This blog post may contain affiliate links. I may earn a small commission for any purchases made through these links. Click here for the disclosure statement.
Paris in November is when the city starts its coziest season yet. The leaves that lit up October are mostly on the ground by now, the days get noticeably shorter, and by the end of the month, the first Christmas lights start to twinkle along the Champs-Élysées.
The city is quieter too, thanks to fewer tourists, which means shorter lines at all of the popular Paris attractions like the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral.
November also marks the beginning of the holiday buildup, from Christmas markets to Beaujolais Nouveau Day. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Paris in November, including the weather, what to wear, and the best things to see and do.
What is Paris Like in November?
November in Paris begins the transition from fall into the holiday season. The first few days are a little quiet, thanks to All Saints’ Day (La Toussaint) and France’s fall school break, which runs October 17 through November 2 in 2026.
Because tourism is low, the city feels like you have it all to yourself. Lines are shorter and restaurants easier to book too.
By now, we’re fully into fall, which means you can enjoy all of the new exhibits, fall foliage in Paris’s parks and sweater weather. Many activities are best enjoyed indoors by this point too: sitting at a café, visiting a museum, or catching a concert.
By the middle of the month, Christmas decorations start going up in earnest. The big Paris department stores unveil their dazzling holiday window displays, glittering lights and decorations pop up across the city, and Paris’s Christmas markets slowly open to visitors.
Is November a Good Time to Visit Paris?
Every month in Paris comes with trade-offs, including November. The biggest perk is there are barely any tourists. We’re past the summer rush, when Paris is at its busiest, and the Christmas crowd hasn’t shown up yet. Hotels, flights, and train tickets often run cheaper too.
It’s also prime time for fall’s new releases: museum exhibits, films, even restaurants. There’s a lot on the calendar during the French rentrée.
And if you want to see the Christmas markets, November might just be the best time. Most open mid to late month, so you can enjoy the festive atmosphere before the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
The most glaring downside of Paris in November is the weather. Sometimes a few rays of sunshine will peak out of the clouds, but it’s mostly cold and gray. Even so, Paris is an incredibly beautiful city. On the dreariest of days, the dark and moody vibe can be just as charming.
Weather in Paris in November
The weather in November is cold, damp and gets darker and darker as the month goes on.
The average temperature in Paris in November runs around 52 F (11 C) for highs and 43 F (6 C) for lows. Temperatures continue to drop as December approaches and the leaves finish falling off the trees. But a stretch of unseasonable warmth or even an early cold snap is always a possibility. I recommend checking the exact forecast for your dates closer to your trip and packing around that.
Weather in Paris in early November brings with it a little warmth from October. You can expect crisp, clear days mixed in among the gray ones.
Weather in Paris in mid-November gets into a steadier (and grayer) rhythm. Skies tend to stay overcast for longer stretches and you’ll notice the days shortening fast as sunset creeps earlier by the week.
Weather in Paris in late November turns almost wintry. Days are at their shortest and darkest of the month too. This is when you’ll want your heaviest coat, gloves, and a thick wool scarf you don’t take off.
Does it snow in Paris in November? Snow is rare this early in the season, though the very end of the month occasionally sees a light flurry. Rain is far more likely, with around 16 days of some precipitation over the course of the month, mostly light and steady rather than heavy downpours.
The sun sets around 5:29 pm, and by the end of November, it’s down to around 4:56 pm. Daylight shrinks to roughly nine hours by month’s end, so plan outdoor sightseeing for the earlier part of the day.
What to Wear in Paris in November
For all of the details on what to pack for Paris in November, I’ve put together an entire packing guide (complete with a capsule wardrobe, outfits, and a full checklist). Here’s a short recap to get you started.
The November weather is definitely cold enough to bring out all of your favorite fall wardrobe essentials. That means lots of layers, and even some heavy-duty items for a seriously frigid forecast.
Start with a heavy coat. Either a wool, puffer, or a lined trench, something that can handle both wind and rain. I almost always pack a long wool wrap coat that looks good over anything.
Layer with thick sweaters, long-sleeve tops, thermal layers and pants or skirts with tights. Waterproof boots and loafers are the most practical, yet stylish footwear you can pack this month. I also wouldn’t visit Paris without a trusty pair of sneakers in my suitcase.
Don’t forget a scarf either. It’s the easiest way to bundle up and look instantly Parisian this season. A couple more cold-weather accessories I’d pack are gloves and a hat.
A compact umbrella and a water-resistant jacket are worth the suitcase space too, given how many rainy days there are in November.
As for what not to wear in Paris in November, you won’t need any lightweight transitional layers. It isn’t trench-coat weather anymore either, so I’d leave mine behind (unless it’s very thick and lined).
