So, you want to plan a trip to Paris but you’re not sure when to go? The city’s charm never really fades, but the weather definitely shapes how you’ll experience its streets, gardens, and famous landmarks.
Honestly, spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) are the best times to visit Paris if you want mild temperatures and a city that feels lively without the extremes of summer heat or winter chill.
Each season brings a different vibe. Long summer days fill Paris with festivals and energy, but you’ll also run into heavy crowds and higher prices. Winter’s quieter, with fewer visitors and lower costs, but the short, damp days can limit your time outside.
Spring and autumn strike a nice balance. You get pleasant weather, colorful scenery, and crowds that don’t overwhelm you.
If you understand how the climate shifts month by month, it’s easier to pick the Paris experience you want. Maybe you dream of strolling along the Seine, skipping museum lines, or joining in on seasonal events. Knowing the weather patterns helps make your trip smoother and, honestly, just more fun.
Understanding Paris Weather Patterns
Paris sits in northern France and the Seine River influences its temperate oceanic climate. Winters are usually chilly and damp. Summers warm up, but rarely get extreme. Rain falls pretty evenly throughout the year.
Seasons affect temperatures, humidity, and how much daylight you get, all of which shape your experience in the city.
Typical Temperatures by Season
Winter in Paris feels cold, but rarely gets harsh. From December through February, average highs hover around 5–8°C (41–46°F). Lows often dip close to freezing. Snow can show up, but it usually melts fast.
Spring slowly brings warmth. By April, daytime highs hit 12–16°C (54–61°F). May often climbs to 20°C (68°F). Mornings and evenings stay cool, so you’ll want to keep a jacket handy.
Summer arrives warm, but not sweltering. July and August usually bring highs of 24–26°C (75–79°F). Sometimes, heatwaves push things above 32°C (90°F). Older buildings rarely have air conditioning, so the heat can feel a bit more intense.
Autumn cools things down steadily. September feels mild at 21°C (70°F). By November, highs drop to 10–12°C (50–54°F), and evenings get chilly.
Rainfall and Humidity Trends
Paris gets rain pretty often, but it’s usually light instead of heavy downpours. You’ll see about 11–14 rainy days per month, and the totals spread out across the seasons. You probably won’t run into long dry or wet stretches.
Winter feels especially damp. Cool air and limited sunshine mean humidity often sits above 80%, making the cold bite a bit more.
Spring and autumn bring similar patterns. You’ll see short showers, then clear skies. Carrying a compact umbrella just makes sense, honestly.
Summer isn’t totally dry, either. Brief thunderstorms sometimes pop up after hot afternoons. Humidity stays lower than in winter, so warm days feel more comfortable.
Daylight Hours Throughout the Year
Daylight changes a lot with the seasons, and it really impacts how much time you have for exploring outside.
Winter days are short. December gives you just 8 hours of light, and the sun sets before 5 p.m. That can limit sightseeing, but evening walks along the Seine? They feel extra magical.
Spring quickly stretches out the days. By May, you’ll get 15–16 hours of daylight. There’s plenty of time for gardens and café terraces.
Summer has the longest days. In June and July, the sun doesn’t set until nearly 10 p.m. That’s perfect for evening picnics or late river cruises.
Autumn shrinks the days again. By November, you’re down to 9–10 hours of daylight. Evenings come early, and the city gets a quieter mood.
Best Months to Visit Paris for Ideal Weather
Paris enjoys a mild climate and all four seasons bring their own feel. Temperatures, daylight, and rain shift as the year goes on, so your comfort outside depends on when you visit.
Spring: March to May
Spring is easily one of the best times to visit if you want mild weather and fewer crowds than summer. In March, daytime highs hit around 12°C (54°F). Cold snaps and rain still show up, though. By May, temperatures get closer to 20°C (68°F), and you’ll enjoy about 15 hours of daylight.
April and May feel especially nice for walking through gardens like Jardin du Luxembourg or Versailles. Flowers and trees bloom everywhere. Expect some rain—April averages 12–14 wet days—so a light jacket and umbrella are your friends.
