December weather forecast
France

December marks the beginning of winter in France, characterized by a further drop in temperatures. Along the northern coast near the English Channel, the average temperature hovers around 7°C (44.6°F), a significant drop from the mild autumn months.

On the Atlantic Coast, cities like Nantes and Bordeaux experience colder weather, with average temperatures ranging from 7°C (44.6°F) to 9°C (48.2°F). The chilly weather accompanies shorter days, marking a shift in the rhythm of life in these coastal regions.

In Paris and other interior regions, December brings frosty days with average temperatures around 5°C (41°F). Snowfall, although not abundant, is possible, adding to the city's winter charm. The weather is considerably colder during evenings and nights, often reaching near or below freezing temperatures.

Southeastern France and Corsica, although maintaining a relatively milder climate due to their Mediterranean influence, also get colder. Cities such as Nice and Marseille experience average temperatures of about 11°C (51.8°F), with occasional bouts of rainfall.

The alpine regions in December are in the throes of the ski season, with temperatures in the lower areas around 3°C (37.4°F). Snowfall is frequent, particularly in the higher altitudes, transforming the region into a winter sports paradise.

Sea temperatures in the Mediterranean and the Atlantic drop further to 14°C (57.2°F) and 11°C (51.8°F), respectively. These conditions are not suitable for swimming, but some hardy souls might still venture for other water activities.

Rainfall in December varies across the country, with averages ranging from 50mm (1.97") to 90mm (3.54"). Despite the colder temperatures and higher precipitation, the festive atmosphere in the cities, particularly Paris, and the ski season in the Alps make December an interesting time to visit France.

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• Paris - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Paris is December, when the rain falls for 14.3 days and typically aggregates up to 49mm (1.93") of precipitation. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Paris, France.
• Marseille - December »
  In Marseille in December, the average water temperature is 15.4°C (59.7°F). In Marseille, in December, the average water temperature is 15.4°C (59.7°F).
• Lyon - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Lyon is December, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight. The month with the least sunshine in Lyon is December, with an average of 1.8h of sunshine.
• Toulouse - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Toulouse is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight. In Toulouse in December, during 1.2 snowfall days, 9mm (0.35") of snow is typically accumulated.
• Nice - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Nice is December, with an average of 9h and 0min of daylight. The months with the lowest humidity in Nice are January and December, with an average relative humidity of 68%.
• Nantes - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Nantes is December, when the rain falls for 14.5 days and typically aggregates up to 66mm (2.6") of precipitation. January and December, with an average relative humidity of 86%, are most humid months in Nantes, France.
• Strasbourg - December »
  The month with the most snowfall in Strasbourg is December, when snow falls for 4.4 days and typically aggregates up to 40mm (1.57") of snow. December has the shortest days of the year in Strasbourg with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight.
• Montpellier - December »
  January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3, are months with the lowest UV index in Montpellier. In Montpellier snow does not fall in February through December.
• Bordeaux - December »
  The months with the highest humidity in Bordeaux are January and December, with an average relative humidity of 84%. The months with the lowest UV index in Bordeaux are January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 3.
• Lille - December »
  In Lille in December, during 1.9 snowfall days, 18mm (0.71") of snow is typically accumulated. January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2, are months with the lowest UV index in Lille, France.
• Rennes - December »
  December has the shortest days of the year in Rennes with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight. December's onset in Rennes sees an average high-temperature of a frosty 9.1°C (48.4°F), exhibiting a slight fluctuation from the previous month.
• Reims - December »
  The month with the most rainfall in Reims is December, when the rain falls for 14.2 days and typically aggregates up to 39mm (1.54") of precipitation. The months with the lowest UV index in Reims, France, are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.