I am going to Paris in early Dec '08 what is the weather like then?

On average, slightly warmer.

We have spent the first week of December in Paris a couple of times. Mornings were cold but usually above freezing and then the day would "warm" up, so to speak. I did not take with me my usual Montreal winter coat, but did the layering thing and it was fine. Paris is just beginning to look Christmassy then and is especially beautiful.

One item I usually like to remind people about this time of year is the minimal sun. The sunrise is usually around 08h30 and sunset around 16h30 - thus the day will feel short. If there are clouds you may find that you have a hard time getting up because suddenly it 11h00 and you thought it was still 07h00.

Layers will be key. Bring a wool sweater - it helps cut down on the humidity and cold.

I'd say the weather was comparable to NY, but a bit warmer. It's cold, wet, and overcast, and the daylight hours are short - but I loved it because a lot of the tourists were gone! And there are ice skating rinks set up at several places around the city. I like the huge one in front of the Hotel de Ville, especially at night!

Always love the weather question --- Da !! it has no answer. Was in Paris second week of Dec three years ago, it was cool and damp. In the 40s/50s, completely overcast, and light rains most days for about an hour late PM. And for you it could be sunny every day. Be prepared for rain and sun and maybe a little snow.

As Frank says, and with darkness followed by dawn.

Avg is mid to high 30's at night, low to mid 40's during the day; some rain on about half the days; this is the average weather data from weather.com