Crowds start to pick up in May thanks to public holidays and outdoor events. Still, it’s nothing like the summer rush. If you want comfortable weather and pretty backdrops, April and May are fantastic months for Paris.
Summer: June to August
Summer brings the warmest days and the biggest crowds. In June, temperatures sit around 22°C (72°F). You get long days, up to 16 hours of daylight. By July, highs often reach 25°C (77°F), and sometimes heat waves push things above 30°C (86°F).
July is the busiest, with Bastille Day and the Tour de France finale pulling in huge crowds. Expect long lines at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and other hotspots. August stays warm, but it’s less crowded since many Parisians leave the city for vacation.
Rain falls moderately, with about 9–12 rainy days a month. Outdoor dining, river cruises, and city parks feel especially fun in summer. If you don’t mind higher prices and busy sights, June offers a sweet spot between great weather and crowds that aren’t too wild.
Autumn: September to November
Autumn feels comfortable, with cooler air and fewer visitors than summer. September brings highs of 21°C (70°F) and golden leaves on the trees. By November, daytime temperatures drop closer to 10°C (50°F), and daylight shrinks to about 9 hours.
September buzzes with cultural events like Paris Fashion Week, which can bump up hotel prices. October is milder, with highs around 16°C (61°F). It’s a lovely month for walking along the Seine or exploring Montmartre. Rain picks up in November, with 15–16 wet days.
If you like cooler weather and smaller crowds, late September and October are great for Paris. You’ll have enough daylight for sightseeing without the peak-season bustle.
Winter: December to February
Winter in Paris is cold and damp, but it’s got its own charm. Average highs range from 6°C to 8°C (43–46°F). January chills the most. Snow isn’t common, but it does happen. Rain is frequent, with about 17 wet days in January.
December brings Christmas markets, festive lights, and ice skating rinks. Crowds swell during the holidays, but the first half of December stays quieter. January and February fall into the low season, so flights and hotels cost less.
Short daylight hours—around 8 to 9 a day—make winter better for indoor activities. Museums like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, or just hanging out in cozy cafés, are perfect picks. If you don’t mind chilly weather, Paris in January and February means quieter moments at the big attractions.
Paris by Month: Weather and Events Overview
Paris changes with the seasons, and you’ll notice the shifts in weather, daylight, and city events. These factors shape how you plan your days and what you’ll get out of your trip.
January in Paris
January feels cold and damp, with average temperatures around 40°F (4°C). You’ll get frequent rain and sometimes frost, so bring a warm coat, gloves, and an umbrella. Days are short, so indoor activities sound extra appealing.
You can visit museums like the Louvre Museum or Musée d’Orsay with fewer crowds, making for a more relaxed experience. The Champs-Élysées still sparkles with holiday lights early in the month, and winter sales (Les Soldes) kick off in shops across Paris.
Events like the Traversée de Paris vintage car rally give the streets a special touch. If you want to see the Eiffel Tower or Arc de Triomphe without long waits, January’s chilly air keeps the lines short.
February in Paris
February stays cold, with highs near 41°F (5°C) and plenty of rain. The weather is gray, but you’ll find it easier to get around with fewer tourists. Valentine’s Day brings a romantic vibe, especially along the Seine River and in Montmartre.
Cozy cafés call your name, or maybe a Seine dinner cruise for a classic Parisian evening. The Carnaval de Paris fills the streets with costumes and parades, adding a splash of color to the winter mood.
Indoor attractions work best this month, from the Louvre Museum to smaller galleries tucked near the Place des Vosges. If you’re traveling with kids, Disneyland Paris is much quieter in February than in spring or summer.
March in Paris
March signals the shift from winter to spring. Temperatures average 46°F (8°C), and it rains about half the time. Sometimes you’ll even see a late snowfall, but it disappears quickly.
Cherry blossoms start popping up by late March, especially near the Eiffel Tower at Champs de Mars and in the Jardin des Tuileries. The Carnaval des Femmes parade also livens up the city.
Crowds stay light, so you can take your time at spots like Sacré-Cœur or the Arc de Triomphe. The weather can’t quite make up its mind, so pack layers and be ready for both showers and sunshine.
