#1 Guide To The Best Time To Visit Paris By Month
Ah, Paris. The City of Lights is a leading destination on many popular European itineraries, and for good reason. Boasting romantic ambiance, luxurious cuisine, influential artists, and passionate culture, there’s really no bad time to visit Paris. But, choosing the best time to visit Paris does, in fact, vary from traveler to traveler!
I’ve been fortunate enough to visit Paris in every season, attend local running events, and walk around the Christmas markets in December.
I’ve created this comprehensive guide to be your #1 resource in helping you decide when to go to Paris! I have laid out all of the major festivals and events, weather, and the best activities in Paris on a monthly calendar for you to plan your trip with ease.
I’ve also included my own free 3-day PDF Paris itinerary below, so be sure to download it before your trip!
What is the Best Time to Visit Paris?
Overall, the best time to visit Paris is in the months of May and September. This is when you can secure fantastic bargains on flights and accommodations, with fewer tourists wandering the city’s charming cobblestone streets.
The weather during these months tends also to be delightfully pleasant with warm(ish) temperatures, nice breezes, and gradually sunnier days.
If you dream of walking along the Seine with a baguette in hand or cozying up to a picnic on the lawn behind the Eiffel Tower, then you’re also probably dreaming of warmer weather.
If that’s the case, the best time to visit Paris is between May and June, when the flowers have begun blossoming and the weather is comfortable.
If chilly winter nights surrounded by a roasting fire and blankets in a European chalet are more your style, then the winter holiday months of November through January are the best option for you.
We all know how weather can make or break any vacation, so it’s important to consider what type of weather you want to experience Paris in (while also considering your budget!)
Below, I have outlined the average weather for each month, along with the best festivals, events, and activities you can experience in each of these months. This guide is intended to help you decide the best month to visit Paris based on your own personal travel preferences!
Paris Weather & Events By Month
January
What better way to kick off the new year than in Paris – the City of Lights! You’ll be surrounded by stunning displays and can participate in the annual street party that takes place on the elegant Champs-Élysées.
Head to the Arc de Triomphe for a fantastic firework display when the clock strikes 12:00am!
January experiences the occasional snowfall and is quite romantic with the holiday spirit still in the air and Valentine’s Day just around the corner.
The winters in Paris are beautiful as daylight hours are low and many folks opt to enjoy exceptional food around roaring fires with views of the dazzling Eiffel Tower!
February
What’s more romantic than sharing a lovely meal over candlelight in Paris on Valentine’s Day? Take your significant other on the trip of a lifetime and experience all that Paris has to offer (and perhaps, propose?)
If this is right up your alley, be sure to check out the Musée du Chocolat or opt for a romantic evening cruise along the Seine!
Other fun events include the Carnaval de Paris (similar to the one held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil) where people come dressed in vibrant, colorful costumes and dance on top of large floats to exciting music. If you’re looking to have a romantic experience with your significant other in Paris, February surely won’t disappoint.
February has an average temperature of 42 degrees Fahrenheit (6 degrees Celsius) and also usually doesn’t drop below freezing. The average rainfall is about 13 days of the month.
March
Marking the beginning of Spring, March is one of the rainiest months in Paris. Since the weather hasn’t warmed up much yet either, March is a less desirable month to visit Paris.
However, if you’re traveling to Paris on a budget, you can find considerable discounts on everything from airfare to hotels with views of the Eiffel Tower. This makes March a great time to visit Paris!
Imagine waking up in the morning and opening your window to a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower and surrounding gardens. This is a bucket list item for many travelers, so why not make it come true by traveling during the shoulder season?
Yes, it may be rainy and chilly, but if you book at least four or five days in Paris, you’re bound to have at least one sunny day where you’ll have the opportunity to take many great pictures without thousands of other tourists.
March also holds fun festivals including Carnaval des Femme (Women’s Festival) and St. Patrick’s Day traditional folk music concerts and drinking games. The weather may not always be on your side, but you’ll be able to enjoy the city like a local and have little to no wait at many popular attractions.
March typically ranges from the low 40s to the low 50s (Fahrenheit) and has at least two weeks of rainfall. Be sure to pack appropriately with heavy-duty raincoats, rain boots, and warm layers.
