What to Pack for Paris in December: A Local’s Ultimate Guide

What to Pack for Paris in December is one of the biggest questions I get about visiting the city in winter. December in Paris is magical—Christmas lights over the boulevards, department-store windows glowing, holiday markets everywhere—but it’s also cold, damp, and surprisingly hard on feet that aren’t used to cobblestones.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly what to pack for Paris in December: the right coat, layers, shoes, and accessories, plus a simple capsule wardrobe you can actually fit in a medium suitcase. If you’re still planning your trip, you can also read my guide to How to Visit Paris in December: Stylish Weather & Holiday Tips and what to wear more broadly in Paris in winter.

What to Pack for Paris in December: Weather Cheat Sheet

Before you decide what goes into your suitcase, it helps to know what you’re packing for. In December, Paris usually sits between 3–8°C (37–46°F). On paper that doesn’t look extreme, however the damp air and wind can make it feel much colder.

You can expect:

• Short days with early dusk
• Plenty of gray skies and light rain
• The occasional crisp, sunny day that feels like a reward
• Rare but possible snow or icy patches

Because you’ll move constantly between chilly streets and overheated cafés, layering is the single most important rule when you think about what to pack for Paris in December.

(If you like to check the forecast obsessively before you fly, bookmark the official Météo-France site for up-to-date information.)

Your December Packing Mindset

When you’re deciding what to pack for Paris in December, think in terms of a small winter capsule wardrobe, not “one outfit for every possible scenario.” A simple framework is the 5–4–3–2–1 method:

• 5 tops – sweaters + long-sleeve tees
• 4 bottoms – jeans, trousers, maybe a skirt or faux-leather pants
• 3 pairs of shoes – realistically, you’ll live in 2 of them
• 2 outer layers – one real winter coat, one lighter jacket or blazer
• 1 dress or elevated evening outfit

Choose a tight, winter-friendly palette—black, navy, camel, grey, ecru—and maybe one accent color. This makes it much easier to re-wear pieces without feeling like you’re repeating outfits in every photo.

Clothing Essentials: What to Pack for Paris in December

1. Outerwear

Outerwear is what everyone sees in photos, and it does most of the work warmth-wise. Pack:

• One warm wool or down coat
  • Knee-length or longer
  • Neutral color (black, navy, camel, charcoal)
  • Roomy enough for a sweater + base layer
• Optional: A lighter jacket or blazer
  • For slightly milder days or to feel more pulled-together indoors

Shop Outerwear

Skip the classic trench coat for December—it shines in spring and fall, but is usually too light for true winter days.

2. Sweaters & Base Layers

Next in your what to pack for Paris in December list: pieces that keep you warm without turning you into the Michelin Man.

Pack:

• 2–3 cashmere or merino wool sweaters (crewneck or turtleneck)
• 2–3 long-sleeve tees or thin thermal tops
• Optional: 1 fine-gauge cardigan you can slip under your coat

Shop Sweaters

Merino and cashmere are excellent because they’re warm, breathable, and look polished in photos. Explore my Best French cashmere brands if you’d like to expand your collection during your visit. They also layer beautifully with scarves and coats, which you can see in my Paris winter outfit ideas.

3. Bottoms

Yes, you can absolutely wear jeans. In fact, when you’re mapping out what to pack for Paris in December for a week, jeans will probably be your most-worn piece.

Pack:

• 1 pair of dark, straight-leg jeans
• 1 pair of black or navy wool trousers or ponte pants
• Optional extras:
  • Faux-leather trousers or skirt for evenings
  • Warm knit skirt to wear with tights and boots

Shop BOTTOMS

If you run cold, bring thermal leggings or fleece-lined tights to wear under everything on the chilliest days. You’ll be grateful when the wind whips down the Seine.

4. Dresses & Evening Pieces

You do not need a different dress for every dinner. When you prioritize what to pack for Paris in December, think “one or two elevated outfits” that you can re-style.

Consider:

• 1 sweater dress or midi dress
  • Works with tights + ankle boots
  • Can be dressed up with jewelry and a clutch
• 1 silk or satin blouse
  • Pairs with jeans or wool trousers
  • Perfect for a jazz club, cocktail bar, or festive dinner

Shop EVEning

This is more than enough for brasseries, bistros, and even a dressier night out. lipstick. If you’re spending the holidays in Paris, you’ll love my guide to Parisian Festive Outfits.

Shoes to Wear: What to Pack for Paris in December

Shoes are where many people get December in Paris wrong. When you’re deciding what to pack for Paris in December, imagine walking 15,000–20,000 steps a day on cobblestones, wet sidewalks, and metro stairs.

Can You Wear Sneakers in Paris in December?

Yes, you can wear sneakers in Paris in December—locals do too. However, choose them carefully:

• Go for simple leather or suede sneakers in neutral colors
• Make sure they’re already broken in
• Combine them with warm socks and full-length trousers

Shop SNEAKERS

Treat sneakers as your second pair, not your only shoe. If you want to blend in with the locals, take a look at The Best French Sneaker Brands (That Parisians Actually Wear) — these are the minimalist styles you’ll see everywhere in Paris.

Boots: Your Real Winter Workhorse

For your main pair of shoes, pack:

• 1 pair of waterproof ankle boots
  • Flat or low block heel
  • Leather or suede treated with spray
  • Comfortable enough to walk in all day

I personally have owned the Isabel Marant Dewina boots in Suede for longer than I’d like to admit — in my defense, I have them in two colorways — I love them and have had them repaired countless times. I find them to be the perfect Paris daytime boot, as they look good with jeans, skirts, and pretty much any outfit.

Optional second pair:

• Sleeker black ankle boots or knee-high boots for evening outfits

Shop BOOTS

High stilettos plus icy sidewalks are a recipe for a sprained ankle and a ruined night. Save them for another trip.

Cold-Weather Accessories for Paris in December

Accessories are small in your suitcase but huge in terms of comfort. When you plan what to pack for Paris in December, don’t skimp here. If you want to read more specifically about how important Scarves are for Parisians outfits in the winter, check out my guide to French scarves.

Pack:

• 1–2 scarves – wool or cashmere, big enough to wrap twice
• 1 beanie or wool hat
• Leather or cashmere-lined gloves
• Warm socks – merino or Heattech; bring more than you think
• Opaque or fleece-lined tights for dresses and skirts
• Compact travel umbrella

Shop ACCESSORIES

These are the pieces that let you sit on a heated café terrace with a glass of wine instead of racing back to the hotel because you’re freezing.

Non-Clothing Essentials for Paris in December

When you finalise what to pack for Paris in December, it’s easy to focus only on clothes. However, a few non-fashion extras make a huge difference:

• Hydrating skincare – rich face cream, lip balm, hand cream
• Travel-size tissues and hand sanitizer (useful on the metro)
• Universal plug adapter + portable charger
• Reusable water bottle – tap water is safe in Paris
• Copies of passport and travel documents (printed + digital)
• Optional: small travel steamer if wrinkles drive you crazy

Shop ESSENTIALS

If you love French pharmacy products, you can always top up once you’re here—my guide to the best French pharmacy products is a good place to start your shopping list.

Sample 7-Day Capsule: What to Pack for Paris in December

To make it concrete, here’s how a one-week winter capsule might look. This covers what to pack for Paris in December for a week without overpacking.

Wear on the plane

• Long wool or short down coat
• Cashmere sweater
• Long-sleeve tee
• Straight-leg jeans
• Waterproof ankle boots
• Scarf + beanie in your personal item

In your suitcase

• 2 additional sweaters (one dark, one light)
• 2 extra long-sleeve tees or base layers
• 1 pair black wool trousers
• 1 sweater dress or midi dress
• 1 faux-leather skirt or trousers (optional but fun)
• Sneakers
• 2–3 pairs tights
• 5–7 pairs warm socks
• Silk or satin blouse for evening
• Gloves, second scarf, pajamas, underwear

Example outfit rotation

• Day 1: Wool coat + jeans + sweater + boots
• Day 2: Trousers + striped knit + sneakers
• Day 3: Sweater dress + tights + ankle boots
• Day 4: Jeans + silk blouse + blazer or coat for dinner
• Day 5: Faux-leather trousers + turtleneck + boots
• Day 6: Knit skirt + tights + cashmere sweater
• Day 7: Repeat your favorite look for photos and last-minute shopping

This is usually all you need for a December trip, especially if you leave a little space to bring something back from a Paris boutique.

What to Pack for Paris in December for Men

If you’re packing for a partner, the same principles apply. What to pack for Paris in December for men can be summed up as: neutrals, layers, and good shoes.

• 1 wool or down coat (navy, black, or camel)
• 2 merino or cashmere sweaters
• 2–3 long-sleeve tees or shirts
• 1 pair dark jeans
• 1 pair wool trousers or chinos
• 1 pair waterproof leather boots
• 1 pair clean, minimalist sneakers
• Scarf, beanie, gloves, warm socks

Shop MEN

This is perfectly appropriate for museums, wine bars, and nicer restaurants without feeling overdressed.

Final Checklist: What to Pack for Paris in December

Before you zip your suitcase, run quickly through this what to pack for Paris in December checklist:

•  Warm wool or down coat in a neutral color
•  2–3 sweaters (cashmere or merino if possible)
•  2–3 long-sleeve tees or thermal tops
•  Dark jeans + wool trousers
•  One dress or elevated evening outfit
•  Waterproof ankle boots + chic sneakers
•  Scarf, beanie, gloves, warm socks, tights
•  Compact umbrella
•  Hydrating skincare, adapter, portable charger
•  Passport, copies, cards, and a little cash

Pack thoughtfully and you’ll step off the plane ready to enjoy the city at its most festive—warm enough to linger under the Christmas lights, stylish enough to feel at home among Parisians, and light enough on luggage to still carry a box of macarons home.

FAQ: Packing for Paris in December

Will it be cold in Paris in December?

Yes. It’s not Arctic, but the damp cold feels intense, especially if you’re coming from a warm climate. Plan as if it will feel colder than the forecast suggests and you’ll be fine.

Can you wear sneakers in Paris in December?

You can, and locals do—mostly simple, low-profile sneakers in leather or suede. Just don’t rely on them as your only shoe. Pair them with warm socks and full-length trousers, and keep boots as your main walking shoe.

Is it OK to wear jeans in Paris?

Absolutely. Dark, straight-leg or slightly wide-leg jeans are a winter staple in Paris. Avoid anything overly distressed or too cropped if you’re worried about blending in and staying warm.

What is 5-4-3-2-1 packing for winter—and does it work for Paris?

The 5-4-3-2-1 method is a minimalist way to build a suitcase: five tops, four bottoms, three pairs of shoes, two coats, one dressier outfit. It works beautifully for Paris in December as long as:

• Your tops are genuinely warm (wool, cashmere, or layered)
• One of your coats is a real winter coat
• At least one pair of shoes is waterproof and walkable

Final Thoughts: What to Pack for Paris in December

Packing for Paris in December doesn’t mean choosing between warmth and style. With a small capsule of good outerwear, real layers, waterproof boots, and a few elevated pieces, you’ll be able to:

• Wander Christmas markets without freezing
• Linger over late-afternoon hot chocolate
• Slip into a brasserie or a more polished dinner spot without changing your entire outfit

Use this list as your base, adapt it to your own style, and you’ll step off the plane ready to enjoy the most magical month in the city—without shivering through it.