The Île-de-France region is on orange alert for snow and ice this Saturday, November 22, 2025. Météo France has placed the eight departments of the Paris region—Paris, Seine-et-Marne, Yvelines, Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne, and Val-d'Oise —under this snow and ice alert, which will be in effect from 8 p.m. on Saturday until 8 a.m. on Sunday morning. This is the first snowfall of the season, which could well impact travel throughout the capital region.
After a freezing morning with temperatures dropping to -10°C in the Moselle plains, a rainy disturbance coming from the west will clash with the cold air present in the region. On Saturday evening and during the night from Saturday to Sunday, the presence of cold air will encourage snowfall. Snow accumulation is expected to reach 5 to 7 centimeters in the western half of the Paris region and 2 to 5 centimeters in the eastern half. For Paris and its inner suburbs, 1 to 2 centimeters of snow on the ground are forecast, according to the meteorological agency.
The low-pressure system currently developing over the British Isles will bring a disturbance that will move eastward over the course of the day. After a very cold morning with temperatures often between -3 and -7°C, the thermometer is not expected to rise above 1 to 4°C in the afternoon. The ground, still very cold after this polar cold snap, will help the snow to settle as soon as the flakes begin to fall around 9 p.m. in the Paris region.
The amounts forecast vary depending on the area: the western half of the Paris region is expected to receive between 5 and 7 centimeters of snow, while the eastern half will receive between 2 and 5 centimeters. For Paris and the inner suburbs, the forecast is for 1 to 2 centimeters on the ground. These amounts may change in the coming hours, as there is a high degree of uncertainty according to weather models.
Weather conditions are expected to be particularly difficult for motorists. Transport Minister Philippe Tabarot has warned that traffic will be complicated in several regions over the weekend. The orange alert begins this Saturday, November 22, at 8 p.m. and will continue until Sunday morning at 8 a.m. The first snowfall is expected at 9 p.m. in the Paris region.
Beyond the Paris region, other areas will also be affected by this snowfall: Hauts-de-France, Centre-Val-de-Loire, Champagne-Ardenne, western Burgundy, the Massif Central, and Limousin will also experience snowfall overnight. Motorists heading for the Alps should be particularly vigilant, especially with the ski season opening this weekend in several renowned resorts such as Val-Thorens.
There is also a risk of freezing rain. At the end of the night and at dawn on Sunday morning, the thaw will have progressed, with temperatures returning to above freezing at higher altitudes. Rain could then fall again, but there is a risk of it freezing on the ground where temperatures will still be between 0 and -6°C on Sunday morning. Auvergne is also the subject of particular attention from Météo-France due to fairly widespread freezing rain. La Chaîne Météo even describes a cold atmosphere and often sub-zero temperatures for Saturday.
The good news is that this winter spell will be relatively short. The snow should melt from midday on Sunday as the region experiences a significant thaw. Temperatures will gradually rise, which should limit the risks associated with snow and ice at the beginning of next week. The passage of this disturbance will be accompanied by a rise in temperatures in its wake.
Residents of the Paris region are advised to exercise extreme caution when traveling. If you must take to the road, check road conditions and use public transportation whenever possible. Bring hot drinks, warm clothes, blankets, and a fully charged cell phone if you must travel. Pedestrians and cyclists should also be extra vigilant about the risk of falling due to icy conditions.
To follow the situation in real time, check the Météo-France weather alert map regularly, which is updated several times a day. In the event of heavy snowfall, residents, owners, and tenants are required to clear the sidewalk in front of their homes along the entire length of the building.
In short, if you're looking for a good way to stay warm this weekend, now is the time to enjoy the museums, cozy cafés, and cozy restaurants of the Paris region, or settle into a café by the fire.Winter is knocking on the door of the Paris region with its share of weather surprises!
Dates and Opening Time
From November 21, 2025 to November 23, 2025
