Paris in the Winter

I was in Paris for 5 days in February. It was cool, crisp, and needed a coat, gloves and scarf. One evening it rained, bone chillling cold too which was miserable since it was hard to get taxis. I learned to book a hotel close to a metro stop. I remember the daffodils blooming and small lines at all the tourist sites. Not as many beggars and tourist tricks. Did not go to Versailles that trip, it may have been cold walking from the train station to the palace.
Would I go if the price was right? Absolutely

You'll have bunches of days that it's going to get below freezing in the night and it's never going to get above fifty during the day. I've seen flurries, but no real snow. The humidty stinks and there's always a breeze out of the north. Wandering around is out. It's more like dashing from place to place. Some of the cafes have those outdoor heater deals, but there's not enough to cover every table. If you like damp, chilly overcast it's just the place to be.

I've been there in December, and properly dressed, I wasn't cold at all. I believe winter average highs are in the 40s. Not toasty, but manageable. Paris usually doesn't see too much snow accumulation. Overall, I prefer European cities in the colder months versus the summer. The tourist sites aren't nearly as crowded (with the exception of the Christmas holiday break), it's easier to dress a little nicer (don't have to worry about sweating), the professional symphonies and operas are in season, and if you're there during the holiday season, the decorations are a wonderful exercise in tasteful restraint- no giant inflatable snow globes or plastic light-up Santas...

Jerry Also, remember the days are shorter and often grey but as others have said, not at all the cold / snow of NE US, for example. Just consider, most US travellers are not used to being outside walking all day and everyday like you will be in Paris/Europe. This is the key factor; so make sure you think through this carefully. Stay close to the Metro, dress warmly, plan museum days for the very cold/rainy days, and try the outdoor cafe near the heater, sheltered in the corner.
I am not a winter travel person, but others are and love the cheap flights and hotels and much fewer crowds. Bobbie

I love museums and I love Impressionist art, so I'm in hog heaven in Paris. Even so, much of the joy of being there is in walking outdoors. I have been to places (not Paris) when it was pretty cold and it was worth the trade-off (cold vs crowds of tourists). What's your tolerance for cold? When it's windy, a light windbreaker or rain jacket under your coat will keep you quite warm. So will chemical handwarmers in your pockets. Hat and scarf are probably musts, but you won't be the only one so dressed, I'm sure.

I have been to Paris various times of the year, including late February. I enjoy city trips during the winter due to reduced fees and fewer crowds. I recommend that you think about how you envision your trip. If you want to stroll along the river and things of that nature, winter may not the best time for your trip. If you plan to spend a lot of time in museums and other indoor attractions, then winter is perfect. And if you are dressed appropriately, walking about outside isn't going to hurt you. I have some fond romantic memories of stolling with my husband, gloved hand in gloved hand, down cold, cold city streets, culminating in a stop at a cafe for coffee or chocolate.

I have not been in Paris in February, but during a week from Xmas Day to New Year's, it poured rain one day, had light snow one day, had bright sunshine and temps in the 60s one day, had bitter cold and biting winds one day, and grey with occasional sun the rest of the time. Plus, the Parisians like to keep their buildings quite warm, so plan to dress in layers, as you will be constantly adding and subtracting. Have something like a waterproof parka with hood and some water-resistant shoes for rainy days. If you have the right clothing, you will have no trouble whatsoever.

Merci to you all for your advice. I am not afraid of cold weather. In fact, in Texas where we have been suffering with 100+ degree weather since last May, I would trade this for freezing weather any day. Winter in Paris sounds very inviting right now. Maybe it will also feel that way in January when the low fares begin to be advertised. Sometimes there are even packages with airfare and hotel advertised so I may look for those. I enjoy the museums and other indoor activities too so that may be a great excursion.

It depends--just like here. We were in Paris at Christmas time last year and it was COLD! And we just missed the huge snow storm when we went to Provence--lots of trains were cancelled, etc. Not so much snow in Paris, but it still had a large impact. That said, there were some real advantages. Because everyone was shopping, the sights were nearly empty. I actually spent 45 minutes alone in the Orangerie : Louvre was not busy. Notre Dame was nearly deserted, which is the first time (of many) that it has really felt like a church to me. Cafes are now smoke free, so you can sit inside. But my favorite thing about Paris is sitting in cafes watching the people.

You've already received a lot of good information, but I do want to make sure you understand that while it doesn't snow much in Paris, it doesn't take much snow to paralyze the city. There was one snowfall this past winter and it caused all buses to stop running, the freeways became parking lots (people literally slept overnight in their cars) and everything came griding (er, slipping I guess) to a halt, including some trains. So, riding the metro in central Paris is totally doable, but taking a day trip to Versailles is risky if there's any chance of snow. I happen to love Paris at Christmas time, but once Christmas decorations are down, I'm not keen on going during Jan & Feb. While degree wise it isn't very low, it seems to often be a damp, windy cold that can really chill. There isn't much daylight that time of year, which can be a problem if you have really bad SAD like I do. I'm not saying you shouldn't go, just be prepared.