Last updated: February 26, 2025
December in Paris, France offers a charming yet crisp experience, with average temperatures hovering around 6°C (43°F). Visitors can expect maximum highs of 15°C (60°F) and the occasional chill, dipping to -4°C (26°F) at night. This month sees about 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation, spread across 17 days, making it one of the wetter periods of the year. With humidity levels soaring at 93%, the atmosphere can feel quite damp, but this only adds to the enchanting ambiance of the City of Lights, especially as the holiday season wraps the streets in festive cheer.
In December, Paris experiences a noticeable drop in temperatures as winter settles in. The minimum temperature hovers around -4°C (26°F), while the average temperature reaches just 6°C (43°F), and the maximum rarely exceeds 15°C (60°F). This month marks a transition from the mild autumn of November, where temperatures are slightly warmer, to the chill of deeper winter. As the holiday season approaches, the crisp air adds a magical touch to the city, making evenings spent under the twinkling lights of the Champs-Élysées all the more enchanting. Visitors should be prepared for chilly days, but the warmth of Parisian charm is sure to keep spirits high.
In December, Paris experiences a notable surge in precipitation, with an average of 102 mm (4.0 in) of rainfall spread over about 17 days. This marks a significant increase from the previous months, often signaling the onset of winter's damp embrace. The month outpaces November's 65 mm, illustrating a trend toward wetter conditions as the year concludes. With nearly half the month receiving rain, Parisians can expect a gray sky more often than not, adding to the city’s atmospheric charm but also demanding an umbrella at the ready. This pattern underscores the shift from the milder autumn rains to a more persistent winter precipitation, setting the stage for the cozy indoor experiences that the season inspires.
In December, Paris greets winter with a humidity level of 93%, a peak for the year that mirrors the rising moisture seen in the preceding months. The trend reflects a gradual increase from November's already high humidity of 92%, hinting at the damp chill that settles over the city as it approaches the new year. This late-year surge contrasts sharply with the lower summer months, where humidity dipped to 68% in August. As the seasons shift, the atmosphere thickens, creating a cozy, albeit wet, ambiance that is characteristic of the Parisian winter, reminding residents and visitors alike of the city's enchanting, albeit humid, charm.
As the year draws to a close, December in Paris presents a notably low UV Index of 1, placing it in the low exposure category with a generous burn time of 45 minutes. This trend reflects a gradual decline in UV levels from the peaks experienced during the summer months, where values soared to 8 and 9. With the onset of colder weather in late autumn and winter, residents can enjoy the outdoors with minimal concern for sunburn. Overall, December's UVI reinforces a seasonal pattern where the colder months not only bring shorter days but also safer sun exposure, making this a perfect time to explore the city. For more information, check out the detailed UV data here: Paris UV Index.
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December in Paris brings a cozy charm as daylight hours gradually diminish, with the city receiving 158 hours of sunshine. This decline marks a transient retreat from the sun-soaked months of June and July, which bask in over 400 hours of radiant light. As winter settles in, daylight is less abundant, following the trends established earlier in the year, where each month blossomed with increasing sunlight from January's 127 hours up to July's peak. However, the holiday season infuses the city with a unique vibrancy, as festive decorations glimmer against the softer winter sunlight, offering Parisians and visitors alike a magical experience amidst the shorter days.
In December, Paris experiences a modest 25% chance of sunny weather, slightly lower than November's 24% but still reflecting the trend of waning sunlight as the year comes to an end. As we look back through the months, it becomes evident that the earlier parts of the year offer significantly brighter prospects, with a sharp increase in sunshine peaking in April at 57%. After that, the likelihood of sunny days takes a gradual dip, with the colder months like November and December showcasing the least potential for sunny skies. While December might not be the sunniest time to visit the City of Light, it still offers a unique charm, where each glimmer of sunlight enhances the festive spirit of the holiday season.
As the final month of the year, December in Paris closes the cycle of daylight hours, mirroring the shortest days of winter. With only 8 hours of daylight, the sun rises reluctantly, casting a gentle glow over the city. This trend of dwindling daylight is notable when viewed alongside the gradual increase seen from January to May, where hours of sunshine peak at a vibrant 15 hours in May. Following the summer's bright embrace, daylight begins to wane, descending from 16 hours in June to a mere 9 hours in November. Hence, December culminates this gradual descent into shorter days, reminding Parisians to seek warmth and light within their festive celebrations, even as daylight remains scarce.
As December settles over Paris, the wind picks up to an average speed of 3.9 m/s (9 mph), mirroring the calm yet crisp breezes experienced earlier in the year. Interestingly, this month sees a return to wind speeds reminiscent of the winter months of January and March, suggesting a steady consistency in the city's winter climate. While June blessed the city with its gentlest winds at just 2.6 m/s (6 mph), December strikes a balance that invites Parisians and visitors alike to embrace the festive atmosphere, wrapped snugly in their jackets and scarves. The slight resurgence in wind speed reflects a shift from the milder conditions of late autumn, creating a vibrant backdrop for the enchanting holiday lights that illuminate the streets. Thus, December's winds, while moderate, carry with them the promise of winter's charm throughout the City of Light.
The weather in Paris changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of December's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Paris and find detailed weather information for every month.
December weather tends to be milder than January, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F), while January sees a slightly colder range with minimums dipping to -8°C (18°F) and maximums reaching 14°C (58°F). Additionally, December experiences more precipitation, with 102 mm (4.0 in) falling over 17 days compared to January's 57 mm (2.2 in) over 10 days. Despite both months having high humidity levels, December is a little more humid at 93%, while January has a relative humidity of 91%. For more details, you can check Paris weather in January.
