The BEST Time to Visit Paris! [December 2024]

Planning to jet off to Paris, oui? France is one of the top-visited countries in the world, and with Paris as its social and cultural hub, the marvelous French capital lives up to all the hype. Only a grand city can live up to a name like “the City of Lights”! If the trend-setting fashion and historical landmarks like the Eiffel Tower aren’t enough, you’re sure to fall in love with Paris’ delectable crepes, cheese, wine, vibrant nightlife and its vast array of cultural attractions.  

You may have heard that Paris is a rainy city, which leaves you uncertain about the best time to visit Paris. The weather conditions vary seasonally – and don’t forget that there are tourist seasons to consider! Events take place year-round, so you’ll want to factor those into your trip planning equation as well.

When you’re narrowing down your options for the best month to visit Paris, you must consider what you want to do and what conditions (weather, tourist and event-wise) that suit you best. Keep reading to get a complete guide for Paris that includes all of this valuable information!

When is the best time of year to visit Paris?

There are many differing opinions about exactly when the best time of year to visit Paris is. Families with kids will say that summer is the best time because the kids are on break from school, the weather is the warmest, and the days are longest – making it more suitable for outdoor activities.

Holiday-adoring travelers will say that the beautifully decorated and festive atmosphere Paris brings during the Christmas and New Year’s season is the best – as long as you love bundling up and are prepared for cold weather!

The two periods mentioned above – summer and Christmas holidays – are also the most touristy times. Considering the weather and tourist crowds, the best time of year to visit Paris are the shoulder seasons: late Spring and early Fall.

The weather is mild and tourists are still present –  but not at their peak – making for fewer crowds at popular tourist attractions.

What months are the best time to visit Paris?

If you prefer warm conditions without the heat – and crowds – of summer, September is the best time to visit Paris. The average high is a pleasant 70℉ (21℃) with infrequent rain. Not only that, but Parisians have returned from their August holidays and bring the local flair back to the city! 

If you prefer blooming flowers and crisp, springtime air, you’ll find that April and May are the best months to visit Paris. Weather can be unpredictable with a combination of sunny and rainy days, but if you’re prepared for variable conditions, you’ll enjoy soaking in Paris’ charming atmosphere as outdoor leisure comes back to life, and the days get longer. It’s also nice to catch some time in the city before the summer tourist rush comes flooding in!

Besides weather, there are several notable events to consider, so let’s dive in deeper by month.

Paris Weather in January

January is Paris’ coldest month with chilly weather and an average high temperature of 45℉ (7℃). You can expect cloudy skies, short days, and – though it’s not the rainiest month of the year – you should still be prepared for rain. Be sure to pack sweaters and a warm coat!

Paris Events in January

• Grande Parade de Paris (January 1)
  • What better way to start the new year than watching a grand procession down the Champs-Elysees while sipping on some delicious hot chocolat? Marching bands, floats, dancers – even clowns – are just some of the spectacular things you’ll witness at this popular Parisian New Year’s Day parade!
• Festival du Merveilleux (first week of January)
  • Be sure to make reservations for this magical experience at the private Musée des Arts Forains (Museum of Fairground Arts) that opens to the public for a short time. Featuring a unique collection of fair and amusement park rides, the museum is turned into a wonderland of twinkling lights, jugglers, shows, musicians and rides. A real treat for kids and adults alike!
• Paris Cocktail Week (mid-late January)
  • Take advantage of this week to savor some one-of-a-kind cocktails as over 50 bars throughout the city create their own signature cocktail just for this event. You’ll also find master classes, workshops and more.

 

Let’s simplify this! We’ve put together our favorite places to stay in Paris so you don’t have to stress!

 

Paris Weather in February

Cold and chilly conditions from January continue into February. You’re likely to find some bursts of rain, so be sure to have your umbrella packed, just in case! The average high reaches only 44℉ (8℃), so this could be a good time for museums and other cozy indoor activities.

Paris Events in February

• Chinese New Year (early February)
  • Paris and some of its suburbs celebrate their local Chinese community through this annual cultural festival featuring colorful parades, dragon and lion dances, music, food and other special events.
• Rétromobile (early February)
  • With over 600 vintage automobiles on display at Porte de Versailles in the Parc des Expositions, this is a must-see for all antique car enthusiasts.
• Salon International de l’Agriculture (late February)
  • This well-attended 9-day event at the Parc des Expositions brings the best of all things agriculture from all over France to the heart of the capital. The expo focuses on 4 main areas: gardens and vegetables, livestock, trades and services of agriculture, and products of France and overseas. If you’ve ever wanted to see a milking parlor firsthand, now’s your chance!

