26 Reasons to Visit Paris in Winter 2023 

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Last updated on the 2nd of January 2023 by Lena

Planning a trip to Paris in Winter? Here are 33 reasons why it’s a fantastic idea!

If you wonder whether you should visit Paris in Winter, you came to the right place. Read on to know why it’s worth it to travel to Paris during winter, what are the best things to do, and what to overall expect! I will also share some local insider tips and share what you absolutely need to pack.

These articles are interesting for your upcoming trip as well:

• 30+ Memorable Things to do in Paris at Night
• 4 days in Paris – the complete guide!
• Scams in Paris! How to avoid the most common cons
• What NOT to do in Paris -23 (costly) Paris Mistakes you need to avoid!

Take a look as well at our monthly guides to get detailed info on what’s going on during your stay.

I know that traveling to Paris in winter may not sound like the most obvious thing to do at first. But I assure you that winter opens up an entirely new set of great activities in Paris, and you will have the most wonderful time.

After reading this article, you’ll be perfectly set up for your winter trip to Paris. You’ll know what shouldn’t be missing from your luggage, what to expect from Paris during wintertime, and most importantly, you will learn about the best things to do in Paris in winter.

Don’t get me wrong, winter does have its downsides, though. Undeniably, it’s rather cold, often rainy, and night sets in early. However, this means as well, that you have plenty of occasions to enjoy the illuminated city, spend time in restaurants and cozy cafés, stroll through museums and browse the shops.

Do you want some ideas on what to do in Paris after dark? Check out this post: 30+ Memorable Things to do in Paris at Night

And if you are traveling to Paris in December, make sure not to miss our Post about Paris in December to get lots of Christmas-themed inspiration for your next trip.

And there are a few more reasons to visit Paris in Winter: It’s less crowded, you are more likely to find cheaper hotel deals, and most important: the Christmas season in Paris is magical. Some even consider winter the best time to visit Paris. 

Paris is Winter – A quick guide to your winter trip to Paris!

Before sharing all the fantastic things you can do during wintertime in Paris, let’s start with the essentials. For general Paris travel tips, check our Paris Essential article to be perfectly prepared for your trip.

When is winter in Paris?

Winter starts officially on the 21st of December. However, usually, when traveling to Paris during wintertime, you can consider November as well. Not without reason. The cold season has already started, and so has the Christmas season in Paris. Christmas starts in Paris by the end of November! The city is beautifully illuminated in Christmas lights, and Christmas markets are open as well.

Just keep in mind that Christmas is holiday time as well for French families. Schools close shortly before Christmas and don’t open again until early January. While winter is generally shoulder season in Paris, Christmas is the high season!

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How’s the weather in Paris during winter?

It can get chilly in Paris, without a question. However, December is usually milder than January and February, even though more humid. Temperatures in winter are on average between 3°- 9°C  (37°- 48°F). But, I already experienced temperatures as low as -10°C (14°F)  and as high as 15°C (59°F)! If you are visiting Paris in March, you can expect milder temperatures as it’s the end of winter already.

Winter days are short in Paris! On the shortest days, the sun is not rising before 8:45 am, and it can be dark well before 5 pm.

Is there snow in Paris in winter?

No, I am sorry! Snow in Paris is extremely rare, even in Paris in the winter time. It is simply rarely cold enough, so even if it snows, it won’t stay but transforms into gray mud within minutes. Within the past 15 years, I remember only 3 times when we were granted snow that actually stayed – one time was at Easter!

What do you need to pack for your Winter trip to Paris?

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

However, try to dress in layers. As soon as you enter a store, restaurant or museum, you’ll melt away because it’s often very heated inside.

Tip: I usually carry a little tote back in my purse to store my scarf, hat and even jacket when I am inside a bit longer.

Indispensable items for your trip to Paris during winter

A warm hat

You’ll often find Paris shaken by a cold and you definitely need something to keep your head warm: be it a bonnet, a fancy felt hat, or even a cute beret like this one.

The beret might sound like a cliché from Emily in Paris, but actually, many French women wear it in Paris, it is normal everyday attire and nothing that would single you out as a tourist. Especially not if you wear a high-quality beret like this one.

Waterproof Shoes

Knowing that December and January are the months with the most rainfall AND as well the coldest, keeping your feet dry and warm must be a priority during your stay.

The best walking shoes for Paris in Winter and also your most stylish option is a pair of waterproof Chelsea boots. They look not only great, but they also keep your feet warm and dry. If you stay in Paris, you don’t need heavy-lined winter boots, it’s enough if they stay dry, and you wear warm socks.

For more winter shoe ideas, refer to my guide about the best travel shoes for Paris.

Warm Merino Socks

The very best way to keep your feet warm in Winter in Paris is by investing in a good pair of quality Merino Socks. I know it might hurt to spend so much on a pair of socks, but from my own (long-distance) hiking and travel experience, I can assure you: it absolutely pays off.

My favorites are these ones. You find as well cheaper Merino socks, but make sure to verify how much Merino they actually contain. The less Merino, the cheaper – and the less good.

But even though Paris’ winter will be cold, and probably often gray, wet, and windy, don’t worry! There are so many things to do in Paris, that whether you travel to Paris during the Winter or Summer, you will never run out of activities.

Check the following 33 ideas to know the best things to do in Paris during winter

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

Traveling to Paris is always a fantastic experience, and winter is especially magical! I collected the best ideas for your trip to Paris, that are perfect for your winter adventure. Know exactly what are the best things to do in France in Winter!

Plan ahead for the top sights in Paris

Before you dive in and get inspired, I want to stress that it is almost mandatory for many activities in Paris to purchase your admission in advance. I know, it kills a bit of the spontaneous, easy-going holiday vibe. But there are a few reasons why you should book your tickets in advance

1. Popular sights like the Eiffel Tower or the Catacombs book out weeks in advance
2. If they have tickets available, it can happen that you find yourself queuing for hours

Hence, I strongly recommend reserving your entrance tickets in advance to avoid disappointment and /or wasting time queuing.

Below, you find the sights that you definitely need to book in advance. For your convenience, I added a link to my most trusted ticket provider:

• The Eiffel Tower – click here for tickets to the summit!
• The Louvre – Click here to see the Mona Lisa
• The Catacombs – click here to enter Paris’ underground
• The Castle of Versailles – book your ticket here

You can also purchase tickets directly on the sights homepages. However, the downside is that they usually don’t have a cancellation policy. While reserving your Paris tickets with get your guide grants you a 24h cancel and refund policy.

26 Ideas for your trip to Paris in the winter

Now that you are covered with everything you need to know when traveling to France in winter, let’s move on to the most interesting question: What are the best things to do in Paris in Winter?

The indispensables that belong on every winter bucket list: 

• 1-hour evening cruise on the Seine »» Get your tickets here
• Eiffel Tower summit visit at sunset »» Get your tickets here
• Masterpieces at the Louvre »» Get your tickets here

#1 Put the skates on – Go ice skating

During the winter season, some ice skating rinks are installed all around town, and it’s one of the best winter activities in Paris during winter.

The ice skating rink at the Christmas Market at the Tuileries Garden is open from the 19th of November.

#2 Take a Seine River Cruise

a great way to stay warm and enjoy Paris during Winter

Click here directly to see all available tours and prices for the Seine River Cruise

Despite all the clichés, a cruise on the Seine is a VERY nice thing to do and probably one of the most romantic things to do in Paris during the cold season. The view on the illuminated city by night will take away your breath!

I lived in Paris for years when I took finally a Bateau Mouche and the change of perspective was simply wonderful. Plus, you can sit comfy and warm inside. You could even have dinner there! (click here to know more about our own River Seine Cruise experience)

#3 Take a Macaron Baking Class

Click here to see all the available baking classes in Paris

Winter is the best time for baking, and there is no place better than Paris for you to learn how to bake delicious and tender Macarons. There are many cooking schools in Paris that are offering this skill, but you find the best here:

• Macaron Class at Galerie Lafayette (the cheapest) click here for prices and availabilities
• Macarons Class, Tea Time & To-Go box (the best rated) click here for bookings

#4 Visit the fantastic museums in Paris

For convenient visits and free entrances, the Paris Museums Pass is your best choice. Click here for more information. Or check which of the best art galleries in Paris you want to visit to see if the Museum’s Pass is worth it. 

Visiting a museum is an obvious activity when the weather isn’t great. Luckily, there are plenty of great museums in Paris. So many, that you will have a hard time choosing: The Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, the Picasso Museum, the Rodin Museum, the Panthéon, the Pinault Collection..  just to name a few.

However, you should purchase your tickets in advance, especially for the Louvre. The ticket queues can be a real-time taker.  Click here for tickets and rates and reserve your spot.

Tip for visiting the Louvre: Don’t take the outside entrance at the glass pyramid – the waiting times are always longer. Head instead to the underground entrance at the Carrousel du Louvre.  It will be warmer as well while waiting for the security check!  (If you wonder though if it’s cold in the Louvre during winter.. it isn’t!)

The Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay are obvious choices when looking for museums in Paris, but did you hear about those?

• Musée des Egouts the museum of the Parisian canalization – the history of sewers from the times of Lutèce until today
• Discover Parisian artifacts from throughout history at the free Musée Carnavalet
• Musée de la Magie an exhibition about magic, illusions, and automates 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

If you’re on a budget, don’t miss our guide on free museums in Paris!

I recommend looking 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 an excellent 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.

