When to go · Lyon
Lyon in December
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Aug (many restaurants shut), Dec 8 week (book months ahead for Festival of Lights).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 8°C46°F / 2°C36°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 9
- Crowds
- Medium
- France overall
- Prices
- Medium
- France overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Aug (many restaurants shut), Dec 8 week (book months ahead for Festival of Lights).
Weather in December
- LyonHighs around 8 °C, lows around 2 °C, rain on about 9 daysHighs around 46 °F, lows around 36 °F, rain on about 9 days
- Centre and east, France · Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Lyon, Dordognecool
Cold foggy winters and hot summers; Alsace Christmas markets make December busy despite the cold.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Christmas big impact
25 Dec · France
Most shops and many restaurants close on the 25th; Christmas Eve dinner is the big family meal.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · France overall
- Medium
- Prices · France overall
- Medium
France overall: Christmas markets in Strasbourg and Colmar (book hotels months ahead); ski season opens mid-month.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket