Last updated on January 04th, 2023
A visit to Paris is definitely an experience to remember. The city boasts of perfectly manicured streets, beautiful architecture that includes Haussmannian style, the smell of freshly baked bread and a lingering aroma of pastries. Besides, the City of Lights is the fashion capital of the world, has a long history of quality art and a rich culture.
Paris attracts thousands of visitors every year and some attractions may become crowded at specific months. Besides, you can only view certain events or attractions in particular months or season.
We are going to give a month-by-month breakdown of the best time to travel to Paris France. In each month, we will touch on the best attractions to visit and expected weather changes to help you make itinerary plans.
What is the Best Time to go to Paris ?
# Paris in January | # Paris in February | # Paris in March
# Paris in April | # Paris in May | # Paris in June
# Paris in July | # Paris in August | # Paris in September
# Paris in October | # Paris in November | # Paris in December
1. Visiting Paris in January – Best for Fashion Enthusiasts and Shopaholics
It is usually winter in Paris in January. The month can be very cold but very mild as well, but you need to pack enough warm clothing for the trip. There are about two to three hours of sunshine each day, with an average temperature around 7°C (44°F), but freezing temperatures during the day are possible with some days of snow. The city also gets about 17 days of icy rain. However, it rarely exceeds 2.8 inches.
Due to the cold weather and being the start of the year, there are few visitors to the city. This gives you a chance to explore all the major attractions, including the catacombs, Palace of Versailles, The Louvre and Picasso Museum in peace. Besides, you are also likely to get reasonably low prices for quality accommodation and tickets to various attractions.
The popular Paris Fashion Week happens in the last week of the month. While it is an invite-only event, many fashion exhibitions happen in various parts of the city around this time, including one at Carrousel du Louvre. Besides, you also get a chance to buy quality fashion wear and electronics in Paris winter sales events in January.
2. Paris in February – Best for Lovers
Paris is the city of romance that has sights, sounds and smells to spice up your love life. There is no better time to and enjoy all these than February. It is the last full month of winter and average day time temperature of 9°C (48°F), but cold days and snow is still possible. Expect some rains about several days of the month, but there will still be several hours of sunshine throughout the day. During slight warmer weather conditions, you can afford some lighter warm clothing and enjoy the beginning of blossoming flowers and greens around the city.
There are still low crowds for the better part of the month, allowing you to have special moments with your partner. You may choose to have a romantic dinner at the top of Eiffel Tower and enjoy live concerts across the city throughout the month. You also enjoy the Chinese New Year, various art exhibitions and a Seine dinner cruise with your partner.
3. Paris in March – Best Time for Visiting with Few Crowds
March welcomes the start of spring to the City of Lights. Temperatures are warming up to an average of 13°C (55°F). With the perfect balance between hot and still some biting cold, you can go out and enjoy the amazing sights around the city. Besides, flowers and greenery start to sprout around this month, making the city quite appealing. However, the weather is a little wet, but it gets sunnier as the month progresses. Therefore, layer up so that you can remove some clothing when it gets warm.
March happens to be at the end of the winter season and, therefore, the city is not very crowded. You expect short queues in most tourist attractions and can get great accommodation deals at premium hotels. Some of the best attractions include Montmartre, Palace of Versailles and the magical world in Disneyland and the Louvre Museum, which takes you back in time to the prehistoric era. There are also various concerts and operas across the month. Besides, you may take part in the Paris half marathon that takes place around March 10.
4. Paris in April – Best for Outdoors But Avoid the Holidays
April is the mid-spring season in Paris France. Temperatures are generally great, with average lows of 8°C (46°F) and highs of about 17°C (62°F). Outdoors look pleasant, with most trees and bushes flowering. The parks are also beautiful with lush green grass. You expect a few showers, but this is usually light rain, which does not go for long. Besides, the city experiences long days with the sun setting at around 8:30 pm to past 9.00 pm as the month proceeds. Therefore, you have a longer time to stay outdoors.
April is also the best time to venture out of the city to the vine fields, such as Champagne and Somme battlefields. You can also enjoy some time in the Palace of Versailles. However, avoid visiting during the Easter weekend as there big crowds in many of the biggest attraction centres.
5. Paris in May – Best For Festivals and Outdoor Competitions
This city tends to spring back to life in May, where it bursts with a beautiful array of colours during both the day and night. The temperature is usually warm, with highs of 20°C (68°F) in average and lows of 11°C (52°F). It does not rain much during the month, although there can be occasional showers that do not spoil the fun. On the downside, crowds start trickling in May. Therefore, you would have to wait longer in queues at popular attractions across the city.
However, if you do not mind the wait, you can enjoy tens of outdoor shows and festivals that happen across the month. One of the popular ones is the Taste of Paris, where you get to enjoy gourmet food. You also get a free entry into museums across the city from in May in line with European Museums Night tradition. On the other hand, you can watch several outdoor competitions, including the French Open and the Grand Steeplechase.
