Paris and London are close in December. Paris averages 4–8°C with moderate crowds; London 5–9°C with high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Paris and London
The verdict for December
Festive, cold, uneven pricing
+Christmas lights and window displays are genuinely worth the trip.
–Holiday fortnight sends crowds and rates sharply up.
Festive Paris without the summer crowds if you go early.
Festive, busy, expensive
+Christmas lights, festive markets and New Year celebrations make December uniquely atmospheric.
–Christmas shopping and the holiday period push crowds and prices higher.
The single most atmospheric month if you're here for the festive city.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month