Paris in November: Weather, Festivals, & Things to Do

Falling in love with Paris in November requires little effort; from rich, diverse culture to unique architecture, delicious food, and quaint cafes, the city of Paris has it all. 

This post will give you recommendations on things to do when visiting Paris in November so that you can utilize your time spent in Paris wisely. With so much to do and see, you don’t want to miss out on any of this city’s fantastic sights.

This post will be beneficial as it will guide you on the weather conditions and, more significantly, what you should pack. 

You will also have insight into the festivals and markets you can look forward to in November and how traveling in November is more cost-effective, leaving you with more euros to spend on your tours.

Why You Must Visit Paris In November

Traveling to Paris In November has many advantages. Here is a list of a few.

Pssst: If you’re still not sure when to go, here’s a guide on the best time to visit Paris by month and season.

Paris Has Fewer Visitors In November

We are sure you don’t want to spend your vacation of a lifetime standing in queues, and that is precisely what will happen to you if you travel in December as opposed to November.

You will find that Paris in November has fewer visitors, which means you do not have to worry about spending all that valuable time standing in a queue to get to some of Paris’s landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and other famous sights like the Louvre Museum, Notre- Dame Museum, and The Versailles Palace, to name a few.

These delays can take away from the experience even before you have had the opportunity to visit. It can also drastically diminish the rest of your day by standing in queues instead of taking in the beautiful architecture and breathtaking sights.

Since most visitors prefer to travel in December, you will be privy to enjoying the same beautiful sights in a fraction of the time waiting in line. You will also find booking private or scheduled tours to these famous sights easier, streamlining the booking process.

Obtaining A Reservation Is Easier In November

It can be disappointing if you have your heart set on treating your loved one to a fine dining experience at a Michelin Star restaurant only to be told that they are fully booked. 

France is known to boost the most Michelin-star restaurants globally, 114. A quarter of which is in Paris; getting a reservation is not as easy as one expects.

Paris In November is the perfect time to avoid crowds, and the chances of you getting a reservation seems a lot more promising. 

Suppose you are planning to pop that question to a loved one. In that case, you can rest assured that you will receive the undivided attention of a waiter instead of him trying to juggle numerous tables simultaneously.

No matter how you plan to spend your vacation in Paris In November, perhaps it is sipping a glass of wine at the Canal Saint-Martin, taking a cruise along the Seine River, or even hopping on to a funicular to capture that beautiful photo of the Sacre Couer Basilica. 

Visiting Paris in November will ensure that you can get a reservation and perhaps result in the best seat.

You don’t have to worry about having others spoil the view of the Eiffel Tower when watching this Iron Lady light up.

Paris In November Is More Cost-Effective

Businesses know that the holiday season is the one time of the year that they can meet their targets. 

While many families spend their hard-earned savings in the hope of spending Christmas in Paris, travel companies and store owners capitalize on the peak seasons by raising their prices. Some may call it supply and demand.

You will benefit by saving when traveling in November. For example, a ticket that costs you 25 euros in Paris in November will probably cost you about 45 euros in December. 

Airlines and hotels also tend to put out more specials over a low season to meet their targets instead of peak seasons.

You will have the opportunity to enjoy Paris In November at a fraction of the cost that you would be expected to pay if you travel in December. 

With these savings, you will be left with more euros in your pocket to spend on Christmas gifts.

Spend Christmas At Home With Loved Ones

More importantly, Christmas is about spending time with loved ones and all about family and huge Christmas luncheons. Paris in November allows you to take that much-needed vacation a month before Christmas and still be home in time to make that Christmas turkey.

Everyone wants a special Christmas, and although being in Paris over this time may sound like a dream come true, sadly, it is overrated, and it can leave you quite frustrated with the inflated prices and long queues.

The feather in the cap is that you can visit the markets and malls searching for that special Christmas gift, knowing that under your Christmas tree will be unique gifts purchased with love from the City of Love.

