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 »
  In Toulouse in December, during 1.2 snowfall days, 9mm (0.35") of snow is typically accumulated. 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. The months with the lowest UV index in Nantes are January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 2.
• Strasbourg - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Strasbourg is December, with an average of 8h and 24min of daylight. In Strasbourg, in December, snow falls for 4.4 days, with typically accumulated 40mm (1.57") of snow.
• 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, France, snow does not fall in February through December.
• Bordeaux - December »
  The month with the shortest days in Bordeaux is December, with an average of 8h and 54min of daylight. 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 »
  The month with the most rainfall in Lille is December, when the rain falls for 15.8 days and typically aggregates up to 42mm (1.65") of precipitation. The month with the shortest days in Lille, France, is December, with an average of 8h and 6min of daylight.
• Rennes - December »
  The months with the most snowfall in Rennes, France, are February through April and December, with an average 2mm (0.08") of accumulated snow. In Rennes during December, snow falls for 0.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 2mm (0.08") of snow.
• 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. In Reims, France, in December, snow falls for 2.2 days, with typically accumulated 13mm (0.51") of snow.