April
“April showers bring spring flowers” is especially true in Paris! Cherry blossom trees and blossoming flowers line the gardens of the Jardin du Luxembourg (Luxembourg Gardens) and many of the streets for a beautiful image of the city.
If you celebrate Easter, Paris does it up big! Head to the infamous Notre Dame Cathedral for worship then enjoy the fun Easter markets scattered throughout the square. The worships are typically held in French, but are no less memorable for those who may only understand a little.
Paris also holds the enormous Paris Marathon which hosts over 60,000 runners from all over the world every year.
The route goes past iconic landmarks, along the Seine River (famous for its Paris boat tours), and finishes at the proud Arc de Triomphe for a triumphant win for the runners. As a marathoner myself, this is one race that has been on my bucket list for a long time.
April provides a mix of both rainy and sunny days, but with milder weather and the beginning of blossoming flowers, sprouting gardens, and full trees, it’s a lovely time to visit Paris (for both tourists and the marathoners!)
You can expect to experience temperatures in the 50s and even as high as the 60s towards the end of the month, with rainfall being very similar to the month of March. But, be sure to still pack your rain gear and umbrella!
May
With the entire city in full blossom and slightly fewer rainy days, May is the best time to visit Paris, France! You can expect mild to warm weather, so you’ll be comfortable in shorts and a long-sleeve shirt, and sunny, clear skies throughout much of your trip.
I traveled to Paris in May and found it to be one of the best places to visit in Europe during this time of year – by far! There were enough tourists to have all the boutiques, attractions, bars, and restaurants open, but not enough that it was impossible to be alone at any point.
In the photo above, I’m making my way through the city’s streets with no one around, yet still comfortable in loose pants and a tank top. The perfect combination for an enjoyable trip to Paris: good weather and fewer tourists!
The weather was comfortable with a light coat and sandals and we had sunny weather the entire time. We found it relatively easy to get a table at popular restaurants including Le Consulat, and quickly found a spot for a picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower.
Of course, there were still lines for Le Louvre and to go up the Eiffel Tower, but there usually are regardless of the time of year.
↪️ Pro Tip: In fact, there was a 2-hour wait to get inside Le Louvre even if you bought tickets ahead of time!
If visiting Le Louvre Museum is on your bucket list, be sure to get there very early, about one hour before they open, to ensure you don’t have to wait too long to get inside.
May also hosts multiple fun festivals and events to kick off the summer season and send tourists and locals alike flocking to the city center.
Listen to authentic ukulele and jazz music at the Paris Ukelele Festival and the Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés, enjoy an enormous gastronomic feast at the Taste of Paris Festival located at the Grand Palais, explore the multitude of Parisian museums offering discounts and extended hours during the European Museums Night, and photograph the influential street art at the Printemps des Rues festival.
With all of these fantastic events going on, it’s hard to not want to book your May flight to Paris right now. For weather, temperatures range from the mid-50s to the high 60s, and rainfall drops down to around 12 days for a higher probability of sun.
June
If you love to shop, January is also included in the winter sales (Les Soldes) so you can find some great deals on both the Champs-Élysées and other shops and boutiques across Paris.
January also holds Paris Fashion Week for Men and the fun Traversée de Paris Hivernale (vintage car show). If you’re looking for festive displays and exciting events, January is certainly the best time to go to Paris.
January has an average temperature of 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) and usually doesn’t drop below freezing. The average rainfall is about 14 days of the month.
If you’re looking for warm, sunny weather, June is the perfect time to visit Paris. Temperatures are warming up into the low to mid-70s and summer is officially underway with outdoor terraces and live outdoor concerts making their debut along the Seine.
For festivals, enjoy the environmentally friendly We Love Green Festival located at the Parc de Bagatelle featuring an array of music and food. There’s also the Fête du Vélo, a fun, all-ages bicycle ride that takes place along the streets of Paris on the popular Vélib bicycles found across Europe.
Enjoy live concerts and free music during the Fête de la Musique and the Paris Jazz Festival, or head to the Champs-Élysées Film Festival which showcases international documentaries and films along this popular strip.
