Best Time to Visit Paris: Month-by-Month Weather & Price Guide

Quick answer

The best months to visit Paris are May, June, and September for mild temperatures (16°C-21°C / 61°F-70°F) and peak outdoor cafe culture. Avoid August if you dislike heat and many shuttered local shops in the 11th and 20th arrondissements, or December if you want to avoid 17+ days of rainfall and sunrise as late as 08:40. Late January offers the lowest hotel prices, often €150-€200 ($160-$215) for 4-star options in Le Marais.

January

January is the coldest month in Paris. Daytime temperatures hover around 7°C (45°F), but damp winds make it feel closer to 2°C (36°F). Expect grey, overcast skies most days. Rainfall is frequent but usually light drizzle rather than heavy storms. Humidity averages 85%, making the cold feel 'wet'.

Crowd levels are at their annual low, meaning no queues for the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay. Hotel prices drop significantly; a 4-star room near Gare Saint-Lazare might cost €160 ($175), compared to €300 ($325) in June. Flight prices are at their lowest point after the first week.

Major events include the Winter Sales (Soldes d’Hiver), typically starting the second Wednesday of January and lasting four weeks across shops in Boulevard Haussmann and Rue de Rivoli. Fashion Week (Menswear and Haute Couture) usually occurs in late January, briefly inflating prices in the 1st and 8th arrondissements. Natural snow is rare and usually melts instantly.

For families, January can be tough due to the cold and early sunset at 17:00, limiting park time at Jardin du Luxembourg. A trip length of 4 days is sufficient. Pack a heavy wool coat, waterproof boots, and thermal layers.

Should you go in January? Only if you are on a strict budget or want the museums to yourself.

February

Weather remains cold and damp with average highs of 8°C (46°F). You will see more crisp, sunny days than in January, but wind chill remains high. Rainfall averages 45mm over 9 days. Humidity stays around 80%.

Crowds increase slightly around Valentine’s Day (14 February), particularly near Montmartre and the Eiffel Tower. Hotel and flight prices remain low except for the Valentine's window and the school holidays (Zone C), which usually fall in mid-to-late February.

Lunar New Year celebrations occur in the 13th arrondissement (Place d'Italie) with parades, usually between late January and mid-February. The Salon International de l'Agriculture at Porte de Versailles starts in late February. There are no significant natural blooms yet, though some witch hazel appears in Jardin des Plantes.

Families should note that while queues are short, outdoor playgrounds are often damp. A 4-5 day trip is ideal. Pack scarves, gloves, and a windproof umbrella.

Should you go in February? Only if you want a romantic trip without the May price tag.

March

March is a transitional month. Highs reach 12°C (54°F), but 'les giboulées de mars' (sudden spring showers) are common. You can experience four seasons in one day. Rainfall is average at 50mm.

Crowd levels move to medium as the weather improves. Hotel and flight prices begin to climb toward mid-season rates. Expect to pay €200-€240 ($215-$260) for central boutique hotels.

Events include the Paris Half Marathon (early March) and the Carnival de Femmes. Natural events are the main draw: magnolia trees begin to bloom at the Palais-Royal by mid-to-late March, followed by early cherry blossoms near Notre Dame.

Family suitability improves as daylight stretches to 19:30 by month's end. A 5-day trip allows for one day-trip to Versailles, though the gardens will still be dormant. Pack layers (t-shirts, jumpers, and a trench coat).

Should you go in March? Yes, if you want to see the first signs of spring for lower prices than April.

April

April averages 16°C (61°F) during the day. Mornings are still chilly (7°C/45°F). Rainfall is moderate at 50mm, but showers are usually brief. The city feels bright as the horse chestnut trees along the Champs-Élysées leaf out.

Crowd levels are high, especially around Easter. Prices for hotels and flights rise significantly. Book at least 3 months in advance for 3-star hotels in the Latin Quarter.

Events include the Paris Marathon (early April) and the Foire du Trône funfair in the Bois de Vincennes. Peak cherry blossom (Prunus serrulata) occurs mid-month, particularly at Square Jean-XXIII and Parc de Sceaux (a 30-minute RER B journey).

Families will enjoy the opening of the Tuileries garden fountains. A 6-day trip is recommended. Pack a light jacket, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes.

Should you go in April? Yes, for the quintessential 'Paris in the Spring' experience.

May

May is arguably the best month. Highs reach 20°C (68°F). The city is lush, and cafe terraces fill up. Rainfall is statistically at its highest (65mm), but this often comes in heavy afternoon bursts rather than day-long gloom.

Crowds are high. May has several French public holidays (1st, 8th, and Ascension/Pentecost dates vary). On 1 May (Labour Day), almost everything shuts, including the Louvre and the metro (limited service). Prices are at peak levels.

Events include the Nuit des Musées (late May), where museums stay open late for free, and the start of the French Open (Roland-Garros) in late May. Wisteria blooms in Montmartre (Rue de l'Abreuvoir) early in the month.

Highly suitable for families due to mild weather. A 6-7 day trip is recommended. Pack light layers and a compact umbrella.

Should you go in May? Yes, it is the most beautiful month, despite the costs.

June

June is warm with highs of 23°C (73°F) and long evenings with sunset after 21:30. Humidity is low and rainfall decreases to 55mm.

Crowds are very high as the summer season starts. Hotel prices are at their maximum; expect to pay over €300 ($325) for 4-star hotels in the 6th arrondissement. Flights are expensive.

Fête de la Musique (21 June) sees free live music on every street corner until 02:00. The Paris Jazz Festival starts in the Parc Floral. Roses are in full bloom at Bagatelle park.

Excellent for families; the Tuileries Funfair usually begins late June. A 7-day trip is ideal. Pack summer clothes and one light jumper for evenings.

