What to Wear in Paris in Winter: Your Complete Guide

A trip to Paris in winter offers a unique charm that’s different from the busy summer months. It’s quieter and there are less crowds, making it the perfect opportunity to explore iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower without long lines and enjoy a more relaxed, local pace.

From cozying up in charming cafés to experiencing the city’s festive markets and museums, there’s no shortage of things to do in Paris, even when it’s cold.

Packing strategically is key to making the most of your winter trip to Paris, ensuring you stay warm and stylish while navigating the city and all if has to offer.

Here are my packing tips and wardrobe essentials to help you blend in and enjoy Paris in comfort and style this winter.

What to Wear in Paris in Winter

Typical Winter Weather in Paris  

Paris experiences mostly mild weather with four distinct seasons. Although technically the official winter season starts in late December, winter weather in Paris really begins toward the start of the month and it can sometimes carry into early March.

December, January, and February are considered Paris’ winter months. Although January tends to be the coldest, you can generally expect the average temperature across the season to hover in the mid-40s Fahrenheit with nighttime temperatures in the mid-30s, just above freezing.

Although cold, winter in Paris is not intolerable, and so long as you pack smart with the right pieces, you’ll be fine. Winter weather in Paris is gloomy and gray, and although you may get a light dusting of snow, full on snowstorms and blizzards do not happen in Paris. You can leave snow boots at home but be sure to definitely pack a travel umbrella, as rainy days are quite common during winter in the City of Light.

Of course, nobody can fully predict the weather, and you may have a few days that surprise you – for better or worse – so be sure to always check the weather forecast while you pack.

Key Considerations for Packing for Paris in Winter  

Paris winters aren’t nearly as bad as those in NYC, but you can have some windy days and extremely cold nights.

Despite the urge to only want to pack yoga pants or sweatpants for the cold weather, don’t it. Parisian women are known for their effortless and easy, yet put-together style, even in colder months. You’ll want to stay chic yet warm, which can easily be achieved with classic pieces and layering.

French women and men dress largely in neutral colors. Focusing on a color palette with things you can mix and match during your trip not only helps you not stand out as a tourist, but it also allows you to use suitcase space more efficiently. Opt for pieces in black, navy, gray, and neutrals, along with classic seasonal colors like khaki, dark olive, and burgundy.

Parisian style is effortlessly chic and rooted in timeless, neutral staples like tailored coats, perfectly fitted jeans, and classic knitwear with understated accessories. It’s looking polished yet relaxed, with an emphasis on quality over quantity.

Paris Packing List for Winter

Winter Coat

A cozy, warm coat is a must for your winter trip to Paris. Long coats are the coat of choice for every chic Parisian during the winter; they’re a smart, versatile outerwear option that works for day and night, and the longer length also keeps you warmer than a shorter variation.

I live part-time in New York City, and this long wool coat has been my winter coat for the past couple of years. I absolutely love that I can wear it with jeans and over a dress. If you’re only going to pack one coat for your trip, it should be a long wool coat.

I’d skip packing a trench coat. It’ll take up unnecessary suitcase space and the weather in December is too cold for one, even on warmer days. Save it for spring or fall.

Black Blazer

A black blazer is one of those wardrobe essentials that I think every woman should have in her closet. The French are experts at layering, so for a trip to Paris, a blazer can be extremely versatile.

Here are a few ways to get the most out of your blazer on your trip:

• For any warmer days, pair your it with a sweater and some jeans
• For nighttime or a special dinner, wear your blazer with a sweater dress or slip skirt and some knee-high boots
• Use it as an as an extra layer on cold days when your chunky sweaters and wool coat just won’t do

Sweaters

Be sure to pack plenty of sweaters for your trip, including a cashmere sweater or two. Not only is cashmere super soft, but the fabric will also keep you warm in Paris during the winter. Cashmere is also pretty wrinkle resistant, making it an excellent choice to fold up in a suitcase since it rarely requires an iron or a steamer.

Pack a variety here so you have options, including a lightweight sweater and some chunky sweaters. And don’t be afraid to re-wear your items – sweaters are pretty durable and you likely won’t be sweating in the winter.

T-Shirts

It’s always a good idea to pack a few basic t-shirts. I always pack some wherever I go, even if it’s cold. They don’t take up a ton of room but can provide a simple base layer under your sweater if you need it.

I like to pack breathable cotton tees – one black one and one white one. My favorite basic t-shirts are these from Madewell and these from Everlane.

Turtleneck

It can be windy in the winter in Paris, especially in January, so pack a layering turtleneck like this one just in case. Wear it alone or under a dress or sweater as an extra layer for added warmth around your neck.

Jeans

To keep your legs warm, be sure to pack at least one pair of jeans. I prefer straight leg jeans because the style works with sneakers and ankle boots, and the silhouette feels polished enough to wear at night. If you’re packing knee-high boots and want to wear them with jeans, pack a pair of skinny jeans so you can tuck them into your boots without bulk.

I recommend packing two pairs of jeans if you’ll be in Paris for a week just so you have some options. Pack a pair of black straight leg jeans and a pair of blue wash jeans. I prefer a classic medium or dark blue wash because it feels a little more elevated than light denim (and it’s more seasonally appropriate).

Jeans are durable, and you can wear them repeatedly during your trip.

Trousers

As an alternative to denim, consider packing a pair or trousers. A pair of wide leg black pants is super chic, especially with a long wool coat and a cozy scarf. I’m a huge fan of trousers because they’re usually way more comfortable than jeans, especially when you’re out and about all day.

Parisian style can feel a little dressier than everyday casual wear, and these trousers are a great option to elevate your vacation looks.

These are my favorite pair that I’ve have for years. See how to style wide leg pants here.

