What to Pack for Paris in December: 2026 Packing List
What to Pack for Paris in December: A Chic Packing List for 2026
Paris in December is my favorite kind of magic. The holiday lights glow on the Champs-Élysées by five o’clock, the Christmas markets fill the air with the scent of vin chaud, and every café window fogs up with warmth. It is also cold, damp and dark early, which is exactly why knowing what to pack for Paris in December makes all the difference.
This packing list is built the way French women dress in winter: fewer pieces, better fabrics, and layers that move with you from a rainy street into a warm museum. If you’re a woman over 40 wondering what to wear in Paris in December so you feel warm, comfortable and quietly chic, this guide is for you. Below you’ll find the weather to expect, the coat and shoes I’d pack, a complete Paris in December packing list, eight outfit ideas, and what to leave at home.
The Short Answer: What to Pack for Paris in December
- A warm, knee-length wool coat
- Two pairs of waterproof boots (one ankle, one tall)
- Three or four cashmere or merino sweaters
- Thin thermal base layers
- Dark denim and wool trousers
- A cashmere scarf, leather gloves and a hat
- A compact travel umbrella
- One elegant outfit for dinner out
Paris Weather in December: What to Expect
Paris in December is cold and damp, but rarely freezing. Average temperatures run from about 37°F (3°C) at night to 46°F (8°C) in the afternoon. Expect gray skies and rain or drizzle on many days, with the occasional crisp blue morning when the Eiffel Tower glows in the winter sun. Snow is rare and usually melts by lunch.
The days are short. The sun rises after 8 a.m. and sets around 5 p.m., giving you about eight hours of daylight. The upside? The holiday lights come on early, and you have every excuse to linger in cafés.
The number on the forecast doesn’t tell the whole story. Damp air and wind off the Seine make 40°F feel colder than it does at home, so plan to layer rather than rely on one heavy piece.
The Best Coat for Paris in December
Your coat is the piece you’ll wear every day and the one that appears in every photo, so this is where Parisian women invest. Pack one warm, knee-length or longer wool coat in black, navy or camel. Look for a high wool content (a cashmere blend is even better), a collar that sits close to the neck, and enough room in the shoulders to wear a chunky sweater or blazer underneath.
For very cold days, add a thin packable down vest or liner under your wool coat. You get the warmth of a puffer without losing the polish. Leave the trench coat at home unless it has a removable wool lining; on its own, it isn’t warm enough for December.
Best Shoes for Paris in Winter
Paris is a walking city, and December means wet cobblestones. Shoes are where comfort wins over everything else.
- Two pairs of waterproof boots. Pack one tall pair for skirts and dresses and one Chelsea or waterproof ankle boot with a lug sole for grip.
- A comfortable walking shoe. Leather sneakers or ballet flats blend right in with the locals. If sneakers aren’t your style, lug-sole loafers are a beautiful alternative and warmer than ballet flats.
- One pair for evenings. Slingbacks, pumps or sparkly flats are lovely for dinner, but take a taxi or the métro to the door. Icy cobblestones and thin soles don’t mix.
My tip: treat leather boots with a waterproofing spray before you leave, and slip in wool insoles for extra warmth on long walking days.
How to Layer for Paris in December
Layering is the secret to staying comfortable in Paris in winter. You’ll go from a cold, windy bridge into a heated museum or a crowded café several times a day, so every outfit needs layers you can peel off.
My simple formula:
- Base layer: a thin merino or silk thermal, or a fitted long-sleeve tee
- Middle layer: a cashmere sweater, cardigan or blazer
- Outer layer: your wool coat
- Finishing layer: scarf, gloves and a hat
Thin layers keep you warmer than one bulky sweater, and they won’t make you look like you’re heading out to ski.
What to Wear in Paris in December: Dress Like a French Woman
Parisian women look elegant even on the coldest, grayest days, and it has nothing to do with trends. It comes down to fit, fabric and restraint, the same philosophy Coco Chanel built a house on.
- Stick to a neutral palette. Black, navy, camel, cream and chocolate brown all mix together, so every piece works with every other piece.
