Are you looking for Parisian outfit ideas? Need suggestions on a perfect packing list? Then this guide will help you decide what to wear in Paris in winter and a detailed packing checklist for your trip.
Paris is a beautiful city to explore any time of the year. But in the winter, it’s even a magical experience to see its timeless beauty flow in motion.
If you’re planning to visit Paris in winter, you’ve already made a great choice! It’s a delightful season to tour iconic landmarks, famous Christmas markets, boutique stores, and fashionable shopping streets. Yes, it’s cold and windy – but don’t let that scare you off from the experience you will have during the winter season.
There are many reasons why you need to visit Paris in winter.
Winter brings a different perspective of the charming Paris we know of, from low hotel rates and cheap airlines to avoiding huge crowds at attractions!
But as you plan to have a perfect trip to Paris, you’ll want to ensure that you only pack essential items. And exactly what this guide is all about!
Below, you will find details on what to wear in Paris in winter and a complete packing checklist. This will help you note the things to pack, clothes to wear, and how to look chic and fashionable in Paris.
What is the Weather Like in Paris in Winter
Before deciding on what to wear in Paris, it’s essential to know the weather conditions. This will give you a brief understanding of what to expect when traveling to Paris during the winter months.
To sum up the weather in Paris – it’s cold, windy, and quite rainy. Generally, winter in Paris starts from late November through early March, and it is known to have gloomy, dark weather throughout. With random showers throughout the day, it’s better to keep track of the weather before traveling anywhere.
Paris’s winter isn’t as cold as you might think. With temperatures ranging from 7°C (44°F) to lows of 3°C (37°F), the weather is still pretty average. However, it still doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be prepared. Occasionally, the winters in Paris can be harsh and can vary the moment you step out to explore.
Hence, I recommend you always check for the weather forecast, and it is as vital as planning other stages of your travel. Once you know the weather for a particular day, focus on the clothing attire you’ll be wearing, which can easily complement your travel suitcase.
Though snow in Paris is very unlikely, you still can’t be sure of the weather pattern. It varies a lot – some months having no snow, while others, piling up anything. It was only back in 2010 when Paris faced 14 snowstorms in December. But, since then, the weather convention has wholly changed.
Note: If it snows in Paris, some sites or attractions might close. You might want to check this in advance to plan an alternative for your daily schedule.
When it comes to packing for Paris, it’s better to be prepared for worse. It’s okay to carry a few extra pairs of clothes, just to be overprepared for your Paris trip. Otherwise, you’ll have to spend most of your time impulsively buying things to accommodate your clothing needs.
And since there’s so much to explore in Paris, you instead spend quality time visiting its attractions than shopping for perfect attires.
What Do People Wear in France: Paris Winter Outfits
Paris is a fashionable city, and the locals have a real sense of fashion when choosing the perfect attire. The typical French-looking outfit never goes out of style to mark its presence, be it any occasion or event, and it’s sharp, simple, and distinct.
The motto for women in Paris is ‘Less is More. They only wear attires that make them look versatile without adding extra layers. For Parisians, comfort is more important than following a particular trend. They want to look good in clothes that flatter them and make them look confident. The dress or combination of clothing they wear is effortless, and it’s like throwing an outfit onto a bed and just wearing them to go off for an event. But, in reality, they do spend minimal time curating their wardrobe to match their needs.
Parisians make a genuine effort to look chic and straightforward. They admire casual and easy looks, giving their outfits an aesthetic look. They take their approach to fashion vividly, to combine a signature look of their own. Hence, when you visit Paris – you’ll often find people wearing attires with a pleasing palette of colors. It’s not bold enough to make you stare but rather elegant to appreciate it.
When you look at a French wardrobe, there’s nothing fancy to be bemused. They generally contain basic clothing apparel with mixed fetching colors. Most locals in Paris will wear outfits that you may already have in your wardrobe.
Parisians don’t go on to buy tons of different items to remain fashionable. Instead of trying out other trends, they re-imagine or re-style their wardrobe materials. With their immense sense of creativity, they might ace a perfect Parisian look with an essential mix of garments. They always re-wear and style to remain looking modifiable in their outdoor travels.
And if you want to know what these “basic garments” are that give a typical Parisian look, then here’s a shortlist –
- Stripped T-shirt/ White Tee
- Perfect pair of blue jeans
- Classic Trench Coat
- Ballet Flats
- Tailored Blazer
- Black Dress
- A perfect side bag
Recommended: The Ultimate Guide to Parisian Style
What to Wear in Paris in Winter: Outfit Ideas
Best Winter Coats
Winter coats are like a protective shell guarding your body while exploring Paris in winter. It’s one of the essential packing items to go in your bag and all the other accessories. When you decide on selecting a coat for yourself, get something fashionable that will look chic in Paris. I would suggest going for this classic winter-styled coat or this fleece-lined jacket for your winter wear.
