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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 | 0-8°C, often grey and damp with occasional frost | low | low |
⚠ Many smaller shops may close for annual leave. | |
| February | 1-9°C, chilly with a mix of rain and sun | low | low |
⚠ Can be quite bleak; indoor activities are key. | |
| March | 4-13°C, crisp air, increasing sunshine but still chance of rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, pack layers. | |
| April | 6-17°C, mild with blooming gardens and intermittent showers | high | high |
⚠ Easter holidays can significantly increase crowds and prices. | |
| May | 10-20°C, pleasant with plenty of sunshine and occasional light rain | high | high |
⚠ May 1st is a public holiday (Labor Day), many shops closed. | |
| June | 13-23°C, warm and generally sunny, long daylight hours | peak | peak |
⚠ Book accommodation and flights well in advance. | |
| July | 15-25°C, warm to hot, usually sunny with occasional thunderstorms | peak | peak |
⚠ Some Parisians leave the city; some smaller businesses may close. | |
| August | 15-25°C, warm and often sunny, can have heatwaves | moderate | high |
⚠ Many Parisians are on holiday; some restaurants and shops may be closed. | |
| September | 11-22°C, mild and often sunny, beautiful autumn colors begin | high | high |
⚠ Still busy with tourists, but slightly fewer than summer peak. | |
| October | 8-17°C, crisp autumn air, colorful foliage, increasing chance of rain | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Can be damp and chilly; indoor cultural activities are a good option. | |
| November | 4-12°C, cool and damp, shorter days, often overcast | low | low |
⚠ Christmas lights start appearing, but the mood is generally subdued. | |
| December | 3-9°C, cold, often grey and damp, occasional frost | high | high |
⚠ Very crowded around Christmas and New Year's; book well in advance. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
The haute couture and prêt-à-porter collections for the autumn/winter season are showcased.
A major literary event featuring authors, publishers, and a wide range of books.
While technically in Cannes, the film festival's buzz extends to Paris with related events and screenings.
A nationwide music celebration on the summer solstice, with free concerts all over Paris.
Celebrated on July 14th with military parades, fireworks, and festivities across the city.
The ready-to-wear collections for the spring/summer season are presented.
An all-night arts festival where museums, galleries, and public spaces offer free, nocturnal cultural events.
Various markets pop up across the city offering crafts, food, and festive cheer.
Insider timing tips
- •The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) offer a good balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds, though prices remain high.
- •August sees a dip in local crowds as Parisians take holidays, but tourist numbers remain significant, and some smaller establishments may be closed.
- •While winter offers the lowest prices and fewest crowds, the short daylight hours and cold, damp weather can limit outdoor activities.
- •Major fashion weeks (February, September) and public holidays like Bastille Day (July 14th) and New Year's Eve (December 31st) drastically increase crowds and prices.
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