April in Paris
April finally brings milder weather, with highs around 59°F (15°C) and, yes, plenty of showers. Tulips, magnolias, and daffodils bloom in the Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc de la Villette, making the city look extra colorful.
Easter celebrations fill the calendar, with services at Notre-Dame Cathedral and events all over town. The Paris Marathon draws thousands of runners past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower.
Café terraces start filling up as Parisians chase the sun. You’ll still want a jacket and umbrella—rain is common—but April feels like a good mix of lively events and manageable crowds.
May in Paris
May is honestly one of the nicest months. Average temperatures hit around 58°F (14°C). Days stretch longer, and flowers brighten up Buttes-Chaumont Park and Parc Monceau. Rain happens, but you’ll see more warm, sunny days.
The Nuit des Musées event lets you visit museums like the Louvre Museum for free, even late at night. The French Open tennis tournament at Roland Garros starts in late May, pulling in sports fans.
Café terraces buzz with life, and wandering through the Place des Vosges or Jardin des Tuileries feels especially pleasant. May feels vibrant, but the big summer crowds haven’t arrived yet.
June in Paris
June kicks off summer with highs around 70°F (21°C). Days run long, with sunset after 9:30 p.m., so you’ve got plenty of time to explore. Rain is less frequent, but you might still get the occasional shower.
The Fête de la Musique on June 21 brings free concerts all over the city. Parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg and Tuileries Garden are perfect for picnics.
More tourists show up, especially at the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, so booking ahead saves time. Outdoor dining and evening walks along the Seine are some of the season’s best moments.
July in Paris
July heats up, averaging 75°F (24°C), but sometimes it gets hotter during a heatwave. Air conditioning is rare, so plan for shade and lots of water. Attractions like the Louvre Museum and Disneyland Paris get packed.
Bastille Day on July 14 brings a military parade along the Champs-Élysées, fireworks near the Eiffel Tower, and parties all over Paris. Outdoor concerts and open-air cinemas also pop up in parks.
Evenings stay warm and lively—perfect for rooftop bars or a stroll through Montmartre. Hotel prices hit their peak, and public transport gets crowded, but the city’s energy is hard to resist.
August in Paris
August in Paris feels hot, with temperatures hovering around 75°F (24°C), though some days definitely get hotter. Rain rarely interrupts, but the humidity can make the air feel heavy.
Many Parisians take off for summer vacation, so you might find some shops and restaurants closed.
Tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Arc de Triomphe still draw big crowds. The Paris Plages event sets up temporary beaches along the Seine, which is pretty unique if you ask me.
Parks such as Parc de la Villette put on outdoor films and concerts. August buzzes with activity, but you’ll want to plan for heat and duck into museums or shaded parks for breaks.
September in Paris
September cools things down a bit, with average highs around 65°F (18°C). The summer crowds finally thin out, and it gets easier to enjoy Paris’s main sights.
Early September stays warm, but evenings turn crisp as the month goes on.
Events like Paris Fashion Week and other cultural festivals keep the city lively. The grape harvest festival in Montmartre kicks off, celebrating wine and local traditions.
Parks such as the Jardin du Luxembourg start showing autumn colors. Outdoor terraces still stay busy.
If you want pleasant weather and fewer tourists, September is a pretty solid choice.
October in Paris
October brings mild weather, with highs near 57°F (14°C). Fall colors show up in the Jardin des Tuileries, Place des Vosges, and along the boulevards.
Days get shorter, but the crisp air makes walking tours enjoyable.
Cultural events pop up, including Nuit Blanche, an all-night art festival with installations all over Paris. Halloween doesn’t go overboard here, but you’ll spot some decorations in shops and attractions.
Crowds thin out, and hotels start lowering rates. You can visit the Louvre Museum or Sacré-Cœur and actually breathe a little compared to the summer rush.
November in Paris
November feels chilly, with temperatures averaging 46°F (8°C). Rain and gray skies show up often.
Tourist numbers drop, so exploring museums and historic sites gets easier.