#5 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 the cosmetic manufacture 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. I have been there once and I enjoyed it. The massage was good, the ambiance nice and the location very convenient in the very center of Paris.

For an authentic Hammam experience, you can also take a look at La Grande Mosquée in Paris.

#6 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! Enjoy a show while having dinner and of course: Drink Champagne! Read our post about the best cabarets in Paris to know which one to visit!

Especially the Dinner Shows at the Moulin Rouge are very popular. Did you know that the more than 125 years old theater is the world’s biggest single buyer of Champagne?

#7 Take a sightseeing tour in a Vintage Citroën 2CV

Winter is not the best 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 take advantage of the weather and opt for something special?

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

#8 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! Good to know: It’s one of the free things to do in Paris in winter.

#9 Spend a fund day at Disneyland Paris

Get your Disneyland tickets right here

Winter in Disneyland Paris is just magical, and it comes two MASSIVE advantages when visiting in Winter: Beautiful Christmas decorations in December and shorter queues in January and February!  Plus, it is only a short 40-minute ride away from Paris, by direct train, of course! Click here for tickets.

Up for a trip to Disney? Don’t miss our Disney Articles:

• 15 Quick Tips for Visiting Disneyland Paris
• How to get from Paris to Disneyland
• Disneyland to the Eiffel Tower – How to get there Best

#10 Explore the Covered Galeries during winter in Paris

Escape the rain and the cold with a stroll through the covered passages. Most of them are close by, so it’s really a good-themed walk through Paris on a wet day. But be aware, the Arcades are a bit difficult to locate!

For more information and to know where to exactly find them, take a look at my article about 14 most charming Arcades in Paris, which also includes a map.

#11 Attend a reading at Shakespeare & Company

There are quite a few English bookstores in Paris and most of them are hosting regular events like concerts or readings. Look into the programs of Shakespeare and Company,  there is always something going on. Even if your visit is not matching one of their sessions, the stores are well worth a visit!

#12 See a Concert in Paris

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

#13 Have Fun at a Pub Quiz

Are you wondering what to do in Paris at night when picnics at the Seine are not an option? Go to the Quiz!!! It’s a well-established tradition in Paris and you find Quiz Nights in basically all Irish, English, and Scottish pubs, but also in a handful of “not the UK themed” Bars. For example, at The Highlander on Sundays.

#14 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 really 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!

If you want to stroll through the fantastic Parisians Parks during your stay, read this article first: Most beautiful Parks in Paris

#15 Go Shopping

Saying’ 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 Arch!

#16 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! (They are offered in English as well)

(Personally, I am a massive fan of escape rooms and I loved the Assassin’s Creed escape room and the Japan-themed one!)

#17 Take a swim at Aquaboulevard

Paris’ Number 1 water park:  artificial waves, 11 waterslides (some are outside though), wakeboard, and a Caribbean feeling. Aquaboulevard is a good way to spend a day in the warmth, especially if you are traveling to Paris with kids.

#18 Have a hot Chocolate at Angelina

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

#19 Enjoy the best Cocktails in Paris

Paris has many excellent bars with world-class cocktails. Hence, when it’s cold outside and strolling by the Seine is the least inviting, it’s cocktail time! If you are feeling adventurous, set off for exploring Paris’ speakeasy bars and if you want something more sophisticated, have a look at the best cocktail bars in Paris that are recommended by an expert!

#20 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 fraction of the entrance fee (€8 and free admission for everyone under 26). Kill two birds with one stone: the Palais de la Porte Dorée hosts as well the National Immigration Museum.

#21 Enjoy a wine tasting

France is  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 gray outside!

Click here to know which are the most popular wine tasting sessions in Paris and know more about their availabilities and rates.

#22 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 favorite stores a few days before the Sales begin. 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 🙂

 

#23 Play Arcade Games at “La Tête dans les Nuages”

No matter if you are 5 or 50, everyone likes to play a pinball game from time to 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 spend a (rainy) afternoon in Paris. Not only in winter 🙂 and not only for kids and teenagers!

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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 

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#24 Take a cooking or pastry class in Paris

What about a new skill as a souvenir from your Paris trip? Learn how to make 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 learning how to bake Macarons?

For more Pastry Classes in Paris, you can check out this post or click here

#25 Play some board games at the “Dernier Bar avant du Fin du Monde”

Rainy days and board games are just a perfect match. 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!

#26 Got 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 experiencing. 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 the cinema? Then you should not miss La Peniche Cinema.

Do you need more ideas for your upcoming winter trip to Paris? Or maybe ideas about how to spend those sunny, clear, and cold winter days? Browse through our 80 insider tips to explore Paris as a local would. Don’t miss our seasonal Paris guides, either, if you are unsure when it’s best to travel to Paris.

Not winter yet? Pin it now and find it back later!