Paris in January 2023 – Quick Guide by a Local

January in Paris 2023

All you need to know for your trip to Paris in January 2023.

January in Paris is a special time to be in the French capital. January is the heart of winter in Paris. The days are short, the temperatures low, and once the festivities are over, the city slowly settles into its most local, everyday life pace.

January is the quietest time of year to visit Paris and possibly the cheapest. If you decide to visit Paris in January, you will find cheaper flight tickets and train tickets, especially if you travel during the week, plus many hotels offer reductions at this time of year.

Winter in Paris

In January, sales are also on, so you can review your winter in Paris packing list and shop at some of Paris’  top shopping destinations for less.

In Paris, January is a great month for a cultural getaway and also a shopping weekend. Here is our guide to making the most of your time in Paris in January 2023.

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Is Paris in January Busy? Crowds Forecast

In Paris, January is the low season. You can expect many visitors during the first days of January. Still, after the New Year’s celebrations, crowds leave the city, and this is the best time to see some of Paris’ most popular attractions without booking months in advance.

Paris in January is a great time to visit your favorite exhibitions or bigger museums like the Louvre or Orsay. Even the free museums in Paris can be visited without the crowds!

Also, when the crowds are gone, waiters, receptionists, and salespeople are less stressed and kinder, and it is much easier to go local.

Weather in Paris in January

Paris in the Winter

If you are visiting Paris in January, you can expect cold weather and the occasional rainy day. Expect daily highs of 8°C and nighttime temperatures near freezing.

Snow occasionally covers the rooftops of Paris in January, but it does not last long.

However, don’t be discouraged: there are many indoor activities in Paris if it is too cold to be outside!

Make sure to wrap up warm when out exploring Paris in January. Then, take refuge from the cold in one of Paris’ quintessential cafes with a hot chocolate, or enjoy your favorite cocktail with a view on a heated rooftop terrace transformed for winter.

What to Wear in Paris in January 2023

Paris Packing List Fall Winter

What to wear in Paris in January? The key to dressing in Paris in the winter is a good, warm coat. Still, it is a good idea to dress in layers because some places like the museums or the metro are too warm, and you are likely to be ok with fewer layers.

What to pack for January in Paris 2023? The weather in January in Paris calls for good walking shoes (sneakers or Chelsea boots), warm socks, scarves, gloves, thermal underwear (if you plan to do long walks), and a good warm jacket.

For a more local look during your trip to Paris in January, have a look at our winter packing lists for men and women:

Best Tips for Visiting Paris in January

1st January (New Year’s day) is a national holiday in France. This impacts the opening of several museums and attractions, bars, and restaurants, so be sure to plan this day in Paris carefully (more on this below).

6th January (Epiphany) is not a national holiday in France so expect all shops and Paris attractions open.

If you are flexible with your travel dates, come after the first week of January to avoid the crowds. January 6th is the last day of the French Christmas holiday and the end of the high winter season in Paris.

Always have a B plan for the rainy days in Paris. If you need some ideas, check out our list of fun things to do when it rains in Paris, which comes in handy also for the coldest days in Paris.

A week before the departure, have a look at our Transportation Strikes in Paris post, which is always up to date. Just in case . . .

Need insurance for France? Since August 2020, SafetyWing, our trusted travel insurance policy for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days), covers COVID-19 for new policies purchased, and since April 2021, unplanned quarantine is covered, too. Be sure to check France travel insurance rates and coverage with SafetyWing.

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Top Things to Do in Paris in January 2023

What to do in Paris in January? If you visit Paris for the first time, you may want to tick some of Paris’ must-see attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for first-time visitors in Paris, and they are planned around the main sights and the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:

If you want to visit Paris for New Year’s celebrations, check out our article on New Year’s Eve in Paris.

Here’s the list of the best things to do in Paris in January 2023. Some of the dates and activities are still to be confirmed, so keep clicking for the latest updates.

JANUARY 1st, 2023 IN PARIS

Cabaret Paradis Latin Pre Show

After midnight, continue the New Year’s Eve festive fun during the first hours of January 1st. You can check how to celebrate the New Year in Paris here.

Tourist Attractions and Museums Opened on January 1st, 2023:

Parisian Cabarets proposing a show on January 1st:

TIP: If you are unsure what is the best cabaret for you, check out our Parisian Cabarets Quick Guide

ENJOY THE LAST DAYS OF THE CHRISTMAS MARKETS IN PARIS

Paris Christmas Markets

During the first days of January, you can still enjoy some Christmas activities, including a couple of Christmas Markets, ice skating rinks, and festive shows.

You can find our recommendations on what to see in Paris at Christmas time here.

PARIS LIGHTS FESTIVAL

Paris Light Festival 2019

The Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes (Paris 5) is an enchanting experience for kids and adults with monumental light structures set in the alleys and pitches of this beautiful garden.

The exhibitions usually aim to raise awareness about the importance of protecting endangered species and the environment in general and are always very beautiful.

This year 2022-2023 the exhibition takes place from 14 November 2022 to 15 January 2023 and is dedicated to the littlest creatures living in this world (Mini-Mondes en Voie d’Illumination). We are sure this beautiful exhibition will steal your heart!