In December, temperatures typically range from a chilly minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a mild maximum of 15°C (60°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month experiences substantial precipitation, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 93%. In contrast, February sees slightly lower minimum temperatures at -8°C (17°F), but it can warm up to a maximum of 20°C (68°F), maintaining the same average of 6°C (43°F) as December. Precipitation in February decreases to 67 mm (2.6 in) over 13 days, and humidity also drops slightly to 89%. For a detailed look at February's climate, you can visit Paris weather in February.
December weather is typically colder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to a maximum of 15°C (60°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F). It also experiences higher humidity levels at 93%, accompanied by significant precipitation of 102 mm (4.0 in) over about 17 days. In contrast, March marks the transition into spring, where temperatures can drop to -9°C (17°F) and peak at 24°C (75°F), with an average of 8°C (47°F). Although it remains humid at 85%, March sees a decrease in precipitation to 74 mm (2.9 in) over 14 days. For more detailed insights, you can check out Paris weather in March.
In comparing December and April weather, December tends to have colder temperatures, ranging from a minimum of -4°C (26°F) to an average of 6°C (43°F), with a maximum of 15°C (60°F). This month also experiences more precipitation, totaling 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days, and a higher humidity level at 93%. In contrast, April presents a milder climate with temperatures fluctuating between a minimum of -3°C (27°F) and an average of 11°C (52°F), reaching a maximum of 28°C (82°F). The precipitation in April is significantly lower at 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 6 days, accompanied by reduced humidity at 84%. For more details, visit Paris weather in April.
December and May present contrasting weather experiences. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -4°C (26°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and a maximum of 15°C (60°F). The month features high humidity at 93% and sees around 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 17 days, contributing to a chilly and damp atmosphere. In stark contrast, May boasts milder temperatures, starting from a minimum of 0°C (33°F) and reaching an average of 14°C (58°F), with highs soaring to 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is lower at 75 mm (3.0 in), occurring over just 13 days, and the humidity is more comfortable at 82%. For more details on the delightful weather in May, check out Paris weather in May.
December and June offer contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures can drop as low as -4°C (26°F), with an average of 6°C (43°F) and highs reaching 15°C (60°F). The month is quite wet, receiving 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation over 17 days, accompanied by high humidity levels of 93%. In stark contrast, June showcases a much warmer climate, with minimum temperatures around 7°C (44°F) and averages of 19°C (66°F), peaking at a sweltering 36°C (97°F). This month sees less rainfall, totaling 74 mm (2.9 in) spread across 12 days, and a lower humidity of 80%. For more information, check out Paris weather in June.
December and July present contrasting weather conditions. In December, temperatures range from a chilly -4°C (26°F) to a mild 15°C (60°F), with an average temperature of 6°C (43°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 93% and significant precipitation, averaging 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days. In stark contrast, July boasts much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 8°C (46°F), an average of 20°C (69°F), and a maximum reaching a sweltering 41°C (106°F). Rainfall is notably lighter in July, totaling just 51 mm (2.0 in) across 8 days, accompanied by lower humidity at 73%. For more detailed insights on the typical July weather, visit Paris weather in July.
December and August offer stark contrasts in weather conditions. December experiences chilly temperatures, with a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and an average of 6°C (43°F), peaking at a mild 15°C (60°F). It's a damp month, with 102 mm (4.0 in) of precipitation spread over 17 days, contributing to a high humidity of 93%. In contrast, August boasts a warm climate with minimum temperatures of 7°C (44°F) and averages soaring to 20°C (68°F), reaching highs of 37°C (99°F). It sees less rain, with only 60 mm (2.3 in) over 10 days and a more comfortable humidity level of 68%. For more details, you can check out Paris weather in August.
In comparing the weather between December and September, it's clear that the two months present significantly different climates. December is notably colder, with nighttime temperatures dropping as low as -4°C (26°F) and an average high of just 15°C (60°F), while September enjoys much milder conditions, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F). Additionally, December experiences higher levels of precipitation, recording 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days compared to September's 49 mm (1.9 in) over just 8 days, resulting in a humidity level that peaks at 93% in December versus 76% in September. For more information on the weather specifics in September, you can visit Paris weather in September.
In December, the weather takes a noticeable turn, with average temperatures dipping to a minimum of -4°C (26°F) and peaking at 15°C (60°F), compared to the warmer October, which has temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (35°F) to a maximum of 26°C (79°F). While both months see a decent amount of precipitation, December experiences more rainfall with 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days, versus October's 79 mm (3.1 in) spread across 13 days. Humidity levels are higher in December at 93%, compared to October's 88%, indicating a more damp and chilly environment as winter approaches. For more information on October's weather, you can visit Paris weather in October.
In comparing the weather of December and November, we see that both months experience similar minimum temperatures, each dipping to a chilly -4°C (26°F). However, November tends to be slightly warmer overall, with an average temperature of 8°C (46°F) compared to December's average of 6°C (43°F). The maximum temperature in November also outstrips that of December, reaching 19°C (67°F) against December's peak of 15°C (60°F). Precipitation is notably higher in December, with 102 mm (4.0 in) over 17 days, while November sees 65 mm (2.6 in) spread over just 12 days. Humidity remains fairly consistent, with November at 92% and December slightly higher at 93%. For a more detailed look at November's weather patterns, you can check out Paris weather in November.
As December unfolds in Paris, the city embraces a chilly transformation compared to the milder months preceding it. The average temperature dips noticeably, hovering around 6°C (43°F), with nighttime lows sometimes plunging to -4°C (26°F). The atmosphere turns quite moist, with humidity levels soaring to 93% and precipitation gracing the city on more than half the days of the month. This time of year, visitors can expect a distinctly festive yet brisk ambiance as Paris twinkles under holiday lights amidst cool, damp weather. For a deeper dive into what to anticipate throughout the seasons, check out Paris Climate.