Christmas Week Weather in France 2025

France enters a real winter spell for Christmas week. If you’re spending Christmas in France, expect a clear shift in weather between December 22 and 28. Colder air settles in across the country, bringing a more classic winter setup.

Paris

Paris cools down sharply from mid-week into Christmas week. Expect daily highs mostly around 3-7 °C and lows near freezing, often near 0 °C or just below at night. Frosty mornings and rain or drizzle will be part of the mix. Snow in the city remains possible but still uncommon.

Dress warm and layer up if you’re heading out to see the lights, markets, or stroll the Seine around Christmas.

North of France

Cold, dry, and frosty From early in the week, the north turns dry. From Christmas Day, temperatures drop further. Daytime highs sit around 0 to 5°C, with widespread frost at night. In the northeast, a strong north wind makes it feel sharper, and night temperatures can fall below –5°C.

Skies are often clear, which means very cold mornings but good light during the day. A few snow showers are possible in Alsace. This creates typical winter scenes: frozen forests, crisp city walks, and Christmas markets under clear skies. Midday is the best time to be outside.

South of France

Rain first, then cold and wind The week starts unsettled in the south, especially near the Mediterranean, with rain on Monday and Tuesday. From Christmas, colder air arrives.

The weather becomes drier, but mistral and tramontane winds strengthen and lower the felt temperature. Daytime highs drop to around 7 to 10°C, with frost possible in valleys. After Christmas, brighter weather returns. Coastal walks, village visits, and short hikes remain pleasant if you are well covered against the wind.

Mountains: winter conditions improve

This cold spell is good news for ski areas. The Alps, Pyrenees, and Massif Central see improving snow conditions and a more stable snowpack. Cold, often sunny weather supports skiing, snowshoeing, and winter walks in resorts.