Travel

Paris in November: The Best Fall Month to visit

Paris in November is moody, elegant, and deeply local. If you’re wondering what to do in Paris in November, think café lingering, early sunsets, warm museums, and thick scarves. The leaves crunch underfoot, the terraces grow quieter, and the city leans into its more introspective, literary side. 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.

Is Paris Worth Visiting in November?

Yes—Paris in November is absolutely worth visiting if you love culture over crowds.

  • Museums and monuments are quieter
  • Hotel prices are often lower
  • Restaurant reservations are easier
  • Christmas lights begin twinkling near the end of the month
  • The weather encourages exactly what Paris does best: cafés, exhibitions, pastries, and bookstores

It’s the month when Paris reveals its inner world—the Paris of readers, artists, and locals living their daily rituals.

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

Paris Weather in November

November brings cooler temperatures and more gray skies. Snow is rare, but mist and drizzle are frequent, adding to the romantic mood.

  • Average temperatures: 6°C to 11°C (43°F to 52°F)
  • Typical weather: overcast skies, cool breezes, light rain
  • Sunset: around 5:00 p.m.
  • Daylight: around 9–10 hours; plan outdoor time earlier in the day and save museums for late afternoon.

What this means for you:

  • Pack warm layers
  • Waterproof shoes and a real coat
  • Plan indoor activities for rainy days
  • Expect soft light, foggy mornings, and cozy evenings

What to Wear in Paris in November

Parisians are fully in fall–winter mode: long coats, leather boots, knit scarves, and timeless neutrals. Think warmth, elegance, and texture—wool, cashmere, leather, and structured outerwear.

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.

Pack:

  • A wool coat or water-resistant trench
  • Layering sweaters and turtlenecks
  • Dark jeans or tailored trousers
  • Ankle boots or sturdy loafers
  • A warm scarf, gloves, and compact umbrella
  • A tote bag that can fit layers

For style inspiration, see my Paris Fall Style Guide for chic, weatherproof outfits and How to Dress for the Rain Like a Parisian.

What to Do in Paris in November

November is ideal for slow travel. You can take your time in museums, explore hidden passages, 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

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

Cozy Neighborhood Moments

  • Book-browsing in Saint-Germain: Try L’Écume des Pages, Librairie Gallimard, or Taschen
  • Warm up in a cave à vins with a cheese plate and a glass of red
  • Explore covered passages for rainy-day charm:
    • Passage des Panoramas
    • Galerie Vivienne
    • Passage Verdeau
Historic fountain at Place Saint-Sulpice in Paris on a clear November day
The Saint-Sulpice fountain, more atmospheric than ever in November.

Atmospheric Walks

Even in November, the city is still best explored by foot.

  • Père-Lachaise when the leaves have fallen—quiet, cinematic, hauntingly beautiful
  • Montmartre under gray skies, with hot chocolate from Carette (Place du Tertre) or Maison Louvard.
  • The Seine at dusk, when the lights of the bridges reflect off the water
  • Luxembourg Gardens for a chilly picnic with a sandwich from Bread & Roses or Boulangerie La Parisienne

Short Outdoor Moments That Still Work in November

  • Sunrise at Pont Alexandre III on a misty morning
  • Île Saint-Louis loop with Berthillon’s seasonal flavors (if open)
  • Tuileries round-trip from the Louvre to Place de la Concorde

What to Do in Paris in November When It Rains (Best Rainy-Day Ideas)

Wondering what to do in Paris in November when it rains? This is where the city shines.

  • Spend the afternoon at the Louvre → Louvre Museum
  • See Monet’s water lilies at Musée de l’Orangerie → Musée de l’Orangerie
  • Hide inside Le Bon Marché food hall (La Grande Epicerie) → Le Bon Marché
  • Explore Parisian covered passages—beautiful, warm, and atmospheric
  • Enjoy chocolat chaud at Angelina on Rue de Rivoli → Angelina

If you need a break from museums:

  • Department stores are magical in November, perfect for gift shopping or browsing
  • Cafés won’t rush you—order a drink and stay as long as you like
  • Take a cooking class at La Cuisine Paris → La Cuisine Paris Cooking Classes
  • Visit Galeries Lafayette to escape the rain and see early Christmas windows → Galeries Lafayettes Haussmann

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): Some museums/shops adjust hours; ceremonies take place at the Arc de Triomphe. Check schedules on Paris Je T’aime (official tourism) Le Musée de l’Armée and Invalides are open, if you’d like to commemorate.
  • 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.

Is Paris Christmas-y in November?

Yes—subtly.
By mid- to late-November, Christmas begins to appear:

  • Streets and department stores light up
  • Decorations sparkle down Boulevard Haussmann
  • The first Christmas markets may open
  • Window displays at Galeries Lafayette and Le Bon Marché are a must-see

It’s festive without the crowds of December—charming, elegant, and quietly magical. More Christmas things to do in Paris here.

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.
  • Hôtel Récamier (6th arrondissement): Elegant and intimate, tucked away on Place Saint-Sulpice—perfect for quiet mornings and long reads
  • Hôtel 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

Paris in November with Kids

Kids love November in Paris:

  • Covered passages with toy shops and sweets
  • Angelina hot chocolate
  • Musée d’Orsay (shorter lines than summer)
  • Versailles with fewer crowds
  • Disneyland Paris begins Christmas season in mid-November → https://www.disneylandparis.com

Bring umbrellas, warm coats, and a plan for rainy days—Paris is magical through a child’s eyes. Also check out Paris with a toddler in winter for ideas and Where to stay in Paris with kids.

Travel Tips for Visiting Paris in November

  • Pack a proper coat—you’ll wear it daily
  • Bring waterproof shoes
  • Make museum reservations on holidays
  • Plan indoor days in advance
  • Say yes to long café afternoons
  • Don’t fear the rain—Paris is built for it

Plan Your November Afternoon Like a Local

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.

FAQs

Is November a good month to visit Paris?
Yes. It’s quieter, more atmospheric, and beautifully local. If you enjoy museums, cafés, bookstores, and early Christmas lights, November is a perfect time.

What to do in Paris in November if it rains?
Hide out in museums, covered passages, cafés, department stores, or tea salons. Try Angelina for hot chocolate, visit the Orsay, or explore Galerie Vivienne.

What should I wear in Paris in November?
A wool coat, scarf, umbrella, waterproof shoes, and layered knits. Parisians dress for warmth and elegance—no ski jackets or athleisure.

Is Paris Christmas-y in November?
By mid- to late-November, yes: Christmas lights, window displays, and the first markets open. It’s more subtle and stylish than December.

Final Thoughts

November brings out a different Paris—the quieter, more intimate one locals love. The cafés feel warmer, the bookstores fuller, the museums calmer. It’s the perfect month to walk slowly, eat well, dress beautifully, and treat the city like your own neighborhood.

And when the rain begins to fall?
Order a glass of red wine, open your book, and watch the world pass by. That’s November in Paris.

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