- Add one point of interest. A red lip, a leopard accessory or a pair of gold earrings is all you need.
- Choose quality fabrics. Wool, cashmere and leather look better and keep you warmer than synthetics.
- Wear opaque tights. They make skirts and dresses completely wearable in December.
- Save the little black dress for evening. Pair it with tights, ankle boots and your wool coat for dinner or the opera.
For women over 40, this approach is freeing. A few beautiful pieces that fit well will always look more Parisian than a suitcase full of options.
Cold-Weather Accessories for Paris
Accessories do double duty in December: they keep you warm and they make a simple outfit look finished. Pack a cashmere scarf, lined leather gloves, a knit hat or beret, a compact travel umbrella and plenty of warm socks.
Paris in December Packing List (Checklist)
Here is the complete Paris winter packing list, organized so you can check it off as you pack.
Outer layers
- Warm wool coat (knee-length or longer)
- Packable down vest or liner
- Blazer
Sweaters and base layers
- 3 to 4 cashmere or merino sweaters, including a turtleneck
- Cardigan
- 2 to 3 thin thermal or long-sleeve base layers
Tops
- Crisp white button-down
- Silk, satin or lace blouse for evenings
Bottoms and dresses
- Dark-wash straight or wide-leg denim
- Wool trousers
- Faux leather or black tailored pants
- Sweater dress or little black dress
- Opaque tights
Shoes
- Waterproof ankle boots
- Tall boots
- Leather sneakers or lug-sole loafers
- One evening shoe
- Wool socks and insoles
Accessories
- Cashmere scarf
- Lined leather gloves
- Hat or beret
- Compact travel umbrella
- Crossbody or shoulder bag with a zip or flap closure
- Simple gold jewelry
Travel essentials
- Carry-on suitcase
- Plug adapter for France (Type C or E)
- Portable charger
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- Travel insurance
- Hand warmers
- Rich hand cream and lip balm (indoor heating is drying)
- Mini travel steamer
Shop My Paris in December Packing List
These are the pieces I’d reach for again and again on a winter trip to Paris. You can also shop the full Paris in December packing list on ShopMy.
Coats and Jackets
- Aritzia Cashmere Coat: One of the warmest and most chic coats I own. Aritzia really shines in the fall and winter with coats and this one is perfect for Paris, classic and polished.
- ZARA Oversized Double Breasted Blazer: You can’t go to Paris without a classic blazer to wear with sweaters and blouses. This is an easy workhorse to pack for Paris in December. Dress it up with a scarf or piece of jewelry.
Sweaters and Knits
- Nordstrom Cashmere Turtleneck: Cozy warm turtleneck to layer or wear by itself.
- Aritzia Merino Wool Burgundy Sweater: Add a pop of burgundy this month with this beautiful wool vneck sweater.
- Alex Mill Cashmere Cardigan: A beautiful cardigan to layer with that’s classic and polished, wear it with denim or trousers in December.
- Alex Mill Striped Cashmere Sweater: Stripes are a classic in Paris no matter the time of year.
Blouses and Layers
- J.CREW Ruffle Collar Button Up: A chic and elevated blouse that’s incredibly Parisian looking layered under a coat or sweater.
- Brochu Walker Black Lace Top: For the evening opt for a beautiful lace top with cami and trousers for dinner in Paris.
- Quince Black Silk Cami: A budget friendly silk cami to layer with.
- Uniqlo Black Long Sleeve HeatTech Shirt: One of my favorite layering tees for the colder months which will keep you warm and cozy during December in Paris.
Pants and Denim
- J.CREW Denim Trouser Jean: A beautiful and classic pair of denim for women over 40 while traveling in December.
- FRAME Le Slim Palazzo Dark Denim: Another favorite pair of denim I like to pack and wear in Paris in December. Dark denim is always a bit more chic looking than a light blue pair and in winter especially with ankle boots or loafers.
- J.CREW Lightspun Wool Trouser: A polished option to pack for December in Paris to wear with sweaters, blouses, and the black blazer.
Shoes
- Blondo Waterproof Boot: One of the boot styles I always pack for Paris in winter for those rainy days to keep my feet warm.
