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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.
Photo by Léonard Cotte on Unsplash
Best time to visit Paris, France
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -2-7°C, often overcast with occasional rain or snow flurries. | low | low |
⚠ Many smaller shops may close on Sundays. | |
| February | 0-9°C, variable with chances of rain and some crisp, sunny days. | low | low |
⚠ Can be quite chilly and damp. | |
| March | 4-13°C, increasingly sunny but still cool, with spring showers. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Weather can be unpredictable, with late cold snaps possible. | |
| April | 7-17°C, mild and often sunny, though rain is common. | high | high |
⚠ Easter holidays can lead to peak crowds and prices. | |
| May | 11-20°C, pleasant and warm with abundant sunshine and occasional light rain. | peak | peak |
⚠ May 1st is a public holiday (Labor Day), many places are closed. | |
| June | 14-23°C, warm and sunny, ideal for exploring. | peak | peak |
⚠ Book accommodations well in advance. | |
| July | 16-25°C, warm to hot with plenty of sunshine, occasional thunderstorms. | peak | peak |
⚠ Can experience heatwaves; some Parisians leave for vacation. | |
| August | 16-25°C, warm and often sunny, but can be humid. | high | high |
⚠ Many smaller, independent businesses close for Ferragosto (mid-August). | |
| September | 13-22°C, crisp and pleasant with sunny days and cooler evenings. | moderate | high |
⚠ Shoulder season offers a good balance of weather and fewer crowds than summer. | |
| October | 9-17°C, cool with a mix of sunny spells and rain. | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Daylight hours decrease noticeably. | |
| November | 5-12°C, chilly and often overcast with frequent rain. | low | moderate |
⚠ Can feel grey and damp; indoor activities are key. | |
| December | 3-9°C, cold with a chance of frost, rain, and occasional snow. | high | peak |
⚠ Very popular for holiday atmosphere, leading to peak prices and crowds. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
February
Paris Fashion Week
The city hosts major fashion shows for the Autumn/Winter collections.
April
Paris Marathon
A major international marathon event drawing thousands of runners through the city.
June
Fête de la Musique
A nationwide celebration of music on the summer solstice, with free concerts everywhere.
July
Bastille Day
National holiday with military parades on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks.
July
Paris Plages
The Seine riverbanks are transformed into temporary urban beaches with activities.
September
European Heritage Days
Many historical buildings and sites, usually closed to the public, open their doors.
December
Christmas Markets
Charming markets pop up across the city selling crafts, food, and festive goods.
Insider timing tips
- •While summer (June-August) offers the warmest weather, it also brings peak crowds and prices, and many Parisians leave the city for their own holidays.
- •September and May are 'shoulder seasons' offering a sweet spot with pleasant weather and slightly fewer crowds than July/August, though prices remain high.
- •The winter months (January-February) are the cheapest and least crowded, but weather is often cold, damp, and grey, impacting outdoor enjoyment.
- •Be aware of public holidays like May 1st (Labor Day) and August 15th (Assumption Day), when many shops and some attractions may be closed.
- •The city experiences a distinct 'back to school' energy in September, with cultural events resuming and locals returning, making it a vibrant time.
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