Weather Comparison

London vs Paris

Side-by-side weather comparison for December

London: -2°CParis: 0°C344 km apart

December Weather: London vs Paris

MetricLondonParisBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer-2°C (28°F)0°C (32°F)Paris
Average LowHigher is milder-14°C (7°F)-12°C (10°F)Paris
Rain DaysFewer is drier3 days3 daysTie
PrecipitationLess is drier30 mm30 mmTie
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier1h/day1h/dayTie
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h15 km/hTie

Which City is Better in December?

London and Paris are closely matched in December. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.

London is on the cooler side at -2°C, requiring warmer clothing. Paris is cooler at 0°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, both cities are equally dry in December.

Temperature Comparison in December

London reaches an average high of -2°C (28°F) and drops to -14°C (7°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 12°C, meaning significant temperature swings between day and night.

Paris averages 0°C (32°F) for the high and -12°C (10°F) for the low, with a daily range of 12°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Rainfall Comparison in December

London receives approximately 30 mm of rainfall across 3 rain days during December. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Paris sees 30 mm over 3 rain days. Both cities are equally rainy this month.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: London vs Paris

Packing for London in December

Highs of -2°C, lows of -14°C, 3 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Paris in December

Highs of 0°C, lows of -12°C, 3 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • a warm scarf

Pack for both: heavy winter coat, thermal base layers, warm gloves and hat, insulated boots, a warm scarf. These items are useful in either destination during December.

Year-Round Comparison: London vs Paris

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.December is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthLondonParis
HighRainHighRain
Jan0°C3d1°C3d
Feb4°C3d5°C3d
Mar11°C4d11°C4d
Apr17°C5d17°C5d
May21°C6d22°C6d
Jun23°C6d23°C6d
Jul21°C6d22°C6d
Aug17°C5d17°C5d
Sep11°C4d11°C4d
Oct4°C3d5°C3d
Nov0°C3d1°C3d
Dec-2°C3d0°C3d
-2°

London Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

0°

Paris Weather in December

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is London warmer than Paris in December?
No. In December, Paris is warmer with an average high of 0°C (32°F) compared to London at -2°C (28°F), a difference of 2°C.
Which city gets more rain in December, London or Paris?
Both cities average 3 rain days in December with similar precipitation levels.
Is it better to visit London or Paris in December?
It depends on your preferences. London averages -2°C and 1 hours of daily sunshine with 3 rain days. Paris averages 0°C with 1 sunshine hours and 3 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Paris. For fewer rain days, both are equal.
How far apart are London and Paris?
London and Paris are approximately 344 km (214 miles) apart. London is located in United Kingdom (Europe) while Paris is in France (Europe).
What is the best month to visit London and Paris?
For London, May tends to be the best month with 7 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 21°C. For Paris, May is typically ideal with 7 sunshine hours and 22°C highs.

Compare London and Paris in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

London coordinates: 51.51°N, -0.13°E | Paris coordinates: 48.86°N, 2.35°E