Quick Answer
Best months: April, May, June, September, and October
These shoulder-season months offer the perfect balance: mild temperatures (15-22°C), blooming gardens or autumn colors, manageable tourist crowds, and hotel prices 20-30% lower than peak summer. You'll experience Paris at its most romantic without the July-August crush.
Pro Tip: April sees Paris' parks burst with cherry blossoms and tulips. September brings grape harvest season. June hosts Nuit Blanche all-night arts festival (first Saturday). Both seasons are magical.
Why Timing Your Paris Visit Matters More Than You Think
Paris is extraordinary year-round, but your experience can vary dramatically by season. Here's what timing affects:
Weather & Daylight
Summer days stretch until 10pm with golden-hour Seine strolls. Winter? Sunset at 5pm and temperatures that hover around freezing. Spring and autumn hit the sweet spot with 14-16 hours of daylight and 15-20°C.
Crowds & Queue Times
July-August means up to ~2-hour waits at the Eiffel Tower even with tickets. Visit in May? You'll breeze through much faster. The Louvre caps daily attendance at 30,000 visitors—peak summer days often feel much busier than quiet winter weekdays.
Hotel Prices Swing Wildly
A 3-star hotel in the Marais costs €200/night in July, €120 in October, and €90 in February. Multiply that by your trip length and the savings add up fast.
Seasonal Experiences
Cherry blossoms and Jardin du Luxembourg picnics (April-May), Paris Plages riverside beaches (July-August), grape harvest festivals (September), Christmas markets at Tuileries Gardens (December)—each season has unique draws.
Weather by Month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Condition |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C | 3°C | 9 | Good |
| February | 12°C | 6°C | 18 | Wet |
| March | 12°C | 4°C | 11 | Good |
| April | 20°C | 8°C | 8 | Excellent (best) |
| May | 21°C | 10°C | 9 | Excellent (best) |
| June | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | Excellent (best) |
| July | 26°C | 15°C | 5 | Good |
| August | 27°C | 17°C | 11 | Good |
| September | 23°C | 14°C | 7 | Excellent (best) |
| October | 15°C | 10°C | 17 | Excellent (best) |
| November | 13°C | 6°C | 7 | Good |
| December | 9°C | 4°C | 22 | Wet |
Weather data: Open-Meteo Archive (2020-2024) • Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0) • Historical avg. 2020–2024
Paris by Season
Spring in Paris (March-May): Peak Romance Season
Spring is when Paris earns its reputation. Cherry blossoms explode in Parc de Sceaux and along the Seine, outdoor café terraces reopen, and the city shakes off winter's grey. April and May are the sweet spot—warm enough for day-long walks but not yet the summer tourist deluge.
What's Great
- • Cherry blossoms peak in early April at Parc de Sceaux, Square René-Viviani, and along Canal Saint-Martin
- • Jardin du Luxembourg and Tuileries gardens are stunning with tulips and magnolias
- • Outdoor dining returns—grab a spot at Café de Flore or Les Deux Magots
- • Paris Marathon (early April) brings festive energy and street closures
- • Foire de Paris (late April-May), Europe's largest lifestyle fair
- • Nuit des Musées (mid-May): free museum entry until midnight
Watch Out For
- • Rain is frequent—pack a compact umbrella. April averages 8 rainy days, May has 9
- • Easter week (late March/early April) brings European school holidays and crowds
- • May has 3 public holidays (May 1, 8, Ascension), which means some shops close but museums stay open
- • Book Eiffel Tower tickets 2-3 weeks ahead for April-May visits
Summer in Paris (June-August): Long Days, Big Crowds
Summer brings Paris' longest days (sunset at 10pm in June!), outdoor festivals, and café terraces packed until late. But it's also peak tourist season—expect lines, higher prices, and locals fleeing the city in August.