June has a low of 57 degrees and a high of 73 degrees Fahrenheit, averaging in the low 60s. There are about 11 rainy days in the month.
↪️ Pro Tip: June and July are considered peak tourist season in Paris, so if you aren’t someone who can deal with people in your photographs, long lines for attractions, long wait times at cafés and restaurants, and walking shoulder to shoulder with strangers at times, then I would avoid visiting Paris during this time of the year.
July
If you’re looking to experience the city at its prime and budget is not much of a concern, then July is the best time to visit Paris. Lush gardens, warm weather, extended summer hours at all attractions, and lovely outdoor terrace cafés are bustling with people.
Be sure to head to the Eiffel Tower after dark for its stunning light display!
Similar to the 4th of July in the U.S., Paris celebrates Bastille Day on July 14th with a grand parade and excellent display of fireworks. This day marks the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789 with the storming of the Bastille prison.
You can watch the influential military parade along the Champs-Élysées followed by a boat ride along the Seine to have the best view of the fireworks in the city!
If you plan on heading to Paris towards the end of July, be sure to stick around to see the end of the infamous bike race, the Tour de France, as they finish the last leg of the race in Paris on the Champs-Élysées!
This is a monumental 2,000-mile bike race that takes place over 3 weeks with cyclists from all over the world. It would surely be a treat to witness even a glimpse of this spectacular event!
July provides consistently warm temperatures averaging around 68 degrees with a high of nearly 80 degrees with about 11 rainy days in the month.
August
The hottest month in Paris with temperatures averaging in the low 70s and only 10 rainy days, if you’re someone who is all about good weather on your travels, then book your trip during August.
To save a little money, head to the City of Lights towards the end of the month when the majority of tourists are heading home in preparation for school starting. This is when you’ll see a large decrease in accommodation, flights, and train ticket prices, but with all of the attractions still open (and with shorter lines!)
For a musical twist to your afternoon, check out the local Rock en Seine; a rock festival featuring lesser-known bands with real talent looking for a spotlight. This event is open to teenagers, families, and people of all ages and is sure to brighten up your walk along the city’s beautiful river.
If you’re looking to catch a movie like the locals do, head to the Cinéma en Plein Air festival (open-air cinema) at the Parc de la Villette where you can see movies from around the world.
Most movies are aired in English, so you can enjoy a movie in a beautiful setting with a picnic; talk about a romantic evening in Paris!
September
Marking the beginning of the shoulder season, this is where you can start to find great deals on traveling to Paris. Most kids have gone back to school, so large family groups have significantly dropped and the weather has begun to cool off, giving a nice break from the summer heat.
But, just because tourist levels have begun to drop, that doesn’t mean the fun has! This is when the locals get to enjoy some of the best weather of the season without all the tourists and take time for themselves to enjoy the beauty of the city.
In September, you can explore the beauty of all the private gardens across Paris that open up with the beginning of Fête des Jardins.
This festival is popular among locals as it gives the opportunity to take tours, experience live concerts, and walk through the Jardins du Luxembourg, the Tuileries, and the Jardin des Plantes, all of which are normally only partially open (if at all) to the public.
September also marks the beginning of the world-famous Paris Fashion Week! Typically lasting from late September through early October, this is one event that sparks an elegance on the streets of Paris.
September also hosts the annual European Heritage Days where you can gain free access to museums and guided tours across several popular monuments throughout the city!
September has an average temperature of 61 degrees Fahrenheit and has 11 rainy days.
October
The weather in Paris in October offers visitors a real treat! You’ll get to witness fall foliage at its brightest and best along with cooler, festive weather.
If you’re an art fan, be sure to plan your trip around Nuit Blanche (White Night) where many museums and art galleries stay open all night long in Paris. Take advantage of exploring musical events, unique exhibits, and art specials throughout the evening!
If you’re heading to Paris or even just France in general, there’s a good chance you’ll be sipping wine throughout your vacation (I know I was!) If that’s the case, be sure to head over to the 18th arrondissement of Montmartre, one of the most popular neighborhoods in Paris, for the Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival!
This is a great way to experience a lot of different types of wines local to different regions of France, try local foods, enjoy music and street performances, watch a fireworks display, and all in all, just have a good time!
This fall month has temperatures sticking around the mid-50s with up to 13 days of rain. If you’re lucky, you can experience one of the few sunny days boasting autumn colors which gives a charming touch to this elegant, upscale city.
For many people, fall is the best time to visit Paris since there are very few tourists, lines to the popular attractions have shortened immensely, and the weather is still comfortable enough with a light jacket and warm boots.
November
The locals begin to bundle up in style in this pre-winter month with temperatures dropping into the mid-40s. As one of the rainiest months in Paris along with December with 15 days of expected rain, tourists are at some of their lowest levels during this time.
This makes November a fantastic time for travelers visiting on a tight budget that don’t mind packing their winter jackets and plenty of layers. November scares away many visitors from seeing Paris, but if you aren’t afraid of a little cold weather, there are tons of local events you’ll get to experience!
If Disneyland Paris has been on your bucket list, then you’re in luck. In November, they hold the Bonfire Spectacular in celebration of Guy Fawkes Day, where you can watch a floating bonfire out on Lake Disney. The event is also well known for spectacular performances and fireworks.
Love photography? Head to the Grand Palais for Paris Photo, a fair showing international photography from artists dating from the 19th century to the present.
You can meet up to 100 different artists and explore photography exhibits, art galleries, and just enjoy your time mingling with other influential art enthusiasts.
November also marks the beginning of the holiday season in France. You’ll notice much of the Champs-Élysées is decked out in lights and festive decor by mid-November.
Personally, I love the joy of the holidays and absolutely love how they do this, but if you aren’t as big as a fan, I would read the pro tip below!
↪️ Pro Tip: the French start celebrating the holidays early, so if listening to holiday music around Thanksgiving isn’t for you, maybe wait until December or the spring to visit.
December
What better way to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year than in Paris! Many people argue this is truly the best time to go to Paris with the bustling Christmas markets, hot, mulled wine, local cuisine, and beautiful Christmas lights and decorations covering the city.
Paris even gets the occasional snow flurry that covers the city in a delicate, white blanket.
For me, this is the most romantic time to visit Paris. If you truly love the holidays, head to Paris with your significant other and enjoy each other’s company over cozy fires, candlelit dinners, and chilly evenings under the Eiffel Tower.
There truly is so much to do in Paris at any time of the year, but the winter is extra special as everywhere boasts a romantic ambiance indoors and out!
For an exciting, outdoor activity, the city sets up ice skating rinks in several different arrondissements including at the Hotel de Ville, the Trocadéro Ice rink, and even on the first level of the Eiffel Tower! Yes, you can actually go ice skating inside the Eiffel Tower, that’s how grand it is.
Skate rentals cost as low as €5, so even visitors traveling on a budget can enjoy this fun activity.
If you’re visiting in December, be sure to stroll through at least one of the few Parisian Christmas markets open to locals and tourists. Start at the famous Champs-Elysées Christmas Market, then head to the Christmas Village at the Trocadéro which is in close proximity to the Eiffel Tower.
If you can’t get enough holiday fun, head to the smaller Christmas markets in the 6th arrondissement near Place Saint Sulpice and Place Saint Germain des Prés.
December brings chilly temperatures ranging from the high-30s to the low-40s and has about 15 days of precipitation making it one of the rainiest months of the year. Though, you may get lucky and get snow instead!
Regardless of the weather, be sure to pack a lot of layers, a winter coat, warm boots, a rainproof shell, hats, gloves, and scarves.
Your body will thank you when you spend endless hours strolling through the Christmas markets and admiring the holiday decorations around the city!
Best Time to Visit Paris to Avoid Crowds
If you’re looking to visit Paris with fewer crowds, then the best time to visit is in the months of May and September or October.
The number of tourists in Paris varies by month with the tourist season coinciding almost exactly with the peak and shoulder seasons in Paris. This means if you really don’t want to share your Paris experience with tens of thousands of other people from around the world, you’re going to need to avoid the best weather seasons in Paris.
Tourists tend to flock to the City of Lights between May and September, and late November and early January. Between May and September in Paris, you’ll get to experience the beauty of the city being covered in blossoming flowers and warm weather.
