themed one!)

≡ take a swim at Aquaboulevard

Paris’ water park:  artificial waves, 11 waterslides (some are outside though), wakeboard and a Caribbean feeling. Aquaboulevard is a good way to spent a day in the warmth, especially if you are traveling to Paris with kids.

≡ have a hot Chocolate at Angelina

A hot chocolate is a remedy for many to counter the cold season. Enjoy it at Angelina; a classic Parisian tea room. They are running a few tea rooms in Paris; but usually it’s quite popular. Think about reserving a table in advance.

≡ visit an Aquarium

The Aquarium of Paris, just in front of the Eiffel Tower, is the largest in Paris. Apart from fish and more fish (in 43 fish tanks) you get the full program: workshops, movies, animations, shows, you can even pair your visit with a Sunday brunch. However, If this is blowing up your budget, you can visit as well the Aquarium Tropical in the Palais de la Porte Dorée. It’s maybe not as spectacular, but it offers everything that the Aquarium of Paris does; just on a smaller scale. For a faction of the entrance fee (11€ for 2 adults and 2 kids; kids under 4 are free). Kill two birds with one stone: the Palais de la Porte Dorée hosts as well the National Immigration Museum

≡ enjoy the Halloween or Christmas Event at Disneyland Paris

It’s likely you always dreamed about visiting Disneyland and maybe you have it already on your Paris must-do agenda. But know that they are running special events for Halloween and Christmas that you don’t wanna miss! For many Disney is a must when visiting Paris around those events.

≡ stay warm while enjoying a wine tasting 

France is known to be THE wine country (there is no need to argue about this with any french person!) and Paris is a great place to enjoy a wine tasting. Especially if it’s all cold and grey outside!

Click here for on the most popular wine tasting session in Paris and know more about their availabilities

≡ go wild on Paris’ winter sales in mid January

No matter if you are preparing your shopping tour or just randomly checking out stores; Paris is THE city to hunt for good deals. Check your favourite stores a few days before the Sales begins. They are already prepped for the big day and you will find all items that will be on sale hanging/laying together. Just get back there early on sales day and buy it at a reduced price 🙂

≡ have some Arcade Games at “La Tête dans les Nuages”

No matter if you are 5 or 50, everyone likes to play a pin-ball game from time do time, right? “La Tête dans les Nuages” is with more than 100 gaming terminals one of the biggest Arcade Center in Paris and a fun way to spent an (rainy) afternoon in Paris. Not only in winter 🙂

Do you need more tips on how to entertain your children in Paris? Don’t miss my first hand tips! Check out  my top 10 activities for kids 

≡ go to a Paris Christmas Market while visiting Paris in the Winter

Christmas Markets are rather a tradition known in the east of France, but since some years they are becoming more and more popular in Paris as well. The biggest Christmas Market in Paris is installed usually at La Défense. However, you can find smaller ones although around Montmartre, Trocadero and Saint Germain.

≡ take a cooking or pastry class in Paris!

What about a new skill as a souvenir from your Paris trip? Learn how to make Macarons or Croissants, prepare a Magret de Canard, a Filet Mignon or know how to bake an authentic Baguette.

The countless Parisian cooking classes have for sure something for your taste (and to impress your friends back home!) How about a 3-course Lunch including wine and a market visit? Or maybe you are more up for learnig how to bake Macarons?

check here to find the best pastry classes in Paris 

≡ Play some board games at the “Dernier Bar avant la Fin du Monde”

Rainy days and board games are just a perfect match. But no worries! You don’t need to sacrifice this queen of coziness activity when visiting Paris in winter! Just head over to the Bar at the End of the Universe, have a Mario Bruschetta, a Death Star Cocktail and pick a board game from their library. Oh, and don’t forget to take a picture on the Iron Throne or a Selfie with R2D2!

≡ Go to the Movies

Yes, you could do that at home. But there is more to it than the big and modern cinemas like UGC, Cinema Gaumont or MK2. Paris has a variety of small and/or old movie theatres, that are worth to experience. Have a look at the Cinema Luxor, Le Grand Rex or La Filmothèque du Quartier Latin. If you are not up for a french movie, check for VOST or VO to see a movie in the original language. Or what about a rather artistic approach to cinema? Then you should not miss La Peniche Cinema.

Do you need more ideas for your upcoming trip to Paris in winter? Or maybe ideas how to spent those sunny, clear and cold winter days? Check out our 80 insider tips to explore Paris like a local would.

What about you? Did you do any of those activities yet? What are your favourites when it’s cold and rainy outside when being abroad? Leave us a comment!

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