Best Time to Visit Paris
The best month to visit Paris is May. You get the ideal balance of mild temperatures, blooming gardens, and long daylight hours before the peak summer crowds arrive in July. While June is popular, May feels fresher and costs slightly less for high-end accommodation. If your priority is budget over weather, January is your winner. If you want the classic "Parisian" atmosphere without the sweat or the shivering, target the window between late April and early June. This guide breaks down exactly when to book based on your specific travel priorities.
Month by month
January in Paris
Expect cold, gray days and occasional rain. Temperatures range from 3°C to 8°C (37°F–46°F). This is the cheapest month for hotels. Crowds are at their annual low, making it the best time to visit the Louvre without a scrum. The city holds its winter "Soldes" (state-regulated sales), where luxury boutiques offer discounts up to 70%. It is the best time for bargain hunters who don't mind wearing a heavy wool coat.
February in Paris
Weather stays chilly, averaging 3°C to 9°C (37°F–48°F). It is slightly drier than January but remains overcast. Prices stay low, though Valentine’s Day sees a temporary spike in restaurant bookings and boutique hotel rates. This is the peak season for cozying up in traditional bistros or hot chocolate shops like Angelina. Visit the Musée d'Orsay to enjoy the Impressionist galleries without the summer heat or the shoulder-to-shoulder tourists.
March in Paris
Spring starts to show, but it is unpredictable. Temperatures fluctuate between 5°C and 13°C (41°F–55°F). You will experience "le giboulée"—sudden, short rain showers followed by sun. Crowds begin to tick upward toward the end of the month. It is a transition period; prices are moderate. Use this month to visit the Jardin des Tuileries as the first blossoms appear, but keep an umbrella in your bag at all times.
April in Paris
The city wakes up. Temperatures rise to a comfortable 8°C to 16°C (46°F–61°F). This is the start of the high season. Chestnut trees bloom along the boulevards. Prices for flights and hotels begin to climb, especially around Easter. Visit the Foire du Trône, a massive traditional funfair that starts in late March or early April. It offers a local, non-touristy vibe that captures the spirit of Parisian spring perfectly.
May in Paris
May features the best weather of the year, averaging 11°C to 20°C (52°F–68°F). The city is green, and outdoor cafe culture is in full swing. There are several public holidays in May, so expect some local business closures but a relaxed, festive atmosphere. A highlight is the "Nuit des Musées" (Museum Night), where many of the city’s top museums stay open late into the night for free.
June in Paris
Daylight lasts until nearly 10 PM. Temperatures sit between 14°C and 23°C (57°F–73°F). This is prime time for picnics along the Seine or at Canal Saint-Martin. Crowds are significant, and hotel rates are near their peak. On June 21, the city hosts the Fête de la Musique. Live bands and DJs perform on every street corner and in every bar for free. The energy is unmatched, but the city becomes very loud.
July in Paris
It gets hot, ranging from 16°C to 26°C (61°F–79°F), with occasional heatwaves hitting 35°C+. This is peak tourist season. Lines for the Eiffel Tower and Catacombs are at their longest. Prices are high. On July 14, celebrate Bastille Day. You’ll see military parades on the Champs-Élysées and massive fireworks at the Trocadéro. Paris Plages also begins, turning the riverbanks into temporary sand beaches with loungers and palm trees.
August in Paris
Weather is similar to July: 16°C to 25°C (61°F–77°F). Many locals leave for their own vacations, meaning some smaller, family-run bakeries and bistros might close. However, the city feels slightly less "busy" with traffic, even if tourist sites remain packed. Take advantage of the open-air cinema at Parc de la Villette. Watching a film on a giant screen on the grass is a staple August activity for those remaining in the city.
September in Paris
September is "La Rentrée"—the return to school and work. It is often considered the second-best month to visit. Temperatures are pleasant at 13°C to 21°C (55°F–70°F). The light is golden and perfect for photography. Prices remain high as business travel picks up. During the third weekend of the month, the Journées du Patrimoine (Heritage Days) allow you to enter private government mansions and historical sites usually closed to the public.
October in Paris
Crisp air and autumn leaves define October. Temperatures cool to 10°C to 16°C (50°F–61°F). The summer crowds have thinned, but the city remains active. Prices begin to dip slightly from the September peak. Visit the Nuit Blanche (White Night), an all-night arts festival where installations and performances take over public spaces across the city. It is a fantastic month for walking the Marais or Montmartre without the summer sweat.
November in Paris
November is damp and gray, with temperatures between 6°C and 11°C (43°F–52°F). It is one of the wettest months. Consequently, it is an excellent time for indoor pursuits: galleries, shopping at Galeries Lafayette, and long lunches. Prices are very low. On the third Thursday of the month, the Beaujolais Nouveau is released. Head to any local wine bar to celebrate the arrival of the year’s first wine harvest with the locals.
December in Paris
Expect cold temperatures from 3°C to 8°C (37°F–46°F). While the weather isn't ideal, the atmosphere is. The city is lit with holiday decorations, and Christmas markets pop up at the Tuileries and Hotel de Ville. Prices spike around Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so book early. Spend your time browsing the holiday window displays at the "Grands Magasins" on Boulevard Haussmann—they are world-class works of art.
Cheapest time to visit Paris
If you want to save money, book your trip for January or November. These are the "dead" months for tourism in France.
- Hotels: Many 4-star hotels drop their rates by 30-40% compared to June or September prices.
- Flights: Mid-week flights in February often represent the lowest fares of the year.
- Sales: The winter sales (Les Soldes) run from early January to early February. This is the only time retailers are legally allowed to hold massive clearances, making it the best time for luxury shopping on a budget.
Avoid the weeks surrounding Christmas and Fashion Week (late February and late September) if you are looking for the absolute lowest hotel rates.
When to avoid Paris
Avoid Paris during the last week of July and the first week of August if you dislike heat and heavy crowds. The humidity can make the Metro unbearable, and many local-favorite spots (the "real" Paris) close down as residents head to the coast.
You should also be wary of Fashion Week (held in January, February/March, June, and September/October). Unless you are in the industry, these dates cause hotel prices to skyrocket and make getting a table at trending restaurants nearly impossible. Always check the Fédération de la Haute Couture et de la Mode calendar before booking your flights.
Best time for good weather
For the most reliable weather, aim for late May through June or September.
During these periods, you avoid the extreme heatwaves of July and the bone-chilling dampness of the Parisian winter.
- Spring (May/June): 18°C to 23°C. Perfect for terrace dining.
- Early Autumn (September): 16°C to 21°C. Mild, clear skies and low rainfall.
If you enjoy "sweater weather"—crisp air but blue skies—October is your best bet. The air is fresh, the leaves are changing in the Luxembourg Gardens, and you rarely deal with the oppressive humidity found in the mid-summer months.
Best time for fewer crowds
To have the museums and monuments to yourself (or as close as it gets), visit in January or February.
While you will need to pack a heavy coat and scarf, you will spend significantly less time standing in lines.
- The Louvre: In January, you can actually see the Mona Lisa without a 20-minute wait for a photo.
- Versailles: The gardens are sparse in winter, but the Hall of Mirrors is much quieter.
If you want a mix of decent weather and manageable crowds, early March and late October are the "sweet spots." These shoulder-season windows offer a balance where the city is active but not overwhelmed by the massive tour groups that dominate the city from May through August. Always try to visit mid-week (Tuesday through Thursday) to further minimize wait times at major attractions.