In the winter months, Paris puts in a lot of effort towards decorating the city for the holidays and putting on large Christmas markets and events that lure in travelers from around the world.
Unfortunately, if you want to avoid tourists, you’re also going to be avoiding the best times to visit Paris. You’ll have to decide which factor is more important to you: fewer tourists or better weather.
↪️ Pro Tip: there are always going to be tourists in Paris…always! If you want to visit Paris when the weather is still comfortable but there are fewer tourists to step in front of your camera, then visit at the very beginning or very end of the peak season.
This includes May (when the flowers are first blossoming) and September or October (when families are back in school)!
Best Time to Visit Paris for Events and Festivals
If you’re someone who is seeking the perfect combination of comfortable weather and numerous festivals and events to celebrate the kick-off of spring, then May is the best time to visit Paris.
You can embrace some happy jazz music at the Paris Ukelele Festival and the Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés or indulge yourself at the iconic gastronomic miracle that is the Taste of Paris Festival!
Not only this, but you’ll also have the opportunity to enjoy some free museums on European Museums Night and even take some epic photos of the unique street art at the Printemps des Rues Festival.
If you are someone who loves participating in events and festivals local to a particular region or culture, be sure to check out each festival I have described in the months above to help you decide when the perfect time to visit Paris is for you.
Some events take place on certain days of the week over a few month period, and others are strict to a single week or weekend, so be sure to plan ahead!
Best Time to Visit Paris to Visit the Museums
History buffs and enthusiasts should consider visiting Paris in the shoulder season months of March through May and September through October.
April, May, and September are the best times to explore the Parisian museums since the weather is typically rainy, the temperatures are mild, and tourists have just begun to arrive in or depart Paris.
This will significantly reduce your wait time in line (thanks to the smaller crowds) and provide you with an overall better experience once inside.
Remember, it’s not uncommon for visitors to go to these popular museums more than once over the course of one or a few visits to Paris, so don’t get discouraged if you aren’t sure if you’ll have enough time to see everything!
If you are a true art enthusiast who is looking to step back and appreciate each and every work of art, then plan on spending at least one full day per museum, or two days per museum if you are traveling during the peak season months when your view of each piece of artwork may be interrupted by others.
↪️ Pro Tip: Always arrive before the museums open to get in line; lines usually begin about one hour prior to opening.
Best Time to Visit Paris to Go Shopping
The best time to visit Paris if you enjoy shopping is during Les Soldes which takes place twice per year between January and February and June and July.
Paris is highly recognized for its unique fashion trends and famous runway events that boast fresh styles and high-end products, models, and designers. If you want to bring home dozens of designer outfits, but arrive in the shoulder season, you might be taken back by the prices (I know I was!)
In fact, many stores along the Champs-Élysées have “average costs” posted on their windows. This tells people what the average cost of a blouse, purse, pants, etc. is to avoid unserious buyers from coming in and browsing.
In Paris, if you can’t afford the average cost of an item posted on the door, you shouldn’t go inside. Unfortunately for us browsers, they don’t want you wasting their time when they could be selling to a serious buyer.
Many of the signs claimed that their blouses started at around €200. If this takes your breath away, be sure to travel to Paris during their biannual sale called Les Soldes (the sales). They have one sale in winter and one in summer, both offering great deals on designer clothes and accessories in accordance with the latest fashion trends.
The winter dates typically run through the majority of January into very early February, while the summer dates usually run between mid to late June through the end of July or early August (changes annually).
If you want to impress your friends and family with all of your striking Parisian clothing, then I highly recommend booking your trip during one of these two time periods. Just be sure to check the dates before booking!
Best Time to Visit Paris for the Most Hours of Daylight
Days in Paris with the most hours of daylight are found just before, during, and after peak season in the months between April and October, making peak season the best time to visit if you want the most amount of daylight.
Similar to the U.S. and many countries in Europe, daylight hours significantly decrease in the winter. We’re talking around 6-8 hours of daylight total between the months of November and March.
While traveling during those dark and gloomy months can certainly cure some of those mid-winter blues, if you’re looking for a brighter vacation away from home, then I would suggest traveling elsewhere in the winter months.
