Lyon in December
Not the best time
December means Fête des Lumières magic but also peak prices and crowds. The city transforms into a light art gallery worth braving winter weather.
Weather
December brings Lyon's most magical transformation with the Fête des Lumières light installations. Weather stays cold and often rainy, but the city glows. Expect crowds despite the chill.
7°C high2°C low11 rain days
Crowds & Cost
peak crowds
~$190/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Fête des Lumières
- •Christmas markets
- •New Year preparations
December Tips
- •Book Fête des Lumières weekend 6 months ahead minimum
- •Dress warmly for outdoor light viewing - you'll be walking for hours
- •December prices triple during festival weekend
All Months
Late spring through early summer gives you Lyon at its best. May and June bring perfect weather for walking the traboules and dining on terraces. Restaurant patios open up, and the city feels alive.
September and October are equally brilliant. The summer crowds thin out, but weather stays warm enough for outdoor dining. This is harvest season in nearby Beaujolais, so wine bars buzz with fresh vintages.
April works if you don't mind occasional rain showers. Temperatures hover around 15°C, and hotel prices drop before peak season kicks in.
Winter isn't terrible, but Lyon can feel gray and quiet. December brings Christmas markets to Place Bellecour, though they're not as impressive as Strasbourg's. January and February are best avoided unless you're here purely for indoor dining.
Skip July and August. It's hot, crowded, and many locals flee for vacation. Some restaurants close entirely during August.
Lyon Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
8/10
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