France, Europe
Paris in November
The moodiest month, and the cheapest good one. Holiday windows start late month.
The straight answer
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Paris. The moodiest month, and the cheapest good one. Holiday windows start late month.
- Weather
- Gray and cool, highs near 50F (10C)
- Crowds
- 2 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What November is like in Paris
November is the moodiest month in Paris. It is gray and cool, with highs near 50F (10C), frequent rain, and early sunsets. It is also the cheapest good month, with soft hotel rates and short lines. The city runs at full cultural speed, and by late month the Christmas lights and department store windows switch on. November 11 is a public holiday.
It suits museum lovers, food lovers, and budget travelers who like cozy evenings. It does not suit anyone hoping for garden time or sunny strolls. If you want the festive season at its fullest, go in early December instead.
Make the most of November
What is especially good about Paris this month.
Holiday windows switch on
In late November, the big department stores unveil their animated Christmas windows, a big hit with kids.
Cheapest good-value month
Hotel rates are among the lowest of the year while every museum, bistro, and theater runs at full speed.
Empty museums
Weekday mornings at the Louvre and Orsay are calm, and same-week bookings usually work.
What to pack for November
- A warm, waterproof coat
- Waterproof shoes
- A compact umbrella
- Warm layers for chilly evenings
Our timing tip
Go in the last week of November to get low prices and the first Christmas lights at the same time.
Book Paris for November.
Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.
- Hotels for November
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in ParisOpens a hotel search for Paris in November, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in ParisWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in ParisTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Paris for November. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in November
Christmas season
Late November through early January
Department-store windows, markets, and the Champs-Elysees lights.
Things to do in Paris
The Louvre
Book the first timed slot and go straight to what you came for; Wednesday and Friday evenings run late and calmer.
Musee d'Orsay
The Impressionist floor is the best single museum floor in Europe. Thursday evenings stay open late.
Eiffel Tower
Summit tickets sell out weeks ahead in season. The classic photo is from Trocadero at sunrise.
Notre-Dame and the islands
Reopened after the fire restoration; entry is free but the timed-entry app queue moves fast in the morning.
Montmartre at first light
Sacre-Coeur steps before 9am belong to locals and bakers. By noon in season it is a scrum.
Luxembourg Gardens
The city's living room: toy sailboats, chess games, and the chairs you are actually allowed to move.
Beat the crowds
- Book the Louvre's first entry slot of the day, enter at the Carrousel or Porte des Lions entrances, and see your must-list in reverse order from the crowds.
- Do headline sights before 9:30am or in the last two hours before closing; spend the middle of the day in gardens, food streets, and lesser museums that never queue.
- Museums with timed reservations reward booking two to four weeks out in spring and fall; same-week almost always works in November through February.
- The first Sunday of the month is free at many museums: wonderful for the budget, terrible for the lines. Know which trade you are making.
Know before you go
- August: many family-run restaurants and small shops close two to four weeks for annual vacation. Major museums, department stores, and sights all remain open. Check any specific restaurant before you build a day around it.
- Most museums close one day a week: the Louvre on Tuesdays, Orsay and Versailles on Mondays. Plan the pairings accordingly.
- May is a minefield of public holidays (May 1, May 8, Ascension, Pentecost). May 1 in particular closes nearly everything, including the Louvre.
- December 25 and January 1 close most sights; the days around them are open but run holiday hours.
Paris in November, quick answers
Is November a good time to visit Paris?
November is a quiet, good-value month to visit Paris. The moodiest month, and the cheapest good one. Holiday windows start late month.
What is the weather like in Paris in November?
Gray and cool, highs near 50F (10C).
Is Paris crowded in November?
November is one of the quieter months in Paris; most sights can be done without long waits.
What is happening in Paris in November?
Christmas season (late november through early january).
Keep planning Paris.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in November
Before you book.
Sort these two things first.
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