Best Time to Visit Paris: Month-by-Month Weather, Crowds & Events
Paris is beautiful year-round, but each season offers a different experience. From spring cherry blossoms to winter holiday markets, here's when to plan your visit.
🎯 Quick Recommendation
April-June, September-October
January-February, November
August (everything closed)
Paris Weather by Season
🌸 Spring (March - May)
- Temperature: 8-18°C (46-64°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate, pack an umbrella
- Crowds: Growing through May
- Highlights: Cherry blossoms, outdoor cafés reopen, gardens bloom
Spring is magical in Paris. Luxembourg Gardens and Jardin des Tuileries come alive with flowers. April can still be chilly, but May offers warm days perfect for strolling.
☀️ Summer (June - August)
- Temperature: 16-26°C (61-79°F)
- Rainfall: Low, occasional thunderstorms
- Crowds: Peak tourists (except August locals)
- Highlights: Long days (sunset 10 PM!), Paris Plages, outdoor festivals
June is ideal - warm weather, long days, locals still present. July sees Bastille Day celebrations. August: most Parisians leave, many local spots close, but tourist sites remain open and slightly less crowded.
🍂 Autumn (September - November)
- Temperature: 9-19°C (48-66°F)
- Rainfall: Increasing
- Crowds: Moderate, decreasing
- Highlights: Fashion Week, autumn colors, "la rentrée" energy
September is perfect - warm, locals back, cultural season begins. October offers fall colors in parks. November gets gray but has fewer tourists and good hotel deals.
❄️ Winter (December - February)
- Temperature: 3-8°C (37-46°F)
- Rainfall: Moderate (rare snow)
- Crowds: Low (except holidays)
- Highlights: Christmas markets, New Year's Eve, winter sales
December is magical with holiday lights along Champs-Élysées. January-February are cold but offer the best prices and shortest museum lines. The January sales (Les Soldes) offer excellent shopping.
Major Events Calendar
Ready-to-wear shows, celebrity sightings
Grand Slam tennis tournament
Free concerts citywide
Military parade, fireworks at Eiffel Tower
Final stage on Champs-Élysées
All-night art festival
Tuileries, Trocadéro, Champs-Élysées
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Temp (°C) | Crowds | Prices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 3-7° | Low | 💰 | Sales, museums |
| February | 3-8° | Low | 💰 | Fashion Week |
| March | 6-12° | Medium | 💰💰 | Spring awakening |
| April | 8-16° | High | 💰💰💰 | Easter, gardens |
| May | 12-19° | High | 💰💰💰 | Perfect weather |
| June | 15-23° | High | 💰💰💰 | Long days, tennis |
| July | 17-25° | Peak | 💰💰💰💰 | Bastille Day |
| August | 17-25° | Tourists only | 💰💰💰 | Avoid if possible |
| September | 14-21° | Medium | 💰💰 | Best month overall |
| October | 10-16° | Medium | 💰💰 | Autumn colors |
| November | 6-11° | Low | 💰 | Beaujolais Nouveau |
| December | 4-8° | Medium | 💰💰 | Christmas magic |
The August Warning
Sunrise & Sunset Hours
- Summer solstice (June 21): Sunrise 5:47 AM, Sunset 9:58 PM
- Winter solstice (Dec 21): Sunrise 8:42 AM, Sunset 4:54 PM
- Spring/Autumn equinox: ~12 hours of daylight
Expert Recommendations
- First-timers: Late April to early June for ideal weather and flowers
- Art lovers: November for empty museums and no crowds
- Foodies: September when chefs return and markets peak
- Romance: Early December with holiday lights and cozy cafés
- Budget travelers: January-February (avoid Fashion Week dates)