6. Paris in June – Enjoy the Fiesta
June is generally a fiesta. Visiting crowds fill parks, streets and every inch of space to enjoy the early summer sunshine and outdoor music festivals. It is usually the time to activate your party mode and dance away to tunes from local and international artists. Temperatures are generally higher at between 14°C (57°F) and 24°C (74°F).
The skies are usually blue, but it may get cloudy weather for seven to eight days of the month. Schools are still running in June. Therefore, you get a taste of the Parisian daily school-work routine. June is also a perfect month to enjoy the lush countryside such as the abbey at Mont Saint Michel, Normandy beaches and Monet’s Garden.
7. Paris in July – Excellent for Interacting with other Visitors
July is usually warm, with over 10 hours of sunshine. The average day time temperature is around 26C (78°F) but can easily go over 30°C (86°F), lows are around 16°C (61°F). There are slight downpours on few days with high humidity across the month. Tourist hotspots are usually full, but you can visit the most popular ones in the morning before crowds join in. Due to high temperature, consider visiting outdoors during the mid-morning hours and relaxing at the hotel or a café in the afternoon.
This month is a prime tourist season in Paris, where you get a chance to interact with visitors from all over the world. Evenings are particularly good with outdoor movies, sunbathing and music gigs across the city. If you happen to be around on July 14, be sure to enjoy the Bastille Day (France national day) with its pomp and colour.
8. Paris in August – Excellent Month with Warmth and Fewer Visitors
August can be unpleasantly warm and humid, with temperatures averages ranging from 25°C (78°F) to 16°C (60°F). There are also a few showers spread across the month. Carry light clothing and apply lots of sunscreen when going outdoors. Besides, know that you may change your plans if it starts raining heavily. We recommend that you check the weather updates for a few days so that you can plan your itinerary accordingly.
Most of the workers in France go on leave this month. Therefore, there is little activity around the city. Visitors’ numbers are usually low. Consequently, you do not spend long hours standing in queues. Evenings are also great with various forms of entertainment, from outdoor cinemas to rock festivals and stand up comedies (if you understand French). Parisians also celebrate the liberation of the city from Nazis on August 25 and Catholic Assumption Day on August 15.
9. Paris in September – The Classical Golden Month
It starts to turn chilly at the start of September. Leaves turn golden, but most flowers still blossom. The weather can also get a little unpredictable with showers prevalent in the afternoon. Temperatures averages vary from around 22°C (71°F) to 13°C (55°F). The rainfall goes to as much as 54 mm for the month. Therefore, layer up so that you can remove extra clothing if the weather gets hot.
Despite the unpredictable weather, the City of Love lights up with awesome classical festivals across the month. You can enjoy classic concerts at La Sante Chapelle and the Eiffel Tower that run for several days. There is also the Le Grande Classique, a 16 km race that starts at Eiffel Tower to the Palace of Versailles. Besides, you can also enjoy the European Heritage Day, a cultural week that is marked by various events, workshops and concerts. On the other hand, if you love outdoors at night, there are usually several short films showing at the Silhouette Festival at the start of the month. It’s one of the best months to travel to Paris in France.
10. Paris in October – Excellent for Lovers Looking for Fewer Visitors
October is one of the cooler months in the year, with temperatures ranging between 10°C (50°F) and 17°C (63°F). It is also is generally dryer, as it receives one the lowest amount of rainfall in the whole year. The cool weather is augmented with the autumn golden yellows and fresh breezes gushing across the city. Unfortunately, the days are shorter as darkness sets in earlier. However, the perfect weather is great for lovers who want to spend time outdoors without being bothered by the large crowds witnessed in summer months.
Due to the low visitor traffic, most premium hotels offer awesome accommodation packages and huge discounts for prolonged stays. The golden evenings are great for Seine dinner cruises and luxurious ambiance at the Eiffel Tower. Besides, parks are not crowded, which offers a perfect chance for couples to spend time together outdoors. Some of the popular festivals for the month include Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe horse race and Tous au Restaurant food festival.
11. Paris in November – Excellent for Solo Travellers
Paris starts to get sleepy as from November. Temperatures drop to between 6°C (43°F) and 11°C (52°F) with sunshine available for about 8 hours. The daylight hours also get shorter and there are chilly gusts of wind throughout the day. The chilly weather brings in fewer visitors to the city and few Parisians spend time outdoors.
The city is generally devoid of queues, allowing you to enjoy all the beautiful sights and attractions by yourself. Carry your camera and take the best pictures of attractions like the Palace of Versailles and Eiffel Tower as there will be nobody to photo bomb your selfies. At the start of the month, you get to enjoy Disney’s Magical fireworks and the Men’s tennis tournament, dubbed the Rolex Paris Masters. There is also the France Beaujolais Nouveau Festival in the last week of the month, where you enjoy the best of wines.