The city starts gearing up for the holidays, and Christmas markets open at the Champs-Élysées and near the Eiffel Tower by late November. Warm drinks and seasonal treats add a cozy vibe.
If you like quieter travel, November lets you see Montmartre or the Arc de Triomphe with almost no crowds. Just remember your warm coat and an umbrella for the damp.
December in Paris
December feels festive, but it’s cold—temperatures hover around 40°F (4°C). Rain falls regularly, and daylight hours are short. Still, Paris lights up with decorations everywhere.
Christmas markets fill spots like the Tuileries Garden, and ice rinks pop up in public squares. The Champs-Élysées and Place de la Concorde glow with holiday displays.
Tourist numbers jump during the holidays, especially near New Year’s Eve when crowds gather at the Arc de Triomphe for fireworks. Museums and indoor attractions stay busy, offering a warm escape from the winter chill.
Best Time to Visit Paris for Specific Activities
Weather really shapes your Paris experience. Warm, clear days invite you outside to see monuments, while cooler or rainy days push you toward museums and indoor spots.
Seasonal changes affect when gardens bloom, when fashion events happen, and when shopping feels most fun.
Outdoor Sightseeing and Landmarks
If you want to see the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, or Montmartre, you’ll want longer daylight and comfortable walking weather. Late spring (May–June) and early fall (September) are your best bet.
Temperatures stay mild, and skies often clear up more than in winter.
Summer (July–August) gives you long days—sometimes the sun stays up until 10 p.m.—so you can catch evening views over the city. But heat waves make climbing all those stairs tough, and crowds reach their peak.
Winter brings shorter lines at big landmarks, but also shorter days and chilly, damp weather. If you don’t mind bundling up, January and February let you see places like the Louvre Pyramid or Notre-Dame’s exterior without elbowing through tourists.
Museum Visits and Art Galleries
Paris’s museums—like the Louvre Museum, Musée d’Orsay, and Centre Pompidou—are world-class. Cold or rainy months are perfect for museum days. November through March is a sweet spot for this.
During these months, lines shrink and galleries feel less crowded. For example, the Louvre is way quieter on a weekday in February than in July. You can wander at your own pace.
Even in summer, museums offer a cool, quiet break from the heat. On hot July or August afternoons, ducking into the Musée de l’Orangerie or Rodin Museum feels refreshing.
Gardens and Parks in Bloom
The best time to enjoy Jardin du Luxembourg, Jardin des Tuileries, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont is spring (April–May). Trees and flowers start blooming, and the weather is just right for a stroll or picnic.
In May and June, roses, tulips, and green lawns look their best. There’s plenty of daylight, so you can linger outside. Locals love hanging out in the Tuileries or Luxembourg Gardens with snacks, books, or even a game of cards.
By July and August, parks still buzz with life, but the heat might shorten your visit. October brings golden leaves and a totally different, peaceful vibe for walks.
Shopping and Paris Fashion Week
Paris is a shopping paradise, from Avenue des Champs-Élysées to the boutiques in Le Marais. The best times for deals are the big sales in January and July, when shops slash prices on clothes and accessories.
If you’re into fashion, Paris Fashion Week rolls around twice a year, usually in February/March and September/October. The city buzzes with shows and events. Most are invite-only, but the energy spills onto the streets and into shop windows.
Open-air markets are fun to browse during summer, though they get crowded. Cooler months make indoor shopping galleries like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps extra appealing, since you don’t have to worry about the weather.
Major Festivals, Holidays, and Seasonal Events
Paris offers tons of cultural festivals, national holidays, and international events all year. These shape the city’s vibe, crowd levels, hotel prices, and your daily plans.
Spring and Summer Celebrations
Spring kicks off with lively events that mix culture, music, and outdoor fun. One favorite is La Nuit des Musées, when museums stay open late and let you in for free. You can explore the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and smaller galleries in a fresh way.
In June, Fête de la Musique fills the streets with free concerts—everything from classical to rock. Musicians of all levels perform, and nearly every neighborhood gets in on the action.