Something Dressy

Depending on when you’re going to Paris in the winter and what your itinerary is, you may want to pack a dressy outfit.

I am always a fan of a slip skirt because it pairs perfectly with a sweater and a coat in the winter, and it takes up nearly zero space. A little black dress is also super cute, and a sweater dress is the perfect balance between dressed up and cozy.

You can style all three of these dressy outfits with knee-high boots like these or these, along with tights to keep your legs warm.

Best Shoes for Winter in Paris

Paris is a walking city, and you’ll find a mix of cobblestones and pavers all over. Therefore, it’s super important that you pack comfortable shoes. Unless you’re attending a specific event that requires them, I would forgo high heels. If you do want something with a heel, pack something with a low heel that’s easy for you to walk on uneven surfaces.

Sneakers

A pair of sneakers is a must. Every time I go to Paris, my most worn shoes are always sneakers. Parisians are all about the sneakers, and Adidas Samba sneakers and Gazelle sneakers can be spotted everywhere there. You can style these sneakers with just about everything, which is why they’re so popular.

Keep in mind, however, that these are not the sneakers you wear to the gym. If you want to avoid looking like a tourist, avoid wearing tennis shoes walking around the city.

Instead, grab a pair of lifestyle sneakers (Veja is another popular brand in Paris) that you look stylish and are comfy to wander the streets of Paris.

Ankle Boots

Even if it snows in Paris, it doesn’t stick for long, so leave your snow boots and heavy-duty winter boots at home.

You’ll be fine with a pair of ankle boots. I’d personally avoid suede ankle boots since any rain will damage them. Instead, opt for smooth leather boots – they are much more resilient in the rain.

Black ankle boots are highly versatile and a timeless staple. A Chelsea boot style is ideal for winter in Paris. It is stylish but practical and pairs effortlessly with jeans by day or a dress at night.

Knee-High Boots

I love tall boots as a dressy option to pair with dresses and skirts for winter in Paris. These are a stylish yet practical option for dinner or events.

Knee-high boots take up quite a bit of space, so to get more mileage out of them, pack a pair of skinny jeans you can tuck into your boots and pair with an oversized sweater and a long wool coat.

Accessories to Pack

Cold Weather Accessories

Cold temperatures require the right accessories, so don’t forget to pack a beanie or wool hat, a warm scarf, and gloves. Leather gloves look tres chic and this pair is tech friendly.

Socks and Tights

Don’t forget to pack warm socks and tights for your Paris winter trip!

For an extra layer of warmth in cold weather, wear tights under your jeans or pants—it’s a discreet way to stay cozy without adding bulk. This is my favorite cold-weather fashion hack.

Crossbody Bag

I always travel with a crossbody bag when I travel abroad. I like being hands-free when I’m out sightseeing, but I also like the peace of mind knowing that my bag is physically connected to my body and my wallet and phone are safe.

Unfortunately, Paris, along with many other European cities, does have pickpockets on heavily crowded trains and in certain areas, so I also make sure my bag also has a zipper or a secure way to close it. I personally have not had any issues so don’t be too paranoid, and like in any big city, just be aware of your surroundings.

Travel Umbrella

Paris winters are often rainy, so it’s always a good idea to pack a travel umbrella. If you forget to pack one, you can one at one of the department stores. Monoprix (like a French Target) also sells affordable compact umbrellas.

Electronics and Other Necessities

Outlet Adapters

Paris runs on a different voltage than the United States and the EU also has different outlets. Be sure to pack a couple of outlet adapters so that you can charge your phone and devices while you’re there.

I like this adapter because it works in multiple countries including the UK, so it’s perfect international travel essential if you’re taking a day trip to London or visiting both places on your vacation.

Portable Phone Charger

Chances are you’ll probably be out in Paris for most of your days. The cold can also drain your phone battery, so it’s a good idea to bring a portable phone charger in your purse.

Lip Balm and Hand Cream

Don’t forget to pack lip balm and hand cream to combat dry winter lips and skin. Or, you can always stop by the French Pharmacy and pick up these items – the French Pharmacy is always one of my first stops when I land in Paris!

Other Packing Tips for Winter Travel to Paris

Use Packing Cubes

Since winter clothing is bulky, packing cubes can help compress your items a little bit and give you back some extra suitcase space.

Re-Wear Your Items

The great thing about winter is it’s a lot easier to re-wear items than in summer when you’re more likely to get hot and sweaty. You can wear the same pair of jeans all week if you wanted, and I always wear my sweaters at least twice during winter trips.

Plan to wear a few pieces more than once and avoid overpacking.

Pack a Capsule Wardrobe

Whenever I pack for a trip, I always like to pack a capsule of wardrobe staples and essential items in the same color palette that I can mix and match. By choosing a cohesive color palette, you can easily create multiple outfits and adapt to unexpected weather changes.

Paris is the perfect city to put this approach to use since Parisian style thrives on versatile, timeless pieces. 

Leave Room for Parisian Purchases

Always, I repeat, always leave room in your suitcase for Parisian purchases.

There is excellent shopping in Paris, and if you’re planning on a big designer purchase, this is the place to do it thanks to VAT refunds for non-EU citizens.

Part of the magic of Paris is also wandering down the street into some fabulous boutiques and picking up something super unique that you can’t find back at home.

I share several of my favorite spots for shopping in my Paris Guide.

Wear Your Bulkiest Items on The Plane

To help free up a little extra space in your suitcase, plan to wear your bulkiest items on the plane, like your winter coat (you can store it overhead) or your ankle boots.

Be sure to also check out my Paris Guide! It’s over 50 pages and filled with 100+ recommendations on where to dine, visit, and shop. Plus, you’ll find lots of helpful travel tips and basic Paris etiquette.