 

Not sure where to say? We’ve put together a list of Paris’s best hotels!

 

Paris Weather in March

The cold conditions start warming up in March, and you can even see blooms appearing by the end of the month. With daylight savings time occurring this month, the days also get a bit longer. The average high temperature is still quite chilly at 56℉ (12℃) and rain showers aren’t unlikely with an average of 1 ½ inches (40mm) of rainfall.

Paris Events in March

• Cinéma du Réel (mid-late March)
  • If you’re a documentary film fan, this prestigious 10-day event is for you. Over 200 documentaries are showcased from local and global filmmakers around different venues throughout Paris.
• Art Paris Art Fair (first week of April)
  • Every Spring, over 150 art galleries from 20 countries around the world come together at this popular art fair. Explore regional European art along with works from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and Latin America. You’ll also find interesting information on France’s local art scene.
• Banlieues Bleues Festival (month of March)
  • The northern suburbs of Paris host a variety of well-known jazz artists from across the globe at this vibrant jazz festival. Choose from a variety of live blues, jazz and R&B concerts at venues across Seine-Saint-Denis.

 

Traveling to Paris? Learn what Paris is famous for!

Paris Weather in April

Flowers are in full springtime bloom and outdoor activities come back to life as April approaches. The weather can be unpredictable, however, and you may get a day of sunshine followed by a day of rain. The average max temperature goes up to a warmer 60℉ (16℃) with chilly mornings and evenings. Rainfall increases slightly to over 1 ½  inches (45mm). 

Paris Events in April

• Paris Marathon (first Sunday in April)
  • If you’re going to run a grueling 26.2 miles (42.2km), may as well be with some of Paris’ major landmarks, like the Champs-Elysėes and the Arc de Triomphe as the background! Over 50,000 runners participate in this popular marathon, which is also a lot of fun to watch if running a marathon isn’t in your travel plans.
• Easter
  • Easter is a colorful and festive time in Paris, especially with the chocolatiers! Feast your eyes – and taste buds – on some of the most magnificent Easter chocolate creations you’ve ever seen. The city is also booming with flowers, music, easter egg hunts, special menus and tasty goodies. 

• The Foire du Trone (month of April)
  • This gigantic fair is the oldest one in Paris and one of the Parisians’ most beloved annual events  There is no shortage of carnival rides, food, games and live music to enjoy every day. A fun time for visitors of all ages!

 

Need some advice? You can read about some popular things to do in Paris (with a few hidden ones too)!

 

Paris Weather in May

The closer to summer it gets, the more Paris revs up with life and activity! Many consider May one of the best times to visit Paris – but you need to be ready for fickle weather conditions. Daytime temperatures continue increasing, but mornings and evenings are often chilly and windy. About one-third of the month is rainy with an average of just over 2 inches (56mm) of rain. 

Paris Events in May

• Museum Night (one Saturday in May)
  • Take advantage of this unique opportunity to visit some of Paris’ major museums throughout Paris, including the Louvre, free of charge! They also stay open late and offer concerts, special events and activities.
• The French Open (late May)
  • If you’re a tennis fan, you’ve undoubtedly heard of this one! As one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments in the world, this tennis grand slam hosts some of the most major matches with top-ranking tennis stars. Even if you can’t score some tickets, enjoy free outdoor screenings of the key matches offers outside of Paris City Hall!
• Le Printemps des Reux (late May)
  • Street performers charm the crowd at this weekend-long street art festival. Let yourself be wildly entertained by the many dancers, singers, puppeteers, clowns and magicians displaying their talents!

 

Need a little more convincing? These day trips from Paris will help you make up your mind!

 

Paris Weather in June

The beginning peak of tourist season arrives at the same time as the sunny, warm days! For June travel, you can expect Paris to range from an average low temperature of 55℉ (13℃) to a high of 72℉ (22℃). Conditions may not always stay sunny and dry – as June is actually one of the rainiest months of the year – with an average monthly rainfall of 2 inches (55mm).

