Paris in November is one of the calmest months in the calendar and it’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid the crowds. Okay the weather isn’t fantastic and the days are short but it’s perfect for early risers and those who want to cosy up in cafés and wine bars. Read on to learn more about visiting the city in November and discover my tips and advice for visiting (as a local who lives here!).
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What’s Paris Like in November?
Fall is in full effect in November, the days are shorter and the sun sets at 6pm. The remaining post-Summer crowds are gone and you’ll find, especially mid-week, that the city centre and the main sights are on the quieter side.
It’s a great time to visit if you want to avoid masses of tourists (there will always be queues however!) and grab a reservation at a popular restaurant.
The weather is changeable but generally you can expect it to be decidedly cooler than September and October. This is perfect cocooning weather (as the French say) and you’ll no doubt want to cosy up in a traditional French bistro or café.
Will it rain? Almost certainly. Check the weather forecast a week in advance and plan your itinerary accordingly. If it’s wet you’ll want to explore many of the city’s incredible museums. If it’s dry, take advantage of these days to explore the city by foot and visit the main outdoor attractions.
Visiting Paris in November is perfect for early risers and those wanting to avoid the crowds. The weather isn’t fantastic but you’ll be able to see Paris in a different light and experience it away from the hoards of tourists – almost like a local. But what’s on in November?
What to Do in Paris in November
Wine Tasting in the Louvre
Fancy tasting some very good wine in the Louvre? The Festival des Grands Vins is a massive wine festival taking place at the end of November. This event brings together hundreds of wine makers from France and abroad to offer tastings, demos and workshops.
It’s held on 29th and 30th November this year in the Carrousel du Louvre (the shopping area just underneath the glass pyramid). You can buy advance tickets here.
Visit Paris Photo
Paris Photo is an annual photograph exhibition held in the sublime Grand Palais just off the Champs-Élysées. Held every year since 1997, this year features 191 galleries that are coming from all around the world to exhibit their work.
The expo runs from 7th to 10th November and you can buy advance tickets here.
Cosy Up in One of Paris’ Wine Bars
If the weather turns then do as the locals do and grab a glass of wine in one of the city’s amazing wine bars. You won’t be out on a café terrace in November so hit up on a specialised wine bar for a cosy ambiance and sone great wine.
Check out my Best Bars in Paris guide for some wine bar recommendations or my guide to Natural Wine Bars in Paris for something a bit more interesting!
Check out the Salon du Chocolat
If you’re a chocolate lover then the annual Salon du Chocolat is a must-do. Held in the massive Porte de Versailles convention centre, there’s so much to see.
From the famous Chocolate Dresses fashion show to tastings and ateliers, you can easily spend a day exploring the different stands. The show is held from 29th October to 3rd November. Tickets can be bought in advance here.
Spend a Day in the Louvre
When the inevitable rainy day comes along, you’ll want to be inside. These days are the ideal times to visit one of the incredible museums in Paris.
The Louvre is of course a must visit with so many incredible pieces to see and wings to explore. You can easily spend a day in it (and you won’t even see everything) or half a day to see the main pieces.
Despite November being a quieter period, there will still be queues (especially if you go on a weekend). I’d advise that you buy tickets in advance here.
Try the Famous Beaujolais Nouveau Wine
Another great wine festival in the calendar is the fête du Beaujolais Nouveau. OK it’s not a wine festival as such but it’s a rather peculiar event which happens every on every 3rd Thursday of November.
It’s the day where Beaujolais Nouveau – a very light red wine from Beaujolais in Burgundy – is released on sale to the public. It’s the one wine that is bottled and sold immediately after the wine making process is complete.
Don’t expect a really complex red – it’s made from the Gamay grape variety that isn’t hugely exciting but is very drinkable! You’ll find parties celebrating the release all over Paris (and France!) on the 21st November. You can a list of bars and restaurants serving the wine here.
Other Events on in Paris in November
From the 9th November Disneyland Paris host their annual Christmas festivities with parades, shows and a 78 foot tall tree! Find out more here.
There’s an excellent Jackson Pollock exhibition on at the Picasso Museum in the Marais from 15th October until 19 January 2025. The exhibit focuses on his early works between 1934 and 1947. Find out more here.
The Weather in November
In November, you can expect cooler, often damp weather as autumn moves into early winter. Temperatures typically range from 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F), with chilly mornings and brisk afternoons.
Rain? Yup it’s pretty much guaranteed. Check the forecast a week before you visit to adjust your itinerary!
How to Dress For Paris in November
Given the average temperatures it’s best to bring plenty of layers including waterproofs, scarfs and shoes that can take the rain. Definitely bring a travel umbrella with you as hotels don’t always have them and I’ve always found the weather in November to be very unpredictable.
