Paris in November: Weather, Events, and What to See
November is Paris at its quietest and coziest. Autumn is fully here, the Christmas season is just starting to creep in by the end of the month, and there are noticeably fewer tourists than any other time of year — which makes it one of the best months for museums, cafés, and slow, unhurried sightseeing.
What Is the Weather Like in Paris in November?
Average highs sit around 11°C (51°F), with evening lows dropping to about 5°C (41°F). It’s one of the wetter months, with rain on roughly 15 days, so pack a real waterproof jacket (a trench coat works well) rather than relying on an umbrella alone, and consider water-resistant shoes.
Sunset creeps earlier as the month goes on, from around 5:30 PM down to close to 5:00 PM by the end of November, so plan outdoor sightseeing for earlier in the day.
Best Things to Do in Paris in November
La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day)
November 1st is La Toussaint, when French families visit and decorate the graves of loved ones. It’s worth knowing about even if you’re not planning to visit a cemetery yourself, many shops and some attractions close or run reduced hours, and cemeteries like Père Lachaise, Montmartre’s Saint-Vincent, and Montparnasse see a lot of local visitors.
If you do want to visit Père Lachaise (final resting place of Chopin, Oscar Wilde, and Jim Morrison, among others), a guided tour brings a lot of the history to life.
Armistice Day (November 11)
France marks the end of World War I with a national holiday on November 11, and Paris holds a formal ceremony at the Arc de Triomphe, with wreaths laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and a minute of silence at 11:00 AM.
It’s a solemn, dignified event, visitors are welcome to watch, but dress respectfully, arrive early for a good spot, and expect security measures given the occasion’s significance.
Beaujolais Nouveau
Every year on the third Thursday of November — November 19, 2026 — the year’s Beaujolais Nouveau goes on sale, and Paris bars and bistros lean into it with fruity, easy-drinking glasses, special menus, and, in neighborhoods like Montmartre and Le Marais, an almost street-party atmosphere for the evening. It’s a fun, low-key way to catch a very French tradition without planning much in advance.
Salon du Chocolat
If your trip overlaps with the very start of the month, don’t miss the tail end of the Salon du Chocolat, which runs from late October into the first days of November at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles — chocolatiers like Jean-Paul Hévin showing off elaborate creations, a chocolate fashion show, and hands-on workshops. If you miss the main event, the Musée du Chocolat runs tastings and workshops year-round.
Tip: Before booking a chocolate-tasting tour, make sure to check the allergy warnings. Some may not be suitable for people with nut and gluten allergies.
Christmas Markets Start to Open
By late November, Paris starts easing into Christmas mode. The Champs-Élysées Christmas market is the most famous in the city, exact 2026 opening dates weren’t confirmed as of this writing, so check closer to your trip, but expect mid-to-late November as in past years.
If you have time for a day trip, Strasbourg and Colmar run two of France’s most atmospheric Christmas markets, typically opening in the final week of November — the high-speed train gets you to Strasbourg in around 1.5 hours, and tickets sell out fast, so book early.
Disneyland Paris Gets Ready for Christmas
Disneyland Paris’s Christmas season, “Le Noël Enchanté,” runs November 7, 2026, through January 6, 2027, one of the longest Christmas seasons of any Disney park in Europe.
Expect a towering Christmas tree, festive parades twice daily, and character meet-and-greets in holiday outfits. November itself is also one of the quietest months to visit the park, so you’ll get shorter queues alongside the decorations. Buy tickets here.
Museums and Temporary Exhibitions
November’s smaller crowds make it one of the best months to actually enjoy the Louvre or the Musée d’Orsay without fighting for space in front of the Mona Lisa. It’s also a strong month for major temporary exhibitions — check what’s showing at the Grand Palais and other major venues before you go, since the lineup changes constantly.
Fall Foliage at Butte Bergeyre and Buttes Chaumont
Butte Bergeyre, a small hidden hillside neighborhood in the 19th arrondissement, has a surprisingly good view of the Eiffel Tower and Sacré-Cœur from its quiet streets, worth the detour if you’re already in the area.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (1867) is the bigger draw: the trees turn bright red, yellow, and orange, and the Temple de la Sibylle, perched on a rocky island in the middle of the park’s lake, is one of the prettiest spots in the city for a quiet moment.
Seine River Cruise
By November, the bridges and quays start getting their first Christmas lights, which makes an evening cruise feel a bit more special than earlier in the year. Daytime and nighttime cruises both work well this time of year — daytime for the foliage along the banks, nighttime for the lights.
Opera, Ballet, and Cabaret
November is a good month to catch a show — venues like Opéra Garnier and Opéra Bastille are less crowded than in peak season, so you’ll often get better seats without paying more. Book tickets to Opéra Garnier, or catch the Moulin Rouge, which starts leaning into festive-themed shows as the month goes on.
Day Trips from Paris
If your November trip overlaps with the Christmas markets, Strasbourg and Colmar are the classic day-trip (or overnight) pairing, both among the most atmospheric Christmas markets in France.
Book the high-speed train well in advance since seats sell out fast in the run-up to the holidays, or rent a car if you’d rather set your own pace and combine both towns in one trip.
This year, the Christmas market of Colmar officially starts on the 23rd of November and Strasbourg’s 24th of November.
Travel Tips to Visiting Paris in November
- Ideal Season: November is a delightful time to explore Paris. The fall weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists compared to summer.
- Dress Comfortably: Parisian streets can have cobblestones.
- Accommodation: For an authentic experience, opt for boutique hotels or guesthouses in the city’s historic center.
- Plan Ahead: If you want to visit popular attractions or attend events, it’s smart to book tickets in advance.
- Savor Local Flavors: Indulge in Parisian cuisine at local restaurants and markets to experience the city’s culinary delights. Make sure to check the allergy notes before booking a tour.
- Pack Layers: Paris weather in November can be quite changeable. Bring layers so you can adapt to cooler mornings and milder afternoons.
- Museum Pass: Consider purchasing a Paris Museum Pass, especially if you plan to visit multiple museums. It can save you time and money.
- Learn Some French Phrases: While many Parisians speak English, learning a few basic French phrases can enhance your experience and show cultural respect.
- Enjoy the Café Terraces: Many cafés still have outdoor seating with heaters in November, allowing you to enjoy Parisian life while staying warm.
Where to Stay in Paris in November
Montmatre-Paris: A budget-friendly apartment stay in the 17th arrondissement with a full kitchen — useful if you want to cook in on a cold November night rather than eat out every meal.
Appartement Quartier Arc de Triomphe 3: A solid mid-range apartment with city views and a full kitchen, near the Arc de Triomphe.
Hôtel des Arts Montmartre: A more upscale option in the heart of Montmartre, with rooftop or neighborhood views, a daily buffet breakfast, and 24-hour concierge service.
How to Get to Paris in November
By air: Charles de Gaulle and Orly are the main international airports; Beauvais-Tillé is a budget option mostly serving other European destinations. Compare flights on Skyscanner.
By train: Eurostar connects directly to Gare du Nord from London; France’s TGV network connects Paris quickly to most other major French and European cities.
By car: Doable from nearby regions, though city traffic and parking are worth planning around in advance.
Getting Around Paris in November
The Metro, RER, buses, and trams cover the whole city easily. Walking is genuinely one of the best ways to see Paris if the weather cooperates — just dress for the cold and the occasional shower. Taxis, rideshare apps, and the river’s Batobus service cover everything else.
Plan Your Trip to Paris in November
- Best Places to Visit in France in Winter
- Paris Travel Tips for Your First Time in the City
- Paris’ Latin Quarter: A Journey Through History, Art, and Culture
- How to Save Money on a Trip to Paris
- Day Trip to Giverny from Paris in 1-Day
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