12. Paris in December – Explore the Cold Side of the City
Paris is generally cold in December. The average temperatures drop to between 4°C (39°F) and 8°C (47°F). Precipitation comes in the form of mainly chilly rainfall, but some mild snowfall is possible. Therefore, be sure to carry enough warm clothing and a pair of boots to keep dry when exploring the outdoors. Accommodation is usually the cheapest during this month, thereby appealing to visitors on a strict budget.
Towards the Christmas holidays, hundreds of fabulous markets spring up across the city. You can land awesome deals for everything from decorations to fashion wear and electronics. It is also a perfect time to visit the skating rinks across the city. Besides, visit one of the many Christmas concerts at Saint Chapelle and marvel at their candle-lit decorations. There are also various festivities, including Champs-Elysées (the show of lights) at city streets and several Christmas market, which makes December a lovely time of travel to visit Paris.
What’s the Best Season to Visit Paris Weather-wise
The choice of the best weather depends on individual visitors’ preferences. However, we shall base our answer based on the weather that most visitors prefer. There are two weather periods when conditions are best to visit the city, June to August and September to October.
Between June and August, days and nights are relatively warm and there is low humidity. It is, therefore, comfortable for day and night fun. On the other hand, September to October a little cooler than the summer season. There is also low rainfall except for September that has relatively moderate rain. Those that do not like the hot summer weather enjoy the cool breeze of the autumn climate.
Youcan enjoy your stay in Paris despite the prevailing weather. However, remember to check events that appeal to you when planning your next visit to the City of Lights.
Weather in Paris
Paris France has something to offer throughout the year. Therefore, it does not matter the time of the year you plan to visit. It all depends on your interests. However, before you pack your belongings, look at seasons in the section below to pick the most ideal.
Spring Season
Paris wakes up from the cold during the spring season. Visitors enjoy a natural hue, cool breezes and comfortable temperatures. However, there are few visitors to the city, which gives you a chance to explore some of the most popular attractions without waiting in long queues. With Easter around the corner, you will also find several music festivals and live performances across the city.
Summer Season
Summer is the peak season for visitors to Paris. The temperatures are warm and the city bursts with pomp, colour and fun. This is the best time to mingle with millions of visitors from around the world, enjoy exclusive shows and enjoy the best of the outdoors. On the downside, the city is quite crowded, but the fun outweighs this inconvenience.
Autumn Season
Just like the weather, Paris cools down during fall. Plants turn golden while cooler temperatures turn the city to a romantic getaway for couples and solo visitors. This is the perfect time to visit outdoors, taste the first wine after harvest and take your time at the leading attractions without the bustle of large crowds.
Winter Season
Paris is in the northern hemisphere where haze, rain and snow rule during winter. This makes the city a little tough to explore during the season. However, if you enjoy reading a book, skiing or sipping some wine, this is the perfect season for you to travel. Besides, the city is vibrant during the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Seasons to Travel to Paris
Peak Season in Paris (June through to late August)
Most visitors come to the City of Lights during the summer months. From June to the end of August, it seems like the whole world is in Paris for a vacation. The warm weather allows visitors to enjoy the bright outdoors and indulge in merrymaking. Expect long queues at monuments, museums and other areas of interest. Besides, hotels witness high room occupancy and accommodation prices may go up. Similarly, most airlines are also usually fully booked into the seasons with air tickets going for higher prices.
If you plan to visit during the peak season, consider booking accommodation and flights well in advance. This saves you from possible frustrations if you fail to secure a seat or room during the last-minute rush. Early booking gets you good deals before prices go up. Otherwise, the crowds and high costs are a small price to pay for fun that awaits you in this season.
Low Season in Paris (Mid November to March is Cheapest Time to go to Paris)
Given the location of the city, the winter is a little harsh. Most tourists keep away during the period due to the overall inconvenience and since there are few outdoor activities during the season. However, it is still a perfect time to visit the city if you love spending more time reading, watching television or sipping coffee at a cafe. Besides, accommodation rates and air tickets are cheapest during this period, thereby allowing you to enjoy the very best that the City of Lights has to offer at a shoestring budget.
Despite being cold, Paris is not entirely asleep. Numerous shops open up for festivity sales towards the end of the year. Besides, there are multiple sales events at the start of the year, where you can grab quality items at low prices. There are short queues at major attractions and festivals are spread across the season.
Mid-Season in Paris (April-May, September- mid-November)
During the mid-season, you expect the number of visitors to drop a little. However, there are still many visitors. From April to May, the city welcomes early tourists who want to enjoy their time before the summer craze sets in. Accommodation and air tickets are also not as expensive as they are during the high season. September to early November period has cool temperatures and the city is relatively quiet. It is also the time you are likely to come across couples on honeymoon.
The mid-season is perfect for enjoying the greatest attractions of the city without waiting long in queues or paying high prices for the tickets. You can also visit outdoors and the countryside surrounding the city to enjoy the beautiful landscapes. There are still several festivals and a vibrant nightlife during this season. To beat the prices, book early, especially for the April-May period.
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