Paris in the fall feels like a blend of mild warmth, crisp air, and shorter days that nudge the city into a more relaxed pace. Daily high temperatures usually drop from the low 70s °F (around 22°C) in early September to the upper 40s °F (about 8–9°C) by late November.
Nights get cooler as the weeks go by, so you’ll notice chilly mornings even though afternoons can stay pretty pleasant.
As fall moves on, the sky grows cloudier, and daylight slips away faster. September often brings bright afternoons, but by November, gray skies and early sunsets take over.
Rain falls steadily but rarely gets intense, with light showers happening more than heavy storms.
These seasonal changes mean you’ll see a bit of everything, so knowing what to expect makes planning way easier. Whether you’re thinking about what to pack or when to head outside, understanding the average fall weather in Paris really helps you enjoy your trip more.
Overview of Fall Weather in Paris
Fall in Paris brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and more clouds overhead. You’ll notice a steady slide from mild early autumn to chilly late-season weather, with rain and wind picking up as winter nears.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
Paris has a temperate oceanic climate, so fall weather often feels mild but can change quickly. Highs usually start near 73°F (23°C) in early September and slide down to about 47°F (8°C) by late November.
Nights cool off too, dropping from around 56°F (13°C) to 38°F (3°C).
Clouds roll in fast during autumn. Early September still offers lots of clear days, but by November, skies turn mostly cloudy or overcast about 70% of the time.
Rain becomes more common, though Paris rarely gets drenched in heavy downpours. Instead, you’ll spot light to moderate rain on plenty of days.
Humidity doesn’t change much and rarely feels sticky. Winds average 9–10 mph, often blowing in from the west or south, which can make cool days feel even brisker.
Overall, the weather stays pretty manageable, but you’ll want to prep for damp and chilly days as fall goes on.
Seasonal Changes from September to November
September feels like summer hanging on. Days can still hit the low 70s°F (21–23°C), and evenings are comfortable.
You get the longest daylight here, about 13 hours at the month’s start.
By October, daytime temps settle in the 60s°F (15–17°C), with nights in the mid-40s°F (7–9°C). Clouds show up more often, and it rains about 1 in 4 days.
Sunsets creep earlier, dropping before 7 PM by mid-October.
November brings the coldest weather of fall. Highs average in the upper 40s°F (8–10°C), and nights can get close to freezing.
Winds get stronger, and days shrink fast, with less than 9 hours of daylight by month’s end.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Paris is much cooler and a lot cloudier. Summer highs often reach the upper 70s°F (25°C), but fall warmth usually fades by September.
Rain shows up more often in fall than in the middle of summer.
Winter is even colder and darker. January highs hover in the 40s°F (5–7°C), and daylight is at its shortest.
Spring works in the opposite direction, gradually warming up instead of cooling down. March and April see temps climb from the 40s°F (7°C) into the 60s°F (16°C), with more sun.
If you like mild weather and smaller crowds, fall gives you a nice balance between summer heat and winter chill.
Average Temperatures During Fall
In Paris, fall temperatures drop steadily from mild early-season warmth to chilly late-autumn days. Afternoons get cooler, mornings feel brisk, and evenings shorten as the season goes on.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Early September brings daytime highs around 73°F (23°C), while nights stay close to 56°F (13°C). By late November, afternoons average about 47°F (8°C), and nights dip to 38°F (3°C).
You might still see some outliers. Sometimes highs climb above 80°F (27°C) in early fall, and lows can slip below 32°F (0°C) toward the end.
These swings mean you’ll want a range of clothing. Light layers work in September, but by November, you’ll need heavier coats and scarves, especially after dark.
Monthly Temperature Breakdown
You’ll really notice the change in weather if you look at monthly averages:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 70–73°F (21–23°C) | 54–56°F (12–13°C) | Warm afternoons, mild evenings |
| October | 60–64°F (15–18°C) | 46–49°F (8–9°C) | Noticeable cool down, crisp mornings |
| November | 47–52°F (8–11°C) | 38–41°F (3–5°C) | Chilly, coats required |
By October, you’ll feel a sharper drop in both day and night temps. November brings the coldest stretch, often hinting that winter’s right around the corner.
