If you’re standing in front of your open suitcase right now, staring at a pile of "maybe" sweaters and wondering what is the temperature in Paris, I have some news. Paris weather is a bit of a mood. Honestly, it’s rarely as freezing as Moscow or as sweltering as Madrid, but it has this sneaky way of making 45°F feel like 30°F.
Right now, as we move through January 2026, the city is draped in that classic grey, metallic sky that filmmakers love and tourists... well, tourists mostly just buy umbrellas.
The Current Vibe: January 2026
Today, January 13, the mercury is hanging out around 51°F. That sounds decent, right? Don't be fooled. We've got about 74% humidity and a breeze coming in from the southwest at 8 mph. It’s the kind of damp cold that finds the gap between your scarf and your neck.
Tonight, it'll dip to about 46°F. Tomorrow looks like more of the same, maybe a high of 54°F, but with a much higher chance of light rain. Basically, if you aren't wearing something water-resistant, you’re going to have a bad time.
What is the temperature in Paris usually like?
Most people expect the "Midnight in Paris" magic, but the reality is more about oceanic influences. Because Paris is in the north of France but not too far from the coast, it stays relatively temperate.
January is officially the coldest month. Historically, you're looking at:
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- Average Highs: 44°F (around 7°C)
- Average Lows: 36°F (around 2°C)
But here's the thing: those are just numbers. Last week, we saw a couple of days where it barely broke freezing. Then, a few days later, it felt almost like spring. It's erratic. You've basically got to prepare for four seasons in one afternoon.
Spring (March to May)
This is when the city actually starts to wake up. In March, you’re still shivering at 54°F, but by May, it hits a beautiful 66°F. This is the sweet spot. You can finally sit outside at a café without a space heater, though you’ll still want a light jacket for when the sun goes behind a building.
Summer (June to August)
Summers have changed. It used to be a steady 75°F, but lately, heatwaves (canicules) have been pushing things into the 90s or even 100°F. Paris wasn't built for this. Most older apartments don't have AC, and the Metro becomes a literal oven. If you're visiting in July, check if your hotel has "climatisation." Seriously.
Autumn (September to November)
September is gorgeous—crisp, sunny, about 69°F. But by November, the "Grisaille" (the Great Grey) sets in. Temperatures tumble to 51°F, and the rain becomes a permanent fixture. It’s moody. It’s poetic. It’s also very wet.
The Wind and the Humidity Factor
You can't just look at the thermometer. What is the temperature in Paris doesn't tell the whole story because of the humidity. Since the city sits in a basin and is crisscrossed by the Seine, the air is often heavy.
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When it’s 40°F and humid, the cold "pierces." It’s a damp chill that gets into your bones. On the flip side, the wind can be brutal near the river or in wide-open spots like the Place de la Concorde.
Expert Tip: If you see Parisians wearing massive, blanket-sized scarves even when it’s 55°F, it's not just a fashion statement. They’re protecting their chests from that damp river wind.
Is there a "Best" time?
Honestly, it depends on your tolerance for crowds versus your tolerance for shivering.
- Low Season (Jan-Feb): Coldest, wettest, but the Louvre is actually walkable.
- Shoulder Season (April-June, Sept-Oct): Best balance of weather and light.
- High Season (July-August): Hot, crowded, and many locals flee to the coast, so some smaller shops might be closed.
Packing for the Parisian Microclimates
Since we know the temperature in Paris likes to jump around, your packing list needs to be tactical. Forget the giant, heavy Arctic parka unless it’s a freak cold snap.
The Base Layer: Uniqlo Heattech or any thin merino wool top. It’s a lifesaver. You can wear it under a nice blouse or shirt without looking like a marshmallow.
The Middle: Cashmere or wool sweaters. They're light but trap heat.
The Outer: A long wool coat or a sleek, waterproof puffer. Parisians love long coats because they keep your legs warm while you're walking kilometers between museums.
The Feet: Do not bring brand-new shoes. You will walk 15,000 steps a day on cobblestones. Make sure they are waterproof. Wet socks in Paris are a tragedy.
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Why the forecast is usually "Cloudy with a chance of drizzle"
Paris gets about 170 rainy days a year. That’s a lot. But it’s rarely a tropical downpour. It’s usually a fine, misty rain that the French call crachin. You don’t always need a heavy umbrella—sometimes a good hood is enough—but you should always have a plan for ducking into a covered passage or a museum if the sky opens up.
The sun is also a bit of a rare guest in the winter. In January, you might only get 2 or 3 hours of actual sunshine a day. The rest is a soft, diffused light that makes the limestone buildings glow, which is great for photos but can be a bit draining if you're used to bright blue skies.
Practical Next Steps
If you're heading to the City of Light this week, here is your immediate checklist:
- Check the 24-hour forecast: Use a reliable local source like Météo France rather than just your phone’s default app; it’s usually more accurate for the city's specific pockets.
- Waterproof your shoes: Apply a spray-on protector before you leave.
- Layer up: Wear a t-shirt, a sweater, and a coat. You’ll be stripping layers off the second you enter the blast-heated department stores like Galeries Lafayette.
- Embrace the scarf: Seriously, buy one there if you have to. It's the most functional souvenir you'll ever own.
Paris is beautiful regardless of the weather, but knowing the temperature helps you spend more time looking at the Eiffel Tower and less time shivering in a doorway. Stay dry and enjoy the wine—it's always the right temperature inside a bistro.