CHRISTMAS AT DISNEYLAND PARIS (UNTIL 8 JANUARY 2023)

Disneyland Paris, France

There’s nothing more magical than Christmas at Disneyland Paris. Disney’s Enchanted Christmas wraps everything that makes Christmas special in the most enchanting of seasonal settings.

Disney’s Enchanted Christmas festival lasts until 8 January 2023, so you cannot miss it when you visit Paris! Start planning your Disney trip with our quick guide to Disneyland Paris, and book your Disneyland Paris tickets here.

CELEBRATE THE EPIPHANY WITH A GALETTE DES ROIS

Galette des Rois

The Galette des Rois is a cake traditionally made and consumed in most of France on the occasion of the Epiphany, a Christian festival that celebrates the visit of the three wise men to the baby Jesus. Because the Epiphany is not a holiday in France, the Galette des Rois is eaten on the closest Sunday to 6h of January.

Traditionally, we eat a piece of galette with family, friends, or even at work (there’s always somebody who brings a galette in the office), and you should definitely try one!

Despite the tradition to eat it for the Epiphany, bakeries start proposing galettes from Christmas until mid-January, so many people end up eating many slices of (very) caloric galettes for a week or two.

CHRISTMAS AT PARC ASTÉRIX (UNTIL 2 JANUARY 2023)

Parc Asterix - Paris

During the winter holidays, Astérix, Obélix, and their tribe invite you to discover the Gallic Christmas at Parc Astérix.

Snow-covered menhirs, delirious sliding activities, a charming little Christmas market, and new shows are to be discovered for a unique Christmas!

Christmas at Parc Asterix lasts until 2 January 2023, and it’s definitely a very original way to start January in Paris. Click here to book your tickets with transfer to Parc Astérix.

WINTER SALES

Shopping in Paris

If you like shopping, January in Paris is a bit of a treat! In January, the much-awaited winter sales happen in Paris, with important discounts in all the Parisian shops.

This is definitely the perfect time to review your wardrobe, perhaps with a Parisian touch.

This year, the winter sales will start on 11 January 2023.

LE FESTIVAL DU MERVEILLEUX (FESTIVAL OF WONDER)

Musée des Arts Forains Paris

The Musée des Arts Forains becomes the theatre of a wonderful array of festive shows and performances during the Christmas holidays.

Don’t miss the Festival du Merveilleux or Festival of Wonders, when storytellers, magicians, aerial silk dancers, funambulists, musicians, puppeteers, tap dancers, and other artists create dreamlike stories whilst mechanized music performances, automatons shows, and optical illusions succeed one another all day long.

This year, the Festival of Wonders will finish on 2 January 2023 so hurry up!

TRAVERSÉE DE PARIS EN ANCIENNES

Traversée de Paris - Vincennes

The Taversée de Paris en Anciennes is one of the biggest events in Paris for old car amateurs. For a morning, the capital’s streets are invaded by vintage cars, motorbikes, bicycles, and buses, a crazy ride that finishes at Château de Vincennes.

This year, the Traversée de Paris will take place on 15 January 2023. The theme this winter will be ‘Montmartre en Fil Rouge.’ Expect 700 vehicles (cars, motorbikes, mopeds, bicycles, and tractors) each more than 30 years old!

At the end of the parade, the cars stay parked for a while in the car park behind the château. It’s a great opportunity for photography amateurs to take cool pictures of beautiful vintage cars and chat about cars with their passionate owners.

PARIS MEN’S FASHION WEEK

In January, Paris is on the top of the podium with the Paris Fashion Week. For the occasion, the biggest names in the field, people, and journalists flock to the capital of fashion to discover the new trends in prêt-à-porter and haute couture.

The men’s Fashion Week is announced from 17 to 22 January 2023, followed by Haute Couture from 23 to 26 January 2023.

Even if the catwalks and after-show parties are reserved for professionals and VIPs, the show also takes place in the street, particularly around major Parisian places such as the Grand Palais, the Palais Brongniart, or the Palais de Tokyo. It is not uncommon to meet stars, models, and fashion designers there, so keep your eyes open!

FOOD FESTIVALS IN PARIS IN JANUARY

French Food Festivals

Food festivals are always a good idea to start a new year, especially in France, world-reputed for its incredible food, cheese, and wine.

Check out our article on the best French food festivals in Paris to see what January has to offer.

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CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN PARIS IN JANUARY 2023

Create your Louvre Guide

Museums and art galleries are always a good idea in Paris in January, especially on those days when it’s too cold outside.

If you have already checked the permanent exhibitions of the main museums in Paris, check out the list of interesting temporary exhibitions happening in Paris in January 2023.

Cézanne, Lumières de Provence – Atélier des Lumières, from 18 February 2022 to 2 January 2023.

Kandinsky, the Odyssey of Abstraction – Atélier des Lumières, from 18 February 2022 to 2 January 2023.

A Second of Eternity – Bourse du Commerce, from 22 June 2022 to 3 January 2023.