Weather In Paris Not All Bad In November

Although Paris is known to dip in temperatures in November, it is not all that bad. You will have the opportunity to adorn yourself with a scarf, a pair of boots, some sweats, and a warm jacket. 

Something is alluring about capturing those perfect memories on camera clad in woollies with the picturesque Eiffel Tower behind you.

There are even some days when temperatures can even warm up substantially. Besides, a slight rain will not be able to diminish the breathtaking sights that Paris has to offer.

Where To Stay In Paris In November

Wondering where to stay in Paris? The Hotel Square Louvois is a 4-star hotel situated just 9 minutes away from the airport, which means you can get to your destination quicker. With the days being shorter in November, time is of the essence.

The hotel is also strategically located in the middle of the city and close to well-known attractions like the Palais Garnier and Palais-Royal, just a 10-minute walk away. The Seine is a quick drive away.

The hotel is also minutes away from the Opera-Comique, restaurants, and nightlife options; since you will have long nights in Paris in November, the location is ideal for taking advantage of the nightlife.

In the same breath, the Hotel Henriette is that perfect boutique hotel for that much-needed relaxation time. There’s no better way to celebrate the city of love than for you to stay at a hotel that offers an intimate setting.

Since days are short in Paris in November, and it gets darker quicker, you will want to choose a hotel with cafes within walking distance.

Paris Weather In November

You can expect cold and some rainy weather in Paris in November. The weather seems to dip even further towards the latter part of November. Paris in the fall may mean that the rain is less extreme and will not hinder your opportunity to see the beautiful sights.

The minimum temperature is about 6- 7 degrees Celsius or 46. 4 degrees Fahrenheit. Maximum temperatures are, on average, about 11 degrees Celsius or 52 degrees Fahrenheit.

The days are also shorter, and the nights are longer in November, perfect for creating the ambiance for a love story in the City of Love (Paris’ most romantic nickname).

• Minimum temperature: 38°F
• Maximum temperature: 47°F
• Average rainfall: 1.7 inches
• Average sunshine hours: Roughly 2 hours 

What To Wear In Paris In November

Packing For Paris In The Fall may be daunting, and if you are like me, leaves it to the last minute; this guideline based on the weather in November may come in handy. 

Below are some of the items you might want to consider packing.

• Layered Tops: In November, it is not uncommon to go from a cold day to a warm one and then freeze again. You do not want to be uncomfortable, especially during sightseeing, so carry t-shirts and long sleeve shirts that you can layer.
• Jeans And Pants: Since the temperature fluctuates in November and is known to be colder, you should carry jeans and pants instead of shorts. We are dealing with mother nature so that the weather can change at any time, and if it does become warmer, you know you can still roll up your pants.
• Leggings: Leggings are perfect as they are thin enough to pack away and even carry in your handbag. If it gets colder while sightseeing, as it often does in November, all you need is a bathroom stop to quickly slip the leggings under your jeans so that you don’t get cold.
• Warm Coat, Waterproof Shoes, and a Scarf: There is nothing more elegant than a coat to be worn with a pair of jeans, especially at night in November when the temperatures tend to dip. You can complete the fashionable look with a pair of boots and a scarf.
• Raincoat, Poncho, Or An Umbrella: November in Paris means some rain. A raincoat is perfect for slipping on if it rains while on tour. It is also less hassle to carry around and can be folded and put in your handbag. If you are not one for wearing raincoats, then an umbrella is an option.

Things To Do In Paris In November

Apart from you taking in the fantastic architecture and the spectacular sights, there are lots to do and see in Paris In November, which will complement the Paris weather. Below are some of the things to do.

1. Drink A Glass Of Wine At A Cosy Wine Bar

Perhaps a glass of Burgundy will help motivate you to brave the cold weather. Some crusty French baguettes are the perfect accompaniment to a cheeseboard. The French Bar a’ Vins or Le Verre Volé are recommended cozy wine bars.

