Paris in January?

Mr rebel

Hi folks,
So I've been wanting to visit Paris for quite some time now and I'm thinking that mid-January would suit me as being the low season, it would seem a good time to visit the main tourist attractions like Versailles and the Louvre without the heaving crowds.
However, I'm concerned about the weather and wondering would it be likely very icy and snowy around this time? I don't mind cold temperatures at all but I draw the line at ice and such conditions that would make getting around quite difficult.
Has anyone been to Paris in January and care to share some advice?

athtrasna

Mr rebel wrote: »

Hi folks,
So I've been wanting to visit Paris for quite some time now and I'm thinking that mid-January would suit me as being the low season, it would seem a good time to visit the main tourist attractions like Versailles and the Louvre without the heaving crowds.
However, I'm concerned about the weather and wondering would it be likely very icy and snowy around this time? I don't mind cold temperatures at all but I draw the line at ice and such conditions that would make getting around quite difficult.
Has anyone been to Paris in January and care to share some advice?

It's cold cold and a damp cold at that. Have never experienced ice and I've visited at least ten times in January. The streets are well gritted so getting around isn't really a problem. If you're taking a river tour such as the bateaux mouches (highly recommended) then wrap up really warm. Paris will be cold but on the river the breeze will go through your layers like a hot knife through butter!

Lia_lia

I've been to Paris in January many times and I can't remember it being much different to Ireland in January tbh..

appledrop

Paris is my favourite city + have been a good few times however I wouldn't recommend visting in January. I was there once at that time of year + it was defintely the coldest city I had visited. It was freezing!!!!!! I have been to Prague + Krakow in the winter but that was a much drier cold. As athtrasna said the wind from the Seine cuts through you like a knife + even in January you will still have to queue for things + it will be too cold. Wait until spring best time to visit.

ncmc

I agree with Paris being an incredibly cold city. I was there in April and the temps were 14/15, but the wind chill was unbelievable. I was freezing the whole time. I would imagine January would be very cold and miserable. I would delay til Spring if possible.

blackeyedpeat

I spent a winter in Paris about 20 years ago and I remember (somedays) my hair would freeze on the 15 minute walk to college! Saying that I don't remember it being unbearable. There were many damp days too! Generally cooler and drier than here. They cover alot of the plants in Versaille to protect from frost in winter. There is alot to be said for drinking hot coffee in cafes with candles too.

Mr rebel

Thanks for the advice everyone!
I am indeed going to wait until later in Spring to go there