Paris in November: Things to Do, Weather, What to Wear, & More!

Want to know a secret? I’m kind of obsessed with Paris in November.

I know what you’re thinking, “Kat, isn’t it chilly? Aren’t the days shorter?”

And yes, you’d be correct. It can be chilly, and the days are shorter. BUT it’s still pretty pleasant outside with proper attire, you’ve got the last of the fall foliage, AND the second half of the month brings in the Christmas markets and holiday lights and decor.

Oh, and with cooler temps comes the perfect excuse to eat all the cheesy, gooey fondue and sip hot chocolate. 

As an autumn-loving woman, visiting Paris in November just makes my heart happy. 

So to help you “fall” in love with Paris in November, I’m sharing all you need to know before you go including weather, what to wear, events, things to do, where to stay, and more!

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Want a full guide to Paris including itinerary ideas, where to stay, all the travel tips, a packing list, and more? Check out my ultimate guide to Paris!

Paris in November Weather

I won’t sugar coat it: November in Paris isn’t exactly warm. So if you’re coming from Texas or Florida, chances are it’ll feel cold. 

I will also say that Paris doesn’t get super cold, at least not as cold as it gets here in Cleveland, Ohio, where I live. It rarely snows in Paris, and in November, it is highly unlikely you’ll get snow.

In fact, it rarely dips below freezing. Now, the autumn months in Paris can bring more rainfall, but if you pack an umbrella and dress for the weather, it’s great! 

To help you prepare, here are some estimated averages below, but know that Paris weather is unpredictable at times. So ALWAYS check the weather forecast before your visit. The Weather Channel works just fine!

• Average high: 50-53ºF / 10-12ºC
• Average low: 42-45ºF / 6-7ºC
• Average number of days with significant precipitation: 7 days
• Hours of daylight: 9 hours, 53 minutes-8 hours, 35 minutes

Yes, those days are getting shorter and shorter as we head into the end of the year. On November 1, the sun rises at 7:37 am and sets at 5:30 pm, and on November 30, the sun rises at 8:21 am and sets at 4:56 pm.

Yes, that means that at the end of the month, the sunset is before 5 pm. 

Note: It is important to know that the time changes in October. France falls back earlier than the US. In 2026, the time changes on October 25, so keep that in mind for your trip!

Now in 2025, there were days where it got up to 60ºF+/16ºC+ and then days where it was closer to freezing. So layers are key! But overall, expect relatively mild to chilly temperatures, with a mix of colder days too. 

Important for 2026: We are currently in a Super El Niño year, which accounts for some of the crazy weather Paris has had. It is predicted that this is going to be a wet fall, so definitely come prepared! 

Paris in November What to Wear

Now that you know the weather for November in Paris, let’s talk about things to pack and wear!

• Boots. With the cold comes time for boots. I love my black Timberland boots, as they’re warm and cute! But you can check out these boots too! Men’s boots here. 
• Wool socks. Wool socks work perfectly to keep your feet warm on cold days.
• Jeans/trousers. Jeans and trousers are a popular choice to wear in Paris! Men’s jeans here. Men’s trousers.
• Long-sleeve shirts. Cooler days mean longer sleeves. Men’s version here.
• Sweaters. On cold days, a nice sweater is great to have! Men’s version here.
• Wool coat. This year, I plan to bring my warm wool coat! Men’s version here. I’ve also worn a parka in the past, and it was fine!
• Scarf. Scarves are a great idea, especially if you’re going to be out and about exploring.
• Gloves. These are great in the early mornings/evenings. 
• Ear muffs/hat. This was great for early mornings/evenings when the temps cool off more. 
• Wool underlayers. I haven’t needed this in November in Paris, but again, I’m a Clevelander where we get snow, ice, and SUPER cold temps in the winter. So Paris doesn’t feel super cold to me this time of year. However, if you’re coming from a warmer climate, or the temps drop below freezing, wool underlayers are great to have to stay warm! Men’s version here.
• Umbrella. Yes, you’ll definitely want to pack this for the rain!

