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!
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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!
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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.
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.
Read Below for information about Paris weather in January (Photo credit – parisperfect.com)
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!
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Read below for information about Paris weather in February (Photo credit – mercurynews)
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.
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Read below for information about Paris weather in March (Photo credit – solosophie)
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.
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Read below for information about Paris weather in April (Photo credit – parisinstyle)
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).
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Read below for information about Paris weather in May (Photo credit – headout.com)
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.
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Read below for information about Paris weather in June (Photo credit – parisunlocked)
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).
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Read below for information about Paris weather in July (Photo credit – headout.com)
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).
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Read below for information about Paris weather in August (Photo credit – tripsavvy.com)
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Read below for information about Paris weather in September (Photo credit – dylanasuarez.com)
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℃).
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Read below for information about Paris weather in October (Photo credit – tripsavvy)
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℃).
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Read below for information about Paris weather in November (Photo credit – girlgeorgexo)
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℃).
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Read below for information about Paris weather in December (Photo credit – WikiMedia.org)
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℃).
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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!
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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Born in Los Angeles, Aaron Hovanesian is one of the original staff writers for Hotel Jules. Having backpacked the world as a young man, Aaron now prefers to travel the world in luxury, proudly staying in the world's most amazing hotels and properties. When Aaron is not traveling he lives in Western Colorado he can be found brewing his own beer (probably an IPA) or spending time with his two amazing golden retrievers.