Paris vs Lyon

Paris and Lyon 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.

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

Paris reaches an average high of 7°C (45°F) and drops to 2°C (36°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.

Lyon averages 7°C (45°F) for the high and 0°C (32°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°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.

Paris receives approximately 52 mm of rainfall across 12 rain days during January. You can expect rain roughly every other day.

Lyon sees 69 mm over 13 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%.