Again, always check the weather forecast prior to your visit so you get a better idea of what to pack. But November is typically chilly, so layers, a thick jacket, warmer clothes, etc., are a good idea.

November Events in Paris

November doesn’t have a TON of events going on quite like June or October, but it is when some of the Christmas markets start, which is super exciting!

It’s also worth noting that there are 2 public holidays in November. So let’s discuss holidays and events in Paris in November.

Paris Holidays in November

• All Saint’s Day/La Toussaint (November 1): This is a public holiday that honors the deceased. Many families will gather together to remember the dead and leave flowers/wreaths on the graves of loved ones. 
• Armistice Day/L’armistice de la Première Guerre Mondiale (November 11): This holiday remembers the end of World War I, which happened on November 11, 1918. On this day, there is a military parade on the Champs-Elysees as well as the President laying a wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at the Arc de Triomphe. 

Events in Paris in November

• Festival de l’Automne (September 11, 2026-January 10, 2027): This festival celebrates the arts like music, dancing, theatre, and more! It happens in various venues around Paris, and it is a great way to take in some culture with the locals!
• Paris Restaurant Week (November 1-15, 2026): Enjoy dining out with special experiences and fun gifts as you immerse yourself in the best food of Paris! Be sure to sign up for the newsletter for all the information! 
• Festival of Lights in Jardin des Plantes (mid-November-mid-January): Enjoy the lights festival in Jardin des Plantes in Paris with many displays during the holiday season! 
• Paris Christmas Markets (Mid-November-December/early-January): Some of the larger Christmas markets open starting in the middle of November including the Tuileries Christmas Market (est. November 15, 2026-January 3, 2027), La Defense Christmas Market (November 12-December 31, 2026 & until January 3, 2027 for the Festive Zone), Notre Dame Christmas Market (November 26-December 27, 2026), and more start to pop up as the month continues toward December.
• Ball of the Century/Bal du Siecle (November 30, 2026): This is a 1920s-themed ball held at Versailles! It is typically in December, but this year, it is in November! Tickets usually sell out and are sold months ahead of time.

Thing to Do in Paris in November

Here are some fun things to do in Paris this time of year!

1. Explore the Autumn Foliage.

You can usually catch the end of the autumn foliage in Paris in November, especially in the earlier part of the month. Head to parks around the city to enjoy! Here are some parks to check out:

• Jardin des Tuileries
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
• Bois de Vincennes
• Parc Monceau
• Place des Vosges
• Square des Batignolles

2. Visit the Christmas Markets!

Okay, not every Christmas market in Paris is open in November, but some of the major ones like the Tuileries Christmas Market and La Defense open around mid-November, and others pop up as the month goes on! So if you’re here during late November in Paris, you’re in for a treat!

That is when I was in Paris for the Christmas markets! This is a great time to visit too, as the holiday season crowds haven’t descended yet, so you can enjoy the Christmas markets that are open with fewer people!

I particularly enjoyed the food at both markets! The Tuileries Christmas Market had Champagne booths and an amazing stand selling raclette sandwiches (half wheel of cheese under a heat lamp and they scrape the melted cheese onto some carb-in this case bread)! 

3. Explore the Window Displays!

With the holiday season approaching, the window displays start popping up in mid-November in department stores across the city!

Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann have some epic displays, and the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann even has their themed tree in the middle of the mall on display!

Both also have great rooftops with epic views of the city and lights!

Great places to check out for window displays are:

• Galeries Lafayette Haussman
• Printemps Haussman
• Le Bon Marché Rive Gauche
• La Samaritaine
• BHV Marais

Some even begin their displays earlier in the month! 

4. Enjoy the Holiday Lights in Paris.

I mentioned that Galeries Lafayette Haussmann and Printemps Haussmann have rooftops where you can enjoy the lights, but even wandering around Paris is a delight during the holiday season! 

The Champs-Elysees, Place Vendome, Saint-Germain-des-Pres, Bercy Village, and more have epic light displays to see! Even Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore, where there are designer stores, will have lights and displays!

This starts around mid-November.

To enjoy it, you can even go on a bus tour to see the holiday lights! This begins the last full week of November. 

Book it here!

5. Go on a Seine Cruise.

Will it be chilly? Yes, so you’ll want to bundle up! BUT if you go in the evening, you’ll get to see the Eiffel Tower lit up and sparkling early on! That’s because sunset is so early. So you can watch the Eiffel Tower sparkle from the boat before dinner and get to maybe see the city lit up from the water!

The Eiffel Tower sparkles on the top of the hours following nightfall. So for most of the month, that’s around 6 pm.

Book it here!

6. Head to the Market.

You don’t just have to visit the Christmas markets! There are plenty of local markets to check out for fresh produce! So if you’re staying somewhere where you’ve got a kitchen, a market visit is a fun idea!

You might find seasonal produce like mushrooms, root vegetables (potatoes, beets, carrots, etc.), squash/pumpkins, cabbage, apples, and pears. You’ll also find things like meats and cheeses too. 

Here are markets to check out:

• Raspail Market: Tuesday & Friday from 7 am-1:30 pm.
• Rue Mouffetard Market Street: Everyday except Monday from around 8 am-1 pm. However, weekends are the best time to go.
• Rue Cler Market Street: There are many shops and things that have varying opening times. Many are closed on Monday all day and Sunday afternoons. But it is typically open all day until around 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
• Place Monge Market: Wednesday & Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Maubert Market: Tuesday & Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Saturday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Marche d’Aligre: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm. The covered market is open from Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm, Saturday is from 9 am-1 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday is from 9 am-1:30 pm.
• Bastille Market: Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.

7. Enjoy All the Tasty, Comfort Foods.

One thing I adore about visiting Paris (and France for that matter) in the chillier months of the year is that France does cozy warm food very well.

Think hot chocolate (I have a full guide on the best hot chocolate in Paris btw), fondue savoyard (melty cheese anyone?), tartiflette (basically scalloped potatoes with bacon–delicious!), and raclette (half wheel of cheese put under a heat lamp and the cheese is scraped onto more things). 

If you’re cold, you won’t be for long! Add on onion soup, baguettes fresh from the oven, boeuf bourguignon, and more, and you’ll be toasty in no time!

My favorite restaurant for melty cheesy alpine food is Le Vieux Bistrot! But you can check out my other favorite Paris restaurants here!

8. Best Day Trips From Paris in November.

If you’re going to Paris this time of year, there are some fabulous day trips to check out!

• Versailles. Yes, while the gardens aren’t as musical or magical, the palace and estate is well worth visiting! You can either do a guided tour of the palace or you can just hop on the RER C train and go on your own! Purchase tickets in advance, though!
• Disneyland Paris. Visiting Paris with kids or just a kid at heart? Disneyland Paris has their Enchanted Christmas that runs from November 7, 2026-January 6, 2027! Get Disneyland Paris tickets here!
• Reims. This is kind of a 2-for-1 special! First of all, you can go Champagne tasting galore at some of the most iconic Champagne houses like Veuve Clicquot, Mumm, Pommery, and Ruinart. And Reims has the stunning Reims cathedral, where most of the French kings were crowned. BUT if you’re visiting toward the end of November, the Reims Christmas market opens! This means you can enjoy even more of the holiday vibes! 
• Colmar. Again, if you’re here later in November, you can visit the Colmar Christmas Market! Enjoy this adorable fairytale city as you wander the canals, visit the markets, and enjoy a day in the Alsace! 
• Strasbourg. Much like Colmar, if you’re visiting later in the month, you can check out the Strasbourg Christmas Market! 
• Château Vaux-le-Vicomte. This château hosts their annual “Le Grand Noël” starting in mid-November. Be sure to book tickets in advance to come here and enjoy this castle with holiday decor and lights. There is even an ice rink! Book tickets here!
• Loire Valley. This is best done on a group day trip as it is further from Paris and getting to the castles is easier via a car. However, if you’re here from mid-November through the end of the month, you’ve got a chance of seeing these stunning châteaux lit up for the holidays! Imagine frolicking in a castle during the holiday season?! Book it here!

