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Best time to visit Paris
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Best time to visit Paris, France
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -1-7°C, often overcast with occasional rain or snow flurries. | low | low |
⚠ Many smaller shops and some attractions may have reduced hours or be closed on Mondays. | |
| February | 2-10°C, cool and frequently damp with overcast skies. | low | low |
⚠ Can be quite grey and chilly; indoor activities are key. | |
| March | 5-14°C, crisp air with increasing sunshine, but still potential for rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather is highly variable; pack layers. | |
| April | 8-18°C, mild with a mix of sunshine and spring showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Easter holidays can bring a slight surge in crowds and prices. | |
| May | 11-22°C, pleasant and often sunny, with occasional light rain. | high | high |
⚠ May 1st (Labor Day) is a public holiday; many businesses close. | |
| June | 14-25°C, warm and generally sunny with long daylight hours. | peak | peak |
⚠ End of June can see the start of summer heatwaves. | |
| July | 16-27°C, warm to hot and typically sunny, but heatwaves are possible. | peak | peak |
⚠ Many Parisians leave for vacation; some smaller restaurants may close. | |
| August | 16-27°C, warm and sunny, with a higher chance of heatwaves. | high | high |
⚠ August is peak vacation month for locals; many businesses are closed, particularly early in the month. | |
| September | 12-23°C, mild and often sunny, a pleasant transition to autumn. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ A sweet spot before the winter chill and peak holiday crowds. | |
| October | 9-18°C, crisp autumn air with a mix of sunshine and rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Days get noticeably shorter; rain is more frequent. | |
| November | 5-13°C, cool, damp, and often overcast with limited sunshine. | low | low |
⚠ Very short daylight hours and a high chance of rain or drizzle. | |
| December | 3-10°C, cold, often overcast with chances of rain or sleet. | high | high |
⚠ Christmas markets typically run from late November through December. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
The pinnacle of high fashion showcases upcoming haute couture collections.
Major seasonal discounts on clothing, accessories, and more across the city.
Showcases the ready-to-wear collections for the Autumn/Winter season.
A public holiday on May 1st; many businesses and shops are closed.
A nationwide celebration of music on June 21st, with free concerts and performances everywhere.
National holiday on July 14th with military parades, fireworks, and public celebrations.
Major seasonal discounts begin mid-July, offering significant price reductions.
Artificial beaches and recreational areas set up along the Seine River.
Showcases the haute couture collections for the Spring/Summer season.
Presents the ready-to-wear collections for the Spring/Summer season of the following year.
A public holiday on November 1st; some businesses may be closed.
Festive markets pop up across the city offering crafts, food, and mulled wine.
Insider timing tips
- •Paris experiences a 'second spring' in September, with pleasant weather, fewer crowds than summer, and a vibrant cultural restart.
- •While winter offers the lowest prices and crowds, the short daylight hours and frequent grey skies can impact the overall experience.
- •August sees many Parisian businesses close for vacation, making it surprisingly quiet for locals but still busy with international tourists.
- •The shoulder months of April, May, September, and October offer the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and moderate prices, though May and September can be very popular.
- •Public holidays like May 1st and November 1st are significant closures for many shops and services, requiring itinerary adjustments.
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