Packing for Paris in November? Here are some additional guides to help you out:
Paris Events in November
Festival d’Automne | September 11 – December 2026
One of Paris’s biggest performing arts festivals continues through November, bringing theatre, dance, music, and visual art to the French capital. Around 50 shows take place at venues like the Musée de l’Orangerie, the Musée d’Art Moderne, the Cartier Foundation for Contemporary Art, the Bourse de Commerce, and Église Saint-Eustache, among many others. The Paris Autumn Festival typically runs through late November, early December.
Le Salon d’Automne | October 28 – November 1, 2026
This 123rd edition of Paris’s historic autumn art salon takes over temporary pavilions on Place de la Concorde with more than 1,000 artworks across 18 artistic movements. Founded in 1903 as an alternative to the “stuffy” official Salon, Le Salon d’Automne is the same exhibition that launched Fauvism in 1905 and gave Cubism its public debut in 1910.
Salon du Chocolat | October 28 – November 1, 2026
Calling all chocolate lovers (and who isn’t?): the Salon du Chocolat wraps up in the first days of November at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. It’s definitely worth catching if your trip starts right at the top of the month. This famous chocolate fair features over 500 participants from chocolatiers to pastry chefs.
All Saints Day (Toussaint) | November 1, 2026
La Toussaint, or All Saints’ Day in English, is a widely celebrated national holiday in France. It takes place the day after Halloween on November 1st and is a time to honor deceased loved ones and saints.
Families traditionally visit cemeteries and place flowers, especially chrysanthemums, on graves as a sign of respect and remembrance. Though rooted in Catholic tradition, La Toussaint is observed across France as a day for gatherings and reflection.
If you’re in Paris on this day, keep in mind that banks, schools, and government offices are closed, but most stores, restaurants and popular attractions stay open.
Toussaint might be the perfect time to discover Paris’s historic cemeteries and take in the fall foliage and elaborate graves covered in flowers.
Armistice Day | November 11, 2026
Armistice Day (Veterans Day in the US) is a national holiday in France marking the end of World War I. In Paris, thousands gather to pay their respects at an official ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe led by the French president. Most businesses and shops are closed this day and you can expect road closures around the Champs-Élysées in the morning.
Paris Photo | November 12-15, 2026
Paris Photo, the world’s leading photography fair, returns to the Grand Palais for its 29th edition. This year, it’s perfectly timed to the bicentennial of the invention of photography. More than 200 exhibitors, including galleries and publishers from 38 countries, take over the historic glass hall.
November is the perfect month for photography fans in Paris, since there are several other photography festivals and events happening throughout the city too (including PhotoSaintGermain and Photo Days)
Beaujolais Nouveau Day | November 19, 2026
Released on the third Thursday of every November, Beaujolais Nouveau turns Paris’s wine bars into impromptu parties. Duck into a wine bar or café on November 19 and order a glass of the year’s first bottles of this young red wine, made from Gamay grapes.
It won’t be the best wine you’ve ever tasted, but that’s not really the point. It’s more a fun excuse to gather with locals and drink than a serious wine occasion. The epicenter of the celebrations is Beaujeau (near Lyon) and the surrounding villages, but Paris gets in on the fun too.
France doesn’t really do Thanksgiving, so Beaujolais Nouveau Day is sort of the country’s natural shift into the holiday season instead.
What to Do in Paris in November
Check Out New Exhibits
With lots of new exhibits from September and October still going strong, November has no shortage of things to see. On top of everything already debuted, here are a few more openings this month to add to your calendar.
Secrets of the Nasrid Alhambra opens at the Institut du Monde Arabe on November 24 (through May 16, 2027), an immersive dive into the art and architecture of Granada’s Alhambra, complete with a replica of its famous Lion Fountain.
And out at the Air and Space Museum in Le Bourget, Funny Flights runs through January 3, 2027, tracing the history of flight through more than 200 playful and satirical caricatures.
See the Fall Foliage
You can still see the changing foliage hues in Paris throughout November.
The Parisian parks are maybe the best place to see it with hints of autumn everywhere you turn. There’s nothing I love more than heading to the Luxembourg Gardens, grabbing a seat in one of the iconic park chairs, and just admiring the leaves and the passersby. If I’m traveling solo, I might even bring my book and a coffee too.
Other spots to spot the fall leaves are in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, Bois de Boulogne, and the Tuileries. But really all around the city, you can find the foliage. There’s plenty of fall color against landmarks like Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur too.
Cozy Up with a French Film
When the weather turns, ducking into a cinema is one of the most Parisian things you can do. Catch a classic at Le Champo in the Latin Quarter, a cult indie pick at MK2 Bibliothèque, or something from the archives at the Cinémathèque Française in Bercy.
Most arthouse cinemas show films in their original language with French subtitles (look for “VO” on the listing), so it’s an easy watch even if your French is rusty.
Lost in Frenchlation also has an excellent program showing classics and recently released French films with English subtitles in Paris. I went to one of their screenings in Strasbourg, and it was such a fun way to discover French cinema and meet new people.