No matter which one you select, ensure that you get a coat that will keep you warm during the long nights in Paris.
Warm Sweaters
In terms of tops, I like to wear classic yet straightforward warm sweaters that can keep me warm. Well, in markets, there are so many types of sweaters to choose from that it’s tough to select the right one.
I highly recommend buying travel-friendly fabric sweaters such as cashmere or merino wool for a Paris trip. Other cotton materials can keep you warm, but the ones mentioned are lightweight and super convenient for a long duration. Usually, these sweaters are a little pricey, but it’s a long-term investment if you’re planning to get one.
I’ve had a few merino wool sweaters, which surprisingly lasted longer than I thought. So, it’s worth stocking up a few during seasonal sales.
Waterproof Rain Jacket
I would recommend a waterproof rain jacket over any regular winter coat to wear in Paris in winter, and it’s an absolute must-wear essential in Paris.
You would usually find locals in Paris wearing regular coats like these, but they aren’t going places for sightseeing like you’re going to do on your trip. Some of the landmarks in Paris have long-standing queues making you wait for hours and hours. I stood in a line to get inside the Louvre Museum, and it almost took me 45-minutes. And sadly, it was raining cats and dogs that late evening. But thanks to my waterproof jacket that kept me warm during the waiting period.
I’ve used many jackets before, but I recommend these options for a convenient fashion look. If the price is tinkering with you, you can lower your budget for non-branded jackets. Nonetheless, keeping yourself warm matters more than looking subtle.
Shoes to Wear in Paris Winter
There will be a lot of walking during your exploration of Paris, so you’d want to ensure that you get the best pair of shoes to wear. Even if it’s not leather boots (waterproof ones), you can go for something casual and sleek-looking wear. If your trip involves walking tours, heels may not be an excellent idea for women. This may get problematic during your sightseeing, so I recommend you avoid it. It’s alright to carry a pair for any outdoor event or a party.
For some inspiration, take a look at this catalog of shoes.
Get a Winter Hat
A hat is one of the cool winter accessories you should pack for a Paris trip. Travelers commonly avoid it, but it does make a huge difference in keeping yourself warm.
I prefer a soft hat, tightly knit, which can fit my head properly. Plus, whichever hat you might be wearing should cover your ears completely. Brownie points – if it’s lined up with fleece!
Many would like to go for colorful hats to adorn their Paris winter outfits, so I recommend these options to you.
Touch Screen Winter Gloves
For what to pack in Paris in winter, a pair of warm gloves are a must. Not just any regular gloves, but touch-sensitive ones. This will prevent you from having to remove the gloves to use your phone.
Don’t go for something fancy or high-tech, just get a normal pair like these ones.
What to Pack for Paris in Winter: Essential Checklist
Now that you’re aware of what to wear in Paris, it’s time to note the items to pack for your trip. This list will give you a brief idea of all the Paris winter essentials.
Backpack or Suitcase
You’ll need a good sturdy bag for all the accessories and clothing items. Depending on what you prefer – a backpack or travel suitcase – you need to ensure the one you’re purchasing is excellent and reliable. Check out these great super light, convenient, and durable items for backpackers. For travelers who prefer a suitcase, this highly-rated bag is for you.
If you’re getting an excellent travel bag from a store, go for it! But ensure that it lasts for a good period.
Winter Accessories
You’ll need all the essential winter items for your Paris trip right from carrying gloves, woolen socks, and a hat. Even if your clothing game isn’t the strongest, these accessories will beat the Paris weather.
When packing for Paris, ensure you get your scarf or a clothing material to wrap around your neck. These inexpensive scarfs made, which typically give a cashmere look, might help. Also, it’s better to carry an extra pair of long sleeve t-shirts for your journey. Wearing inside your jacket will bring an extra bit of warmth to your body.
Thermal Wear
When deciding what to pack for Paris in winter, you can’t leave thermal wear behind. They are absolute life saviors to beat the cold in Paris. When the temperatures dip below 6°C (42°F), you’ll need merino wool thermal inside your clothing attire. These merino typed materials are the best fabric for warm thermals.
It’s also good to carry silk thermal pants to stay warm in cold weather. If you’re traveling daily for sightseeing in Paris, the rain and wind can kick in hard. So, it’s best to wear warm clothes to protect yourself.
Dark Denim Jeans
These types of jeans are particular great clothing essential for outdoor travel. Because of their thickness, they usually keep your legs warm. Moreover, their dark denim color makes it easy for you to use it for an entire course of travel repeatedly.