Hourly Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature swings across the day stand out more in fall than in summer. Early mornings can feel cold, especially in late October and November, when readings hover near 40°F (4–5°C).
Afternoons are the warmest, usually peaking between 2 PM and 5 PM. In September, it still feels nice, but by November, even the warmest hours might not get above 50°F (10°C).
Evenings cool off quickly after sunset. Heading out for dinner or a walk? Expect temps to drop by 10–15°F (5–8°C) compared to the afternoon.
Layering isn’t just smart, it’s pretty much necessary.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine
In Paris, fall skies get more unpredictable as the weeks pass. Cloud cover grows, and sunshine hours shrink, so early autumn feels a lot brighter than late autumn.
These shifts change how much daylight you’ll enjoy outside and how often you’ll actually see the sun.
Trends in Cloudiness
September skies stay fairly open, and you’ll still catch plenty of partly sunny days. On average, about 40% of the sky is covered by clouds early in the season.
That makes September feel light and perfect for outdoor plans.
By October, cloud cover thickens, and clear days get rarer. Overcast or mostly cloudy conditions climb toward 60%, giving the city a softer, muted vibe.
November brings the most cloud cover. At that point, 70% or more of days are cloudy, and sunshine becomes a rare treat.
This marks the start of the darker winter mood.
Sunny and Overcast Days
The number of sunny days drops as fall moves along. In September, you might enjoy a handful of bright afternoons, but by November, full-sun days are pretty rare.
You’ll see short glimpses of light between long stretches of gray.
Overcast days take over later in the season. By November, Paris racks up more cloudy days than clear ones, so you’ll probably spend time under a steady blanket of clouds.
Here’s a quick look:
- September: mix of sunny and cloudy days
- October: mostly cloudy with occasional sun
- November: mainly overcast with limited sunshine
This pattern changes the vibe of outdoor sightseeing depending on when you visit.
Hours of Daylight
Daylight hours fade fast as fall goes on. In September, you still get about 12–13 hours of daylight, so you can wander the city well into the evening.
By October, daylight drops to 10–11 hours, and nights close in sooner. This often catches visitors off guard.
In November, daylight shrinks to around 9 hours per day. Heavier cloud cover can make the city feel dim even earlier.
It helps to plan your activities around these shorter windows of light to get the most out of your days.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Paris gets frequent but usually light rain during fall, with totals spread pretty evenly across September, October, and November.
You’ll run into short, passing showers more than long, heavy rain, and the city almost never gets hit by big storms.
Chance of Rainy Days
On average, 11–14 days of measurable rain fall each month in autumn. That’s about one out of every three days bringing some precipitation.
Rain usually comes as light or moderate showers, not intense storms. Paris’s spot in northern France gives it an oceanic climate, so rain scatters across the calendar instead of piling up in one season.
You’ll want to prep for damp conditions, especially in October and November, when rainy days become more frequent than in early September.
A small umbrella or waterproof jacket usually does the trick for staying comfortable as you explore.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Paris picks up about 52 mm of rain in September, 59 mm in October, and 62–70 mm in November on average.
These numbers aren’t huge compared to rainier parts of Europe, but they’re enough to keep parks and gardens green deep into autumn.
Don’t expect long dry spells. Instead, rain shows up in shorter bursts throughout the month.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Avg. Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~52 | 11–12 |
| October | ~59 | 12–13 |
| November | ~62–70 | 13–14 |
You’ll see a gradual rise from early to late fall, with November being the wettest.
Variation in Precipitation
The gap between the driest and wettest fall months is pretty small. September tends to be a bit drier, while November racks up the most rain, but the difference is usually less than 20 mm.
There’s no dramatic rainy season here. Instead, rain stays steady, so the weather feels more predictable than in places with wild seasonal swings.
What changes most is how the rain feels. September showers come with mild temps around 22°C, while November rain falls when it’s closer to 10°C.
That shift changes how comfortable you feel outside more than how much rain actually falls.
What to Pack for Fall in Paris
Paris weather in the fall swings from mild afternoons to chilly mornings and evenings, with rain showing up pretty often. Packing smart layers, weather-ready accessories, and a few comfort items will help you handle whatever the day brings.
