What's the Weather like in Paris in December?
Although the weather in Paris is often cold in December, this month is one of the spectacular times of the year to visit this exciting city with it's vibrant Christmas displays. With just two hours of sunshine, it's a perfect time to get cosy in some of Paris's wonderful restaurants and enjoy the city's famous nightlife.
What's Paris Like At Christmas?
With decorated trees, Christmas markets and plenty of winter events, Christmas is an atmospheric time of year to spend in romantic Paris.
As with most northern European cities, Paris is usually cold at Christmas. On Christmas Day in 2018, the average temperature was a chilly 3°C but it was sunny. The previous two years were 6°C and 9°C respectively but cloudy.
How Cold Is Paris In December?
The average daily temperature in Paris is 5°C with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C, so you'll need to bring plenty of warm clothing if you plan to explore the city during the day.
How Wet Is Paris In December?
With an average of 27mm of rainfall spread out across 15 days throughout the month, there is a good chance that you'll experience a few showers.
Does It Snow In Paris In December?
Snow falls on an average of two days each December and is most likely to occur on December 31st when it falls on 9% of days.
You can check the forecast here.
Paris Hotels in December
Fred Hotel
When it comes to a modern, stylish hotel in Paris, you should check out Fred Hotel. Located in between Montparnasse and Porte de Versailles, this modern boutique hotel is full of village charm and provides accommodation in the form of 36 classic, superior and deluxe rooms.
Each guestroom features heating, flat-screen TV, free WiFi access and private bathroom with hairdryer, Italian shower and complimentary toiletries. Superior rooms are larger and boast Nespresso coffee machines, whilst deluxe rooms are larger still and come with a separate living room with sofa bed and one extra bathroom.
Onsite services and facilities include free WiFi access throughout, continental breakfast buffet with freshly-baked pastries, bar and paid public parking nearby. The hotel is just a 20-minute walk away from Montparnasse Tower and 230m away from the Plaisance Metro Station.
Hotel Monterosa
The three-star Hotel Monterosa is situated in the 9th arrondissement, in between Montarmtre and Grans Boulevards, making it ideally positioned to explore the city's historical monuments. Within the bright and modern hotel you'll find 36 contemporary single, twin and double rooms, each of which features satellite TV, heating, WiFi access and private bathroom with hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
All guestrooms are also accessible via lifts and each features a unique colour scheme. Within the hotel you'll also find free Wifi access throughout, continental breakfast buffet, open bar which serves free soft drinks every afternoon and room service. Children under two years old can stay here for free. The Saint George metro station is only 200m away which you can use to get to almost any part of Paris.
Hotel Le Royal Rive Gauche
Located in the heart of Paris close to the Luxembourg Gardens, St-Germain quarter and Montparnasse metro station, Hotel Le Royal Rive Gauche a three-star hotel decorated in a contemporary and elegant way.
Here guests can choose between 48 soundproofed classic and standard double rooms and seven junior suites, each of which features satellite TV, free WiFi access, flat-screen TV and private bathroom with bath or shower, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.
Deluxe rooms come with the same facilities but are slightly larger, whilst junior suites are significantly larger and offer more luxurious furniture and better street views. Onsite amenities and services include free WiFi access throughout, breakfast buffet served in the breakfast room or your guestroom and paid public parking nearby.
Although facilities are rather limited, there is a wealth of local and international restuants in the immediate area and Notre Dame, the Louvre and the Orsay Museum are only 2km away.
Hotel de la Cite
For something more budget-friendly, check out the Hotel de la Cite Rougemont. This two-star hotel is located in a quiet part of the 9th arrondissement, in the theatre district close to the Grévin Museum, Opera House, Folies Bergère and the Galeries Lafayette department store.
Here guests can choose between single, double, twin, triple and quadruple rooms, each of which is decorated with brightly-coloured wallpaper and soft furnishings and features free WiFi access, LCD TV and private bathroom with hairdyer.
Within the hotel you'll find continental breakfast buffet, room service and free WiFi access throughout. Although facilities are restricted, the main appeal of this hotel is its location, which is also just 1.5km away from the Louvre.
Europe Hotel Paris
Europe Hotel Paris is an even more centrally located hotel, within easy walking distance of the Eiffel Tower, Champ de Mars, Invalides and Alexander III Bridge. The three-star hotel features a standard classic French decor and provides accommodation in the shape of single, double and triple soundproofed rooms, each of which comes with free WiFi access, satellite TV, minibar and private bathroom with bath, shower and complimentary toiletries.
Onsite services and amenities include free WiFi access throughout, internet kiosk, lounge-bar, continental breakfast buffet and paid public parking nearby.
Things to do in Paris in December
Ice Skating
December is a wonderful time to visit Paris when the city is full of festivity. So make the most of the Christmas-themed activities on offer and go ice skating at l'Hotel de Ville. If you've never been ice skating before, you'll be pleased to hear that there is a designated area for children and beginners to learn the ropes.
On the other hand, if you're an experienced skater and have your own pair of ice skates with you, you'll be able to enjoy the rink for free. The ice skating rink at l'Hotel de Ville is open from 9 am until around 10 pm, but the best time to visit is after sunset when the 19th-century building in the background is lit up. Don't worry if you don't have your skates - they're available to rent for a small fee.
Christmas Markets
Get your hands on one-of-a-kind Christmas presents by shopping at the many Chritsmas Markets throughout Paris. You'll find some of the biggest and best Christmas markets at the Avenue de Champs-Elysées, La Défense, Trocadero, Saint-Sulpice, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and Montparnasse Tower.
All of the Christmas markets are quite similar and are comprised of numerous stalls selling all sorts of themed gifts, from Christmas ornaments and home-baked treats to hand-woven clothes and children's toys. The Christmas markets in Paris are also ideal opportunities for indulging, with many types of mulled wines and festive foods on offer.
River Seine Cruise
If you're looking for a romantic winter activity to enjoy during your holiday in Paris, consider going on a River Seine cruise. Wrap up warm and book your cruise for after sunset for the best experience.
Whilst the views are pleasant during the daytime, they're even better after nightfall, when the streets lining the Seine are full of decorations and lights. If you want to splash out, you can combine your River Seine cruise with a three-course dinner on the boat for a truly memorable evening.
New Year's Eve in Champs-Elysées
For over three decades, there haven't been any official New Year's Eve firework displays in Paris, but that doesn't mean you can't have a good time. This is one of the most popular streets to ring in the new year, where thousands of locals and visitors come together to drink, dance and have a good time.
If you want something a bit more low-key, head to the Scare Coeur square in Montmartre where you'll find similar festivities, but on a smaller and quieter scale. The celebrations usually begin at around 9pm and carry on well into the early hours of the next morning.