Where to Stay During a November Visit to Paris

I have written many Paris hotel guides (which I’ll share below), but here are some great hotels for the holiday season and November in Paris in general. 

Hint: The 9th arrondissement is my favorite area in general but especially for the holiday season! 

Hotel Monsieur Helder Opera: This is great for the holiday season as it is in the 9th arrondissement in Opera, close to the department stores for exploring their lights and decor! 

Book it here!

Terrass Hotel: Located in Montmartre, this is my favorite hotel in Paris! Plus, during November, as it is a less busy time of year, hotel prices tend to dip, meaning you can likely get a stay here with an Eiffel Tower view and enjoy it for less! Definitely get a room with an Eiffel view, and you can enjoy seeing the Eiffel Tower sparkle from your own room!

Book it here!

Check out my video about Terrass Hotel here!

Hotel Joyce: This is a great budget-friendly hotel in Paris in the 9th arrondissement. It’s both close to Montmartre and the department stores, making it a lovely place to stay. I also just love the 9th in general for great food and drinks!

Book it here!

Hotel Maison Mère: Again in the 9th, this is such an adorable design hotel, and I loved my hosted stay in the spring! It’s on a quiet street, and you can walk to a lot of places here too!

Book it here!

Relais Hotel du Vieux: Located in the 6th arrondissement, this area is great too! This is also super convenient as it’s super close to the RER B stop Saint-Michel-Notre-Dame, giving you direct access to the CDG airport. Aside from that, the 6th arrondissement is where you’ll find Saint-Germain-des-Pres, which is also beautiful during the holiday season! 

Book it here!

Is Paris in November Worth Visiting?

Without a doubt, yes! Is it chilly-to-colder? Yes. And if you don’t like cooler, potentially rainy weather, you may not enjoy it.

However, Paris in November is quieter than the summer months (and even September and October!), and you’re in the sweet spot of the last of the autumn leaves and the start of the Christmas markets and holiday decor!

It’s no longer stifling hot outside, and it feels calmer, cozier even. 

As someone who lives in a cooler climate destination, Paris in November is pretty comfortable to me, especially as it doesn’t stay below freezing. 

If you bring the proper layers and dress accordingly, it’s a very pleasant time to visit for the atmosphere!

Oh, and it’s a cheaper time to visit too! 

So yes, I’d say that it is 100% worth it, and it may be one of my favorite times to visit! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some extra answers to your questions about Paris in November!

1. Is Paris crowded in November?

While touristy hot spots like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay are still busy, Paris overall is calmer and less busy, especially compared to the prior months and peak summer. I’d still book popular attractions in advance, though!

Paris in November is the start of low season for Paris (although around Christmas is busier in December). 

2. How many days do you need in Paris in November?

More time is always better in Paris! However, 4 days is a good amount of time to enjoy the best of the city, get to know it, and perhaps take a day trip. 

However, I’ve got itineraries for various amount of days in Paris here:

• 1 Day in Paris
• 2 Days in Paris
• 3 Days in Paris
• 5 Days in Paris
• 7 Days in Paris

3. Does Paris have Christmas decorations in November?

Yes, starting around the middle of the month onwards, you’ll see both Christmas decorations, lights, and even the larger Christmas markets popping up! So the last half of November is quite magical! 

4. What time does it get dark in Paris in November?

On November 1, sunset is at 5:30 pm, and on November 30, it sets at 4:56 pm. Sunrise is at 7:37 am on November 1, whereas it is 8:21 am on November 30. 

So yes, daylight is less and less as we head toward the winter solstice. 

5. Is Paris expensive in November?

No, it’s actually fairly affordable! Hotel prices dip as it isn’t as busy, making it a great time to either book a more splurge-worthy hotel, or you can save even more money on regular hotels!

6. Can you see fall foliage in Paris in November?

Usually toward the start of the month, you can catch better foliage! But even when I was there in late November, there were still some autumn leaves! 

There you have it–the complete guide to visiting Paris in November including weather, what to wear, things to do, events, where to stay, and more! 

I love Paris year-round, and there is no bad time to visit, but November has a special place in my heart!

Would you visit then?