Packing for Paris in December
Packing list for Paris in December: learn how to dress in Paris in December and what to pack to strike the perfect balance between practical, comfortable, and chic.
Packing for a holiday in the City of Love and fashion is no easy task. You need to think practically and pack comfortable outfits for spending long days sightseeing and traveling around the city. But, you also want to have a few cute choices that’ll make you feel pretty. It is Paris, after all!
So, how to fit in everything you need to be comfortable and feel good during your trip to Paris in a suitcase or two?
Don’t worry! We are locals in Paris and also expert travelers, and we’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that’ll help you to do just that. Learn how to pack for Paris in December like a pro to be stylish and comfortable and blend in with the locals.
So, without further ado, let’s get into the nitty gritty of packing for Paris in December, with a packing list at the end of this post.
Read More:
Weather in Paris in December
December is a winter month in France, and the weather in Paris is cold and wet. However, France is not as cold as other countries in Northern Europe, so depending on where you come from, you will find Paris more or less cold – and you will adjust your Paris packing list accordingly.
If we stick to the statistics, the average temperature in Paris in December is 10C maximum and 5C minimum, with a 15% probability of rainfall.
Snow in Paris in December is rare, with an average of 1.8 snowfall days. What you are likely to experience is cloudy days and regular rainfall.
December in Paris Max. Temperature | December in Paris Min. Temperature | Avg. Days of Rain |
10 C /50 F | 5 C /41 F | 6 |
How to Pack for Paris in December – Top Tips by Locals
What to pack for Paris in December? The key to dressing in Paris in wintertime is quality, warm clothes.
If you decide to visit Paris in December, a good and warm coat, a scarf, and a hat are a must to keep you warm all day. Good leather Chelsea boots with merino wool socks will keep your feet warm and cozy.
Nice outfits for Paris in December for women include turtlenecks, wool ponchos, or oversized cardigans as the second layer.
The list of men’s clothes for Paris in December should include a warm coat and Merino pullovers with a shirt underneath.
If you plan on being outdoors for a long time, add some thermal underwear to your packing list for Paris in December.
If you are visiting the French capital in December, you will probably want to explore the Paris Christmas Markets and the beautiful shopping malls along the Grand Boulevards. Keep some empty space in your suitcase for Christmas presents and other souvenir gifts!
Finally, a foldable travel umbrella is always good to have in your bag when you visit Paris in December.
What to Wear in Paris in December: Style Guide
What to wear in Paris in December? If you need ideas for the clothes to wear in Paris in December and how to combine them to look stylish and blend in with locals, check out our winter style guides for men and women.
TIP: You can also come to Paris with half of the suitcase empty and enjoy a Paris shopping tour with a passionate and creative personal shopper! She will help you to choose the best clothes to wear in Paris for your travel style. This fun shopping experience is suitable for women and men. If you are traveling with teenagers, check out this shopping tour for teens in Paris.
What to Pack for Paris – Packing List for Paris in December
This list of things to pack for Paris in December is for men and women. This Paris packing list December is complete with some basic tips for your luggage (suitcase and day bag /backpack), travel essentials, and toiletries.
1. Paris Packing List: Luggage
Carry-on vs. Checked Suitcase:
Use a suitcase that is sized to the duration of your trip to Paris. Remember that some airlines charge for checked luggage, and there is always the chance that your luggage does not follow you if your flight to Paris has a short layover. I am a big fan of Delsey Paris, as it has elegant designs and comes in a couple of nice colors. Plus, the carry-on isn’t too expensive.
Packing Cubes:
How could we travel before without packing cubes? Packing cubes are the single best packing hack that I can recommend for packing for Paris and anywhere else. Personally, I have three packing cubes (red, green, blue) where I keep different items (e.g., casual clothes, hiking /sports clothes, fancy clothes).
Daypack vs. Day Bag:
The answer will depend on your personal style and what you’re doing on a day-to-day basis during your trip to Paris. If you are concerned about safety in Paris, check out this quick guide to anti-theft backpacks or this guide to anti-theft day bags (but not every person in Paris is trying to rob you, so chill out).
2. Paris Packing List December: Clothes and Accessories
Here’s a checklist of what to pack for Paris in December – accessories and clothes to wear in Paris in December. For your convenience, we have added links to nice items available on Amazon. A couple of days before leaving for Paris, check out the weather forecast and adjust this Paris packing list December.
Paris packing list for women:
– Fedora Hat or Winter Beanie
– Winter Gloves (with touchscreen function)
– Quality Chelsea Boots and classic sneakers
– Everyday essentials (underwear, socks, pajamas, etc.)
Men’s clothes for Paris in December:
– Jeans
– Winter Gloves (with touchscreen function)
– Pointed Shoes, Chelsea Boots and classic sneakers
– Everyday essentials (underwear, socks, pajamas, etc.)
3. Paris Packing List: Travel Essentials
– Phone charger
– Mini portable hair dryer dual voltage (usually provided in mid-range & luxury hotels)
-Passport + travel documents + visa if relevant
– Prepaid SIM card for France (check here how to get one before landing in Paris)
– Travel Insurance (click here for our best tips for a safe trip depending on your country of origin)
-Some cash for small purchases and tips + bank cards (read about tipping in Paris)
-International driving license, if relevant
-Phone/ Camera
–Reusable water bottle (it is safe to drink tap water in Paris)
-Medication and prescriptions, if relevant
4. Paris Packing List: Handy Toiletries
You can buy all this in local pharmacy shops or supermarkets, but many people prefer to bring them from home. If packing toiletries for a short trip, you may want to add small bottles of your favorite toiletries to your luggage:
-Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
-Shower gel/soap (usually there’s soap in the hotels in Paris, but perhaps you want to use your favorite one?)
-Shampoo and conditioner
-Deodorant
-Tweezers
-Comb and brush
-Face and body moisturizers
-Lip balm
-Women’s sanitary supplies
-Perfume/skin scent
-Makeup
-Shaving cream, blades, and accessories
-Hair ties
And there you have it, a comprehensive guide on how to dress in Paris in December with our top tips for making a perfect Paris packing list.