Summer is when you’ll have the highest number of sunny days and between 10-16 hours of daylight which leaves plenty of time for exploring the city and enjoying a night out on the town without complete darkness until very late in the evening.
For me, I loved traveling in May when the flowers were blooming, the weather was mild and comfortable, and we had about 15 hours of daylight to fit in everything we wanted to do and see. Personally, I think May is the best time to travel to Paris!
Best Time to Visit Paris Disneyland
The best time to visit Disneyland Paris is in the shoulder season months of November and February through March. By avoiding the hot summer months and the chaotic holiday months, you’ll also be avoiding massive crowds and very long wait times.
Disneyland Paris is an awesome excursion to include on your trip to Paris, but while many people only stick around the park for a day, we suggest setting aside at least two days to explore the giant park, the 5 different kingdoms, and the Walt Disney Studios Park. It’s a lot to see, so you’ll be happy to have an extra day since you won’t feel as rushed.
Ticket prices also significantly decrease during the off-season months I mentioned. The summer months of June through August and the holiday season of mid-November through the first week of January are the most expensive time to visit Disneyland Paris.
Buy Your Tickets to Disneyland Paris Here
How To Budget For a Trip to Paris
Overall, you should budget about $150 if you’re on a smaller budget or closer to $250 per day if you’ll be including mid-range accommodations on a trip to Paris.
This is the overarching question for anyone visiting Paris, not just young, broke college students! Like I said before, Paris is indefinitely expensive, but by taking advantage of some of my ways to cut down on costs, it can be done on a budget.
Accommodations
Hotel rates range anywhere from €24-€350 per night with some even surpassing the higher end of that. For solo travelers just looking for a bed, you can find cheap hostels and shared dormitories for as low as €20/night.
For couples looking for a mid-range hotel with a clean bed but not great views, you can expect to pay between €90-€150 per night in the shoulder season months. In the middle of summer, expect these prices to double.
Similar to accommodations, flight prices increase in the summer and decrease in the off season, as well. Flights can go as low as €250 in the rainy months and as high as over €800 euro in the middle of summer.
Therefore, if you are on a tight budget, it is imperative that you travel in the shoulder season to make your trip possible.
Per Day
In the summer, two people should typically arrange to spend between €175-€225 per day. This value is based on purchasing two meals from the local supermarket with only one meal being eaten out, a mid-range accommodation, metro tickets, and visiting one attraction.
In the off-season, two people will typically spend between €125-€175 per day based on the same variables.
Thus, if you and your significant other or friend want to visit Paris for one week in the shoulder season, you should set aside at least €2,000, including flights. In the summer, prepare to double this, and pay up to €4,000 for the week, including flights.
These prices are based on mid-range accommodations, eating out occasionally (alcohol included), and paying for expensive attractions like Le Louvre Museum or going to the top of the Eiffel Tower.
These prices can absolutely be cut down, but it is up to you to decide what you are alright with skipping and not.
FAQ
What is the Cheapest Time to Visit Paris?
February, March, April, early May, late September, and October are the cheapest months of the year to visit the City of Lights.
This is when you’ll find the best deals on accommodations, flights, train tickets, and food. Paris is expensive. There’s no denying that. But, there are plenty of ways to cut back on costs to make Paris more affordable!
In fact, I was able to visit Paris when I was in college with just pennies to my name working in the campus gym cleaning the machines once a day. If I was able to visit Paris on this tight of a budget, you certainly can too.
If you are working with a tight budget like I was (hello, college students and young travelers), I highly recommend visiting Paris in the shoulder season. This includes the months before and after the summer, and before and after the major winter holidays.
This is the best time of year to visit Paris if you ask me! The peak season in Paris is considered late May through early August and November through January. During these periods, you can expect to pay nearly double the shoulder season costs on accommodations, travel methods, and events.
If you have a little more room in your budget than the typical college kid, lucky you! I would recommend visiting Paris in May or June when you’ll see flowers blooming, most attractions opening up their summer hours, and milder weather, but with less of the tourists than you’ll see in mid-summer.
