Paris and France Travel in January

Visit France in January and you’ll find half the country celebrating the ski season in the glorious, snow-covered Alps and the other half it seems, enjoying the semi-annual sales. Jack Frost might be nipping at your fingers, but it’s a good time for bargains – on airfares, hotels and package deals.

Weather

The weather is variable in January. Some days will be cold but beautifully clear and crisp; on other days it might be snowing or raining. The south of France can get cold, and it can rain, but it is extremely unlikely to snow. The Riviera along the Côte d'Azur, after all, was the place where in the past the rich went to escape winter. Go expecting the full range of weather (and it can get very cold at night) and you won’t be caught by surprise. The climate varies hugely depending where you are in this large country, but here are some guidelines on weather averages in major cities:

Paris: Average temperature ranges from 2 degrees C (35.6 degrees F) to 6 degrees C (42.8 degrees F)
Average wet days is 18
Average number of days with snow is 4

Bordeaux: Average temperature ranges from 3 degrees C (37 degrees F) to 11 degrees C (52 degrees F)
Average wet days is 16
Average number of days with snow is 1

Lyon: Average temperature ranges from 2 degrees F (36 F) to 7 degrees C (45 degrees F)
Average wet days is 14
Average number of days with snow is 2

Nice: Average temperature ranges from 6 degrees C (43 degrees F) to 13 degrees C (55 degrees F)
Average wet days is 9
Average number of days with snow in 0

Strasbourg: Average temperature ranges from -1 degrees C (30 degrees F) to 4 degrees C (39 degrees F)
Average wet days is 15
Average number of days with snow is 7

What to take with you

If you are travelling around France you may need different types of clothes for different cities. But remember that everywhere January can be very cold, so even in the south of France you will need a good jacket and coat at night. It might be windy and can snow almost everywhere except in the south along the Mediterranean. So don’t forget the following:

A good winter coat

A warm jacket for daytime

Sweaters or cardigans

Scarf, hat and gloves

Good umbrella that can resist the wind

Good walking shoes and shoes for evening occasions

Why January is a good month to visit France

The government-sponsored winter sales are on (see details below)

The skiing is glorious (see details below)

There are few crowds and no long waits for tourist attractions

The restaurants are full of locals

You see the countryside, the cities, the cathedrals and palaces without being obscured by trees

Prices are lower for both travel (airfares) and for hotels and you can get a good deal on flights.

Why January is not a good month to visit France

The weather can be very cold throughout France

Some attractions may be closed or have shorter opening hours

Some hotels, particularly in the south of France, will be on their annual leave

Weather can cause travel delays by air, rail or car

Shopping in January in France

The winter sales (les soldes) offer wonderful bargains, with savings of up to 70%. They run from January 12th to February 15th, 2011 throughout France with a few exceptions. Sales in Meurthe-et-Moselle, Meuse, Moselle and Vosges run from January 3rd February 6th, 2011. Sales in Landes and Pyrénées-Atlantiques run from January 5th to February 8th, 2011.

In Paris, make a note of Soldes By Paris! In addition to the traditional sales (January 12th to February 15th), many of the city's hotels, cultural venues, and other businesses will be offering special packages, January 12th to 15th, 2011.