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Weather Comparison

Lyon vs Paris

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Lyon: 7°CParis: 7°C391 km apart

January Weather: Lyon vs Paris

MetricLyonParisBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer7°C (45°F)7°C (45°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder0°C (32°F)2°C (36°F)Paris
Rain DaysFewer is drier13 days12 daysParis
PrecipitationLess is drier69 mm52 mmParis
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier5h/day4h/dayLyon
HumidityLower is more comfortable65%65%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer11Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better15 km/h20 km/hLyon

Which City is Better in January?

Lyon and Paris are closely matched in January. 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.

Lyon is on the cooler side at 7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Paris is cooler at 7°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Paris is the stronger choice in January. Lyon receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Lyon reaches an average high of 7°C (45°F) and drops to 0°C (32°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 7°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Paris averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 2°C (36°F) for the low, with a daily range of 5°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

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

Rainfall Comparison in January

Lyon receives approximately 69 mm of rainfall across 13 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Paris sees 52 mm over 12 rain days. That makes Paris the drier option by 1 rain day and 17 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.

What to Pack: Lyon vs Paris

Packing for Lyon in January

Highs of 7°C, lows of 0°C, 13 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

Packing for Paris in January

Highs of 7°C, lows of 2°C, 12 rain days

  • heavy winter coat
  • thermal base layers
  • warm gloves and hat
  • insulated boots
  • waterproof jacket
  • compact umbrella
  • waterproof shoes
  • a warm scarf

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

Year-Round Comparison: Lyon 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.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthLyonParis
HighRainHighRain
Jan7°C13d7°C12d
Feb9°C10d8°C10d
Mar13°C11d12°C11d
Apr16°C12d15°C11d
May20°C13d19°C11d
Jun24°C12d22°C10d
Jul27°C10d24°C10d
Aug27°C9d24°C9d
Sep22°C9d21°C8d
Oct17°C11d16°C11d
Nov11°C12d11°C11d
Dec7°C12d7°C12d
7°

Lyon Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

7°

Paris Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Lyon warmer than Paris in January?
Lyon and Paris have the same average high temperature of 7°C (45°F) in January. The average lows are 0°C and 2°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in January, Lyon or Paris?
Lyon gets more rain in January with 13 rain days and 69 mm of precipitation. Paris is the drier option with 12 rain days.
Is it better to visit Lyon or Paris in January?
It depends on your preferences. Lyon averages 7°C and 5 hours of daily sunshine with 13 rain days. Paris averages 7°C with 4 sunshine hours and 12 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Paris. For fewer rain days, Paris is the better pick.
How far apart are Lyon and Paris?
Lyon and Paris are approximately 391 km (243 miles) apart. Lyon is located in France (Europe) while Paris is in France (Europe).
What is the best month to visit Lyon and Paris?
For Lyon, July tends to be the best month with 13 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 27°C. For Paris, August is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 24°C highs.

Compare Lyon 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.

Lyon coordinates: 45.76°N, 4.84°E | Paris coordinates: 48.86°N, 2.35°E