Weather Comparison
Paris vs Amsterdam
Side-by-side weather comparison for December
December Weather: Paris vs Amsterdam
| Metric | Paris | Amsterdam | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 7°C (45°F)▲ | 6°C (43°F) | Paris |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 2°C (36°F) | 3°C (37°F)▲ | Amsterdam |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 12 days▲ | 13 days | Paris |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 68 mm▲ | 71 mm | Paris |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 4h/day▲ | 3h/day | Paris |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 65% | 65% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 1 | 1 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 20 km/h▲ | 24 km/h | Paris |
Which City is Better in December?
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Paris edges ahead as the better destination in December. Paris offers 4 hours of daily sunshine with only 12 rain days, while Amsterdam sees 3 sunshine hours and 13 rain days.
Paris is on the cooler side at 7°C, requiring warmer clothing. Amsterdam is cooler at 6°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Paris is the stronger choice in December. Paris receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Temperature Comparison in December
Paris reaches an average high of 7°C (45°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Amsterdam averages 6°C (43°F) for the high and 3°C (37°F) for the low, with a daily range of 3°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 December.
Rainfall Comparison in December
Paris receives approximately 68 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during December. You can expect rain roughly every other day.
Amsterdam sees 71 mm over 13 rain days. That makes Paris the drier option by 1 rain day and 3 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 65%.
What to Pack: Paris vs Amsterdam
Packing for Paris in December
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
Packing for Amsterdam in December
Highs of 6°C, lows of 3°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
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 December.
Year-Round Comparison: Paris vs Amsterdam
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.
| Month | Paris | Amsterdam | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 7°C | 12d | 6°C | 13d |
| Feb | 8°C | 10d | 6°C | 11d |
| Mar | 12°C | 11d | 9°C | 11d |
| Apr | 15°C | 11d | 13°C | 11d |
| May | 19°C | 11d | 16°C | 11d |
| Jun | 22°C | 10d | 19°C | 12d |
| Jul | 24°C | 10d | 21°C | 14d |
| Aug | 24°C | 9d | 21°C | 13d |
| Sep | 21°C | 8d | 18°C | 12d |
| Oct | 16°C | 11d | 14°C | 13d |
| Nov | 11°C | 11d | 10°C | 13d |
| Dec | 7°C | 12d | 6°C | 13d |
Paris Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Amsterdam Weather in December
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities