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A Guide to Visiting Paris in January | Attractions, Weather & Museums

The City of Lights needs no introduction, Paris is not only known for the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomph, but also for the prevailing aura around it. Over the course of its history, Paris has made a place for itself in the journal of history, gastronomy, media, and travel alike. Paris hosts millions of travelers all year round as it has something unique to offer every month. This page will help you plan your trip to Paris if you are thinking of visiting in January.

Is January a Good Time to Visit Paris?

The festive frenzy has died down in Paris in January, the winter sleepiness has passed, however, and the New Year has brought with it a new enthusiasm. Because the skies have finally cleared, everyone is flocking to the streets, and there is no better way to revel in the post-holiday glory than the annual shopping tradition in Paris.

Paris in January - Why Visit

Why You Should Visit 

  • In January, Paris is quieter and attracts fewer tourists than in other months.
  • You can still ice skate outside because the winter hasn't totally passed.
  • In January, there's no better time to experience the warmth and charm of Paris's cozy cafes.
  • Off-season flight tickets are always inexpensive, and if you book early enough, you can get an excellent deal.


Paris in January - What to look out for

What to Look Out For

  • Snowing is still common in Paris in January, so you may have to plan around it.
  • Paris in January is extremely cold, so you will have to pack quite comprehensively to combat the weather.
  • Days are shorter in Paris in January, so you will have less time to complete your sightseeing.
  • Some of the attractions may be closed or open for shorter hours in January, so that may mean that you won’t be able to visit certain Paris destinations.

Overview of Weather in Paris in January

Paris in January - weather

More About Weather in Paris in January

More About Weather in Paris in January

January is one of the coldest months in Paris. Snowing is quite common this month. For these reasons, you will see a dramatically less tourist crowd in Paris in January.

How hot is Paris in January?

Paris is not at all warm in January. Winter is in full swing, and the average high temperature is about 7℃, while the average low is about 3℃. 

Does it rain in Paris in January?

The chances of rainfall and snowfall are high for over 15 days in Paris in January. Cloud cover is lower than in December, so you will have clear skies for about half the days in January. Snow is highly likely in January. 

Is Paris windy in January?

There is a constant moderate wind current throughout January in Paris, with speeds reaching 15 miles an hour.

Best Things to do in Paris in January

Paris in January - Eiffel Tower
Paris in January - Louvre Museum 
Paris in January - Disneyland Paris
Paris in January- Arc de Triomphe
Paris in January - Seine River Cruises
Paris in January- Versailles Palace
Paris in January- Centre Pompidou
Paris in January  - Museums

8. Visit the Orsay and Orangerie Museums

Museums

The Musee D'Orsay houses the best collection of French art, while the Musee de l'Orangerie houses the world's best impressionist and post-impressionist paintings. Throughout the year, there are numerous temporary exhibitions held here that keep renewing and refreshing. The month of January allows you to visit the museums without having to deal with throngs of tourists.

January Timings

9.30 AM to 6:00 PM

Paris in January - Palais Garnier

9. Palais Garnier

Live Show | Entertainment

The Palais Garnier, often known as the Opera Garnier Paris, is a major ballet and classical music venue in Paris. The Palais Garnier, an ode to Parisian architecture, is certainly one of the world's most prestigious and majestic opera theaters. Check out the January program before you visit Paris and look for a world-class opera performance that you can enjoy.

January Timings

10:00 AM to 4:30 PM

Paris in January - Montmartre

10. Montmartre Neighborhood

City Street | Walking Tour

Visit Montmartre, a lively neighborhood perched atop a hill above Paris' Right Bank. Take a walking tour accompanied by local experts, and feel the January chill in your hair as you walk down the meandering cobblestone streets and steep staircases, learning about the traditions, culture, and bohemian spirit of this creative neighborhood.

Paris in January- Mont St. Michel
Paris in January- Sainte Chapelle

Top Experiences & Things to do in Paris in January

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Festivals in Paris in January

Paris in January - Festivals

Jardin des Plantes

Venue: Throughout Paris

Dates: Up to January 30

The annual Winter Festival of Lights at the Jardin des Plantes or the Botanical Garden in Paris's 5th arrondissement chases away the winter darkness, with gigantic illuminated animal statues creating a spectacular experience throughout the evening. The creatures symbolize a different stage of evolution each year and the theme animals are changed every year. This is one of the most spectacular festivals to witness in Paris in January.

Paris in January - Festivals

Epiphany Day and Galette des Rois

Venue: Throughout Paris

Dates: January 6

On January 6, Paris commemorates the arrival in Bethlehem of Three Wise Men bearing gifts for Baby Jesus. Champagne and galette des Rois - King's Cake - are traditional French celebratory food items. A little porcelain figurine or bean - la fève - is nestled inside this delectable dessert created from buttery puff pastry and almond paste. This festival is also a great learning experience for kids.

Events in Paris in January

Paris in January - Events

Paris Winter Sales

Dates: Mid January to Early February

From the beginning of January, you'll notice Soldes signs in store windows all throughout the city, often with a 30-40% discount at first, increasing to 70-80% towards the end of the month. "Soldes" — the wonderful winter sales in Paris, where shopaholics from all over the world flock to take advantage of the fantastic bargains.

Paris in January- Events
Paris in January - Events

Know Before You Visit Paris in January

Travel Essentials
What to Wear
What to Pack
Transport
Stay
Food
Paris in January- Travel Essentials
Paris in January - What to wear

What to Wear in Paris in January

  • Comfortable walking shoes, a warm evening jacket, and a windcheater will supplement well on an evening stroll.
  • A sturdy waterproof coat should be bought for wet and snowy days.
  • Warm, fuzzy socks, good gloves, scarves, and a few thick sweaters or cardigans in case it gets extremely cold are all essentials.


Paris in January  - what to pack

What to Pack in Paris in January

  • Bring an umbrella with you, as there may be a chance of rain or snow.
  • Because the sun might be low and bright, sunglasses are also recommended.
  • Comfortable walking shoes to get around and see the sights.
  • In Paris, a type E or type C plug would suffice.
  • A daypack with enough pockets for all of your items to be carried around during the day.

Paris in January - Getting around

Getting Around Paris in January

The RATP manages the Paris public transportation system, which includes the Métro, tram, RER suburban fast train (which connects to the Métro within Paris), bus, and Noctilien (night bus). Six zones divide Paris and its environs.

  • Zones 1 and 2 are the most essential for tourists because they cover the town center and all Métro lines. RATP passes and tickets work on the Métro, tram, buses, and RER. 
  • The Métro is an extremely efficient mode of transportation that will take you anywhere you need to go inside Paris' city borders, and occasionally a little beyond. 
  • Buses are less dependable, but they still provide adequate service.
  • You can also explore a lot of the city on foot provided the weather is favorable.

Paris in January- Stay

Where to Stay in Paris in January

Given the popularity of Paris among the tourists of the world, staying in the city can be an expensive affair. However, if you are planning to go to Paris in the month of January, you may find great deals on accommodation. Here are some of the stays you can opt for depending on your budget:

Paris in January - food

What to eat in Paris in January

Paris is a melting point of different cultures and therefore it has an extremely global food scene. The following dishes are a must-try:

  • Galette Des Rois: A frangipani tart consisting of butter, pastry, and crushed almonds is known as Galette des Rois. On Saturday, Parisians eat this delicacy fit for kings to commemorate the end of the Epiphany feast.
  • Chaud Les Marrons: Vendors selling chestnuts roasting on charcoal will periodically cry "Chaud Les marrons!" as you stroll through the freezing streets of Paris in January.
  • Vin Chaud: Mulled wine isn't just for Christmas in Paris; it's offered all year long. Dry red wine, sugar, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, orange zest, and, for a little more zing, cognac are used to make the hot mulled wine or Vin chaud à la française.

Hacks & Tips to Visit Paris in January

  • Book your flights and reserve your hotels early to receive the benefit of the off-season discounts.
  • If the frigid wind isn't your best friend, leisurely sail on the Seine River is perhaps best left to the warmer seasons and for those early risers in the high seasons.
  • During the first half of January, it gets dark by 3:30 PM, so get up early to make the most of it.
  • There are almost 300 films shown each week, and the city has more "salles" (theaters) per person than any cinema buff could want for. Stay warm by staying inside and watching a classic.
  • To avoid the rain and cold in January, go through Paris' intricate, exquisite network of covered passages.

All Your Questions About Visiting Paris in January Answered

Is January a good time to visit Paris?

Yes, January is a good time to visit Paris.

What are the best things to do in Paris in January?

The best things to do in Paris in January include visiting the streetside cafes for hot beverages, seeing the Palace of Versailles, and getting a bird’s eye view of the city from the Arc de Triomphe.

Is Paris cold in January?

Yes, Paris is quite cold in January.

How hot is Paris in January?

Paris isn’t warm at all in January.

Can you swim in Paris in January?

No, you cannot swim in Paris in January except for in heated pools.

Is it sunny in Paris in January?

There are some sunny days in Paris in January.

What clothes to wear in Paris in January?

In case it gets particularly chilly in Paris, you'll need a decent waterproof coat, comfortable walking shoes, a warm evening jacket, a windcheater, warm, fuzzy socks, nice gloves, scarves, and a few thick sweaters or cardigans.

Is it rainy in Paris in January?

Yes, Paris in January can be quite rainy.

Is Paris expensive to visit?

Yes, Paris is comparatively expensive.

How safe is Paris?

You have to keep an eye out for street crime, but otherwise, Paris is quite safe.

What can I see in Paris in January?

You can visit the Eiffel Tower, Musée d'Orsay, Louvre Museum, and many other Paris landmarks in January.

What are the major events in Paris in January?

Major events in Paris in January include the Paris Fashion Week, Ice Skating Events, and the Annual Winter Soldes.

What is the average temperature in Paris in January?

The average temperature in Paris in January is between 3℃ and 7℃.

What are the best things to do with Kids in Paris in January?

Kids will love to encountered snowfall at Eiffel Tower, climb to the top of Centre Pompidou, and go to Disneyland Paris.

What are the main festivals in Paris in January?

The main festivals in Paris in January are Epiphany Day, Galette des Rois, and Jardin des Plantes.

What are the major events in Paris in January?

The main events in Paris in January include Cirque D'hiver Bouglione and Paris Fashion Week.