How Frequently Does It Snow in Paris? (2024)
Many travellers dream of a white Christmas or at the very least, seeing snow when they’re travelling to Europe in the winter.
So, when visiting Paris in the winter it is often asked, How frequently does it snow in Paris?
Is snow in Paris something you would expect to see? Whilst, it does snow in Paris, it is something of a rarity.
When does it snow in Paris?
Unfortunately, snow in Paris is quite a novel event.
If it does snow in Paris, it is not the type of snow that hangs around for days on end and sees you trudging around with snow up to your knees.
However, when it does snow, you will see a beautiful white sprinkling over the Eiffel Tower, down the Champs-Élysées, through the Luxembourg gardens and on the cobblestones of Montmartre.
If the snow lays on the ground it will only do so for a few hours before it melts away.
Typically, if it does snow in Paris it will usually snow between mid to late January until mid March.
The last time the snow was heavy enough to last for several days was back in 2018.
Sadly in Paris, there is no guarantee that you will snow on your winter city break, in fact, you probably won’t.
Snowfall in Paris in December
December, perhaps the most magical month of the year. Christmas is in the air as Christmas markets start popping around the city.
And what would make Christmas more magical than a whisper of snow falling from the night sky on Christmas Eve.
Sadly, if you are looking for a white Christmas Paris is not the best Christmas city.
In December in Paris you are more likely to find grey skies and rainfall. Rain is usually heaviest in December.
Temperatures range from 3 degree Celsius to 11 degrees Celsius.
On average, it snows in Paris for 1.8 days to a depth of 11mm. So, if it does snow it either melts immediately or within a matter of hours.
Snowfall in Paris in January
The peak of winter falls in January and as such, Paris sees the coldest days in January.
Temperatures are lower than those in December and average from 1.6 degrees Celsius to 5.9 degrees Celsius.
Despite the lower temperatures, snow falls on average 2.4 days in Paris and can accumulate up to 29mm.
Again, 29mm of snow is not enough for it to lay on the ground for days on ends …. or even hours.
Snowfall in Paris in February
February is not dissimilar to January, the temperatures may be slightly warmer with averages from 2 degrees Celsius to 7.6 degrees Celsius.
The last full month of winter sees on average 2.8 days of snow and around 20mm.
Snowfall in Paris in March
Halfway through March signals the end of Winter and the beginning of Spring.
However, March can still see some very cold days and the slight chance of snowfall.
Temperatures in March are starting to slightly warm up with the high temperatures averaging 11.8mm and low temperatures averaging 4.1 degrees Celsius.
Snow has been seen in Paris in March but the average days of snowfall are 0.6 days, with only a depth of 3mm.
So while you might be lucky enough to see the snow falling from the sky, you are unlikely to be able to crunch through a winter wonderland.
The best places to see the snow in Paris
Even though it would be beautiful to see the snow any where in Paris, there are few places that are more likely to see the snow and that are even more magical with a sprinkling of snow.
Montmartre
Montmartre is home to many of the famous “things to do in Paris“, Sacré Coeur, the Moulin Rouge and the cute Artist Square.
It is also a fabulous place for snow in Paris.
Montmartre, located in 18th arrondissement and it is picture perfect, is higher than other areas in Paris which means it is more likely to see snow.
It is also where the snow is more likely to be deeper and more like the winter wonderlands you see in the movies.
From the steps at the front of Sacré Coeur you are provided with a beautiful view over the snow covered roof tops in Paris.
So, if you happen to be in Paris on a snowy day, make sure you head up to the Montmartre, you will definitely be glad that you did!
Champ de Mars
Located in the 7th arrondissement, Champ de Mars is one of the best places to see snow in Paris.
Usually one of the greenest places in Paris, Champ de Mars is a large open space which means there is plenty of space for the snow to fall and build up.
What could be more magical on a snowy day than walking through the snow and admiring the beautiful Eiffel Tower?
The best places to see the snow outside of Paris
One of the best places to see snow outside of Paris is Vosges in the mountains around a four hour drive from Paris.
One of the closest and cheapest snow resorts near Paris is Le Mont-Dore which is just under 5 hours from Paris.
FAQs: How frequently does it snow in Paris?
What months does it snow in Paris?
Winter in the Northern Hemisphere in from Mid December until Mid March.
Although snow is rare in Paris, you are most likely to see snow from the middle of January until the middle of March.
How much snow does Paris get annually?
Over a year in Paris, it snows for an average of 7.8 days. During this time Paris will see around 63mm of snow fall.
Does it snow in Paris at Christmas?
Snow at Christmas time, especially Christmas day, is very rare. However, you can expect to see some sort of snowfall at Christmas roughly every 2-3 years.
Will this year be your lucky year?
Wrap Up: How frequently does it snow in Paris?
If you are a snow lover, sadly, snow does not fall that frequently in Paris.
However, if you are very lucky and you are in Paris on one of the days that it does snow, you are in for a magical surprise.
Stop into a cafe and buy yourself a hot chocolate and a crepe, rug up and flâneur (wander) a while breathing in the frosty air as snow flakes tickle your nose.
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