Paris Weather in November: What to Expect

Although the weather in Paris in November may turn chilly enough at times to remind you that winter is on its way, this month typically offers enough crisp but sunny days to convince you that late fall may be the perfect time to visit the City of Light.

In fact, Paris turns golden during November.  At the beginning of the month, you'll still see plenty of green leaves but as the month progresses and nights (and sometimes days) grow chilly, the city's foliage finally develops warm amber hues. 

By the end of the month, the ground turns gold from all the fallen leaves.

What about rain during November? 

Well, like every month in Paris, November gets its share of rainy days.  The amount averages about 2.3 inches (55 mm), but of course the actual amount varies from one year to the next.

Does Paris get snow during November?  No, not normally.  In fact, almost never. 

Combined with shorter spans of daylight hours (almost 10 hours at the start of the month but only about 8.5 hours by the end), Paris earns its reputation for grayness in November. 

But here's what you should know:  Despite the rain, the grayness, and, let's admit it, occasional biting wind, November can be a glorious time to visit - especially if you pack the right clothing and plan a weather-friendly assortment of activities and other things to do.

So that's what this article is about - a few more November weather (and fall foliage) facts to help with your planning, as well as tips about what to pack for November. 

We also include suggestions about the best things to do on sunny days plus back up plans for those rainy days when you may secretly feel tempted to just stay in your cozy hotel room or apartment - but you're in Paris, so of course you want make the most of your time.

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about November weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do in November, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

• Paris weather temperature ranges for November - Plus What to Really Expect
• How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during November
• What to pack for your November visit to Paris
• Should you visit Paris during November?
• Activities for all types of November weather in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris during November

Top photo: Eiffel Tower and fall foliage during November - Photo: AdobeStock

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What Is Paris Weather in November Really Like?

Even though the official beginning of winter doesn't happen until December 21, you'll see (and feel) the transition from fall to winter take place during November, when the Paris weather also becomes even more unpredictable than normal.

Of course, weather patterns differ each year, but if you visit Paris for a week or more during November, you're likely to experience a little of everything this month offers, from warm sunny days to cold rain, wind, and perhaps even snow. 

Paris Temperatures in November:  Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what November weather in Paris looks like on Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) degree scales for average daily high and low temperatures, which have increased by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit during the past decade:

• Average daily November high temperature:  50°F (10°C) to 57°F (14°C)
• Average daily November low temperature:  39°F (4°C) to 46°F (8°C)

Remember, these are averages - useful for comparing one month with another, but they are definitely not a weather forecast for Paris in November. 

To better understand what actual temperatures might be during your November visit, always check the November high and low temperature ranges in the following section.

Weather Statistics for November in Paris:  High & Low Temperature Ranges

If you want to find out what November weather in Paris might be like, looking at the average temperature ranges will give you a better idea than just checking the monthly averages.  You'll also get a much better sense of what to pack - because Paris weather seldom hits the "average" mark for more than a day or two.

Here's the range of daily highs and lows throughout a typical Paris November:

• Range of monthly high temperatures during November:  35°F to 71°F (1°C to 22°C)
• Range of monthly low temperatures during November:  24°F to 59° F (-5°C to 15°C)

Notice the wide variations between the lower and higher temperature in each range.

Now check the record-breaking temperatures for the past three decades, and when they occurred:

• Highest monthly November temperature (1991-present):  71°F (22°C) in 2015
• Lowest monthly November temperature (1991-present):  17°F (-8°C) in 1998

As you can probably guess from the high end of these ranges, it's not unusual for Paris to have several days during November when daytime temperatures soar (relatively speaking) into the 60s and possibly as high as the low 70s. 

Although these high temperatures routinely in the spring, they can feel like a heat wave in November.  Stroll through almost any city park, and you'll see Parisians laying on the ground to soak up the sun.

But remember, Paris's climate is unpredictable from one year to the next (and on a daily basis) so you need to be prepared for a range of November weather conditions.

Sun and Clouds during November:  What to Expect

November in Paris offers a mix of cloudy, overcast conditions and brilliant, vividly blue skies - often during the same day. 

Days begin to feel noticeably shorter this month, partly because the Daylight Savings period ends at 2am on the final Sunday morning in October - making November the first month when you'll really feel the difference.

Average hours of daylight:  9 hours, 5 minutes

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How Much Rain, Wind, & Snow does Paris Get in November?

Paris records about 2.2 inches (about 55 mm) of precipitation on average during November.  That's slightly below the 10-year average of 2.6 inches, but not by much.

In a typical year, you can expect rain on 15-25 days, which means you'll probably experience some rain on at least half and maybe most days during November.  Short showers are usually more common than day-long rain or downpours this month.

Although Paris can be breezy in November, including occasional strong winds (which invariably seem to happen on the colder days, producing a significant wind chill factor), conditions are normally relatively calm. 

Of course, storms can (and do) happen during any month in Paris, so consider adding a rain-resistant jacket to your packing list - more about that in a moment!

Snow during November is rare for Paris.

On nights when the temperature does drop below freezing, which happened on at least a day or two during eight Novembers in the past decade, you may see a few snowflakes or even "ice fog," which is exactly what it sounds like:  frozen fog or mist suspended in the air. 

Snowflakes usually melt as soon as the moment they the ground - but if you happen to see any fall, it's a magical experience.

If you're planning day trips from Paris, you may be wondering about the weather at nearby attractions such as Versailles Palace and Disneyland Paris during November.  

The good news is that the temperature, rain, and other conditions and both Versailles and Disney will be very similar to Paris. 

And more good news:  You'll probably experience no crowds of visitors at other place - a rare occurance, and one of the reasons to visit Paris in November.  Which is why we love coming here this month!