Should you go in June? Yes, for the best balance of daylight and warmth.

July

July is hot, averaging 25°C (77°F), though heatwaves (canicules) can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F). Rainfall is 60mm, often from thunderstorms.

Crowds are at peak capacity. Expect 2-hour waits for the Eiffel Tower without pre-booked tickets. Prices remain very high.

Bastille Day (14 July) features a military parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks at the Trocadéro. Paris Plages (artificial beaches) opens along the Seine. Lavenders may bloom in small city patches, but there are no major natural events.

Families may struggle with the heat; many budget hotels lack air conditioning. A 7-day trip is standard. Pack sunscreen, hats, and linen clothing.

Should you go in July? Only if you want the Bastille Day atmosphere and can handle heat.

August

August is hot and often humid (25°C/77°F). It is the month many Parisians leave for their own holidays, meaning many boulangeries and independent bistros in residential areas like the 11th or 17th are closed.

Crowd levels remain high at tourist sites but the city feels 'emptier' of locals. Hotel prices can actually dip slightly as business travel ceases.

Events include Rock en Seine (late August) in Parc de Saint-Cloud. There are no major natural events. The city is dry and dusty.

Suitability for families is moderate; the heat can be draining for young children. A 5-6 day trip is sufficient. Pack light clothing and a reusable water bottle (fontaines Wallace provide free water).

Should you go in August? Only if you don't mind local shop closures and high heat.

September

September sees highs of 21°C (70°F). The weather is stable, golden, and clear. Rainfall is low at 50mm. Humidity is comfortable.

Crowd levels stay high as 'La Rentrée' (the return) brings locals back. Fashion Week (late Sept) makes hotels in the 1st, 4th, and 8th arrondissements very expensive and hard to book.

European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine, third weekend) allow access to private sites like the Élysée Palace. There are no major floral events, but parks are well-maintained.

Great for families; the weather is perfect for walking. A 6-day trip is recommended. Pack a light jacket and smart-casual clothes for evenings.

Should you go in September? Yes, it is the most pleasant month for walking the city.

October

October cools to 16°C (61°F). The light becomes softer and autumn foliage peaks in late October at the Tuileries and Père Lachaise Cemetery. Rainfall is 60mm.

Crowds drop to medium. Hotel prices start to soften after Fashion Week ends. Expect to pay €220 ($240) for mid-range options.

Events include Nuit Blanche (early Oct) with all-night art installations, and the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (grape harvest festival, mid-Oct).

Families will enjoy the crisp air, though rain is more likely. A 5-day trip is ideal. Pack a trench coat, light scarf, and waterproof shoes.

Should you go in October? Yes, for the autumn colours and harvest festivals.

November

November is grey and damp, with highs of 11°C (52°F). Sun is scarce, and rainfall is frequent (55mm). Humidity is high.

Crowds are low, except for the week of 11 November (Armistice Day). Hotel prices are among the lowest of the year. You can find deals for €140 ($150) in the 10th or 15th arrondissements.

Events include the Salon du Chocolat (early Nov) and the start of Christmas markets (late Nov) at the Tuileries. Natural events are minimal as trees are bare by month's end.

Not ideal for families due to the cold/rain and limited outdoor options. A 3-4 day trip focusing on museums is best. Pack a heavy waterproof coat.

Should you go in November? Only if you want a low-cost museum-focused trip.

December

December is cold (8°C / 46°F) and dark. Rainfall is 60mm over roughly 15 days. Humidity makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Crowds are very high, specifically for holiday shopping and markets. Hotel prices spike from 20 December onwards.

Events include the Festival of Lights at Jardin des Plantes and the Christmas window displays at Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. There is no reliable snow season.

Families enjoy the festive lights and skating rinks, but be prepared for crowds. A 4-5 day trip is recommended. Pack warm layers and hats.

Should you go in December? Yes, for the festive atmosphere, provided you don't mind the rain.

Common mistakes

• Booking a hotel without air conditioning in July or August; while rare in older buildings, heatwaves are now common and temperatures can stay at 30°C (86°F) overnight.
• Visiting on 1 May and expecting to see the Louvre; almost all museums and public transport routes are closed for Labour Day.
• Underestimating the walking distance between 'nearby' attractions; for example, walking from the Eiffel Tower to the Louvre is 3.5km (2.2 miles) and takes at least 45 minutes.
• Assuming August is the best time for local culture; many of the best independent bistros in the 11th arrondissement close for the entire month.
• Not booking museum slots in advance; during peak months (May-Sept), popular times for the Musée d'Orsay sell out days ahead.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner takes these seasonal insights and converts them into a custom itinerary. It adjusts your daily schedule based on historical weather patterns—suggesting the Louvre on a rainy Tuesday in November or a picnic at Canal Saint-Martin on a sunny June evening. The tool calculates real-time transport durations using RER and Metro lines, provides estimated costs for meals at local brasseries, and generates a packing list specific to the humidity and temperature of your chosen month.

FAQ

When is the cheapest time to visit Paris? January and November are the cheapest months. 4-star hotels often drop to €150-€180 ($165-$195) per night, and transatlantic flights are at their lowest outside of holiday periods.

When can I see cherry blossoms in Paris? Cherry blossoms usually peak in early to mid-April. Key locations include the garden at the south side of Notre Dame, Parc de Sceaux, and Trocadéro Gardens.

Is August a bad time to visit Paris? It depends. It is hot and many local shops are closed, but the streets are quieter, and hotel prices can be lower than in June or September.

What month has the best weather in Paris? September offers the most stable weather, with warm days (21°C), low rainfall, and comfortable evenings for outdoor dining.