Mornings sit near the overnight low around 3°C with clear, cooler light — best for outdoor photos before crowds build.
France Weather in December
Everything you need to know about France weather in December
Updated September 10, 2026
France · France
France Weather in December
December in France is cool, crisp and quietly atmospheric. Expect daytime highs around 10°C (50°F), nights near 3°C, shifting seasonal light, and the city at its most magical and most crowded Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
- Avg high / low
- 10°C / 3°C
- 50F / 37F
- Precipitation
- 80mm
- 10 wet days
- Daylight
- 9.3 hrs
- shortest of the year
France average temperatures through the year
DecemberRest of the year
9°
10°
13°
16°
20°
23°
25°
25°
22°
17°
12°
10°
JAN
10 wet
FEB
9 wet
MAR
9 wet
APR
8 wet
MAY
8 wet
JUN
8 wet
JUL
7 wet
AUG
7 wet
SEP
7 wet
OCT
9 wet
NOV
10 wet
DEC
10 wet
Daytime highs in Celsius with wet days per month for France. December sits at 10°C with 10 wet days.
The short answer
December falls in France's winter. Daytime highs average 10°C (50°F) with nights near 3°C (37°F). Precipitation totals about 80mm across roughly 10 wet days. Settling snow is uncommon. Visiting works with flexible outdoor plans and a packing buffer Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
December climate in France
Monthly averages for France, France.
- Day high
- 10°C
- 50°F
- Night low
- 3°C
- 37°F
- Precipitation
- 80mm
- 3.1 in
- Wet days
- 10
- rain or drizzle
- Sunrise
- 7:21am
- mid-December
- Sunset
- 4:39pm
- earliest of the year
- Daylight
- 9.3 hrs
- 2 hrs sunshine
Averages based on long-run monthly climate normals. Last updated September 10, 2026.
Real weeks swing around the 7°C mean. Early December often sits near 11°C while the final week lands closer to 9°C. Pack a spare layer for that 3° drift rather than dressing only for the monthly average Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Rain and drizzle usually arrive in pulses across the 10 wet days. Dry stretches between systems feel clearer and colder overnight. Use those gaps for outdoor sightseeing and keep indoor backups for the wetter clusters Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
What is the average temperature in France in December?
The average temperature in France in December is around 7°C (45°F), combining daytime highs of 10°C (50°F) with night lows of 3°C (37°F). The month cools steadily: the first days average highs near 11°C, while the final week typically tops out around 9°C with nights of 2°C.
Average daily high and low through December. The month cools by roughly 3 degrees start to finish.
How much does it rain in France in December?
France gets around 80mm (3.1in) of precipitation in December, spread over roughly 10 wet days. Wet spells typically last a day or two and clear to drier stretches in between Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
80
72
72
64
64
64
56
56
56
72
80
80
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average precipitation by month in millimetres. December's 80mm sits near the annual rhythm.
Average precipitation by hour of day in France
December precipitation in France falls fairly evenly around the clock, with a mild overnight and early-morning peak. There is no predictable afternoon-downpour pattern — check the day's forecast rather than timing outings by the clock Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
12am6am12pm6pm12am
Relative share of December precipitation by hour of day. The distribution is fairly flat, with a mild overnight peak.
When is sunrise and sunset in France in December?
December daylight in France averages about 9.3 hours, shortest of the year. Sunrise drifts from 7:21am to 7:37am across the month, while sunset holds near 4:39pm before edging toward 4:49pm. Plan outdoor sightseeing in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Sunrise and sunset through December. The shaded band is daylight, at its annual minimum around the solstice.
How humid is France in December?
Relative humidity in France in December averages around 85 percent. At 10°C that reads damper than the thermometer suggests. Temperature and wind still drive packing more than humidity alone Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
85
82
78
72
70
68
65
66
70
78
82
85
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
NOV
DEC
Average relative humidity by month. December sits near 85%.
What is the weather like in France the rest of the year?
France moves from cooler months near 9°C highs through a warmer peak near 25°C. The best-weather stretch usually aligns with April and May. December sits in the winter arc with 10°C highs Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Average high (coral) and low (navy) by month. The shaded band is the typical daily range; DEC is marked.
Is December a good time to visit France?
Depends — weather works with flexible plans. Here is the honest trade-off.
OverallSolid with flexible plans
WeatherCool and clear
CrowdsHigh
PricesHigh
Budget (per night)$220 to $350
Book ahead6 to 8 weeks
December in France is defined by festive lights season and 10°C days. Stays often land in the $220–$350 range with high season demand. The smartest move is to book about 6–8 weeks ahead and keep outdoor blocks in the brighter midday window Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Pros
- 10°C highs suit festive days in France
- 2h average sunshine for daytime plans
- High crowds shape the December pace
- High season rates for stays and flights
Cons
- 10 wet days can pause outdoor sightseeing
- Humidity at 85% can feel heavier than the air temp
- Hotel rates climb fast mid-month
- Daylight near 9.3 hrs shortens evening walks
Travelling to France in December?
Book lodgings about 6–8 weeks ahead, then visit the busiest central sights right at opening on a weekday to skip the mid-afternoon crush first-timers always hit Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues. Compare months on our Best Time to Visit France guide.
