Weather in France in January

Come January, France is cold across every region, with snow in mountainous regions attracting winter sports enthusiasts. Not into skiing? No worries — sitting in a low season for tourism, January can also be a great month to visit France if you're looking for a culture-oriented trip that won't break the bank. If either of these vacation types floats your boat, read on for detail on the weather in France in January, along with info on events held through the month and a few  itinerary ideas.

France in January at a glance

• One of the coldest months of the year, with a low temperatures range of 28°F to 38°F (-2°C to 3°C).
• Mountainous regions receive snow and attract winter sports aficionados.
• Sitting in low season, January is quiet, and can be a cost-effective time for city vacations.

What is the weather like in France in January?

January is typically the coldest month of the year, with temperatures similar to those in December, but potentially colder in the north and mountainous regions.

January is also a wet month in France, thought it’s usually less rainy than it is in December. 

In terms of the numbers, Paris and Northern France see an average of 2.2 to 2.6 inches (55 to 65 mm) of rainfall through January, while Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur) experiences 1.6 to 2.4 inches (40 to 60 mm).

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

January is peak snow season in France, especially in mountainous regions like the French Alps, Pyrenees, and Vosges Mountains.

While snowfall occasionally reaches lower elevations — particularly in northern and eastern France — cities like Paris rarely see heavy snow accumulation.

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

Average daily temperatures in January

In terms of temperatures, the weather in France in January sees average lows ranging from 28°F to 38°F (-2°C to 3°C), while average highs typically range from to 35°F to 48°F (2°C to 9°C).

For context, during summer, the average low temperature range sits around 60°F to 68°F (15°C to 20°C), with average highs spanning 75°F to 85°F (24°C to 30°C).

January’s regional temperature variations are as follows:

Paris and Northern France

• Highs: 39°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)
• Lows: 32°F to 36°F (0°C to 2°C)

If you are interested in exploring the north of France in depth use our Northern France itinerary.

Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur)

• Highs: 50°F to 55°F (10°C to 13°C)
• Lows: 40°F to 45°F (4°C to 7°C)

Western France (Bordeaux, Loire Valley)

• Highs: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C)
• Lows: 37°F to 41°F (3°C to 5°C)

Eastern France (Lyon, Alsace)

• Highs: 35°F to 40°F (2°C to 5°C)
• Lows: 28°F to 32°F (-2°C to 0°C)

French Alps and Pyrenees

• Highs: 25°F to 32°F (-4°C to 0°C)
• Lows: 15°F to 25°F (-9°C to -4°C)

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

Is January a good time to visit France?

January is a good time to visit France if you enjoy winter sports, or if you’re keen to uncover the cultural aspects of the best things to see and do in France in less-crowded conditions.

In fact, January is arguably the best time to visit France for winter sports, as the month sees more consistent and reliable snow cover than December. 

That said, February is also a good time to visit France to ski as it offers similar snow coverage, and more sunshine. Either way, if winter sports are top of your travel plans, you might want to read up on where to go skiing in France.

But back to January. In addition to being one of the best months for winter sports, the low-season lack of crowds make it an appealing time to enjoy a culture-packed vacation, albeit if you don’t mind cold weather and rain.

On balance, January is a great time to visit France if you’re coming to ski, or if you’re looking for a quieter, less crowded vacation in French towns and cities.

Not set on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in January, and discover the world’s most beautiful winter destinations.

Want something warmer? Find out where to head for winter sun. 

What about the crowds and cost?

January is part of the low tourist season, which means you’ll encounter far fewer crowds at major tourist sites, museums, and restaurants. 

As such, January is a great time to explore — for example — Paris’ best museums, galleries and indoor attractions, like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay and Center Pompidou..

However, note that ski resorts in the Alps and Pyrenees will be busy, especially during weekends and school vacations.

When it comes to costs, you can expect to find cheaper flights and accommodation compared with the high summer season. Hotels, especially those in cities, often offer discounts.

Just don’t expect to bag any bargains in ski resorts, especially in popular destinations like Chamonix and Courchevel.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in January

Read on to find out about a few festivals and events that are held in France in January.

Carnival de Limoux

France’s longest — and longest-running— carnival kicks off in Limoux in the Eastern Pyrenees from mid-January and runs until Easter. Expect masked performers in the city’s main square, plus exuberant themed parades.

La Folle Journee, Nantes

This major international music festival sees Nantes in the Loire Valley host around 250 classical music concerts across five days.

Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo

Held annually from mid-to-late January, this dazzling International Circus Festival sees the world’s best circus artists do their extraordinary thing in glamourous Monte Carlo, Monaco.

Cheval Passion, Avignon, Provence

Held in mid-January, Avignon’s Horse Passion festivals sees this charming city in Western Provence host jumping events, polo matches, dressage and carriage driving.

Planning a trip to France? Our 7-day Southern France itinerary might be just what you’re looking for.

Plan your trip with our France itineraries

Our France itineraries are crafted to help you experience the best of the country, stress-free. Think of them as a starting point — perfect for planning, but flexible enough to adjust to your own pace and interests. After all, travel is about freedom, but a little planning goes a long way.

• France itinerary 7 days: Spend a week exploring France’s highlights. Great for first-timers who want a mix of history, art, and iconic sights.
• France itinerary 10 days: Ten days lets you dive deeper, adding Provence’s lavender fields and the sun-soaked French Riviera to your trip.
• France itinerary: 7 days in south of France: This is the itinerary for you if you want to spend a week under the Mediterranean sun, with wine and scenery.
• France Itinerary: Experience the Liberation Route: Follow the path of WWII history along France’s Liberation Route. A meaningful journey for history buffs, combining museums, memorials, and poignant landmarks.