Perhaps you may also be keen to partake in their wine tasting festivities that generally kick off on the third Thursday.

Alternatively, you could also sip some hot chocolate in a Paris café and enjoy the heat lamp while reading a book!

2. Visit Classical Theatres And Movies

Explore Parisian history and culture as you stop over at some old classical theatres in the Latin Quarter. The famous one is the Champo. 

For the film enthusiast, you will be excited to hear that the Paris movie house has over 300 movies playing in a single week.

3. Escape To Museums And Galleries

With 144 museums in Paris, a stroll through one of them, especially on a bad weather day, is perfect. 

Why not visit one of the most popular global museums, the Louvre Museum. Works of art like the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo are featured in the Louvre Museum.

Musée D’Orsay is also a must-visit and both permanent and temporary exhibitions are worth the time.

4. Dance The Night Away At A Parisian Nightclub

The nightlife in Paris is thriving, from Pigalle to The Latin Quarter. With longer November nights, you have more time to put on those dancing shoes and head down to the Parisian nightclub. 

November is also when the locals tend to wind down before the holiday season; a visit to the nightclub is a perfect opportunity to socialize with the Parisians and maybe even make friends for life.

5. Welcome In The Spirit Of Christmas

Most Paris Christmas markets will open from mid to late November–a cheerful tradition since Medieval times.

On the upside, these markets will be less busy than when they are sprawling with visitors during December. 

This should benefit you as you can get your last-minute Christmas shopping (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, etc.) done at these fantastic markets.

The Christmas market on Champs-Elysees is a magical experience known as one of the most beautiful markets in Paris. Stands are located from Metro Champs Elysées-Clémenceau to Metro Concorde and are operational from mid-November.

There are also other sensational events to welcome at the start of the holiday season, like ice skating, Santas village, light displays, and window displays, which are nothing short of amazing. You can enjoy all these with fewer queues without competing with other visitors.

Events In Paris In November

While traveling to Paris In November, you also can indulge in some of the events showcased in the City of Love during this month. Make your November trip to Paris memorable by visiting these events.

1. Rolex Paris Masters

• When: October 31st, 2022 – November 6th, 2022

 The Rolex Paris Masters is the final ATP Masters 1000 event of the men’s tennis season.

2. Paris Games Week

• When:  November 2nd – 6th, 2022

Paris Games Week is for gamers and developers.

3. Autumn Festival In Paris

• When: September Mid, 2022 to December Second Half, 2022

Autumn Festival In Paris is a multidisciplinary arts festival.

4. Paris Photo

• When: November 10th-13th, 2022

Paris Photo is an annual event that has been taking place since 1997.

5. Disneyland Paris Bonfire Spectacular

• When: November 2nd, 4th, 9th, 2022

Disneyland Paris Bonfire Spectacular creates magical experiences with a show of fireworks, and it’s an easy day trip from the city. To get there, take RER A to the Marne-la-Valée station, which is across a small plaza from Disneyland Paris.

6. Creations Et Savoir -Faire And Marie Claire Idees

• When: November 16th- 22nd, 2022

Creations Et Savoir Faire And Marie Claire Idees is a home craft expo.

Things To Note When Travelling To Paris In November

You will need to prepare for the colder weather in Paris in November as the temperature tends to dip at night and can be pretty cold. It would be best to prepare for the rains in November.

Although there may be few visitors in November, the restaurants and bars may be crowded with locals, especially at night.

November in Paris may also bring in more incentives from businesses towards their staff in travel. A time when prices are lower is a good time for these rewards. 

These businesses may book their team into the hotels and restaurants; hence it is advisable to pre-book your hotel accommodation and tours to avoid disappointment.

Also, November 1st is All Saints Day, but shops and museums are usually open on this national holiday. On November 11th, they celebrate the WWI Armistice which is also a public holiday where most shops and museums are open. From mid-October to early November happens the autumn school vacations.