Looking for a luxurious vacation to the City of Lights with all the bells and whistles? Head to Paris in its prime during July when the weather is warm, festivals are in full swing, the Champs-Élysées is bustling, and local French music fills the air along the Seine.
However, if you don’t want to share your Parisian getaway with thousands of flocking tourists from every country across the globe, then maybe July isn’t the best time for you.
Instead, visit Paris during late August, just before school starts when the weather is hot and everything is still open, but many tourists have left and accommodation prices have begun to drop.
Or, head to Paris during December when the entire city is covered in festive white and multi-colored holiday lights and fun decorations. Enjoy sipping mulled wine while strolling through quaint wooden chalets adorned with local delicacies, unique crafts, and authentic gifts for family and friends.
Don’t be too surprised if it snows on you! While Paris has only a few snow days per year (averaging about two weeks total), the occasional wintery dusting isn’t uncommon during December.
The best time to visit Paris on a budget is between May and June which provide the perfect balance of good weather and fewer tourists, with accommodations still being semi-reasonable.
What Months Are Expensive in Paris?
While Paris, the city of love, can put a dent in your wallet anytime you visit, the months of June, July, and August are known to be particularly pricey.
The sun is shining, the patisseries are bursting with fresh pastries, and tourists are flocking to the city in droves. It’s peak travel season, which means skyrocketing hotel rates, expensive flights, and restaurant prices going through the roof.
So, if you really want to purchase an authentic beret during your trip, remember, during these months, your Euros might evaporate faster than they would in the shoulder seasons!
How Many Days Do You Really Need in Paris?
In my experience, I recommend spending at least 4 days in Paris. France’s capital is very big, with its borders barely squeezing into a 40-mile radius. You could spend weeks here and not see all there is to see, so we typically recommend spending 5-7 days in Paris as a start.
This will also depend on your preferences, however. For example, we usually enjoy spending more time in the mountains and rural towns and villages when we visit European destinations, so for us, 3 days in Paris was plenty.
If you’re similar to us and don’t love spending a lot of time in big cities, then check out this one day in Paris itinerary to get you started. If you feel as though you may be rushed, then the 3-4 days Paris itinerary above is another great option.
But, if you know Paris is your dream destination and you can’t wait to surround yourself with the cuisine, language, and romantic ambiance, then at least one week is optimal!
What is the Best Weather Month in Paris?
The winter and summer months have the best weather in Paris.
December and January boast festively cold weather which is perfect for the Christmas markets and the bi-annual sales on Les Champs-Élysées. You may even get the chance to see Paris dusted with snow at this time of the year which is both a rare and beautiful sight!
The summer months are great for warm to hot weather with little chance of precipitation, so this is when Paris is at its all-time busiest for the year.
Iconic landmarks including the Eiffel Tower and Notre Dame Cathedral are simply stuffed with excited tourists, with the museums having lines 6+ hours long!
If you do decide to visit Paris when the weather is at its best, be sure to pick up a Paris Museum Pass so you can skip the lines at the city’s most popular museums such as Le Louvre.
What is the Paris Rainy Season?
Paris is a rainy city in general, so the rainy season actually lasts throughout much of the year with the spring months of March through May being the rainiest.
It isn’t uncommon to experience rain at any month of the year in Paris, though September is typically the least rainy, so you’ll want to be well-prepared for any weather that comes your way!
I visited Paris for the first time in the month of May and was treated to several days of beautiful sunshine and 60+ degree weather (Fahrenheit), but as soon as I left it rained for nearly a week straight.
Unfortunately, you can’t predict the weather, so if you visit at this time of the year, be sure to pack an appropriate coat as well as an umbrella to keep dry from both rain and wind.
I personally love traveling in the rain and find May to be the best time to visit Paris France in spring if you’re open to less-than-perfect weather on your trip!
Is Winter a Good Time to Visit Paris?
Yes, winter is a great time to visit Paris! Owing to the extensive Christmas markets and festive holiday cheer, you can enjoy everything from beautiful theatre shows to local gift shopping without enduring weather too severe.
Sure, the temperatures could drop into the low 30s Fahrenheit, but as long as you prepare yourself with plenty of layers, you’ll be happily surprised by reduced lines at many of Paris’ iconic landmarks and better hotel rates in some of the city’s most popular arrondissements!
