Travel

Paris in January: What to Wear, Do, and Expect in the New Year

Paris in January is quiet, introspective, and undeniably Parisian. The city exhales after the holiday rush, locals return to their routines, and a peaceful calm settles over the boulevards. If you’re looking for fewer crowds, lower prices, and a taste of true winter in Paris—this is your moment.

Empty Parisian street with elegant architecture and morning light
The peaceful calm of Rue de Seine in winter.

What the Weather Is Like in Paris in January

January is the coldest month of the year in Paris. Snow is rare but possible, and most days are gray, brisk, and damp. Still, if you dress appropriately, you’ll find that winter brings its own kind of magic to the city.

  • Average temperatures: 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F)
  • Typical weather: Cold, overcast, with light rain and the occasional frosty morning

What this means for you: Pack for warmth and layering—Paris is beautiful this time of year, but you’ll want to stay cozy.

What to Wear in Paris in January

Parisians lean into winter style in January: tailored coats, long scarves, knitwear, leather boots, and rich, dark color palettes. Think texture and structure.

Here’s what to pack:

  • A wool or down coat
  • Sweaters, turtlenecks, and thermal layers
  • Waterproof leather boots or weather-resistant sneakers
  • Warm accessories: scarf, gloves, hat
  • A small umbrella and a crossbody bag

For full outfit inspiration, check out my Winter in Paris Style Guide.

What to Do in Paris in January

January is a wonderful time to focus on indoor activities, personal rituals, and quiet pleasures. It’s not the month for rushing—Paris in January is for flâneurs.

Cultural Highlights

  • New exhibitions launch in museums like Musée d’Orsay, Palais Galliera, or Fondation Louis Vuitton
  • Fête de la Galette des Rois (Epiphany – early January): Try the almond-filled galette des rois in every bakery—it’s a cultural ritual
  • Cultural outings: Catch a play, ballet, or classical concert—indoors is where the magic happens
Art installation with lampshades hanging from trees in Place de Furstenberg
A touch of whimsy in Saint-Germain: art installations in Place de Furstenberg.

Shopping & Sales

Colorful flower display outside Oz Garden florist in Paris
Seasonal bouquets and vibrant cyclamen brighten even the grayest days.
  • Les Soldes d’Hiver (Winter Sales): The official winter sales usually start around the second week of January and last about four weeks. It’s a fantastic time to score deals on French fashion, lingerie, and beauty.

My Saint-Germain Shopping Itinerary is especially useful during the sales—avoid the chaos and discover timeless, curated spots.

Parisian Winter Rituals

  • Slow café mornings: Bring a book to Coutume, Claus, or Café de Flore
  • Museum hopping: January is blissfully uncrowded—wander the Louvre, Musée de l’Orangerie, or Musée Carnavalet at your own pace
  • Spa afternoons: Book a massage or facial at Maison Sisley, Spa Nuxe Montorgueil, or Cheval Blanc Paris for post-holiday restoration
Corner café in Paris with striped awning and winter trees
Café terraces remain open year-round in Paris—even in January.

Paris Events in January

  • Fête de la Galette des Rois (early January): Celebrate Epiphany with puff pastry + almond cream—and a hidden charm inside each cake
  • Les Soldes d’Hiver: The French government-regulated winter sales begin in mid-January and offer real deals in both big stores and small boutiques
  • Paris Fashion Week – Menswear and Haute Couture: If your dates align, you might spot street style moments or designers around Palais de Tokyo and the Marais

Travel Tips for Visiting Paris in January

  • Book accommodations with heating you can control—charming old hotels aren’t always the warmest
  • Pack warm layers, not just pretty coats—indoor spaces can be chilly too
  • Expect shorter days—sunset is around 5:30pm, so plan accordingly and enjoy long, leisurely evenings

Where to Stay in Paris in January

Chic Parisian hotel room with French decor and glass divider
For cozy elegance, consider a Left Bank stay like Hotel des Saints Pères.

Look for warm, stylish spaces that invite you to stay in. Quiet streets and great breakfasts are a plus in this reflective season.

Visiting Paris in January? Don’t Miss This

Download my Saint-Germain Shopping Itinerary for a chic, efficient route through the neighborhood’s best boutiques, cozy cafés, and timeless finds. Perfect for winter sales season—or simply enjoying a stylish afternoon indoors.

Get the Itinerary

FAQs

Is January a good time to visit Paris?
Yes, if you prefer fewer crowds, better prices, and a quiet, introspective atmosphere. It’s less glamorous, more authentic.

Is Paris cold in January?
Yes—bundle up! But the city is built for beauty in every season.

What’s open in Paris in January?
Most things are! Restaurants, museums, shops, and cafés operate normally after the New Year’s break.

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