- Margaux Phoebe Boot: Another boot brand I always pack is Margaux because I can walk thousands of steps in them around the city.
- Adidas OG Samba Sneaker: For the days you want to wear a sneaker go with a classic Adidas.
- J.CREW Black Leather Slingback: An option to wear out for Parisian evenings and holiday events in the city.
Accessories
- Quince Cashmere Lined Leather Gloves: A great and budget friendly option to keep your hands warm, I own these in two colors.
- Aurate Drop Earrings: Beautiful drop earrings to wear for day and night.
- J.CREW Leopared Print Beanie: Keep your head warm with this fun leopard print beanie.
- Favorite Daughter Statement Belt: A classic belt to wear with denim and your trousers.
- Tory Burch Bucket Bag: A great bag option that’s netural enough to wear with all your outfits.
- Chanel Lipstick #874: If you’re looking for a beautiful lip color to wear daily this one has a little pop of color to brighten your smile.
- Nordstrom Cashmere Scarf: Pack this scarf to wear daily and keep your neck warm while walking around the city.
- Quince Leather Crossbody Bag: Another bag option if you’re only wanting to pack one for day and night.
- Ralph Lauren Wool Scarf: You can never go wrong with a beautiful wool scarf and will look a bit like a local.
Paris Winter Outfits for December
Every outfit below is built from the packing list above, so you can mix and match all week.
Outfit 1: Black Turtleneck, Dark Denim and a Leopard Beanie
A black cashmere turtleneck with dark wide-leg denim is the easiest uniform for a day of sightseeing. Brown suede ankle boots and a glossy brown bucket bag warm up the black, and a leopard beanie adds just enough personality for the Christmas markets. Finish with leather gloves, gold drop earrings and a berry lip.
SHOP THE LOOK
Outfit 2: Striped Sweater, Belted Wool Coat and Wide-Leg Trousers
The striped sweater is a French classic, and in a cream and chocolate wool it feels made for December. Pair it with black wide-leg trousers, a long belted wool coat and a black scarf wrapped high against the wind. This is the outfit I’d wear for a long lunch in Saint-Germain.
SHOP THE LOOK
Outfit 3: Lace Top and Black Trousers for Dinner
For a dinner out, layer a black lace top over a silk camisole with pleated black trousers. Kitten-heel slingbacks and a quilted chain bag keep it elegant, and the belted wool coat goes over everything for the walk to the restaurant. Simple, all black and very Parisian.
SHOP THE LOOK
Outfit 4: Black Blazer, Ruffle Blouse and Wide-Leg Jeans
An oversized black blazer over a cream ruffle-collar blouse is polished enough for lunch at a brasserie but still relaxed with wide-leg jeans. A burgundy silk scarf, a slim black belt and black suede block-heel booties finish it, along with a quilted chain bag. Outdoors, slip your wool coat over the blazer.
SHOP THE LOOK
Outfit 5: Ruffle Blouse, Gray Cardigan and Wide-Leg Jeans
A cream ruffle-collar blouse under a soft gray cardigan feels romantic without trying too hard. It’s the same blouse and jeans as outfit 4, styled softer with brown suede boots for a museum morning. Outdoors, add your wool coat and the leopard beanie.
SHOP THE LOOK
Outfit 6: Burgundy Sweater and Dark Denim
Burgundy is my favorite color to add to a neutral winter wardrobe. A burgundy V-neck sweater with dark wide-leg denim, a black leather belt and black suede block-heel booties is polished enough for shopping on the Right Bank. Tie a printed silk scarf at the neck and finish with the belted wool coat.
SHOP THE LOOK
What Not to Pack for Paris in December
- High heels for daytime. Cobblestones and rain make them miserable.
- A trench coat as your only coat. It isn’t warm enough without a wool lining.
- Bulky ski gear. A thin thermal under a wool coat is warmer and far more elegant.
- Suede shoes without protection. One rainy afternoon can ruin them.
- Too many outfits. Plan around one coat and a neutral palette, and you’ll wear everything you bring.
