Best time to visit Paris

What is the best time to visit Paris ?

Best time to visit Paris : When planning a trip to Paris, one of your questions is likely to be. Every season in Paris is delightful, the best time to visit Paris is Spring but not only !

When visiting Paris depends on :

  • Your budget, flights and hotels are pricy in high seasons
  • Your tolerance for large crowds during Spring in particular
  • Your resistance to the coldness even though this is not Québec
  • And your aspirations if you want to feel Christmas magic in Paris

In fact, every season in Paris has its charms, Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter.

Weather in Paris for best time to visit

Place Vendôme Christmas in Paris

  • Fall and Winter

Paris has cold and slightly damp winters, with temperatures between 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit) and lows of approximately 0 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit). Snow isn’t frequent but can happen after December up to March. November can be cold but beautiful during Fall, while December is magic but dark as the days get shorter. Christmastime in Paris is a lively time in the capital. The most beautiful city has its famous monuments illuminated for the season, as well as department stores, institutions, boutiques… Activities and events take over the city, offering magical memories for everyone. Choose  “Private Car Service” in option if you feel so for winter time.

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  • Spring and Summer

March and April are sort of chilly, but temperatures can break into the 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit). In May, temperatures slowly but surely climbing into the 20 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit). Summers are typically pleasantly warm, with temperatures rarely exceeding 28 degrees Celsius (85 degrees Fahrenheit). June is the perfect month for temperature. During August, Parisians are on vacation so “only travelers” are walking across the streets of Paris. You may find some boutiques and restaurants closed. However, all museums, landmarks and big institutions will stay opened. During this month, Paris is peaceful and very sunny. Lots of Summer activities around the Seine River are available.

Ask for our Personalized Itinerary with our Paris Private Tour Guide  for any season of the year !

Rain and Coldness

Paris does not have much rain across the seasons in comparison to other places in France. The rainiest places of France are the Pyrénées, the French Alps, Britany and Normandy. The rainiest places in the world are Mawsynram in India, Hong Kong, Portland in USA, Rotterdam in Netherlands, Edinburgh in Scotland and Cologne in Germany.

The city of lights, even in the rain or coldness, has fabulous things to do in Paris. You could be enjoying one of the best hot chocolates in a legendary site, rejoice a tremendous exhibition in the Louvre museum, go to a movie in English on the Champs-Elysées (Paris has spectacular movie theaters), Paris shopping in fabulous department stores, take cooking classes in Paris, have a wine tasting Paris workshop or enjoy inside the magnificence of Paris churches…

Every year, we have “Indian summer” during September up to October. During this time, flights and hotels prices are not in high seasons. All year long, Paris is full of beauty, life and lights.

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Best time to visit & high season in Paris

So you would think that the best time to visit Paris is during low season ? Not necessary as we see for all the reasons above. High Season in Paris is from June through mid-September and Mid-to-late December. Paris is most dense with tourists during summer and during the December for Christmas time magic.

Never forget one thing, Paris is a big city. Paris is the most populated city and the capital of France. The city of lights is one of the most visited city in the world and the most beautiful as well ! Moreover, France is the most visited country in the world.

  • Population within Paris 2,190,327 inhabitants (2016)
  • Population with urban areas 12,568,755 inhab. (2016)
  • The Eiffel Tower 7 million visitors in 2018
  • The Louvre Museum 10 million visitors in 2018 (world record)
  • The Palace of Versailles 8 million visitors in 2018
  • Fondation Louis Vuitton 1,5 million visitors per year
  • Disneyland Paris 9 million visitors per year
  • Sacred Heart Basilica in Montmartre 10 million visitors per year
  • Approximately 13 million per year visit Notre Dame

Around 30 million people in total visited the Greater Paris area, according to the observatory of the Paris tourist office in 2018. By arriving during low season, you will be somehow safe from long lines at museums, landmarks, restaurants, ask us to plan your trip to Paris.

Best time to visit Paris

January: A Peaceful Winter Escape

  • Weather: Cold (3–7 °C), occasional snow

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €70 – 120
     • Mid-range: ~ €150 – 250
     • Luxury: €300+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     From North America: ~$400–500 USD (~€370–460) is typical for economy in low season.
     From Europe: often ~€80–200 depending on distance and carrier.