However, if you plan to make a daytrip to destinations along the Normandy coast, such as Mont Saint-Michel or the Normandy D-Day beaches, these locations can be colder, especially on windy days, so wear or bring an additional layer in order to stay warm.

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What to Pack for November Weather in Paris

Paris weather often changes rapidly, so pack for a range of temperatures and conditions.  Be prepared to dress warmly on cold or rainy days, but in layers you can shed if the temperature soars. 

In addition to your core wardrobe of tops, bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, and under garments, these are the essentials and options to consider for November:

• A warm medium-weight jacket or a trench coat with a zip-out lining - water-resistant is ideal.  Consider bringing a rain hat and/or umbrella for when you get caught in surprise showers.  If you live in the Northern US or Canada and wonder if you should bring your heaviest Canada Goose outerwear, the answer is "no," you'd be way too hot in it most of the time.
• A short-sleeved t-shirt in case the thermostat soars to 70° or even higher.
• One or two sweaters to layer under your jacket or trench for extra warmth on the coldest days and evenings, especially on a Seine River sightseeing cruise or open-top hop-on hop-off bus where the temperature will feel at least 10 degrees colder.  Cashmere is ideal for keeping you toasty outdoors while not making you sweat indoors.
• A pair of comfortable ankle boots and your favorite walking shoes.  Waterproof/water resistant shoes can be useful if you already have some, but there's no need to buy a pair if you don't - just avoid walking through puddles of water.  Bring both warm and lighter-weight socks.
• A warm scarf, gloves, fleece-lined leggings, and a warm hat are useful on cooler days and chilly nights.  If you live in a warm climate such as Texas, Brazil, or Australia and don't have these items in your regular wardrobe, don't worry - either order them in advance from somewhere such as Amazon, or wait until you reach Paris and head straight to Monoprix for nice quality items at affordable prices. 

Pro Tip:  Right before you start packing for your trip, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast in case of any surprises.  Here's the forecast in both Fahrenheit and Celsius:

PARIS WEATHER
PARIS WEATHER

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Is Visiting Paris in November Worth It Despite the Potentially Chilly Weather?

Yes, definitely. 

You'll feel euphorbic on the bright sunny days, and longer periods of daylight make even the chilly gray days feel quite bearable. 

As a bonus, you'll see splashes of beautiful fall color as trees in the parks turn gold.

By the end of the month, Christmas Markets start to pop up across the city.

Here are more benefits to visiting Paris in November:

• Cheaper flights and "shoulder" season hotel rates, which drop after higher levels in September and October.
• Fantastic exhibitions at many Paris museums and a huge lineup of concerts, opera, and ballet
• On warm sunny days, you can sit outside at a cafe terrace and enjoy a glass of chilled white wine (or two), but a steaming cup of hot chocolate will still be a pleasure on colder days.
• Bakeries and confiseries fill their windows with seasonal fall treats; toward the end of the month, you'll start to see a Bûche de Noël cakes appear in bakery windows to inspire early Christmas orders
• Crowds will be smaller at popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d'Orsay

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Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in November

The best strategy for November is to plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for your visit. 

For example, when November winter weather makes itself felt, plan to spend time indoors at museum exhibitions, concerts in historic churches, covered passages, and cozy bistros where you can sip hot chocolate and enjoy a steaming bowl of onion soup.  

But also schedule a variety outdoor activities where you can soak up some sun while exploring the city - perhaps a cheese, wine, and pastry tour of artistic Montmartre, or a fun bike tour through Saint Germain, the Latin Quarter, and the Marais neighborhoods.

Here are some more recommended activities for staying warm and dry while sightseeing in Paris during November weather:

• Bustronome Gourmet Dinner Sightseeing Tour - See famous Paris sights and savor a delicious gourmet meal in a cozy glass-enclosed double-decker sightseeing bus - one of our own favorite experiences!
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus - Stay warm and dry while you ride on the covered upper deck or enclosed lower deck
• Moulin Rouge - Enjoy an evening of entertainment and champagne in this famous Paris cabaret - or choose the gourmet dinner option
• Covered Markets & Passages - Explore these historical places designed to keep 19th century Parisians warm and dry
• Reims & Champagne Tasting Day Trip - Taste a variety of Champagnes and French food, visit vineyards and the historic Reims Cathedral, and learn about how Champagne is produced on this special small-group day tour with transportation from Paris
• Paris Museums - You won't care what the weather outside is like when you use a Paris Museum pass for free admission to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and almost 60 other famous Paris museums and attractions

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in November

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Where to Stay in Paris during November

As you know by now, November weather in Paris can be chilly and rainy so a smart strategy is to stay in central Paris neighborhoods close to top attractions, lots of restaurants, and convenient metro stations.  On warmer days, stroll by the Seine River and the outdoor markets.

With these criteria in mind, we recommend staying in these top locations during November:

• Paris Opera House neighborhood - When you stay in the lively neighborhood surrounding the Paris Opera House, you'll also be close to the famous Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps department stores, the Grevin Wax Museum, and Madeleine Church, home to classical concerts.  Find opera, ballet, and concert schedules
• Saint Germain neighborhood - Choose the popular Saint Germain neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine River, and you'll be close to famous bistros such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, fabulous shopping (Winter Sales!), the Orsay Museum, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
• Champs Elysees neighborhood - Do your holiday shopping in the "Golden Triangle" designer showrooms and boutiques and visit nearby fashion museums such as Galerie Dior - plus the Eiffel Tower is directly across the river

Use this hotel booking map to find more hotels and apartments for your travel dates: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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Where to Get Paris Weather Predictions

Want current Paris weather predictions?  This is our favorite French source:  Meteoblue

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