Paris in December ?? !!?

Question

I want some information about Paris. My husband and I are planning to visit Paris this December. I know that Decembers are very cold in Paris. But we have no other choice as our vacations are scheduled in December for this year. Is the weather totally unbearable ? Its our first time visit to Paris and I really dont want to be disappointed. I want to visit the major tourist attractions in Paris and Disneyland ? Will it be closed in December ? Or will they close early in December ? Will it snow to hard ? What kind of winter clothing should we bring ? I need all advice from u Parisians ... Thanks a lot .. I'm looking forward to this trip coz I've heard Paris is a great place & romantic too !!

Answer 1

I found this on the net, Paris is one of the best cities in the world. I am jealous. Good luck.

A Magical Month of Light and Cheer

In December, Paris bursts out of its sleepy autumn quiet and lights up-- literally and figuratively. Trees up and down the Champs-Elysées are strung with garlands of shimmering light, and many other places around the city are decorated in the same festive spirit, including Rue Montorgeuil, Rue Saint Honoré, the Galeries Lafayette department store, or Place Vendome. An ice-skating rink is set up on the plaza outside of Hôtel de Ville (Paris City Hall). Christmas markets spring up all around the city, with their warm wood-roofed booths, vin chaud (hot wine), enchanting decorations and gifts, and gourmet treats. Chanukah celebrations like menorah lightings add to Paris' holiday-season charm. There are also plenty of ways to celebrate a memorable Christmas in Paris.

With all the good cheer, Paris in December is nonetheless fairly relaxed, making the month an ideal time to take advantage of the city's many sights and attractions. Take your time exploring museums, sipping cinnamon-infused hot wine, or attending a special holiday concert. Have a real retreat from the holiday madness back home and try taking Paris in frame by frame, like a painter would.

Because of the seasonal rush and a corresponding spike in fares, travel to Paris in December can be costly-- so make sure to reserve your plane or train tickets well in advance.

The December Thermometer

    * Minimum temperature: 3 degrees C (37.4 degrees F)

    * Maximum temperature: 7 degrees C (44.6 degrees F)

    * Average temperature: 4 degrees C (39.2 degrees F)

    * Average rainfall: 49 millimeters (1.9 inches)

Answer 2

Have no fear. December is a fine time to visit Paris.

Parisian winters are relatively mild with average daily highs of around 45°F. On  average it will snow only two days in the month and overnite lows usually remain above freezing.

Paris is a very compact city with an excellant public transport system so while you may miss some of the pleasure of leisurely strolls thru the city, you need not fear having to make long treks in the cold to see things.

Frankly, I can never understand why anyone who is not traveling with children would waste time on Disneyland but it will be open. anything you need to know is found on their website: http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/

What you wear will be dictated by your own comfort level with colder weather. I have never much felt the need to bundle up in Paris during the winter in the same way that I did during my seven year sojourn in Montreal.

Answer 3

Paris is great and in December it is partcularly romantic with Christmas in the air. For a list of attractions along with a map go to the Tourism link at:

http://www.gostreetmaps.com/paris.html

Answer 4

I went in the summer, so I don't know about the winter weather, but I do know that the winter time is when most of the stores have their dales. It's called "les soldes". Everything is really cheap. Definitely do some shopping!

I don't know why you would want to go to Euro Disney, but I doubt it will be open. Instead, check out Versailles, le Sacre Coeur, Centre Pompidou, and walk around the Latin Quarter instead. Those are authentic Parisian places.

Answer 5

its on the colder side but it probably wont snow. itll actually be nice bc there won't be a lot of tourists there and yes i think its the most romantic city in the world...have fun!

Answer 6

Carry a trenchcoat and sweaters since you are from a mild climate all year long.  Paris is great anytime of the year and they do make it special around Noel season.  Enjoy and don't stress so much.  You will have a wonderful time and if possible go to the Y! Answer's on the French version to get advice. Speak a little french and english and you'll get assistance.  Have a safe and wonderful time a Paris!!

Answer 7

I went to Paris in December, many years ago.  It was, for me, the only time I had, also.  Well, I could have gone at another time, but that was when it worked for me.  Yes, there was a little snow, but I was there for a whole week, and it melted off after a day or so.  It had fallen just before I arrived.  

I'm from Upstate New York originally, and for me, it was nothing.  Much less than I was used to at the time.  Temps in the 30s or so.  I would call it pretty mild.  The sky was cloudy, the whole time, so my photos are all grayish, but most monuments were open all the way.  The only thing I was disappointed about, and I'm still not sure of the reason, but the top part of the Eiffel Tower was closed, and I only got halfway up.  (the 2ème étage is about halfway up in terms of feet).  I would suggest checking into it, as to whether they close it down altogether at a certain date, or just when the weather is windy.

Everything else was normal, and I´m pretty sure, the Disney would be (that wasn't there, yet - though I fail to understand why anyone would go all the way to Europe to do Disney - we have two parks here in the US).  

Bring ordinary winter clothes, I guess.  It sort of depends where you are from in the first place...warm sweaters and jeans will be fine.  A winter coat.  T-necks.  don´t go too overboard, unless you are from a climate that is really warm.  

don´t plan to spend a lot of time at outdoor cafés, because I´m not sure they're even set up, but if they are, you won't be comfortable, plan to huddle together over a romantic cup of coffee inside, instead.

Oh, and the Gardens...the Tuileries, and the Bois de Bologne, stuff like that won't be at its most beautiful, but all the museums should be running normally, the churches, and the buildings will all be as gorgeous as ever.

Answer 8

I was in Paris in late December2006/early January 2007, and it wasn't too terribly cold by my standards.  However, I grew up in Detroit, so I'm more accustomed to the cold than you are likely to be.  I would suggest lots of non-bulky layering pieces.  

It doesn't snow that often in the city, and when it does the snow melts right away, so that shouldn't be too much of a concern for you.  

I don't know about Disney, so you'd need to check their website www.disneylandparis.com.