All About the Paris Seasons
Paris is one of the most exciting places in the world. France’s capital is a perfect blend of traditional charm and modern wonders, with a thriving cultural scene.
What is the best season to visit Paris? Paris is always a good idea, and there’s never a bad time to visit Paris, as the city has a mild climate and extreme weather is rare. But there are definitely pros and cons to each season in Paris, and your visit will be different depending on the time of year.
From January to December, all the Paris seasons are wonderful. A year-round destination, every season brings its own advantages to visitors.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our must guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Château de Versailles and Gardens
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Seasons in Paris
- Spring in Paris – March to May
- Summer in Paris – June to August
- Fall in Paris – September to November
- Winter in Paris – December to February
Below, I’ll tell you more details about each Paris season.
Spring in Paris – March to May
Spring in Paris is a delight, one of the best seasons in Paris. Temperatures are usually mild, and the crowds aren’t quite so intense, so it is good to explore Paris on foot or two wheels.
After the cold winter, spring in Paris sees the city slowly return to life. The days are getting longer, Paris gardens are filled with magnolia and cherry blossoms, and the city’s numerous terrace-cafés start filling up with locals and tourists alike.
The banks of the Seine River, forgotten during the winter, seem to reawaken with people strolling, cycling, or skating.
In Spring, there are many national holidays in France. There’s the Easter holiday, school holidays, and many long weekends in May (1st May, 8th May, and Pentecost Monday). During these long weekends, expect more tourists and higher prices.
Key Events
- Easter Holidays (March – April)
- Musical Fountains Show at Versailles Gardens (April – October)
- Foire du Trône (April)
- Marathon of Paris (May)
- 1st of May
- Armistice Day, end of WWII on 8th May
- Roland Garros – French Open Tennis Championship (May-June)
Weather
Weather in March is hit-and-miss, and you may get grey, rainy days. Actually, spring is one of the two rainiest seasons in Paris, with about 14% of the chances of rainy weather.
March starts chilly, with daily highs of around 13°C. By May, the weather warms to a pleasant 19°C, but nights remain pretty cold throughout the season.
Spring Months in Paris
Summer in Paris – June to August
Summer in Paris is not only the weather at its best but the season in Paris with the busiest social calendar. Music festivals, al fresco dining, shady café-terraces or rooftop bars under the stars, and open-air cultural events make the city appealing for travelers of all ages.
June and July are the most dynamic months in terms of cultural events and offers, with something always going on. In August, many Parisians go on holiday, leaving the city mostly to tourists.
Key Events
- Fête de la Musique (June)
- Tour de France (July)
- 14th of July – France’s National day
- Paris Plages (July – August)
- L’été du Canal festival at Canal de l’Ourcq (mid-July to mid-September)
- Rock en Seine Festival (August)
Weather
In Paris, summer comes with daily highs of at least 26°C, accompanied by brisk nights of around 13°C. While these temperatures may not seem very high to some, keep in mind that humidity can make Paris feel warmer.
There are always 2-3 days of intense heat in July when it seems difficult to breathe. These unusual days of high temperatures are called canicule in French (heatwave).
Summer Months in Paris
Fall in Paris – September to November
Fall in Paris is, in my opinion, one of the best seasons in Paris to visit. After the busy summer months, crowds have thinned, and the city is finally back to the locals.
The days may be getting shorter, but the colors are blooming, and the parks and avenues, with their autumn colors and fallen leaves, are an inspiring sight.
September is the time to return to school and the office, but it is also the time of major trade fairs, the renewal of the exhibitions program, and funny treasure hunts around the city.
With the festival season in full swing, you will find many food and wine harvest festivals and interesting cultural events throughout this season in Paris.
Key Events
- European Heritage Days (September)
- White Night (October)
- Fête des Vendanges – Wine Harvest Festival in Montmartre (October)
- FIAC, International Contemporary Art Fair (October)
- All Saints on 1st November
- Armistice Day (end of WWI), on the 11th of November
Weather
It is possible to have fairly warm days until mid-October (called ‘Indian Summer’), so fall is still a good Paris season for spending time outdoors. After mid-October, be prepared for the occasional chilly rain shower and a bit of wind.
Fall Months in Paris
Winter in Paris – December to February
Winter in Paris is cold. The days are short and grey, and rain and fog are frequent. However, there are good reasons to choose winter to go to the French capital because this is the best season to visit Paris to avoid crowds.
December is the month of Christmas celebrations, and the city takes it very seriously with beautiful Christmas lights and decorations and festivals of lights. It is also the perfect time for a hot chocolate, vin chaud in a Parisian café, and concerts and food events. After a few day’s break, the city gets festive again with the New Year’s celebrations.
January and February perhaps are not the best months for city strolls or to explore the countryside, but there are so many indoor activities that it is difficult to get bored in Paris. Festivals like Saint Valentine’s, the Chinese New Year, or the Carnival will definitely add some color to this season in Paris.
Key Events
- Paris Light Festival (mid-November – mid-January)
- Christmas Markets (mid-November – beginning of January)
- Christmas in Paris
- Festival du Merveilleux at Musée des Arts Forains (December – January)
- New Year’s Eve in Paris
- Chinese New Year (February)
- Saint Valentine’s Day (February)
Weather
Expect daily highs of 8°C and nighttime temperatures near freezing. Snow occasionally covers the rooftops of Paris, but it does not last long. You are most likely to see rain: winter is tied with spring for the rainiest seasons in Paris.
TIP: Check out what to do when it rains in Paris
Winter Months in Paris
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