  • Crowds: Very light; museums and landmarks are quiet

  • Events: New Year celebrations, Paris Fashion Week in late January

February: Romance in Bloom

  • Weather: Cold but slightly milder (4–9 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €80 – 130
     • Mid-range: ~ €160 – 270
     • Luxury: €320+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     North America: similar to January, perhaps slightly higher around Valentine’s time
     Europe: often still in off-peak range

  • Crowds: Moderate; quieter than peak seasons

  • Events: Valentine’s Day, Chinese New Year

March: The First Signs of Spring

  • Weather: Chilly but improving (6–13 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €90 – 140
     • Mid-range: ~ €170 – 280
     • Luxury: €330+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     North America: ~$420–550 USD (~€390–510)
     Europe: still moderate, often under €200 for many routes

  • Crowds: Still manageable; before Easter rush

  • Events: Paris Half Marathon, International Agricultural Show

April The Best Season to Experience Paris

Blossoms and Gentle Breezes

  • Weather: Mild and pleasant (8–16 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €100 – 150
     • Mid-range: ~ €180 – 300
     • Luxury: €350+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     North America: higher than winter, perhaps ~$450–600
     Europe: moderate to high depending on route

  • Crowds: Growing—especially around Easter

  • Events: Easter, Art Paris Art Fair

May: Spring at Its Best

  • Weather: Mild (11–20 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €110 – 160
     • Mid-range: ~ €190 – 320
     • Luxury: €370+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     From North America: ~$500–650 USD (≈ €460–600)
     From Europe: increasing with spring travel demand

  • Crowds: Increasing, especially near holidays

  • Events: French Open (Roland-Garros), Nuit des Musées

June: Summer’s Early Charm

  • Weather: Warm (14–24 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €120 – 180
     • Mid-range: ~ €200 – 350
     • Luxury: €400+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     North America: ~$550–700 USD (~€500–630)
     Europe: fairly high as summer begins

  • Crowds: More crowded; lines at museums grow

  • Events: Fête de la Musique, outdoor cinemas

July: Summer in Full Swing

  • Weather: Hot (17–27 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €140 – 200
     • Mid-range: ~ €230 – 380
     • Luxury: €450+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     Peak season surcharges apply — ~$600–800+ USD (~€550–730)
     Flights to Europe are particularly expensive in July.

  • Crowds: Very high; museums, landmarks, restaurants packed

  • Events: Bastille Day (July 14), Tour de France finale

August: A Quieter Paris (Locals on Holiday my best time to visit Paris)

  • Weather: Warm (16–26 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €120 – 170
     • Mid-range: ~ €190 – 330
     • Luxury: €400+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     Still high due to summer demand, though late August may see slight declines.

  • Crowds & Local Effects:
     Many Parisians leave the city in August, so neighborhoods feel calmer. However, tourist zones and major museums (e.g. the Louvre) remain busy. Some shops, cafés, and restaurants in residential areas may close for vacation.

  • Events: Paris Plages (temporary beaches along the Seine)

September: Tranquil Late Summer (my best time to travel)

  • Weather: Cooling down (13–22 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €100 – 160
     • Mid-range: ~ €180 – 300
     • Luxury: €350+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     Better deals than summer; flights start to dip.

  • Crowds: Much more comfortable—many tourists depart, local life resumes

  • Events: European Heritage Days, Paris Fashion Week (late September)

October: Autumn Colors and Culture

  • Weather: Crisp air (9–17 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €90 – 150
     • Mid-range: ~ €170 – 280
     • Luxury: €330+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     Economy fares often fall back to off-peak levels

  • Crowds: Moderate—cultural tourism becomes focal

  • Events: Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, Nuit Blanche

November: A Cozy Cultural Break

  • Weather: Chilly (5–11 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Budget: ~ €80 – 130
     • Mid-range: ~ €150 – 240
     • Luxury: €300+

  • Flights (round-trip):
     Lower fares—winter is among the cheaper times to fly to Europe.

  • Crowds: Light—ideal for museums, cafés, cultural exploration

  • Events: Armistice Day (Nov 11), Paris Photo fair

December Perfect Time to See Paris

A Festive Parisian Winter

  • Weather: Cold (3–7 °C)

  • Hotels & Prices:
     • Early/mid-December: ~ €100 – 160 (budget), €180 – 300 (mid-range), €350+ (luxury)
     • Around Christmas/New Year: prices spike—expect 20–50 % or more above normal

  • Flights (round-trip):
     Christmas and New Year’s travel drive up fares significantly.
     From the U.S., fares might rise to ~$700–900+ USD (≈ €640–820) or more in peak days.

  • Crowds: Festive hotspots busy (markets, shops), though many museums remain accessible

  • Events: Christmas markets, New Year’s Eve celebrations

So the best time to visit Paris is really up to you !

Ultimately, the best time to visit depends on your priorities—whether you value lower costs, quieter streets, romantic charm, or lively summer energy. Paris is captivating year-round, and each season paints the city in a different, unforgettable light. Planning your trip with the weather, crowd levels, and seasonal events in mind will help you make the most of your Parisian adventure.

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