Best time to visit Paris

Best time to visit Paris

The streets of Paris are filled with something to do all year through. So for all practical purposes, any time is the best time to visit Paris. From food carnivals, fun activities, wine tasting, street shows, and more, there is so much to be explored and enjoyed in Paris. All four seasons (yes, Paris has four distinct seasons) offer something interesting and charming that makes your holiday to this city really special.

If this is your first time in Paris, you will be advised by all to visit in springtime when the weather is at its best. The sun is bright and warm, the days are long and you can enjoy walking about the Parisian streets enjoying the city like the locals do. However, this is also when the city has the most crowds, prices are higher, and you might not be able to enjoy the city at your pace.

Depending on what your interests are, you could perhaps find another season to be more suitable to your tastes. Yes, each season has its pros and cons and through this article we will help you decide the best season to visit Paris for you.

Overall the weather is always mild in Paris. Summers never get too hot, and the winters are never below freezing. Springtime, from the months of March to May is the most pleasant season, followed by summer which is between June and August. Autumn is from October to November and that is when it starts to get cold and wet, but the weather is still good to visit with its own charm. Winter is not too cold in Paris. The temperature in the months of December, January and February never goes below freezing and it simple feels cold because of the low humidity levels.

Paris is a beautiful city that everyone must visit at least once. Whether you are traveling with a group of friends or as a family there is plenty to do and see here.

Peak Season (March-August)

Spring and summer are best times to visit Paris. The weather is perfect for sightseeing and there are numerous festivals that the city hosts to add to the cheer. If you want to enjoy Paris as the Parisians do, then these six months are ideal for a visit.

Shoulder Season (September-November)

There is a slight nip in the air and the clouds are heavier with rain, but the city still welcomes all. This is when the crowds start to thin, and you could consider this a good time to visit Paris.

Low Season (December-February)

Winters in Paris are cold and wet. But there is an ethereal beauty to the city when it snows. The city is never hampered by frost and snow usually clears in a day or two. The magic of celebrating Christmas in Paris is every traveller’s dream and you can easily make it happen by planning a winter holiday here.

Paris in Spring (March - May)

Temperature: Avg. of 19 degrees high to 04 degrees low

Weather: Paris during spring season is an uncertain time. The weather changes subtly all through the day and while it is fairly warm during the day, it gets cooler as the evening progresses. As we move closer towards May, it begins to get warmer. Rain is a constant feature but the streets dry up as quickly as they get wet. Days are nice and long, and you get to spend more time outdoors. This is undoubtedly the best climate to visit Paris.

Significant events: This is the time for outdoor sports. You can watch the French Open if you are in Paris around the third week of May. But before that, the city gears up for the Paris Marathon, where thousands of Parisians run 26+ miles. This is a great season to have outdoor picnics, and you can make yourself comfortable in any of the many gardens that dot the city. The highlight of this season is the Foire du Trône, a funfair of unprecedented proportions, and perhaps the oldest too. Rides, food, music and fireworks will keep everyone enthralled.

Why you should visit now: Paris is beautiful in this season. The weather, the festivities and the people all conspire to make your holiday spectacular.

Know before you visit: This is one of the most popular times to be in Paris, so expect very high rates everywhere you go. Book in advance to not get disappointed.

Tips: Carry your rain gear and be ready to shift plans at a moment’s notice.

Paris in Summer (June - August)

Temperature: Avg. of 24 degrees high to 13 degrees low

Weather: Comfortably warm and inviting, that’s how one would describe Paris in summer. The days are sunny and long so you can take your time walking about the city, taking in all the sights. There is an air of festivity all around since exams are done and youngsters and families alike are out on the streets. You can expect summer thunderstorms and we recommend you pack your clothes according to this weather in summer season of Paris.

Significant events: Paris welcomes summer with its Tropical Carnival of Paris. It’s almost like the entire city has been waiting for a chance to come out on the streets and enjoy the floats, the costumes and the whole shebang. Music lovers can sit back and please their senses at Solidays and the We Love Green festivals, both of which are related to a social cause, as well as Fête de la Musique, which is celebrated as Music Day in Paris. Movie buffs can enjoy curated movies at the La Villette Outdoor Movie Theatre.

Why you should visit now: This is one of the most popular times to visit Paris because of the weather and the festivities. Nowhere else can you enjoy a summer holiday as you do in Paris.

Know before you visit: The city is crowded in summer. Kids, youngsters, families and tourists all make a beeline for the sites and attractions of Paris in these months. The lines are longer and the ticket rates are also higher.

Tips: Most of Paris is not air-conditioned. So it can get unpleasant when it gets hot. Make sure your accommodation has air conditioning so you can relax in comfort.

Paris in Autumn (September to November)

Temperature: Avg. of 21 degrees high to 05 degrees low

Weather: You can say au revoir to summer humidity as autumn starts to make its appearance. The heat less and so are the crowds. Weather in autumn season of Paris is still good for sightseeing; however the days have started to get shorter. It still rains and as you get closer to October, the temperature will begin to dip suddenly, and the days are cool with the nights getting colder. Paris in fall is a beautiful city and you can get some amazing pictures of famous monuments with the autumn colours of trees.

Significant events: Paris gets generous with its monuments, that too for free. You will get access to many monuments, even those that are generally closed, during the European Heritage Days. You might want to participate (albeit from the sides) in La Parisienne, a race run mostly only by women to support the research on breast cancer. October allows you to see art like you’ve never seen before visit all through the night at the Nuit Blanche (All-nighter). Artists display their pieces across the city and you get to see this display for free. If you are in Paris in November, then you can taste the new wines of the yer at the Beaujolais nouveau.

Why you should visit now: The crowds are starting to disappear and you can have much of the city to yourself. The weather is getting cold but not a lot yet.

Know before you visit: Even though this is not peak tourist season, hotel rates are yet to go down. You will need to research carefully to find accommodation at a reasonable rate.

Tips: Keep a jacket with you always. Even if it’s sunny, there’s a chill in the air.

Paris in Winter (December to February)

Temperature: Avg. of 8 degrees high to 02 degrees low

Weather: Winter is finally here and even the trees have shed almost all their leaves now. The sun is leaving for its annual vacation and the days and nights are equally cold. Weather of Paris in winter season does not take away the beauty of Paris which looks just as stunning even when shrouded with a thin blanket of snow. The days are really short, with the sun setting by 5 pm daily.

Significant events: Paris in winter is breath-taking. You can simply spend hours walking about the streets of Paris looking at the attractive window displays of famous departmental stores like the Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Go ice skating in any of the temporary ice rinks that have been set up all across town. Hey, you can even ice skate on the first floor of the Eiffel. How’s that for a travel bucket list? There are several Christmas markets that spring up and you can just watch people passing by busy in their shopping while you sip a warm wine or have a hot chocolate. January is when Paris hosts its Fashion Week. Get first dibs on what the world of fashion has in store for the rest of us.

Why you should visit now: Paris is beautiful in winter buy not as popular with tourists, so you will have the best of views and spend minimum time at all attractions.

Know before you visit: Daylight is short, so you will need to plan and pack a lot of sightseeing in fewer hours.

Tips: It’s beautiful but it’s cold. Carry along plenty of warm clothes and a thick jacket.

No traveller will miss a chance to go to Paris. At Thomas Cook, we offer you curated Paris Tour Packages have been designed with the best of Paris to suit your discerning tastes. Our experts are standing by to help you in prepping and planning for your vacation to Paris. Whether it is assistance in ticket and hotel accommodation, visa or even currency needs, we are always ready to help you out to thebest of out abilities.