Not to mention the city puts up beautiful ice skating rinks like the one located on the first level of the Eiffel Tower and plenty of mini chalets serving up hot mulled wine and hot cocoa made with Parisian chocolate, so there’s surely no lack of fun things to do in Paris in winter.
What is the Best Day of the Week to Visit Paris?
Monday through Saturday, depending on the season, will have far more going on in terms of things to do and are the best days to visit Paris.
Of course, Paris is wonderful no matter what day of the week you visit, but we do have some recommendations if you are planning to pack a lot into your layover.
↪️ Pro Tip: Whatever you do, don’t visit Paris on a Sunday if it’s your first time visiting.
Sunday is “family day” in the French culture, which translates to “nothing is going to be open.” Now, if you have at least 3 or 4 days in Paris, this isn’t a problem. It’s actually quite lovely!
We loved our Sundays in Paris since they allowed us to fully appreciate the city and not get lost in the shops or restaurants. Of course, you’ll find some cafes that are still open, but it will be very limited. The same goes for attractions, landmarks, museums, and practically anything else you can think of.
So, if you only have 18-24 hours in Paris and it’s your first time visiting, it’s not typically recommended to visit on a Sunday!
When Should You Not Go to Paris?
So, when is the worst time to visit Paris? Glad you asked!
Even though this surely varies among travelers, there are some definite times of the year that prove to be less enjoyable to visit Paris than the rest. As the most visited city in the world, there’s no escaping tourists.
But, to avoid an overwhelming amount of people at popular attractions, on the metro, and in the streets, aim to book your trip outside of June and July unless you are hoping to take advantage of Les Soldes.
If your only time available for travel is in the summer, I would advise you to possibly visit a different city or country during these times.
You’re going to experience hot weather, extremely long wait times, sky-high prices, and an influx if tens of thousands of tourists.
In fact, many Parisians flee during the summer to the southeastern coast of Nice to enjoy the beaches, and I recommend you do the same.
Outside of the summer, I would also avoid the month of March. The weather is usually raw and cold, with mostly rainy days. Since it is the off-season in Europe, you’ll find several closed restaurants, bars, and shops, and may have a difficult time getting a good picture.
But, if you can stand cold rain and fewer things to do, then March is your go-to month for one of the lowest tourist times of the year! March is also the cheapest month to visit Paris.
What Month is the Best Time to Visit France?
Similar to Paris, the best time to visit France is in the shoulder season months of April through May and September through October.
Not only is the ladder the best time to go on spectacular wine tours in France owing to it being harvesting season for the grapes, but it’s also when the weather will be far milder (rare extreme hot or cold waves) and most of the other tourists have returned home for the start of school and the holiday season.
France is beautiful year-round, and depending on where you want to go and what you want to do, the summer or winter months may be preferable for you, but we have always found the off-season months to be the best time to visit France.
Of course, if you’re looking to visit the Christmas markets in Paris, then visit in December. If you want to soak up every inch of sun on the French Riviera, then visit in July!
Just be prepared for everything to be a bit more expensive and for there to be a lot more people everywhere you go.
If you’re heading to France, or even just Paris for that matter, knowing some French is polite and also fun and rewarding! Check out my French language articles below to kick start your language learning journey!
33+ Ways to Say Thank You in French (with Audio)
What Time Is It in French 11+ Ways: How to Ask and Tell Time in French
How to Say Nice to Meet You in French 15+ Ways
1-10 in French: Learn to Count from 1-10+ in French (with Pronunciations)
Saying No in French 30+ Ways (& Audio Pronunciation)
Good Morning in French: 17 Helpful French Greetings
“Good Night” in French 15+ Ways
Merry Christmas in French 17+ Ways
No matter what your reason is for wanting to visit Paris, the bottom line is you want to have an enjoyable experience that keeps you wishing you were back enjoying a glass of wine on the cobblestoned streets of Montmartre!
With this complete guide, you are bound to have a fantastic trip designed with the best time to visit Paris for you in mind! And if you aren’t quite sure if Paris is the right vacation for you, check out these 25 reasons to visit Paris.