Recommended Clothing
Fall temps in Paris usually run from the low 50s°F (10–12°C) in the mornings to the low 60s°F (16–18°C) by afternoon.
Bring pieces you can layer and take off easily.
Pack long-sleeve tops, light sweaters, and a medium-weight jacket. A trench or wool coat is a good bet, since it works for both cool air and light rain.
Comfortable pants or jeans are great for walking the city. Dresses or skirts with tights work too if you want to dress things up a bit.
Go for closed-toe, supportive shoes. Leather boots or waterproof sneakers are ideal, since Paris streets can get damp and uneven.
Skip packing only dress shoes—they usually can’t handle wet cobblestones.
Essential Accessories for Weather
Rain is common in Paris during fall, so a compact umbrella should be at the top of your packing list.
A lightweight, water-resistant jacket with a hood is handy for surprise showers.
Scarves aren’t just stylish—they’re practical for blocking wind. A wool or knit scarf keeps you warm on chilly mornings and evenings.
Gloves and a hat might come in handy later in the season when it gets colder. You don’t need heavy winter stuff, but thin gloves and a beanie make outdoor walks a lot more comfortable.
If you plan to explore parks or stroll along the Seine, moisture-wicking socks will help keep your feet dry on damp days.
Tips for Staying Comfortable
If you’re heading to Paris, get ready to walk a lot. Honestly, just pick shoes that feel good, not just ones that look cute. Break them in before you go, or you’ll regret it after the first day.
Dress in layers. Mornings and nights can get chilly, but afternoons might surprise you with some warmth. You don’t want to lug around a heavy coat all day, do you?
Bring a small crossbody bag or a backpack for your essentials. Toss in an umbrella, scarf, or maybe an extra sweater. Make sure your bag closes well, because pickpockets do hang around in crowded spots.
Always check the daily forecast before you leave your hotel. Paris weather can flip on you fast, so having the right clothes will save you a lot of trouble.
Planning Your Visit Around Fall Weather
Paris in the fall feels pretty different depending on when you go. You’ll notice cooler air, shorter days, and a mix of sun and rain. September still gives off late-summer vibes, but by November, it’s edging toward winter.
Best Activities for Each Month
September feels almost summery, with highs near 70°F (21°C). Spend those afternoons walking along the Seine or hanging out at outdoor cafés. Boat tours are lovely this time of year. Parks like Luxembourg Gardens and Tuileries still show off some late flowers, so they’re great for a stroll.
October brings cooler days, usually in the low 60s°F (16–18°C). It’s a nice time to visit museums or wander through those old covered passages. Check out the fall colors in Bois de Vincennes or Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Outdoor markets buzz with autumn produce.
November gets chilly fast, with highs around 50°F (10–11°C). Rain shows up more often, and daylight fades early. This is when you’ll want to hang out indoors at places like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay. Still, if you bundle up, evening walks on the Champs-Élysées can feel magical.
Seasonal Events and Attractions
September feels lively as Parisians return from their summer breaks, a moment they call la rentrée. You’ll catch the city’s energy during Paris Design Week and Fashion Week. Shops and galleries reopen and show off new exhibitions.
In October, Paris throws Nuit Blanche, a citywide art night with creative installations everywhere. Parks reach their peak for fall leaves, so photographers will love it.
By November, most events move indoors. Concerts, theater, and exhibitions fill the calendar. In mid-September, European Heritage Days let you peek inside government buildings and historic landmarks—something you usually can’t do, and honestly, it’s a pretty cool experience.
Travel Tips for Autumn
Pack clothes you can layer. In September, a light jacket usually does the trick, but by October and November, you’ll want a warmer coat.
Toss a compact umbrella in your bag—rain falls about 7 or 8 days each month during autumn.
You really need comfortable walking shoes. Cobblestone streets get slippery when they’re wet. If you want to wander through gardens or hit outdoor spots, waterproof shoes make life easier.
Daylight fades fast in late fall. Try to do outdoor stuff earlier in the day.
Evenings work better for indoor dining, catching a show, or checking out a museum. That way, you can still enjoy Paris no matter what the weather throws at you.