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What to Wear in Paris in December (Women): a Four-Day Packing List

“Paris in December rewards a good coat and sensible boots far more than a suitcase full of outfits. Pick one colour family, bring a scarf that does the talking, and walk all day without thinking about your feet.”Her take

What's the weather like in Paris in December?

Paris in December is usually a little like London on a cold, damp day. Daytime highs typically sit around 7°C to 8°C, nights around 3°C, and rain or drizzle is common, though heavy snow is rare. The sun sets around 5pm local time, and Paris is one hour ahead of the UK.

You'll spend a lot of time switching between cold streets, warm metro carriages, overheated shops and cosy restaurants. Layers you can open or take off quickly are more useful than one very heavy coat.

Which coat should you bring?

One coat, worn every day, so make it a good one. A knee-length wool or wool-blend coat in navy, camel, black or charcoal is the classic choice and fits in everywhere from markets to restaurants. A lined trench or a smart waterproof coat with a removable warm layer is better if the forecast is wet.

Avoid very bulky puffers if you can: they're warm, but awkward in small cafés and crowded metro carriages. If you feel the cold, wear a thin padded gilet or a thermal top under your wool coat instead.

What shoes are best for Paris in winter?

You'll walk far more than you expect, over cobbles, wet stone pavements and endless metro stairs. Choose flat or low block-heel leather ankle boots with a rubber or grippy sole, well broken in before you go. Waterproofed leather or suede-protector-treated suede helps on wet days.

Bring a second pair, such as smart trainers in a plain neutral colour or loafers, so you can swap if your feet get sore or your boots get wet. Leave stilettos at home; cobbles and grates are hard on thin heels.

Day and evening outfits that work

Stick to two or three colours, such as navy, cream and camel, or black, grey and chocolate, so everything mixes. These are easy formulas.

• Sightseeing: dark straight jeans, fine merino roll-neck, wool coat, scarf, grippy ankle boots, crossbody bag worn at the front.
• Museums and cafés: wool trousers, a striped long-sleeved top under a cardigan, loafers or ankle boots. Easy to take layers off inside.
• Christmas markets and lights: thermal leggings under jeans, a chunky knit, wool coat, hat, gloves and boots with a good sole.
• Dinner: a knitted midi dress or silky slip skirt with a fine knit, opaque tights, heeled ankle boots and a bolder earring.

Bags, scarves and small things to pack

Carry a zipped crossbody bag worn at the front in crowded places like the metro and busy shopping streets. A large wool scarf is the most useful accessory: it's warmth, a blanket on the train and the thing that makes a simple outfit look polished. Pack a compact umbrella, a hat and thin leather or knit gloves.

Bring a rich hand cream and lip balm; cold wind and heated rooms dry skin quickly. A small tote that folds into your bag is useful for market shopping.

A four-day Paris packing list

This fits in a carry-on if you wear the coat and heaviest boots to travel.

• 1 wool coat (worn), 1 large scarf, hat, gloves
• 1 pair of dark jeans, 1 pair of wool trousers, 1 pair of thermal leggings
• 3 fine knit tops or roll-necks, 1 striped long-sleeved top, 1 cardigan
• 1 knitted dress or skirt for dinner, 2 pairs of opaque tights
• Ankle boots (worn) plus loafers or plain trainers
• Compact umbrella, zipped crossbody bag, foldable tote

Questions people ask

The takeaway

One good coat, two or three colours, grippy broken-in boots, a big scarf, a zipped crossbody bag, and one dinner outfit.

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