Paris Events in June

• Fȇte de la Musique (June 21)
  • Every year on the solstice, Paris welcomes the summer by celebrating all things music with free concerts and live bands taking place throughout the cities. Bars, pubs and restaurants all take part and feature all genres of music.
• Paris Gay Pride Parade (end of June)
  • One of the city’s most festive events, the LGBT parade takes over the streets of Paris – welcoming and entertaining locals and visitors from all walks of life. The parade starts ends at the Place de Republique where a massive street party awaits!

 

Editor’s Tip: Break up your action-packed trip with a visit to famous museums in Paris!

 

Paris Weather in July

If warm, sunny weather mixed with occasional rain and thunderstorms and sharing tourist attractions with swarms of people isn’t your cup of tea, July may not be the best to visit Paris! July is also one of the rainiest months of the year, so expect high humidity which can make the mild summer heat seem more intense. Average temperatures range from 59℉ (15℃) to 75℉ (24℃) with rainfall of just over 2 inches (57mm).

Paris Events in July

• Bastille Day (July 14)
  • For a truly patriotic French experience, you’ll want to partake in France’s Fȇte Nationale, when the country celebrates the beginning of the French Revolution. Festivities start the night before with dancing, music and merry-making at parties that go well into the early morning. On Bastille Day, celebrations ensue with a parade, free concert and a not-to-miss fireworks show off the Eiffel Tower!
• Tour de France (end of July)
  • Spectators from near and far flock to Paris to watch the world’s best cyclists race across the finish line at the most famous cycling event in the world. Expect massive crowds along the Champs-Elysées, but the energy and experience are well worth it!
• Paris Plages (month of July)
  • You may not think of Paris as a beach destination, but Parisians find their own way of creating it – through pop-up beaches along the Seine! Complete with beach chairs, umbrellas, outdoor bars and cafes – catch some coastal-like relief from the heat with the rest of the locals.

 

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Paris Weather in August

• You’ll find that the French capital is a bit less Parisian as locals head out in droves to the coast to escape the heat and humidity – with an average high of 76℉ (25℃) and days that can reach into the 90’s ℉ (30’s℃) – this is generally the hottest time of the year in Paris. Rain is less frequent, but scattered showers are possible. 

Paris Events in August

• Open Air Cinema Festival (thru late August)
  • Through almost the end of the month, you still have a chance to catch an outdoor movie at this Parisian-favorite event. Pack some bread, cheese and wine and spread a blanket out on gorgeous Parc de la Villette – and enjoy one of 40 indie and feature film screenings – free of charge!
• Rock en Seine (late August)
  • A vast outdoor area just outside of Paris, the Domaine International de St Cloud, comes to life with this highly-attended 3-day rock music festival. Popular rock bands and indie musicians perform live concerts across 5 different stages, attracting rock music fans from all over!

 

Need to move your legs? Take a walking tour in Paris!

 

Paris Weather in September

Tourist crowds slowly start thinning out, locals return to the city, and the weather is in prime condition – making September the best time to visit Paris for these reasons. You may encounter some showers, but September is Paris’ least rainy month of the year. A mix of sunny and cloudy skies are likely with a daily average low temperature of 55℉ (13℃) and a mild high of 70℉ (21℃). 

Paris Events in September

• Le Grand Feu de Saint-Cloud (early September)
  • You must experience this fireworks event for yourself – the largest and grandest fireworks show in all of Europe held annually at the Parc de Saint-Cloud. It’s a 90-minute show like no other! Be sure to book your tickets in advance because they sell out every year!
• The Paris Autumn Festival (starts mid-September)
  • The entire city of Paris welcomes the fall season with a large festival that features the latest and greatest in visual arts, cinema, theater, music and dance. The program continues through mid-January.
• Paris Techno Parade (mid-September)
  • For techno music fanatics – or those who just love a happening street party – this parade is for you! The streets of Paris boom with DJ-carrying floats, techno music and over 300,000 dancing spectators. It’s a celebration of electronic music you don’t want to miss – if you’re up for it!

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Paris Weather in October

You can feel autumn settling into the air by the time October rolls around. Sunny days get replaced with cloudy, chilly ones, and rain is common. If you love crisp autumn air and more indoor-focused activities, October can be the best month to visit Paris! Expect average low temperatures near 48℉ (9℃) and highs that rarely reach over 60℉ (16℃). 

