Climatological averages, historical records, packing tips and best time to visit Paris during December. Météo-France / ECMWF reanalysis 1991-2020.
Reference values based on 1991-2020 Météo-France / ECMWF climatology. Year-to-year variation can be significant.
| Metric | Value | Date |
|---|---|---|
| All-time high | 42.6 °C | July 2019 |
| Heatwave record | 40.4 °C | August 2003 |
| All-time low | -23.9 °C | December 1879 |
| 24h rainfall | 104 mm | September 1873 |
Official records (Météo-France). Secondary stations may have more extreme readings.
In December, Paris typically shows cold and festive with markets on every quartier. The average high temperature is around 8°C and the average low around 3°C, with monthly rainfall of 59 mm spread over roughly 13 rain days and about 49 hours of sunshine. Average relative humidity stands at 87% and wind speed averages 14 km/h.
The local calendar in December is shaped by Champs-Elysees Christmas illuminations, so checking the forecast a few days in advance is worth it before any outdoor activity. Averages give a general picture but extreme events can vary widely: in December, Paris has recorded both unusually warm spells and cold incursions across recent decades.
For a typical stay we recommend thick coat and warm boots. UV protection is sensible on sunny days, even in a mild winter month, and a closed-toe waterproof shoe helps on damp days. For multi-day trips bring thin layers that you can combine through the day.
The first two weeks of December usually offer the best balance in Paris: moderate crowds, friendlier prices and weather that remains representative of the month. Late December starts showing features of the transition to the next month. Use our custom historical lookup to check the actual values for the exact year you plan to travel.
Of the twelve months, December is the 11th warmest in Paris and the wettest. It collects 76 mm, 10 % of the whole year’s rain, spread over 13.6 days with appreciable precipitation. The warmest month is August.
Among the 10 international cities with an ERA5-Land series on this site, in December Paris is the 6th warmest, with a mean maximum of 7.4 °C, and the 5th wettest. The wettest of them that month is Rome, with 108 mm against Paris’s 76 mm.
ERA5-Land reanalysis from the Copernicus Climate Data Store (CC-BY licence), 30 complete years, 1995 to 2024. AEMET publishes normals for Spanish stations only, so the figures for Paris come from the global series. Sources and methodology → · Forecast for Paris →