Edvard Munch – Musée d’Orsay, from 20 September 2022 to 22 January 2023.

Frida Khalo, beyond Appearances – Palais Galliera, from 15 September 2022 to 5 March 2023

Expo Hyperréalisme “Ceci n’est pas un Corps” – Musée Maillol, from 8 September 2022 to 5 March 2023.

Arts and Prehistory – Musée de l’Homme, from 16 November 2022 to 22 May 2023

Art Déco: France-America – Cité de l’Architecture et du Patrimoine, from 21 October 2022 to 6 March 2023

Oskar Kokoschka Un Fauve à Vienne – Musée d’Art Moderne MAM, from 23 September 2022 to 12 February 2023

Boris Mikhaïlov, Journal Ukranien – Maison Européenne de la Photographie MEP, from 7 September 2022 to 15 January 2023

La Fabuloserie a 40 ans – Halle Saint Pierre, from 25 January to 25 August 2023.

A COZY BREAK IN ONE OF THE HEATED TERRACES AND ROOFTOPS IN PARIS

Beautiful terraces and rooftop bars are not exclusive to summertime. There are some beautiful heated places in Paris where you can finish your explorations with your favorite drink and awesome views of the capital or in a warm, cozy atmosphere.

Some of these terraces and rooftop bars are part of hotels but are also accessible to non-guests. Below, is the list of our favorites:

  • The Parisian Bubble first floor of the Eiffel Tower, Paris 7
  • La Bulle du Novotel Paris Les Halles 8 Place Marguerite de Navarre, Paris 1
  • The Chocolate Bar at Hotel Les Jardins du Marais – 74 rue Amelot, Paris 11
  • The Royal Marché at Hotel Royal Monceau – 35-37 avenue Hoche, Paris 8
  • Le Terrass Hotel – 12-14, rue Joseph de Maistre, Paris 18
  • L’Hotel Amour – 8, rue de Navarin, Paris 9
  • Les Climats (a bar-restaurant classed historical monument) 41 rue de Lille, Paris 7
  • L’Hotel the Westin Paris – 3 rue de Castiglione, Paris 1
  • Le Hibou, a trendy bistro – 16 carrefour de l’Odéon, Paris 6
  • Le Sinople. Inside Le Klay fitness club but also open to non-members 4 bis, rue Saint-Sauveur, Paris 2

NEED MORE IDEAS ABOUT THINGS TO DO IN PARIS IN JANUARY?

No problem! Have a look at our articles about December in Paris and Paris in February. Some of the activities proposed in these articles are also good ideas for Paris in January.

Where to Stay in Paris in January

We recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.


SLEEP WITH EIFFEL TOWER VIEWS

If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up with an amazing Eiffel Tower balcony view?

Some of the best hotels in Paris also come with awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, especially beautiful during its night show!

Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views

The good news is that a cozy room with Eiffel Tower views is not exclusive to the best hotels in Paris. If you are looking for a more local experience, there are also beautiful, fully equipped apartments to rent with amazing Eiffel Tower views

Check out the best apartments with view of Eiffel Tower


HOTELS AT LE MARAIS IN PARIS 3

Le Marais in the Right Bank is a beautiful and central neighborhood perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options.

Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais in Paris 3

LE PAVILLON DE LA REINE &  SPA, Paris 3, $$$$

Le Pavillon de la Reine is a luxury hotel & spa located at Place des Vosges in the Marais. The rooms are individually decorated and very spacious. Facilities include a spa, fitness center, and hammam. Its beautiful secluded garden is perfect to end your day with a drink.

Click here for the Latest Prices


HOTEL DU PETIT MOULIN, Paris 3, $$$

Located at the heart of Marais and entirely designed by Christian Lacroix, this hotel offers the best combination of history + design. Guests can use complimentary bicycles and enjoy free access to the spa at Hotel Pavillon de la Reine, a 10-min walk away.

Click here for the Latest Prices


HOTELS AT THE LATIN QUARTER

If you prefer to stay in the Left Bank, the Latin Quarter is also a good option, usually with less expensive options. Stay close to the Luxembourg Gardens or the Jardin des Plantes but also to lively areas like rue du Mouffetard or the Sorbonne with many bars and restaurants nearby.

Click here for the best hotels in the Latin Quarter in Paris 5

XHOTEL LA LANTERNE; Paris 5, $$$$

Hotel La Lanterne has an excellent location (between Notre Dame and Luxembourg Gardens), attractive rooms, and some great facilities like a spa, pool, or private garden. Perfect to finish your exploring days in a more relaxing way.

Click here for the Latest Prices


OBSERVATOIRE LUXEMBOURG: Paris 5, $$$

Located close to Luxembourg Gardens, we find its design pretty cool. But of course, it is not all about decoration: the hotel’s comfortable rooms, French Brasserie, modern facilities, and cool staff are the perfect combination for a great stay in Paris.

Click here for the Latest Prices

We hope you found some inspiration for your coming trip to Paris in January 2023!

Click here for more Paris travel tips

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Quirky Parisian explorers with a preference for lesser-known sights, we are continuously looking for new ideas and tips to bring you the best of the City of Light.