Paris Weather by Month: Best Time to Visit, Heat & Rain

Quick answer

• Best for walking: May, June, and September offer mild temperatures between 16°C and 23°C (61°F–73°F) and 10 to 12 hours of daylight.
• Lowest costs: January and February see hotel rates drop by 30-40% compared to June, with average highs of 7°C (45°F).
• Peak heat: July and August frequently exceed 25°C (77°F), though heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F).
• Wettest period: May and December receive the highest rainfall, averaging 50-60mm per month.

Paris weather and crowd data

January

January is the coldest month, with grey skies and short days. Expect dampness rather than heavy snow. You will need a heavy wool coat, gloves, and waterproof boots for walking between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. This is the optimal time for indoor activities like visiting the Musée d'Orsay, where queues are significantly shorter. Shop prices are low during the state-mandated 'Soldes' (sales) starting mid-month.

February

Temperatures remain low, hovering around 8°C (46°F). It is a dry month compared to December, but the wind chill near the Seine can be biting. Wear thermal layers and a windproof scarf. It is a quiet month for city walking, though crowds spike around February 14th near Montmartre. Prices for 4-star hotels in areas like Le Marais can be found for €180-€240 ($195-$260), nearly half of summer rates.

March

March marks the transition to spring, though it remains brisk. Average highs reach 12°C (54°F). Pack an umbrella for 'giboulées' (sudden short showers) and light layers that can be removed as the sun appears. Early cherry blossoms appear in the Jardin des Plantes. It is an excellent month for hiking the outer trails of the Bois de Boulogne before the undergrowth becomes dense.

April

April brings consistent daylight and temperatures around 16°C (61°F). This is the start of peak city walking season. Wear a light trench coat or leather jacket. The Tuileries Garden and Palais-Royal are in full bloom. It is still too cool for swimming, but ideal for a 30-minute walk from Notre-Dame to the Luxembourg Gardens. Transport via the RER C to Versailles is comfortable before the summer humidity begins.

May

May is visually the best month for parks, though it is one of the wettest. Temperatures average 20°C (68°F). You will see locals sitting outside at cafés in Saint-Germain-des-Prés despite occasional rain. Carry a compact umbrella. Several public holidays (1, 8, and late-month religious dates) can result in closures; check official sites for the Eiffel Tower or Centre Pompidou before visiting.

June

June provides the most daylight, with the sun setting after 21:30. Average highs are 23°C (73°F). This is the prime month for festivals, specifically the Fête de la Musique on June 21st, where free performances occur across all 20 arrondissements. Light cotton clothing and comfortable trainers are essential. Canal Saint-Martin becomes a focal point for evening picnics.

July

July is hot and crowded, with temperatures often reaching 25-30°C (77-86°F). Humidity is lower than in August, making it suitable for the Paris Plages event, where the Seine riverbanks are transformed into artificial beaches with sand and deckchairs. Use high-factor sunscreen and stay hydrated. Avoid the Metro Line 13 during rush hour, as it lacks modern air conditioning and becomes uncomfortably hot.

August

August temperatures are similar to July, but the city feels different as many independent bakeries and boutiques close for the annual 'vacances'. Major museums remain open. It is the best month for evening walks along the Promenade Plantée. The heat can be intense in the stone-heavy 1st and 2nd arrondissements. Pack linen clothing and breathable fabrics. Thunderstorms are common late in the day.

September

September is widely considered the best month for city walking and outdoor dining. The weather is stable, averaging 21°C (70°F), and the summer heatwaves have usually passed. The city returns to a professional pace ('La Rentrée'). It is a popular time for the European Heritage Days (Journées du Patrimoine), where government buildings like the Élysée Palace open to the public for one weekend.

October

October brings autumn foliage and cooler air, with highs of 16°C (61°F). The light is particularly good for photography near the Trocadéro. It is the last month suitable for long hikes in the nearby Forest of Fontainebleau (40 minutes by train from Gare de Lyon). Wear a light wool jumper and a waterproof outer layer. The Nuit Blanche arts festival occurs early in the month.

November

November is overcast and damp, with sunset occurring as early as 17:00. Highs drop to 11°C (52°F). This is a low-traffic month for the Louvre, making it the best time to see the Mona Lisa without significant queuing. Focus on indoor passages like Passage des Panoramas for shopping to stay dry. Waterproof footwear is a necessity.

December

December is cold and wet but busy due to Christmas markets at the Tuileries and La Défense. Average highs are 8°C (46°F). While snow is rare, the dampness makes it feel colder than the thermometer suggests. Wear a heavy coat, thermal socks, and a hat. The city is illuminated, making evening walks along the Champs-Élysées popular despite the drizzle.

Common mistakes

• Assuming all hotels have AC: Many mid-range hotels in historic buildings do not have air conditioning; if visiting in July or August, verify this on the hotel's amenity list.
• Packing only for sun in May: May is statistically the wettest month; failing to bring a waterproof jacket will result in buying overpriced umbrellas from street vendors.
• Underestimating the wind: The wind along the Seine and at the top of the Arc de Triomphe is significantly colder than at street level; always carry a scarf.
• Ignoring the 'Soldes' dates: Visiting for shopping in early January or late June is better than other months because prices are legally mandated to be slashed.
• Waiting for snow: Paris rarely sees more than a dusting of snow; don't book a winter trip specifically for snowy landscapes.

Plan your trip

Journey Planner uses these seasonal weather patterns to build your itinerary. It suggests indoor museum routes during high-rain months like December and May, while prioritising outdoor markets and park walks in September. The tool calculates transit times on the RER and Metro—accounting for heat levels on specific lines—and provides a dynamic packing list based on the 10-day forecast. It also estimates your daily spend, from a €15 ($16) bistro lunch to a €2.15 ($2.35) single T+ metro ticket, ensuring your budget matches the season.

FAQ

When is the rainy season in Paris? Paris does not have a distinct rainy season, but May and December typically receive the highest volume of rainfall, averaging over 55mm.

What is the hottest month in Paris? July and August are the hottest months, both averaging highs of 25°C (77°F), though recent summers have seen heatwaves peaking above 40°C (104°F).

Does it snow in Paris in December? Snow is infrequent in Paris. While December is cold, it usually results in rain or sleet rather than settling snow.

What should I wear in Paris in the spring? Layering is essential. Bring light sweaters, a trench coat or water-resistant jacket, and comfortable leather walking shoes for damp pavements.