Honestly, if you’re looking at the weather in Paris France this week and expecting that classic, Emily-in-Paris-style crisp winter sun, you’re probably going to be a bit disappointed. Or at least damp.
January in the City of Light is a fickle beast. We’ve just come off a brutal polar freeze—the kind that makes your eyes water the second you step out of the Gare du Nord—and now, the atmosphere has decided to pull a total 180. We are currently sitting in a strange, "warm" pocket of air. I use quotes because while 52°F (11°C) feels like a heatwave compared to last week’s sub-zero madness, it’s still Paris in the winter. It’s gray. It’s drizzly. It’s basically the atmospheric equivalent of a lukewarm cup of Earl Grey.
What’s Actually Happening with the Weather in Paris France This Week?
The big story right now is the temperature anomaly. According to the folks over at Meteo-Paris, we are seeing numbers about 2 to 4 degrees Celsius above the seasonal norm. Today, Friday, January 16, we’re topping out at around 52°F (11°C).
But don't let the "warmth" fool you.
The humidity is hovering near 94%, and with light rain scheduled for most of the evening, it’s that heavy, clinging dampness that gets into your bones. It’s not a downpour; it’s more of a persistent crachin (that’s French for "annoying drizzle").
The Day-by-Day Breakdown (The Real Version)
Tomorrow, Saturday, January 17, is looking like a carbon copy of today. Highs of 51°F (11°C), lows of 44°F (7°C), and a sky so gray it looks like a wet wool blanket. The wind is coming from the southeast at about 5 mph, so it’s not exactly a gale, but it’s enough to make that 51 degrees feel a lot more like 46.
If you’re planning on doing the whole "stroll through the Tuileries" thing, maybe pack a backup plan.
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Sunday, January 18, is where things get interesting. We might actually see the sun. The forecast is calling for "mostly sunny" skies with a high of 49°F (9°C). But—and this is a big but—the temperature is going to start sliding back down. By Sunday night, it’ll hit 39°F (4°C). There’s even a 10% chance of a stray snowflake overnight. It won't stick, obviously, but it’s a reminder that winter isn't finished with us yet.
Why the "Warm-Up" is Kinda Messy
You’d think a warmer week would be a blessing, right? Well, not necessarily for your suitcase.
When it’s 32°F (0°C), you wear the heavy wool coat and the thermal leggings. Easy. When the weather in Paris France this week is bouncing between 35°F and 52°F, you’re constantly either sweating in the Metro or shivering on a street corner.
The real pros in Paris right now are leaning hard into the "Café Sweater" aesthetic. You want layers you can peel off the second you walk into a heated bistro. A wool-blend blazer over a cashmere turtleneck is the move. And for the love of all things holy, bring an umbrella that won't flip inside out the moment you turn a corner near the Seine.
The Mid-Week Outlook: January 19–22
As we head into Monday and Tuesday, the mercury keeps dipping.
- Monday: Mostly cloudy, high of 50°F (10°C), low of 38°F (3°C).
- Tuesday: Partly sunny (fingers crossed!), high of 49°F (9°C), low of 37°F (3°C).
- Wednesday: Still chilly, high of 47°F (8°C), low of 36°F (2°C).
By Thursday, January 22, we’re back down to a high of 46°F (8°C). It’s a slow, steady crawl back toward the freezer.
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The Local Secret: How to Handle a Rainy Parisian Week
Since the weather in Paris France this week is leaning so heavily into the "indoor activity" category, you might as well lean in with it.
Honestly, this is the best time to hit the covered passages (passages couverts). Places like Passage des Panoramas or Galerie Vivienne are built for exactly this kind of weather. You get the 19th-century architecture, the boutique shopping, and the vibe of walking through the city without actually getting rained on.
Also, if you're here this weekend, it’s the tail end of Paris Déco Off. If you see a giant, illuminated lamp hanging over a street in the 6th arrondissement, that’s why. It’s basically a massive open-house for interior design showrooms. It’s free, it’s indoors, and it’s arguably the most "Parisian" thing happening right now.
What Most People Get Wrong About Packing
I see it every year. People check the forecast, see 50 degrees, and think, "Oh, I’ll just bring my light trench coat."
Don't do it.
A trench coat is great for style, but it’s not enough for 50 degrees with 90% humidity and a breeze coming off the river. You need something with a bit of "loft" to it. A structured wool coat is the gold standard here. Also, waterproof boots are non-negotiable. The cobblestones in the Marais turn into a slip-and-slide when they're wet, and nobody wants soggy socks while they're trying to look chic at a gallery opening.
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The Big Picture: Climate and Trends
Interestingly, this weirdly mild week is part of a larger trend. 2025 was just named the third warmest year on record, according to Copernicus data. Even though we had that polar snap last week, the overall trend for Paris is moving toward these milder, wetter winters.
Does it mean you won't see snow? Not necessarily.
There’s actually some chatter about another polar blast coming from Scandinavia around January 25th. But for right now, for this week, the vibe is definitely "overcast and damp."
Your Actionable Survival Plan
If you’re currently in the city or landing tomorrow, here is exactly how to play it:
- Ditch the heels. Seriously. Wet cobblestones + heels = a trip to the pharmacy. Stick to Chelsea boots or a solid pair of leather sneakers (Vejas are the unofficial uniform).
- Target the Museums. Use Friday and Saturday for the big hitters like the Orsay or the Louvre while it's raining. Save your outdoor strolls for Sunday morning when the sun is supposed to make a cameo.
- The "Third Piece" Rule. Always have a scarf. Even if you don't think you need it, the wind tunnels between the Haussmann buildings are real. A light wool scarf is the difference between a nice walk and a miserable one.
- Check the "Last Days" Exhibitions. Several major shows are wrapping up this week. The Amazônia exhibit at Quai Branly ends on the 18th. If you want to escape the gray, spending an hour in a virtual rainforest isn't a bad way to do it.
Bottom line: the weather in Paris France this week isn't going to win any beauty pageants, but it’s manageable if you stop fighting the rain and start leaning into the cozy, indoor side of the city. Grab a vin chaud, find a window seat in a café, and watch the umbrellas go by. That’s the real Paris anyway.