Going to Paris in middle of January - will it be too cold/quiet?

CathyMoran

I am thinking of trying to get away to Paris for a week in the middle of January if I can. Just worrying will the weather be too cold, will I be able to get out to see any of the sights and does anyone know if the sales will still be on there. Would be no point being there in the middle of the snow as I do want to do some walking around the place too.

I could alternatively go to Florence, does anyone know what that is like at this time of year?

Just My View

Paris is bloody cold in January. Don't know about sales but apart from restaurants you won't find much open on Sundays so beware of that if it's just a short trip. I'm back just over a week from Florence. Absolutely fabulous. Weather was bit mixed but plenty to see. Some museums get very busy and you have to book a day or two before to beat the queues. Great food. You can visit Pisa, less than a hour away. Well worth a visit.

I used venere.com to book my hotel. I've used them a few times as I go to Italy reasonably often.

Gurgle

It won't be quiet - it never is in Paris.
You're not likely to be up to your knees in snow, but bring warm clothes.
The tourist attractions are open all year round.

CathyMoran

Was just checking that out - the added thing is that I am undergoing chemo at the moment and hope that I will be finished at that stage as I would like to go on a holiday (mini-honeymoon) before my operation. I have a best friend over in Florence who has a baby that I have never seen so could see her too. Would be going over for about a week. Flight wise how did you get to Florence - want the shortest time in a plane possible as that is the danger time for me.

Just My View

Sorry Cathy, no info on flights, I live close enough to drive.

CathyMoran

Thanks anyway. Would a week in Florence be too long, it is a tiny city. How cold is cold? I was only there once before and fell in love with the place, it is a wonderful city. I suppose by the time I see my friend also a week would fly by but can you think of things to do there, preferably one or two romantic things would be nice too Oh, and any romantic resteraunts!

Just My View

A week is plenty, I could only soak up so much culture at once. It becomes a bit overpowering after a while. As for the weather, it only rained once, was bit bit dull another day apart from that shortsleeved T-shirts. There is a great night time market with plenty of good bargains, so said my missus . As for restaurants, you are only limited by budget. Plenty of really good place but lots of middle of the road ones too.

CathyMoran

If I can get the flight sorted and am allowed then it looks like Florence wins then. My friend actually runs an agritourism a few KM outside Florence, would be magical. Thanks for helping me with my decision.

Just My View

No problem, glad to help.
I hope all goes well on the health front.

Ponster

It'll be damn cold in Jan but there won't be any snow (hasn't snowed here since 1997 I think).

CathyMoran

The good thing about Paris is that I can get there without going on a plane at all. I did go there in February a few years ago and there was snow then which is one of the reasons why I am a bit concerned about January. Thanks to all though.

Ponster

To be honest, while it's cold, it's also a nice time of the year to visit. There are a LOT fewer tourists yet the city is just as open as ever. Most days it'll be around 0° - 5°. It's true though that somedays it never gets above 0° but that isn't a problem as long as you come dressed for the weather and stop off at cafes every hour or so for glasses of mulled wine

nialo

Sales will still be on. higher discounts the later on in the sales u appear.. but then most the good stuff will be gone. Weather was it shouldnt be wet. cold and dry. mite be icey. but in general its beautiful. versaille is fab around that time of year.

maynooth_rules

i went in December last year and it was so cold it shocked me, got inot minus figures when i was there. Just be prepared by bringing plenty of warm clothes. I had to buy a better jacket, second scarf and gloves when i was there

penexpers

Ponster wrote:

It'll be damn cold in Jan but there won't be any snow (hasn't snowed here since 1997 I think).

So I must have been imagining things when my return flight to Paris was delayed by three hours causing me to miss my connecting TGV in January 2003 cos of snow.

Ponster

penexpers wrote:

So I must have been imagining things when my return flight to Paris was delayed by three hours causing me to miss my connecting TGV in January 2003 cos of snow.

The airport isn't in Paris, it's 17 miles out of town which makes a big difference as the city is always about 2°C warmer than the surrounding areas so therefore gets less to almost no snow.

It snowed in the city 2 years ago for about a day or so and the last time I remember before then was 1997.

nialo

Two years ago there was snow. dont remember any last year.. but wasnt there much in january...

penexpers

Ponster wrote:

The airport isn't in Paris, it's 17 miles out of town which makes a big difference as the city is always about 2°C warmer than the surrounding areas so therefore gets less to almost no snow.

It snowed in the city 2 years ago for about a day or so and the last time I remember before then was 1997.

Yes but if the OP is planning a short break to Paris and uses one of Paris' airports to get to Paris then it doesn't really make a difference if there's no snow in Paris when the airport is in chaos like it was in CDG a few years back and the flight is delayed by hours.