Paris in November: What to Expect, Wear, and Do During the City’s Quiet Season

Paris in November is moody, elegant, and deeply local. The leaves crunch underfoot, the terraces grow quieter, and the city leans into its more introspective, literary side. It’s a month for café lingering, early sunsets, museum afternoons, and thick scarves. If you’re visiting in November, you’ll discover a Paris that’s slower, less crowded—and maybe even more poetic.

Haussmannian red-brick corner building under November light in Paris — Haussmannian facades glow softly in the November light.

What the Weather Is Like in Paris in November

November brings cooler temperatures and more gray skies. While it doesn’t usually snow, it’s often misty and damp, with fewer bright days than October.

Average temperatures: 6°C to 11°C (43°F to 52°F)
Typical weather: Overcast skies, cool breezes, frequent drizzle

What this means for you: You’ll need a proper coat, warm layers, and weatherproof shoes. But don’t worry—Paris is just as beautiful under a gray sky.

Fallen autumn leaves on a Paris park path in November — November brings fallen leaves and a quieter rhythm to Paris parks.

What to Wear in Paris in November

Parisians are now fully in fall/winter dressing mode: long coats, elegant boots, knit scarves, and neutral tones. It’s less about trend and more about texture—wool, leather, and cashmere dominate the streets.

Here’s what to pack:

A wool coat or water-resistant trench
Layering sweaters and turtlenecks
Dark jeans or tailored pants
Ankle boots or sturdy loafers
A warm scarf, umbrella, and a chic tote that fits your layers

Want a complete packing list? Check out my Paris Fall Style Guide.

Woman wearing a long black coat, grey sweater, wide-leg jeans, and pointed boots – a chic street style outfit for what to wear in Paris in the fall. — Chic Paris fall outfit with a tailored coat, cozy sweater, and wide-leg jeans.

What to Do in Paris in November

November is ideal for slow travel—you can take your time in museums, explore local bookstores, and experience cafés the way Parisians actually use them: as living rooms.

Parisian café interior with chalkboard menu and diners in November — November is for lingering in Paris cafés.

Cultural Highlights

Paris Photo at the Grand Palais: The world’s largest art photography fair, held every November
Autumn exhibitions: November is perfect for major museum shows—check Musée d’Orsay, Fondation Louis Vuitton, and Musée Marmottan Monet
Salon du Chocolat (early November): A huge (and delicious) chocolate fair, if your visit overlaps

Cozy Neighborhood Moments

Book-browsing in Saint-Germain: Try L’Écume des Pages, Librairie Gallimard, or Taschen
Wine & cheese indoors: Head to a cozy cave à vins or order a cheese plate in a classic bistro
Hidden passages: Explore Galerie Vivienne, Passage des Panoramas, and Passage Verdeau—all covered and beautifully atmospheric on rainy days

Historic fountain at Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris on a clear November day — The Saint-Sulpice fountain, more atmospheric than ever in November.

Shopping in November

This is the sweet spot before the holiday rush.
Browse Left Bank boutiques, pharmacy beauty buys, or Le Bon Marché for early gift ideas and cool-weather fashion staples.

My Saint-Germain Shopping Itinerary is ideal for this time of year—indoors-friendly, local-focused, and chic.

Paris Events in November

Paris Photo (mid-Nov): A major international photography event held at the Grand Palais
Salon du Chocolat (early Nov): A must for food lovers—workshops, tastings, and chocolate artistry
Armistice Day (Nov 11): A national holiday commemorating the end of WWI—some shops and museums may close briefly
Beaujolais Nouveau Day (third Thursday of November): The first bottles of this young red wine are opened and celebrated in bars and wine shops citywide

Vavin intersection in Montparnasse with Haussmann buildings and brasseries at dusk in November — November evenings in Paris cast a moody glow over Montparnasse.

Travel Tips for Visiting Paris in November

Prepare for rain. Bring a compact umbrella and water-resistant shoes
Plan indoor days. Museums, covered passages, department stores, and tea salons are perfect for gray afternoons
Embrace the pace. This is not a high-energy month—lean into the quiet and you’ll feel like a local

Gray November sky reflected over the Seine River in Paris — The Seine under a moody November sky.

Where to Stay in Paris in November

Choose a hotel that feels warm, atmospheric, and close to cozy cafés or bookstores—November is all about nesting in style.

Elegant lounge interior of Hotel Récamier in Paris, a cozy stay for November — Hotel Récamier, an intimate retreat on Place Saint-Sulpice, perfect for a November stay.

Hotel Recamier (6th arrondissement): Elegant and intimate, tucked away on Place Saint-Sulpice—perfect for quiet mornings and long reads
Hotel d’Aubusson (6th arrondissement): Grand, moody, and wonderfully old Paris, complete with a fireplace and jazz bar
Le Grand Pigalle Hotel (9th arrondissement): Stylish and sociable with a great wine bar downstairs, ideal for a moody autumn night in

Planning a Trip to Paris in November? Start Here

Download my Saint-Germain Shopping Itinerary for a perfectly Parisian afternoon of bookstores, boutiques, and cozy cafés—especially suited to a cooler, quieter month like this one.

Get the Itinerary

Cyclist riding along a Paris boulevard lined with autumn trees in November — Even in November, Paris is best explored on foot or by bike.

FAQs

Is November a good month to visit Paris?
Yes, if you like quiet streets, cultural depth, and fewer crowds. It’s introspective and elegant—very Paris.

Is it rainy in Paris in November?
It can be, yes—but it’s usually light and intermittent. Bring a good coat and you’ll be fine.

What do Parisians wear in November?
Long coats, warm scarves, boots, and understated layers in classic tones. Stylish, never sloppy.

Paris in November: What to Expect, Wear, and Do During the City’s Quiet Season

What the Weather Is Like in Paris in November

What to Wear in Paris in November