Browse the Early Christmas Markets
Even before December hits, a handful of Christmas markets are already up and running by late November. Wander the chalets for mulled wine, roasted chestnuts, holiday foods, and handmade gifts and decorations before the bigger December crowds arrive.
Although some of the best Christmas markets in France are in Alsace, the Paris ones are quite good and continue to get more popular every year. A few to know:
- Notre-Dame Christmas Market: November 26 to December 27, 2026
- La Défense Christmas Market: November 12 to December 31, 2026
- Saint-Germain-des-Prés Christmas Market: November 27, 2026 to January 6, 2027
- Tuileries Garden Christmas Market: November 14, 2026 to January 2027
- Alsatian Christmas Market at Gare de l’Est: dates TBD
Warm Up with Hot Chocolate
When the temperatures start to drop, it’s essential to warm up with a hot drink. Visit your favorite café and enjoy a coffee while you read, write, dream or people watch. If hot chocolate is your thing, stop by Angelina or Carette for a cup of their famous hot chocolate.
Otherwise, you’ll find an espresso or café au lait almost anywhere in Paris. For the crème de la crème, check out my guide to the most iconic cafés in Paris.
Go Black Friday Shopping?
American Thanksgiving and the all-day shopping spree that follows it doesn’t really exist in France. And so, Black Friday isn’t a big deal like it is in the US.
That being said, you can still find some deals the week of Thanksgiving, but I wouldn’t plan your day around it. You certainly won’t find long lines stretching outside stores.
The best time for sale shopping in Paris is during the twice-annual soldes that take place in January and July. Now that’s worth shopping for.
If you plan to do some shopping in the French capital, here are some more helpful resources:
- 100 French Fashion Brands You Need to Know
- Where to Shop in Paris on a Budget
- 16 Non-Touristy French Souvenirs to Bring Home from Paris
November Day Trips from Paris
If you’ve got an extra day (or two) built into your trip, November is an excellent month to get out of the city. Below are some of the most popular day trips from Paris.
Mont Saint-Michel
Mont Saint-Michel is an island commune in Normandy that’s as pretty as a postcard. After the Eiffel Tower, it’s one of the most popular tourist attractions in France. To avoid the crowds, I’d highly recommend going in the fall when there are fewer visitors.
Keep in mind it’s a longer haul than the other trips on this list, roughly four hours from Paris by car or train, so it’s better suited to an overnight or a very long day. But you’re up for the trek, you can explore the famous abbey and fortified island town sans the hoards of tourists. Make a stop to enjoy some famous Normandy cider, pommeau, and Calvados along the way.
Chartres
An hour from Paris-Montparnasse, Chartres is best known for its cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage site with some of the most stunning stained glass in the world. The moody, gothic vibe makes it perfect for a November day trip.
Time your visit right and you can also catch Chartres en Lumières, a free nightly light show that illuminates more than twenty monuments across the city center from dusk until 1 am, running all the way through early January.
Versailles
The Château de Versailles and its gorgeous gardens are always worth the trip, but they’re especially enticing in November. Stroll around the famous chateau, the Hall of Mirrors and other ornately decorated rooms in the palace. In late autumn, it’s incredibly peaceful.
Strasbourg
Strasbourg’s famous Christmas market opens November 27, 2026, and it’s one of the oldest and most beautiful in France. From Paris, you can get there in only two hours by high-speed train.
As a Strasbourg local myself, I can tell you a day trip is enough to get a small taste of the market, but it’s just as worth a weekend trip if you can fit it in. Before you go, check out my guide to the best things to do in Strasbourg.
Amboise
France’s château country is full of fairy-tale castles, and one of my favorites to visit in November is Amboise. It’s about an hour and a half from Paris by direct train, and the Château d’Amboise sits right in town. Just a short walk away, you also can find the Château du Clos Lucé, Leonardo da Vinci’s final home.
I visited the castle back in 2019 in November, and it was so serene there. I ran into hardly any tourists. It was also dark and chilly, but the lawns were still beautifully manicured with pops of orange and yellow foliage. Plus I got an incredible view of the town and the Loire River. It was a lovely way to spend a fall day among the region’s châteaux.
Disneyland Paris
About 40 minutes from central Paris via RER A, Disneyland Paris is a bucket list item for a lot of visitors. If you plan to visit the park in November, you can catch the Enchanted Christmas celebration, which runs from November 7, 2026 through January 6, 2027.
Between the new World of Frozen land, the nightly parade, and the towering Christmas tree, it’s one of the most festive times to visit.
Discover More on Paris Travel
- What to Do in Paris in the Fall
- 7 English Bookstores in Paris Every Bookworm Should Visit
- The 15 Best Beauty Stores in Paris
Are you visiting Paris in November? Which events and activities are on your itinerary? Let me know in the comments below.
