Does it snow in Paris? YES, it does snow in Paris.
However, snow is uncommon in Paris, particularly if it sticks to the ground or lasts for more than a couple of hours, that’s if it snows in Paris.
When it snows in Paris, the entire city is blanketed in a white winter wonderland, making the city appear even more magical than normal.
In this post, I’ll answer the question “does it snow in Paris?” comprehensively.
Does it Snow in Paris?
If you’re still asking yourself the question “does it snow in Paris?” then the answer is YES.
Paris, referred to as “The City of Love,” is France’s headquarters and largest city.
The city has a population of 11 million people and is situated on a landmass of 105.4 square kilometers in the north-central region of France.
Paris is the world’s second most visited city, with 37 million visitors each year.
Montmartre is the highest point in Paris, at 426.5 feet (130 meters), while the Seine River is the lowest position, at 80 feet (124 meters).
However, does it snow in Paris?
Overview of Paris’ Climate
Having answered the question “does it snow in Paris?” Let us now look at the climate of this amazing city.
The climate in Paris is temperate, with mild winters and warm to hot summers.
The city has distinct seasons, with winter usually beginning in mid-December and lasting until mid-March.
Temperatures in Paris during the winter are chilly but not freezing.
During this time span, average temperatures in the city range from 440F (7OC) to 33OF (1OC).
Rainfall with snow is the most common type of weather in Paris during the winter.
Due to the high temps, the snow fails to survive more than one or two days on the surface.
When Does it Snow in Paris?
December
Does it snow in Paris in December?
In Paris, December officially marks the beginning of the winter season.
If a white Christmas is what you seek, Paris will not grant your desire.
What you are more likely to encounter are cloudy days and torrential rain.
Temperatures in the city vary from 45.1OF(7.3OF) to 37.4OF in December.
Snow is uncommon, but when it does fall, it melts quickly due to the city’s high temps.
Throughout December, Paris receives 1.8 precipitation days, with snow accumulations reaching 0.43 inches (11 millimeters).
The greatest rain falls in December, lasting 14.3 days and totaling 1.93 inches (49 millimeters).
January
January is the coldest and snowiest month in Paris, as it is at the peak of the winter season.
During the period in question, average temperatures vary from 42.6OF (5.9OC) to 35.2OF (1.8OC).
In January, Paris averages 2.4 snowfall days and receives up to 1.14 inches (29 millimeters) of snow.
February
Does it snow in Paris in February?
In Paris, February marks the end of the winter period.
The frosty conditions encountered in January continue into February. Temperatures vary between 45OF (7.6OC) and 35.6OF (2OC).
Over the course of the month, Paris receives 2.8 snowfall days, with snow accumulations reaching 0.79 inches. (20 millimeters).
March
In Paris, March signals the beginning of the spring season.
Temperatures in the city are usually higher than in the winter, with highs of 53.2OF (11.8OC) and lows of 39.4OF now being recorded (4.1OC).
In Paris, March marks the end of regular snowfall, with a total of 0.12 inches (3 millimeters) after 0.6 snowfall days.
Where Does it Snow in Paris?
As a significant capital city, it should come as no surprise that when snow is forecast, the pavements and roads are heavily gritted.
Having said that, there are some fairly magical places to enjoy the snowfall in Paris.
Parc des Buttes Chaumont
Parc des Buttes Chaumont, the fifth biggest park in Paris, was built during Napoleon III’s reign and opened to the public in 1867.
The public area was built with the supervision of engineer and designer Jean-Charles Adolphe He was buried in Père Lachaise Cemetery.
The Park, which has its own waterfall, grotto, neo-classical follies.
It is famous in the spring period because of the huge number of cherry blossoms.
Furthermore, because of the park’s various hills and levels, the area transforms into a dreamy winter paradise that some individuals even attempt to ski down!
Champ de Mars
The Champ de Mars Park is one of the best locations for viewing the Eiffel Tower in the snow.
The green space is called after the Campus Martius in Rome and is located in the city’s 7th arrondissement.
Its vast open space makes it ideal for admiring the Eiffel Tower or having a snowball battle with friends.
Montmartre
It is the best location for experiencing Paris in the snow and is without a doubt the 18th arrondissement of Paris.
The little ‘village’ neighborhood is renowned for Place du Tertre, the Sacré-Coeur Basilica, and the iconic Maison Rose café.
It is largely independent of the rest of the city.
Montmartre has the thickest and heaviest snowfall because it is inherently slightly higher than the rest of the city.
The parvis in front of the Sacré-Coeur provides one of the finest views of the snow that covers the rest of Paris’ rooftops.
Skiing in Paris
Paris has no natural ski resorts, which is not surprising given the city’s low yearly snow depth and relatively warm temperatures.
Many visitors to Paris come for the rich history, architecture, arts, and, of course, the magnificent Eiffel Towers.
Winter sports enthusiasts, particularly skiers and snowboarders, would rather spend their France trip on the slopes of the Alps than in Paris.
This trend may be nearing its end, as plans to construct a massive indoor ski resort at Elancourt, 35 kilometers outside the city, are presently in the works.
When the project is finished, both Parisians and visitors will have year-round accessibility to skiing and snowboarding facilities.
If you happen to find yourself in Paris before the project is finished and want to hit the slopes, there is no need to fear because your skiing needs can be easily met.
This is due to the fact that there are numerous mountain resorts only a few hours’ drive from the city where you can participate in skiing and snowboarding activities.
Gérardmer, situated 345 kilometers outside of Paris, is the closest ski resort. Other neighboring resorts include, among others, Le Markstein, Super-Besse, and Métabief.
Final Thoughts on the Question: Does it Snow in Paris?
Does it snow in Paris? The answer is YES. However, it is quite rare to experience any significant snowing in the city.
Snow is a common element of winter in temperate climates such as France.
However, temperature differences between regions in France have a major impact on snowfall rates.
However, this should not discourage you as there are plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your flight and experience a unique winter in Paris!