What to wear in Paris in December
December in Paris is cold: daytime highs around 8°C / 46°F, lows around 4°C / 39°F, and rain on roughly 11 days.
Long-term averages (1991–2020); wet day = ≥ 1 mm. Source: Wikipedia — Climate of Paris (Météo-France, Paris-Montsouris). Always check the forecast before you go.
Warm coat over light layers
- Long-sleeve tops or thin knits you can wear indoors
- Warm wool or padded coat
- Scarf and a beanie for evenings
- Closed, water-resistant shoes or boots
- Packable waterproof shell — rain is likely on several days
Local tips for Paris
Parisians dress in a muted palette — navy, black, grey, camel. A tailored wool coat and a scarf will carry almost any outfit.
You will walk a lot and stand in museum queues outside; warm, waterproof-ish leather boots or sneakers are better than fashion flats.
Christmas markets and heated terraces mean you go in and out of warm spaces — layer so you can shed the coat indoors.
Sample outfits
5-day carry-on capsule for Paris
Mix and match — every top should work with every bottom. Wear the bulkiest pieces on the plane.
- Tops (mix of tees and long-sleeves) × 3
- Knit or sweater × 2
- Trousers or jeans × 2
- Warm coat
- Thermal base layer
- Walking shoes
- Smarter shoes or boots
- Hat, gloves & scarf
Plan with the clothes you actually own
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