What's Great
- • Endless daylight—you can sightsee until 9pm and still catch golden hour
- • Paris Plages (mid-July to August): artificial beaches along the Seine with deck chairs, concerts, and open-air cinema
- • Fête de la Musique (June 21): free concerts in every arrondissement until 2am
- • Bastille Day (July 14): fireworks at Eiffel Tower, military parade on Champs-Élysées, all-night parties
- • Outdoor cinema at Parc de la Villette (July-August)
- • Rock en Seine music festival (late August)
Watch Out For
- • August exodus—many Parisians leave, some restaurants/shops close (especially first 2 weeks)
- • Heat waves can push temperatures to 35-40°C with no AC in older buildings
- • Pickpockets are most active around Eiffel Tower, Sacré-Cœur, and metro lines 1 & 4
- • Book everything ahead—Eiffel Tower, Louvre, even restaurant reservations fill up 4-6 weeks in advance
Autumn in Paris (September-November): The Local's Favorite
Many Parisians consider autumn the city's best season. September still feels summery but without the August crush. October brings golden leaves in Luxembourg Gardens and tree-lined boulevards. November gets chilly and grey but offers the lowest prices before Christmas.
What's Great
- • Grape harvest festivals in Montmartre (early October)—rare urban vineyard celebration with wine tastings and live music
- • Paris Fashion Week (late Sept): street style spotting in the Marais and Saint-Germain
- • Autumn foliage peaks mid-October in Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau, and Bois de Boulogne
- • Museums are calmer—even the Louvre feels manageable on weekday mornings
- • Chocolate salons and food festivals (Salon du Chocolat in late October)
Watch Out For
- • November gets grey and wet (12-14 rainy days). Pack layers and a good rain jacket
- • Daylight shrinks fast—sunset moves from 8pm (early Sept) to 5pm (late Nov)
- • All Saints' Day (Nov 1) is a public holiday; some shops close but museums stay open
- • Early November can feel quiet as summer energy fades
Winter in Paris (December-February): Christmas Magic & January Sales
Winter divides into two experiences: festive December with Christmas markets and twinkling lights, versus grey January-February when Paris is quiet, cold, and at its cheapest. If you can handle short days and chilly weather, winter offers incredible value.
What's Great
- • Christmas markets at Tuileries Gardens, La Défense, Montmartre, Notre-Dame area, and Saint-Germain (late Nov-early Jan)
- • Tuileries Winter Fair with ice skating rink and hot wine stands
- • Department store windows (Galeries Lafayette, Printemps) showcase elaborate holiday displays
- • New Year's Eve on Champs-Élysées (though no fireworks at Eiffel Tower anymore)
- • January sales (Les Soldes): 30-70% off fashion, starts early January for about 4 weeks
- • Museums shine—Louvre, Orsay, Orangerie feel intimate and calm
- • Parisian café culture at its coziest with hot chocolate and tartiflette
Watch Out For
- • Short days—sunrise at 8:30am, sunset at 5pm. You'll do most sightseeing in grey light
- • Cold and damp—temperatures hover around 3-8°C with occasional snow (rare but possible)
- • Many restaurants close first week of January (post-holiday break)
- • Christmas week (Dec 20-Jan 2) sees a mini-spike in prices and crowds; book ahead
- • Some attractions close for maintenance (Centre Pompidou is closed until 2030 for renovation)
So... When Should You Actually Go?
First-Timer Seeking Classic Paris
Late April or Late September. Perfect weather, moderate crowds, all attractions open, spring blooms or autumn colors.
Budget Traveler
Late January to Mid-February. Lowest prices all year, museums are empty, cozy café culture. Just pack warm clothes.
Families with School-Age Kids
June or Late August. June has longer days and Paris Plages. Late August (after Aug 15) has reopened restaurants with fewer crowds than July.
Couples Wanting Romance
Early October. Autumn foliage, perfect 18°C days, golden-hour light that lasts, and fewer crowds than summer. The most Instagram-worthy Paris.
Museum & Culture Lovers
November or February. Museums are empty, you can spend 3 hours in the Louvre without feeling rushed, and winter light gives Impressionist paintings new depth.
Frequently Asked Questions
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About This Guide
Written by: Jan Křenek
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
Published: November 20, 2025
Updated: November 20, 2025
Data Sources: Open-Meteo (20-year climate averages, 2004-2024) • Paris Tourism Office event calendar • Booking.com and Numbeo pricing data
Methodology: This guide combines historical climate data, current tourism patterns, and real traveler budgets to provide accurate, actionable recommendations for Paris.