What to Do in Paris in December
December is a wonderful time to see the city. The Christmas markets in Paris open in mid-November, with La Défense and the Tuileries among the first, and the market beside Notre-Dame running from late November until December 27. The Alsatian market at Gare de l’Est runs December 2 to 18, 2026.
Wander through Saint-Germain, sip vin chaud by the Tuileries, see the window displays on Boulevard Haussmann, and warm up with a chocolat chaud in your favorite café. French school holidays run from December 19, 2026 to January 4, 2027, so the first half of December is quieter, with shorter lines at museums.
For my favorite cafés, shops and hidden corners, my Essential Guide to Paris has 117 pages of personal recommendations.
Paris in December: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paris cold in December?
Yes. Expect temperatures between about 37°F and 46°F (3°C to 8°C), with damp air and wind that make it feel colder. A warm wool coat, layers, gloves and a scarf will keep you comfortable.
Does it snow in Paris in December?
Rarely. Most December days are gray, cool and drizzly. When snow does fall, it usually melts quickly, so waterproof boots matter more than snow boots.
Can I wear a blazer without a coat in Paris in December?
Not outdoors. A blazer and cashmere sweater are perfect indoors, but you’ll want a wool coat over them on the street. Choose a coat with enough room in the shoulders to fit over your blazer or chunky knits, and check it when you arrive at a restaurant or museum.
Can I wear sneakers in Paris?
Absolutely. Clean leather sneakers are part of everyday Parisian style, especially with wool trousers or dark denim. If you prefer not to wear sneakers, lug-sole loafers or flat leather boots are just as comfortable.
What do Parisian women wear in winter?
A long wool coat, a cashmere sweater, dark denim or tailored trousers, leather boots and a scarf. The palette is neutral and the fabrics are natural. Polish comes from fit and quality, not from trends.
How many outfits should I pack for a week in Paris in December?
Use a capsule wardrobe. With my 3×3×3 formula (three tops, three bottoms and three pairs of shoes) plus one coat and a few accessories, you can create well over a week of outfits in a single carry-on.
Is December a good time to visit Paris?
Yes, especially if you love the holidays. You’ll find Christmas markets, festive lights and cozy cafés, and early December is quieter than the week between Christmas and New Year’s.
Your Paris in December Packing List, Simplified
Knowing what to pack for Paris in December comes down to a few beautiful essentials: one warm wool coat, waterproof boots, soft cashmere layers, and accessories that keep you warm while making every outfit feel finished. Pack thoughtfully and you’ll be ready for cold rain, blue skies and everything in between.
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Thank you, Noelani! It’s nice to have confirmation that lug sole loafers will be a good sneaker/flats alternative. And I am ordering some merino wool knee-high socks as well. 🙂
–Michelle
Hi there,
I will be in Paris for the holidays and find your blog very helpful, thank you! I have already ordered the wool pants and bodysuits you posted.
In your post about December outfits, it seems you have a lot of outfits that have a jacket but no coat. Can I expect to be able to walk around Paris in December with for example a warm cashmere sweater and blazer & no coat as your outfits seem to suggest? Or would I plan to wear an overcoat for outside and check it upon arrival at my destination? Being a SoCal gal, cold weather is tough for me to plan for! So my question is should I plan to wear an over coat everyday and bring one that fits over my blazer, oversized knitwear and Chanel type jacket? Thanks!
We will be in Paris in late January (after trotting about England over the holidays and then Tunisia), so your December packing list is extremely helpful (I have already ordered the wool insoles 🙂 ). I have a pair of lug-sole waterproof Blondo boots, but also want to pack a pair of comfortable shoes for walking about when it’s not raining. I do not wear sneakers (unless I am going to the gym) so I am thinking that a pair of lug sole loafers would work since they would be warmer than my usual flats and keep my feet drier if it’s a bit wet. Would loafers be a good choice? If so, are there any loafers with a thicker sole that you might recommend? Thank you! –Michelle
I am with you on the sneakers! I keep wondering if I should bring my adidas sambas but I think they look too casual with the clothes I have planned, do not really get the sneakers with trousers look! I have limited space and think 2 pairs of boots are a better way to go…