Paris Events in October

• Nuit Blanche (early October)
  • The entire city of Paris looks forward to this “White Night” annual event when Paris’ galleries and museums keep their doors open until the early morning hours to celebrate art and culture. Visitors enjoy special installations, concerts and other one-time events all through the night.
• Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (early October)
  • You’ll have a blast helping the neighboring town of Montmartre celebrate its Paris-made batch of wine every October. The weekend is full of wine tastings, concerts, vineyard tours, plus a special parade and fireworks show.
• La Semaine du Gout (mid-October)
  • If there’s one thing that you can be sure of, it’s that Paris has some amazing cuisine. Take advantage of this special “Tasting Week” when many of Paris’ top restaurants offer specially reduced-cost menus. You don’t have to be an extreme foodie to love this one!

You won’t believe this… Here are 57 facts about the history of the Eiffel Tower!

 

Paris Weather in November

Overall, November is a drizzly and cold month in Paris. Temperatures steadily drop and reach almost freezing levels in the mornings. Days are also shorter, so there are only a few overcast daylight hours available per day. The average low temperature in November is 41℉ (5℃) with an average high of 50℉ (10℃). 

Paris Events in November

• Salon du Chocolat (early November)
  • Sink your sweet tooth into this delectable Parisian event! Every year Paris’ Porte de Versailles convention center welcomes all chocolate lovers to partake in the world’s biggest chocolate and cocoa celebration. There are so many delicious experiences to choose from – chocolate exhibitions, a 100% pastry dedicated area, live demos by top chefs, workshops and masterclasses. If all of that isn’t enticing enough, feast your eyes on the one-of-a-kind parade of chocolate dresses!
• Ice Skating at Champs-Elysées (mid-November)
  • There’s no better way to start revving up the holiday spirit than by ice skating at the iconic Parisian ice rink placed next to the Place de la Concorde. It opens in mid-November and is a traditional holiday activity enjoyed by all!

You won’t believe this… Here are 38 facts about the history of Notre Dame!

 

Paris Weather in December

For those who love the idea of a cold and romantic holiday season, December just may be the best time to visit Paris! Temperatures often reach freezing levels, though snow is rare. It’s the wettest month in Paris, mostly with drizzle, and you can expect the average low temperature to be 37℉ (3℃) and the high at 44℉ (7℃).

Paris Events in December

• Christmas Markets (starting the first weekend of December)
  • One of the highlights of December in Paris is the number of festive lit-up Christmas markets that pop up all over the city. Nothing says “it’s the holiday season” more than a stroll through a market lined with wooden-roof chalets featuring boutique gift items, decorations and gourmet goodies. Stay warm with a cup of rich hot chocolate or the ever-popular vin chaud (hot mulled wine)!
• New Year’s Eve Celebrations (December 31)
  • Just like everything else, Paris does New Year’s Eve with style and flair! The City of Lights lives up to its name with all the fireworks, decorations and festivities one imagines when experiencing one of the most extravagant New Year’s celebrations in the world. Take your pick of the many choices the city offers: from uncorking a bottle of champagne with the crowd of revelers at the main count-down party and fireworks show at the Champs-Elysées or by reserving a table at one of the many top French restaurants offering special New Year’s menus and champagne. Whatever you do, you can be sure that Paris will deliver a party to remember!

If you are looking to party in Paris, check out our guide to the best clubs in all of Paris!

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What is the best time to visit Paris weather-wise? 

Chances are that you’re not visiting Paris for sunbathing and getting a tropical experience! That being said – being prepared for a certain amount of rain is expected – but you can also get favorable weather conditions to experience the best that the City of Lights has to offer.

The best time to visit Paris weather-wise is the summer months of June through August and in the fall months of September and early October.

Cloudy days and scattered showers are possible during summer and early fall, but overall, you’ll find Paris’ most mild and pleasant conditions. There are plenty of sunny days with highs that stay in the comfortable 70s℉ (20s℃) range and tolerable lows around 55-60℉ (13-16℃).

The best part is that the days are longer, letting you take advantage of all there is to see and do – which is a lot! 

Final thoughts on the best time of year to visit Paris

The good news is that – rain or shine – Paris is magnificent! The city is always alive with events, attractions and vibrant energy. Whether you’re out and about enjoying a walking tour of Paris’ many landmarks, or bundled up inside of a museum or cafe, Paris’ charm is everywhere.

Be sure to take the opportunity to soak in all the local culture by attending local events and partaking in Parisian traditions – of which there is no shortage to choose from. So practice your best bonjour and merci, and have the time of your life!

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