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What December actually feels like
December is France's winter in lived terms: festive lights season. Most days feel cold, dry and often clear, with damper grey stretches arriving in bursts rather than settling in for the whole month Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
The underestimated variable is short daylight. It truncates outdoor evenings and pushes dinner earlier. Build one indoor spare block every day Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Early December often starts near 11°C while the final week trends toward 9°C. That 3° drift is enough to change coat weight mid-trip. Recheck the forecast before packing day seven Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Afternoons reach 10–11°C before an early sunset near the 9.3-hour daylight limit — plan open-air stops then.
Evenings cool quickly toward 3°C; shift to indoor dining and illuminated streets once the light drops.
December in France, week by week
Crowds and prices move more than the thermometer.
December 1–7
11°C (52°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Quieter weekday exploring
December 8–14
11°C (52°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- High season
- Best for
- Balanced weather window
December 15–21
10°C (50°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Festive peak atmosphere
December 22–31
9°C (48°F)- Crowds
- High
- Prices
- Peak season
- Best for
- Late-month flexible plans
Temperatures are France monthly averages split across each window. Individual years vary by several degrees.
France events in December
The fixtures worth timing your trip around, and how they move the crowds.
Through December
DEC
Festive / winter peak in France
Festive / winter peak reshapes costs and crowds for visitors.
Timing note
Exact dates shift each year. Check dates for your travel year, or let Holi-AI sequence them into your plan automatically.
What to pack and wear for France in December
Warm layers beat fashion statements
Pack for France in December around the 10°C / 3°C swing. The governing rule is trap heat early and stay dry. The one item worth buying before you fly is waterproof insulated boots Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Essential
- Insulated coat
- Waterproof boots
- Warm beanie
- Thermal base layer
Smart additions
- Packable rain shell
- Quick-dry trousers
- Zip pouch for maps
- Thin gloves
Leave behind
- Open-toe shoes
- Linen-only outfits
- Heavy formal coats
Top places to visit in France in December
Month icons plus warm indoor backups
City centre · Free
France landmark walk
Go early on weekdays for quieter photos and softer light.
Add to your planWaterfront · Free
Harbour or river promenade
Best in midday sun when winds ease Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMuseum quarter · Paid
Flagship museum morning
Weekday openings beat weekend queues and wet-day backups.
Add to your planOld town · Free
Historic streets loop
Late morning light helps cold stone feel less harsh.
Add to your planPark · Free
Central green escape
Shade and benches make longer walks realistic Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planCovered market · Free
Indoor food hall backup
Ideal when wet days interrupt outdoor plans Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
Top places to stay in December
Base near the sights that matter in December
Best overall
Central core
Walkable to main sights with easier 9.3-hour daylight logistics Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Best value
One transit stop out
Lower rates than the core while staying close for high evenings.
Local feel
Neighbourhood streets
Quieter nights and easier restaurant bookings than the busiest tourist blocks.
Top restaurants to visit in December
Warm rooms and cold-weather classics
Downtown · Classic
France lunch counter
Hearty midday stop when outdoor plans run short on daylight.
Add to your planOld town · Cosy
Neighbourhood bistro
Low light and early dinners match short sunset windows Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planMarket · Casual
Covered market stalls
Fast warm food without a reservation on wet afternoons Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planRiverside · Scenic
Waterfront cafe
Daylight seating works best before the evening chill Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planArts district · Modern
Gallery-side kitchen
Pairs well with museum days when weather turns Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your planResidential · Local
Corner noodle or soup spot
Simple, hot bowls that suit cold or humid evenings Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Add to your plan
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France weather by month
How December compares. Every month links to its full weather guide.
| Month | Avg high | Wet days | Crowds | Cost | Overall | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C (48°F) | 10 | Low | Budget | Okay | Cold, rainy, few tourists |
| February | 10°C (50°F) | 9 | Low | Budget | Okay | Still chilly |
| March | 13°C (55°F) | 9 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Spring arriving slowly |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 8 | High | High | Great | Mild and pleasant |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 8 | High | High | Great | Warm spring days |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 8 | High | Peak | Great | Long summer days |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 7 | Very High | Peak | Great | Peak tourist season |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 7 | High | High | Okay | Warm, occasional rain |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 7 | High | High | Great | Pleasant autumn |
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 9 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Cooler and rainier |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 10 | Medium | Mid | Okay | Grey but atmospheric |
| December | 10°C (50°F) | 10 | High | High | Okay | Festive — this guide |
Temperatures shown as France monthly averages.
December vs November: December averages 7°C versus 9°C in November — a 2°C cooldown. Crowds shift from Medium to High while pricing moves into high season. Pick December if you want festive lights season Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
December vs January: January trends to 6°C, 1°C cooler than December. Expect low crowds and budget season rates. Pick January if you prefer cold, rainy, few tourists Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
Want December sun instead?
Need more sun than France offers in December?
- 10°C
Paris in December
A change of scene with comparable December weather. France vs Paris →
- 16°C
Nice in December
Milder highs near 16°C and easier outdoor days. France vs Nice →
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France in December FAQ
Everything you need to know about France weather in December
Daytime highs average 10°C (50°F) and nights fall near 3°C (37°F). The monthly mean sits around 7°C. Expect a 3° swing from early to late December Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues Check the full climate tables below for monthly averages and packing cues.
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Atualizado em September 10, 2026