Located in South West France, Toulouse is one of the best cities you can visit in Europe.
It might not be as famous as Paris but I can promise you something, it’s well worth a visit.
I’ve lived in Toulouse for years and I love winter there.
Toulouse has a milder winter compared to the rest of France which makes it quite comfortable. It’s also home to a fantastic Christmas market and there are loads of things you can do in winter.
While Toulouse winters are not as harsh as some other European cities, you’ll want to pack smart to stay comfortable while keeping up with the French sense of style and the fact that it’s still quite chilly.
So, now let’s talk about the things you actually need to pack for Toulouse in winter.
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What is the Weather Like in Toulouse in Winter?
Toulouse experiences a relatively mild winter, but temperatures can still drop, especially at night.
From December to February, daytime temperatures range from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F), while nights can drop to around 3°C to 6°C (37°F to 43°F).
It rarely snows, but mornings and evenings can be quite chilly, and there’s a chance of rain, so it’s best to be prepared for wet weather.
This means that you don’t need to overly layer like you would in other places but you still need to pack winter clothes.
Essential Packing List for Toulouse in Winter
As a general thing, the rule for packing in winter is to use layers. Toulouse is no different because while it’s not that cold, it’s still winter.
This means you will need a variety of layers and winter clothes but you don’t necessarily need to wear all the layers at once.
Usually I wear a simple three layer: 1 t-shirt, 1 sweater and 1 winter coat.
Clothing
- Warm Coat: A stylish wool coat or padded winter jacket is essential. Choose one that’s insulated but not overly bulky—Toulouse winter isn’t extremely cold, so a mid-weight coat is perfect.
- Sweaters or Knitwear: Pack cozy sweaters, preferably wool or cashmere, for layering. These will keep you warm during the day and add a chic touch to your winter wardrobe. Opt for a variety of styles—turtlenecks, crewnecks, and cardigans all work well.
- Long-Sleeve Tops: Lightweight long-sleeve shirts or turtlenecks are ideal base layers for adding extra warmth. If you don’t suffer from the cold too much, you can also wear a short-sleeve top as long as you have a good sweater on top.
- Jeans or Warm Trousers: Jeans or wool-blend trousers are perfect for exploring the city. Jeans are the most common type of trousers worn in Toulouse.
- Dresses and tights: This is what French girls usually go for in Toulouse in winter. We wear knit dresses (or at least warm-ish dresses) with a pair of black tights. You can also opt for an autumn dress with a tank top underneath to keep your warm.
PRO TIP: I often recommend wearing fleece-lined leggings in winter but I actually don’t recommend that in Toulouse for two reasons. Firstly, it’s usually not that cold. Secondly, it’s a bit of a faux pas in France since French girls only wear leggings at the gym.
Footwear
- Ankle Boots: They are both stylish and comfortable which makes them ideal for the season. There are a lot of cobblestones and bricks in Toulouse so you need comfortable shoes and ankle boots are exactly that. Most French girls wear Ankle boots or high boots in winter.
- Knee High Boots: Another popular choice since they are comfortable and protect your calves as well. If you are wearing dresses with tights, they are ideal. Make sure they are flat though because you’ll be walking a lot and Toulouse was simply not built for heels.
- Sneakers: While it’s true that French girls don’t wear sneakers all that much, they are still a great choice to explore Toulouse in winter. I recommend waterproof ones with a stylish look.
Bags
- Crossbody Bag or Shoulder Bag: A small, stylish crossbody bag or shoulder bag is ideal for carrying your essentials while exploring the city. Choose something secure with a zipper.
- Tote Bag: it’s always practical to carry around a tote bag so if you buy some souvenirs or clothes (or anything from the Christmas market), you have a bag to put it in and carry it around.
Accessories
- Umbrella: While Toulouse doesn’t usually see heavy rainfall in winter, a small, packable umbrella can come in handy in case of showers.
- Reusable Water Bottle: You can drink water from the tap in Toulouse.
- Scarf: This is the ultimate accessory to wear in winter in France. A warm, wool scarf! It not only keeps you warm but also adds a touch of French elegance to your outfit.
- Gloves: Bring a pair of insulated gloves, especially if you plan on being outside for long periods. Touchscreen-compatible gloves are a great choice so you can use your phone without removing them.
- Hat or Beanie: A stylish wool hat or cozy beanie will keep you warm and add to your winter look. If you’re prone to getting cold, pack earmuffs or a headband to keep your ears toasty.
Electronics
- Phone & Charger
- Portable Power Bank and cable
- Camera
- International Adapter: If you’re coming from outside Continental Europe, bring a travel adapter for Type C or E outlets (230V).
Paperwork
- Passport & Visa (if required)
- Travel Insurance
- Hotel Reservations & Itinerary
- Bank Card & Cash: While cards are widely accepted, it’s a good idea to carry some cash (euros) for small purchases, markets, or cafés.
What to Wear in Toulouse in Winter for Different Occasions
🌇 Exploring the City
For a day of sightseeing, wear warm layers like a cozy sweater and long-sleeve top under your coat. Pair with jeans or trousers and ankle boots. A scarf, gloves, and a hat will keep you warm as you explore.
🌧️ If It’s Rainy
On rainy days, layer with a water-resistant coat or pack a small umbrella. Wear waterproof boots or shoes and bring a tote bag to carry any extra layers. A scarf and gloves will help protect you from the cold and damp weather.
🍷 Dining Out
For dinner or evening outings, a smart pair of trousers or dark jeans with a chic sweater or turtleneck works perfectly. Add a stylish wool coat, a scarf, and dressy ankle boots for a polished yet comfortable look.
Things Not to Wear in Toulouse in Winter
- Heavy Snow Gear: Toulouse doesn’t experience heavy snow, so leave bulky snow gear or heavy-duty winter coats at home. A mid-weight coat and layers are sufficient.
- Thin Summer Fabrics: Avoid packing light, summery fabrics like linen or thin cotton. Winter in Toulouse requires warm layers to stay comfortable, especially in the mornings and evenings.
- High Heels or Thin-Soled Shoes: The cobblestone streets of Toulouse can be tricky to navigate in uncomfortable shoes. Stick to comfortable, practical footwear like boots or well-cushioned flats.
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