What to Pack for Paris in December: Stay Warm, Chic & Holiday-Ready

Paris in December is a glittering dream. Between the crisp air, festive lights, and stylish locals, it’s a city that demands warmth and fashion in equal measure. Whether you’re window shopping on Champs-Élysées or sipping chocolat chaud in a cozy café, you’ll want to look great and feel comfortable.

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Expect chilly temperatures, occasional drizzle, and plenty of photo ops. Layers are key — and a bit of Parisian flair goes a long way. Think boots, scarves, and a coat you’ll want to wear in every photo.

📝 Note: This article is all about what to pack for Paris in December. Here you can find a huge and comprehensive list. Feel free to adapt to your needs, and share your tips in the comments!

Weather & Travel Context 🌦️

• Average highs: 7°C / 45°F
• Average lows: 3°C / 37°F
• Frequent grey skies and light rain
• Short daylight hours — sunset by 5PM
• Wind chills make it feel colder

What to Pack for Paris in December

🧳 Luggage & Packing Tools

• Carry-on suitcase – 🧳 Trains and metro-friendly size.
• Anti-theft day bag – 🎒 Essential in busy areas.
• Packing cubes – 📦 Layered outfit organizer.
• Shoe bag – 👟 Separate damp shoes.
• Toiletry pouch – 🪥 TSA-friendly.
• Document folder – 📁 Passport, hotel, and museum passes.
• Laundry bag – 🧺 Keep worn layers separated.
• Neck pillow – ✈️ For long flights or trains.
• Sleep mask – 😴 Useful for adjusting to jet lag.

👗 Clothes

• Wool coat – 🧥 A warm classic.
• Blazer – 🧵 Layered under the coat for style + warmth.
• Thermal long-sleeve tops (2–3) – ❄️ Heat-retaining base.
• Chunky knit sweaters (2–3) – 🧶 Trendy and warm.
• Jeans or wool trousers (2–3) – 👖 Parisian wardrobe staples.
• Wool skirt (1) – 👗 With thick tights = chic look.
• Fleece-lined tights – 🧤 Necessary for skirts/dresses.
• Scarf – 🧣 Choose one that pops in photos.
• Gloves – 🧤 Leather or lined wool.
• Wool beret or beanie – 🎩 Very Paris, very warm.
• Pajamas – 💤 Cozy for chilly mornings.
• Swimsuit – 🏊 If your hotel has a spa or pool.
• Undergarments (7+) – 👙 Include warmer options.
• Socks (5–7) – 🧦 Wool or thermal blends.

💆 Skincare

• Cleansing balm or milk – 🧼 Gentle for dry winter skin.
• Thick moisturizer – 🧴 For windy walking days.
• SPF 30 – 🌤️ Cloudy skies still require protection.
• Lip balm – 💋 Constant use in cold wind.
• Eye cream – 👁️ Helps with dry under-eye areas.
• Hydrating mist – 💦 Face freshener while sightseeing.
• Hand cream – ✋ Parisian hands deserve softness.

💄 Makeup

• Hydrating primer – 💧 Smooth base layer.
• BB Cream or foundation – 🧴 Dewy winter look.
• Blush – 🌸 Adds life to pale cheeks.
• Highlighter – ✨ Subtle shimmer.
• Bold lipstick – 💄 Very Parisienne.
• Mascara – 💦 Waterproof for rainy walks.
• Eyebrow pencil – 🖊️ Define brows under hats.
• Makeup remover – 🧽 Micellar water preferred.

💇 Hair Care

• Shampoo/conditioner – 🧴 Moisturizing for cold air.
• Dry shampoo – 🌬️ Extend styles.
• Hairbrush – 💇 Anti-static preferred.
• Mini hair tools – 🔌 For polished nights out.
• Hair ties – 🌀 Always useful.
• Serum – 🌿 Fight Parisian winter frizz.

👟 Shoes & Accessories

• Waterproof boots – 👢 Walkable and chic.
• Sneakers – 👟 For museums and metro sprints.
• Flats – 👠 Optional for dinners.
• Umbrella – ☔ Compact and strong.
• Crossbody bag – 👜 Stylish and safe.
• Jewelry – 💍 Light accent pieces.
• Sunglasses – 🕶️ Bright skies post-rain.

📑 Documents & Essentials

• Passport – 🛂 Always carry it with you.
• Visa (if needed) – 📝 Most tourists are visa-free.
• Travel insurance – 🏥 Cover for delays or illness.
• Health pass or vaccination proof – 💉 Required for some venues.
• Museum pass – 🖼️ Skip the line!
• Metro card (Navigo Easy) – 🚇 For local transit.
• Cash and card – 💶 Many places still prefer cash.
• Offline maps app – 🗺️ Paris streets twist and turn.

🚑 First Aid

• Plasters – 🩹 For cobblestone-induced blisters.
• Pain relief – 🤕 For long walking days.
• Motion sickness meds – 🚍 If taking day trips.
• Cold meds – 🤧 Winter = sniffles.
• Sanitizer – 🧴 Café and metro friendly.

🧼 Health & Hygiene

• Toothbrush/paste – 🪥 Your favorites.
• Deodorant – 🌺 Bring your preferred brand.
• Razor – 🪒 Optional.
• Feminine hygiene – 🩸 Bring what’s comfortable.
• Tissues – 🤧 For cold walks and café runs.
• Fragrance – 🌸 Add a French signature scent.

📱 Tech & Electronics

• Phone + charger – 📱 Essentials.
• Power bank – 🔋 Cold drains battery fast.
• EU plug adapter – 🔌 Two-round pin.
• Headphones – 🎧 Music + audio tours.
• Camera – 📸 For those Eiffel Tower shots.

🎧 Entertainment

• Books – 📚 Train reads.
• Offline translation app – 📲 For menus and signs.
• Downloaded maps – 🗺️ Metro-friendly.
• Journal – 📓 Capture winter Paris magic.

🎁 Extras

• Reusable bottle – 🚰 Stay hydrated.
• Hand warmers – 🔥 Pocket lifesaver.
• Reusable tote – 🛍️ Great for bakery runs.
• Travel mug – ☕ Sip on the go.
• Foldable umbrella – ☔ Doubles as shade if sunny.

🌍 Travel Tips

• Layer up – 🧥 Mornings and evenings are cold.
• Use the metro – 🚇 Efficient and safe.
• Reserve museum slots – 🖼️ Even in winter.
• Mind pickpockets – 🎒 Busy areas require awareness.
• Watch out for strikes – 📢 Common in winter.

🛂 Visa Tips

• Schengen rules – 🛂 90-day max.
• Printed bookings – 🖨️ For train/airports.
• Copy of passport – 📄 Always carry a backup.

⭐ Must-Haves

• Passport – 🛂 Priority #1.
• Warm coat – 🧥 You’ll wear it every day.
• Metro pass – 🚇 Cost-effective travel.
• Chic walking boots – 👢 Fashion meets function.
• Moisturizer & balm – 🧴💋 Face savers.
• Layers – 👕🧣 Plan every outfit around warmth.
• Offline map app – 📲 Lifesaver in winding alleys.

👍 Good-to-Have

• Red lipstick – 💄 Instant upgrade.
• Glove liners – 🧤 Double up on cold days.
• Foldable shopping tote – 🛍️ Markets & boutiques.
• Notebook – 📓 Capture café moments.
• Travel steamer – 👔 Keep outfits crisp.