Weather in France in December

Offering everything from sparkling Christmas markets, to world-class skiing and winter sports, December can be a terrific time to visit France. A word of warning, though, you’ll need to come prepared for cold weather and rain. Read on for detail on the weather in France in December, along with info on festive festivals and events, and inspirational itinerary ideas.

France in December at a glance

• Average low temperatures range: 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C); average high: 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).
• Colder temperatures, increased rainfall and the chance of snow invite city sightseeing and winter sports.
• Sitting in low season, December can be a quieter time to visit, thought expect a spike at Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in France in December?

The weather in France in December is rather chilly, with snow in some regions, and short daylight hours. 

The weather varies significantly by region, with southern France being milder, and northern and alpine regions experiencing colder conditions.

When it comes to rain, note that December is one of the wettest months of the year, especially in northern and western regions — where rainfall can exceed 3.5 inches (90 mm) — and in higher elevations.

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

Average daily temperatures in December

When it comes to temperatures, the weather in France in December sees average lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C), while average highs typically range from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

Regional variations are as follows:

Paris and Northern France

• Highs: 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)
• Lows: 34°F to 38°F (1°C to 3°C)

If you are interested in exploring the north of France in depth use our Northern France itinerary.

Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur)

• Highs: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)

Western France (Bordeaux, Loire Valley)

• Highs: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)
• Lows: 35°F to 40°F (2°C to 5°C)

Eastern France (Lyon, Alsace)

• Highs: 38°F to 44°F (3°C to 7°C)
• Lows: 30°F to 35°F (-1°C to 2°C)

French Alps and Pyrenees

• Highs: 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 4°C)
• Lows: 20°F to 30°F (-6°C to -1°C)

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

Is December a good time to visit France?

Like we said at the start, December can be a wonderful time to visit France. At this time of year, the entire country becomes all the more enchanting as Christmas markets sprinkle squares and parks with the magic of festive lights and events.

Winter also brings excellent opportunities to ski in France’s awe-inspiring alpine regions, and to enjoy the cultural aspects of the country’s best things to see and do, including dining in cosy bistros.

And, given that December sits in a low season for tourism, top attractions like museums and galleries will be less crowded than they are in the preceding months.

On balance, December is a great time to visit France if you’re hoping to explore cultural attractions and enjoy fine food and wine while soaking up seasonal magic, or if you’re into winter sports.

If that’s top of your travel plans, read up on where to go skiing in France.

Not set on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in December, and discover the world’s most beautiful winter destinations.

Want something warmer? Find out where to head for winter sun. 

What about the crowds and cost?

While December is part of the low season in terms of general tourism — meaning major attractions and cities like Paris will be less crowded than during the summer — the holiday season sees a spike in visitor numbers, especially around Christmas and New Year.

Unsurprisingly, this spike is most pronounced in towns and cities that host major Christmas markets (more on them below), and ski resorts.

As a result, costs vary greatly throughout the month, with early December tending to offer lower prices for accommodation and flights. Then, as the Christmas and New Year holidays approach, prices rise sharply.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in December

Read on to find out about a few festivals and events you could experience in France in December.

Christmas markets

If you’re visiting France in December for seasonal magic, you might want to make a beeline for Strasbourg, Colmar, other towns in the Alsace , plus Paris and Lyon. All these cities serve as the stage for the country’s best Christmas markets.

Expect stalls selling local crafts, mulled wine, and seasonal treats beneath sparkling lights.

Fête des Lumières, Lyon 

Celebrated in early December, Lyon’s Festival of Lights sees Lyon — the city that has it all — transformed the city into a magical wonderland, with spectacular light installations illuminating buildings, streets and public spaces.

New Year's Eve (Saint-Sylvestre)

New Year's Eve is celebrated in grand style throughout France, especially in cities like Paris, which hosts huge fireworks displays, street parties on the Champs-Élysées, and festive feasts in restaurants.

Planning a trip to France? Our 7-day Southern France itinerary might be just what you’re looking for.

Plan your trip with our France itineraries

Our France itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

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• France itinerary: 7 days in south of France: This is the itinerary for you if you want to spend a week under the Mediterranean sun, with wine and scenery.
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