And if you’re confused about whether to opt for light or dark denim, then go for the latter one. It’s classic and quite fashionable in Paris, especially in winter. They can easily cover the dirt and need not necessarily be washed during your entire trip.
Ankle Boots
Leather boots are a must when planning what to wear in Paris in winter. Often visitors ignore this essential item, but it’s good to carry them for your trip. You’ll often find Parisians wearing ankle-length boots to keep themselves warm. But, it’s even better if you get taller boots like these to wear in Paris winter.
When you shop for any particular shoe, lookout for the ones tagged ‘waterproof.’ These materials are usually an excellent alternative for snow boots and hiking shoes.
Anti-theft Bag
As you go through your packing list of what to wear in Paris in winter, carrying an anti-theft bag might not be a must-buy accessory. However, handbag thefts are common in Paris. Especially, in busy tourist areas like the Louvre and the Eiffel – thefts happen occasionally.
The benefit of having an anti-theft bag is that you can keep it hanging securely in front of your body. Ensure that you hold it properly while traveling in Paris. I usually recommend carrying the Fur Jaden Anti-Theft Bag for travel purposes. Also, these other crossbody bags will comfort your daily to and fro travel.
First-Aid Kit
Having a first-aid kit on your Paris packing list is a must. As a traveler, you shouldn’t explore tourist places without a small first-aid kit in your bag. I recommended this item to fulfill your medical items needed to attend to unforeseen injuries during your trip. It’s a small bag and won’t take up much backpack space.
Travel Insurance
One of the essential things to have when planning a trip to any country is travel insurance. It’s not just Paris, but ensure that you have your travel insurance sorted anywhere you go.
If you’ve planned your trip via a tour operator, then a basic plan is usually covered in the package. But, if you’re solo-tripping Paris, make sure to get coverage for yourself. There are many companies out there where you can purchase travel insurance – but I recommend World Nomads. They are the best in the service, and their claim support is far better than any other operator.
Toiletries Pack
Before you sort your toiletries for your Paris trip, get this TSA-approved toiled bag for yourself. You can check this toilet hanging bag if that’s what you prefer.
Other essential toiletries you can carry include lip balm, body cream, hair shampoo, body lotion, prescription medicine (if needed), toothpaste, deodorant, tissues, perfume, razors, and a makeup kit.
Lonely Planet Paris
Lonely Planet is a leading pioneer in crafting high-quality guidebooks and travel suggestions. There’s nothing like using their book to explore the gems of Paris, and I use all their guidebooks for touring around any country. Hence, I recommend you carry a copy of Lonely Planet’s Paris book. You’ll get everything you need in this, along with excellent travel suggestions and ideas.
Portable Travel Accessories
Power Bank: Cold weather conditions in Paris can cause your phone battery to drain quickly. Ensure that you carry a portable power bank handy to keep your phone charged while traveling. Moreover, choose a high-powered battery pack that can sustain the charge almost daily.
Universal Travel Adapter: If you’re traveling to Paris from continents like North America, Central America, and most of Asia – you’ll need an international portable adapter. The converters used in Paris differ from what you might be used at home. So consider buying a universal adaptor/ voltage converter for your electronic items.
Memory Cards for Cameras: With all the photos you’ll be taking in Paris, you’re likely to run out of storage sooner than later. And nothing’s more annoying than not having a memory card in your backpack. You can choose this SanDisk or Samsung memory card to backup your camera storage for more photos.
Important Tips for Paris Packing List
These are some important tips to help you travel smart and look more fashionable –
Make the right investment: You’ll need to invest smartly in the clothes you will buy for the Paris trip. Just because you need to look fashionable doesn’t mean you’ll go out of your allocated budget. Shortlist the items you want to buy, compare prices on different platforms, and buy them. Some winter outfits like cashmere coats and merino wool can cost you a lot, so ensure you make the right investment.
Go for an aesthetic look: Simple-looking colors define Paris winter outfits. So, instead of going for bold colors – choose those that give a stylish, classic appeal. Take inspiration from these chic outfits.
Travel Light: Packing light for Paris must be your top priority. Once you’ve planned your itinerary for Paris, choose the number of clothes you’ll need and then decide the number of bags you need to carry. Ensure to carry a side-arm bag during your exploration to keep important things handy.
Don’t forget small accessories: Scarfs, gloves and a hat are as important as your other winter outfits. Make sure to get a pair of these items ready to be packed in your bags.
Wrapping Up on What to Wear In Paris in Winter
And that was our final list of what you need to wear, plus what to pack for Paris in winter.
With this post, we hope your travel plans for Paris will be much smoother and seamless. And if there’s anything you’ll like to add, feel free to comment down below. I’ll be updating this post frequently to bring out fresh new ideas.
