Best Time to Visit Paris: Weather, Crowds & Events by Season

Paris, the “City of Lights,” offers a captivating experience in every season, but each brings its own unique charm and challenges. Understanding the weather, crowd levels, and major events can help you choose the ideal time for your Parisian adventure.

Best Time to Visit Paris: Weather, Crowds & Events by Season

1. Spring (March – May)

• Weather: Spring is often considered one of the most beautiful times in Paris as the city reawakens.
  • March: Starts chilly, with average highs around 12°C (54°F). Still quite a few wet days (around 14).
  • April: Milder, with average highs around 16°C (61°F). Still some rain (around 14 wet days), but more pleasant.
  • May: Warms up significantly and is very pleasant, with average highs around 20°C (68°F). Fewer wet days (around 12).
  • Overall: Can be unpredictable; expect a mix of sunny days, cool breezes, and occasional light showers. Layering is key!
• Crowd Levels: Shoulder season. Crowds are moderate but steadily increase from March to May as the weather improves. It starts quieter in March but gets busy by May.
• Major Events:
  • March: Paris Half-Marathon, sometimes Mardi Gras (depending on Easter), various spring festivals. Cherry blossoms begin to appear.
  • April: Paris Marathon (attracts large crowds), Easter celebrations (often falls in April), spring flowers are in bloom in parks and gardens. Musical Fountains Shows at Versailles begin.
  • May: Jazz festivals, various outdoor concerts, Roland Garros (French Open) tennis tournament (late May/early June). Public holidays (May 1st, May 8th, Ascension Day) can bring local crowds.
• Pros: Beautiful blooming parks and gardens, comfortable temperatures for walking, moderate crowds (especially earlier in the season), excellent light for photography.
• Cons: Unpredictable weather, can still be chilly or rainy, higher prices than winter.
• Tips for Saving Money/Avoiding Rushes:
  • Visit in March or early April for fewer crowds and better deals on flights/accommodation than late spring.
  • Book popular attractions with timed entry tickets well in advance.
  • Utilize free walking tours and outdoor parks.

2. Summer (June – August)

• Weather: Warm and generally sunny, with long daylight hours.
  • June: Pleasant, with average highs around 23°C (73°F). Around 11 wet days.
  • July & August: Hottest months, with average highs around 25°C (77°F). Can experience heatwaves with temperatures soaring above 30°C (86°F), sometimes reaching 40°C+. Rainfall is still present (around 10-11 wet days), often as abrupt, heavy showers.
  • Overall: Long, balmy evenings are perfect for outdoor dining and strolls.
• Crowd Levels: High Season. This is the peak tourist season. Expect very large crowds at all major attractions, long queues, and busy public transport. July (around Bastille Day) and August are particularly packed.
• Major Events:
  • June: Fête de la Musique (Music Festival, June 21st – free concerts everywhere), Paris Pride Parade, various outdoor concerts and festivals. Summer sales begin.
  • July: Bastille Day (July 14th – military parade, fireworks, firemen’s balls), Tour de France finish (late July), Paris Plages (artificial beaches along the Seine).
  • August: Many Parisians go on vacation (“les grandes vacances”), making some local areas quieter, but tourist spots remain very busy. Free outdoor concerts and movies.
• Pros: Best weather for outdoor activities, long daylight hours (up to 16 hours in June), vibrant atmosphere, numerous outdoor events.
• Cons: Biggest crowds, highest prices for flights and accommodation, can be very hot and humid (especially with heatwaves).
• Tips for Saving Money/Avoiding Rushes:
  • Book everything (flights, hotels, timed entry tickets) months in advance.
  • Start your sightseeing very early in the morning (before 9 AM).
  • Visit indoor attractions during the hottest part of the day.
  • Utilize parks for picnics instead of expensive restaurants.
  • Consider areas slightly outside the hyper-center for accommodation.

3. Autumn (September – November)

• Weather: A beautiful season with cooling temperatures and stunning autumnal colors.
  • September: Pleasant, with average highs around 21°C (70°F). Around 11 wet days. Still feels like a warm extension of summer.
  • October: Cools down, with average highs around 16°C (61°F). Around 13 wet days. Leaves turn golden.
  • November: Chilly, with average highs around 10°C (50°F). Around 15 wet days.
  • Overall: Beautiful photogenic hues, but be prepared for occasional chilly rain.
• Crowd Levels: Shoulder season. Crowds are thinning compared to summer, but September remains quite busy. October and November see a noticeable decrease, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
• Major Events:
  • September: Paris Fashion Week, European Heritage Days (free access to many usually closed historical sites). Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre).
  • October: Jazz sur Seine festival, Halloween events (late October).
  • November: Armistice Day (Nov 11th). Christmas decorations start to appear late in the month.
• Pros: Pleasant temperatures, beautiful fall foliage (especially in parks like Luxembourg Gardens), good balance of crowds and activity, better value than summer.
• Cons: Increasing chance of rain, shorter daylight hours than summer.
• Tips for Saving Money/Avoiding Rushes:
  • September can still have higher prices; October and November offer better deals.
  • Book 1-2 months in advance.
  • Take advantage of cultural events like European Heritage Days.

4. Winter (December – February)

• Weather: Cold, often cloudy, but rarely severe.
  • December: Average highs around 8°C (46°F). Around 15 wet days.
  • January: Coldest month, average highs around 8°C (46°F). Around 14 wet days. Temperatures can dip below freezing.
  • February: Continues cold, average highs around 8°C (46°F). Around 13 wet days. Subtle hints of spring towards the end of the month.
  • Overall: Chance of light snow (though heavy snowfall is rare). The “City of Lights” truly sparkles with festive decorations.
• Crowd Levels: Low Season. Generally the quietest time of year for tourism, except for the Christmas and New Year’s holiday period (late Dec/early Jan), which sees a significant spike in visitors and high prices.
• Major Events:
  • December: Christmas Markets, elaborate department store window displays, New Year’s Eve celebrations (fireworks at Arc de Triomphe).
  • January: Winter sales (“Soldes”) begin (deep discounts on shopping), Chinese New Year festivities (late Jan/early Feb).
  • February: Valentine’s Day, Mardi Gras (often in Feb or Mar).
• Pros: Magical festive atmosphere (December), fewest crowds (Jan/Feb), best value for flights and accommodation (Jan/Feb), cozy café culture, opportunities for indoor attractions.
• Cons: Cold temperatures, shorter daylight hours, higher chance of rain/grey skies, some outdoor activities may be less appealing.
• Tips for Saving Money/Avoiding Rushes:
  • Avoid Christmas/New Year: If budget is primary, avoid the holiday rush.
  • Visit in January or February: Best for budget travel and truly experiencing the city like a local.
  • Focus on Indoor Attractions: Museums are less crowded.
  • Utilize Winter Sales: For great shopping deals.

Comparison Chart: Paris by Season

Export to Sheets

Choosing the “best” time to visit Paris ultimately depends on your priorities. For many, the shoulder seasons (April-May & September-October) offer the ideal balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and good value. However, the unique charm of a winter wonderland or the bustling energy of summer can also create unforgettable memories.