What to Wear in Paris in the Winter: Tips for Packing for Paris in the Winter (+ Packing List!)

The holidays in Paris are magical, but that shouldn't be the only time you visit in winter. Once the New Year is over, hotel and flight prices fall. Without the crowds, you can enjoy some of the most famous sights and museums without fighting for the perfect view. The weather, though, can be a downer.

That makes figuring out what to wear in Paris in the winter a bit more complicated. My general packing rules year-round: neutral colors, a capsule wardrobe, and dressing for the occasion. See my full guide to what to wear in Paris. Below is everything specific to winter.

I have a free printable packing list for winter in Paris.

Winter Weather in Brief

Paris in winter tends to be cold, gray, and mostly wet, with temperatures in the 30s and 40s (°F), little sunshine, and a lot of wind, especially along the river. Snow isn't unheard of but rarely sticks for more than a day, so you don't need ski gear. For the exact averages and month-by-month outlook, see Paris in December, Paris in January, and Paris in February.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy yourself. Naps in the parks and ice cream by the Seine may not be part of the equation, but Paris has plenty to offer even on the rainiest of days, and there's no better time to try seasonal specialties like Chandeleur crêpes and Galette des Rois. The key to enjoying Paris in winter is to pack accordingly.

You'll likely spend a good amount of time exploring outdoors. Even with plenty of coffee and wine breaks in cozy cafés, you'd be missing out if you skipped the main sights because of rain or wind. And though the days are short and dark, the City of Light rarely deserves its name more than when the glow from windows and illuminated streets reflects on wet pavement. Here's everything you should leave room for in your suitcase.

5 Tips for Packing for Paris in Winter

Before the exact Paris packing list for winter, a few overall tips to help you plan your trip.

In winter, as through the rest of the year, French women tend toward a sophisticated style. You won't find puffy ski jackets or brightly colored snow boots on Paris streets the way you might in the US. Parisian winter style is about layers, long coats, elegant accessories, and neutral colors. You'll often see Parisian women in dark skinny jeans, ankle-length or knee-high leather boots, and a black coat, with color popping through to chase away the winter blues.

1. Pick the right shoes

The right pair of shoes can make or break your trip to Paris; I say it every season, but it's especially true in winter. It's hard to avoid packing winter boots, and they should be waterproof, warm, and stylish (this is Paris, after all).

Knee-high leather boots

Knee-high leather boots in classic black or brown check every box, versatile enough to dress up or down, worn with jeans by day and a dress by night. Since you'll be living out of a suitcase, wear them on the plane to save space, and make sure they're well broken in with enough traction for treacherous wet cobblestones. Stick to small-to-moderate heels since you'll be walking a lot, and make sure they fit well with thick socks.

Waterproof ankle boots

Waterproof brown or black ankle boots are a good alternative, though they won't protect your calves from cold Parisian rain. Avoid mesh or fabric sneakers at all costs; there's no faster way to be miserable in Paris than cold, wet feet miles from your hotel. If you know you'll be going out for a fancy meal, bring a dressier pair of shoes. I avoid high heels entirely on a winter trip.

2. Bring a good winter coat

Much like your shoes, the outerwear you bring plays a big role in whether your winter stay is magical or dreadful. It needs to stand up to wet, cold weather, and since it'll be in most of your photos, it's worth some thought (or a splurge).

As tempting as it might be to pull out technical gear, leave the ski jacket at home. Go with a classic wool coat, like a peacoat or a belted trench. Parisians gravitate toward black, gray, or navy, though slim-cut puff coats have become more common on Paris streets in recent years. Stay clear of bright colors or sporty cuts if you want to blend in. A leather jacket looks great on some locals, but I don't think it's warm enough for winter (it's better saved for spring).

Since a coat is one of the bulkiest items in your suitcase, wear it on the plane. Bring one versatile enough for day to night, and reasonably waterproof. Pack a travel umbrella too, even if your coat has a hood.

3. Don't forget cold-weather accessories

If the right coat is essential, so are winter accessories, your first line of defense for a long, cold day on Parisian streets. Wool hats, gloves, and scarves are a must, and unlike a coat, they take up little suitcase space (roll them into your boots to save room), so bring more than one set.

Blanket scarves keep you warm during the day and double as a blanket or pillow substitute on the plane. Hats come in all shapes and sizes; a classic wool beanie works, or switch it up with a felt wide-brim hat that also keeps rain away. (Skip the beret unless you want to carry a giant “tourist” sign.) Leather gloves are chic and reasonably weatherproof, but make sure they're warm enough for Parisian winter.

4. Warm clothes are a must

In winter, stock up on clothes that keep you warm. Flowy dresses may look cute in photos, but you'll regret them after a long, rainy day. Go for a warm sweater dress instead; it travels well and skips the ironing.

Chunky knit sweaters and cardigans are everywhere in Paris right now; bring items you can wear with several outfits since they tend to be bulky. A well-cut dark blazer dresses up jeans for dinner out. Pair these with long-sleeve tees and blouses for a bit more variety, and layer up if you'll be spending time in warm museums. Leave hoodies and anything too sporty at home.

For bottoms, stick with dark-colored slim-cut pants and jeans you can tuck into your boots to avoid soaking the hems in puddles. Dress it up with a knee-length skirt when needed.

5. Appropriate underlayers will save the day

Undergarments are almost as important as the clothes themselves in cold, wet weather. Dark leggings work under dresses or under pants on a particularly cold or outdoor-heavy day. Wool socks keep the cold out. Pack an extra pair in your handbag if it's raining hard. Discreet long-sleeve undershirts add an extra layer without bulk under a sweater or blouse. Merino wool makes a great base layer for trapping heat.

What Kind of Bag Should You Pack for Winter in Paris?

This is always something I struggle with, so after many winter trips, here's what to consider. If you follow the layering advice above, you'll be peeling clothes off during indoor activities and need somewhere to put them. Bring the minimum you can get by with for your day bag to leave room for those layers, especially in cafés and restaurants where personal space is tight.

Your bag should also be waterproof; mine always seems to get the worst of the rain or snow. And bring your own reusable bags, since paper shopping bags disintegrate when wet (a lesson I learned the hard way. A Galeries Lafayette bag with black handles stained my red Patagonia jacket, and the marks stayed for three years). I've written an entire post on the best bags for Paris.

Paris Winter Packing List

• Knee-high boots (preferably leather)
• Wool winter coat
• Gloves, hat, and scarf
• Long-sleeve sweater dress
• Wool cardigans and sweaters
• Wool blazer
• Long-sleeve blouses and shirts
• Slim-cut pants and jeans
• Black leggings
• Wool socks
• Long-sleeve undershirts

Paris Winter Packing — FAQ 

By Month: Where to Go for More Detail

Winter covers three core months, plus an early-spring overlap. For the exact weather, events, and a fuller local packing breakdown, use the dedicated guides:

• What to wear in Paris in December → Holiday lights and the coldest crowds: lean fully into the coat, boots, and layering advice above.
• What to wear in Paris in January → Quiet streets and the best hotel deals of the year, with the same cold, wet weather to pack for.
• What to wear in Paris in February → Still firmly winter, with the first hints that spring isn't far off.
• What to wear in Paris in March → If you're visiting in early March, expect a transitional mix. Check this guide alongside the spring packing list for a more precise read.

How about you? What are the things you cannot travel without when visiting Paris in winter?

Illustration commissioned from Linden Eller.

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