Summer brings the Paris Jazz Festival in Parc Floral, where outdoor concerts create a laid-back setting. Families often show up with picnics, and the festival runs on weekends.
During July and August, Paris Plages turns parts of the Seine into pop-up “beaches” with sand, deck chairs, and activities. Locals who stick around in summer love it.
The biggest national holiday is Bastille Day on July 14. There’s a huge military parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks near the Eiffel Tower. Crowds and road closures are the norm, so plan ahead.
Autumn and Winter Holidays
Autumn cools things down and brings more cultural events. The Foire du Trône, an old-school funfair, often runs into early fall with rides, food stalls, and games.
November 11 is Armistice Day, which honors the end of World War I. Ceremonies happen at the Arc de Triomphe, and traffic in central Paris might get blocked during official events.
Christmas in Paris is a big deal. Streets and landmarks glow with lights, and markets sell crafts, food, and mulled wine. Ice rinks usually show up near Hôtel de Ville and the Eiffel Tower.
Easter in Paris packs churches like Notre-Dame and Sacré-Cœur for special services. Bakeries and chocolate shops show off elaborate chocolate eggs and figures, making it a treat for food lovers.
Annual Sporting Events
Paris hosts some top-notch sporting events that bring in international crowds. In spring, the International Marathon of Paris (Paris Marathon) takes runners past landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame. Streets close for the race, so expect some disruptions.
Late May or early June brings the French Open Tennis Championship at Roland Garros. Tickets sell out fast, and the clay-court matches are a big deal in tennis.
In July, the Tour de France wraps up on the Champs-Élysées. Spectators line the avenue for the final laps, so get there early if you want a decent view.
Every other year, the Paris Air Show lands at Le Bourget Airport. It’s the world’s largest aerospace show, with trade and public days. You can check out aircraft displays, demos, and new tech.
Cheapest and Least Crowded Times to Visit Paris
You can save money and skip long lines by visiting Paris during the cooler months when tourism slows down. Hotels drop prices, museum waits shrink, and restaurant reservations get easier. The trade-off? You’ll deal with cold temperatures and more rain.
Low Season: Benefits and Drawbacks
The cheapest time to visit is November through March, except for Christmas and New Year’s. Airfare and hotel rates dip, and you’ll see fewer tour groups at big attractions.
January and February are especially budget-friendly. Shops hold big sales, called Les Soldes, in January, which is great for shopping. But you should expect temperatures around 40°F (4°C) and regular rain.
March brings unpredictable weather—rain, chilly winds, maybe even some snow—but the city feels calm before spring tourists show up. November also counts as low season, with short days and damp weather, but peaceful museums and quieter streets.
The main downside is the weather. You’ll need a warm coat, gloves, and an umbrella. If gray skies and cold put you off, this probably isn’t your time to visit.
Tips for Avoiding Crowds
If you want to dodge the biggest crowds, go on weekdays and get to attractions early. The Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Eiffel Tower are all quieter before 10 a.m.
Skip the December holidays if you want fewer tourists—Christmas markets and New Year’s festivities bring in big crowds and higher prices.
Traveling in late January or early February is usually the quietest. You’ll notice shorter lines at Versailles, emptier metro stations, and more open tables at popular restaurants.
Booking tickets online in advance helps you skip lines. Many museums offer skip-the-line passes, which come in handy during school breaks when local families are out and about.
Budget Travel Strategies
Book flights at least three months ahead to keep costs down. You’ll usually spot the cheapest fares in winter, especially during January and February.
Try flying midweek, since those departures tend to cost less than weekend flights.
When it comes to accommodations, look at neighborhoods just outside the city center, like Montreuil or Boulogne-Billancourt. Hotels and rentals in those spots are more affordable, and you can hop on the metro for a quick ride into central Paris.
Grab a museum pass if you’re planning to visit several sites, since that move can save you a good chunk of money. Some attractions even offer free entry on the first Sunday of each month from November to March, which is a pretty sweet deal.
For meals, stop by boulangeries, casual brasseries, or even the local markets to keep your food budget in check. Lunch menus usually cost less than dinner, so it’s smart to plan your main meal for midday.