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Best Time and Season to Visit Paris: Complete Guide

Team AckoMay 13, 2024

The best time to visit Paris is during the summer, which is between June and August. These are the best months to go to Paris to enjoy its pleasant weather and relatively longer days. However, European summer—July and August—is also considered the high season and thus expensive. But this is not the end; there are also some less-known high seasons that you should be aware of while going to Paris, like Christmas, Easter, and Valentine's Day in February, which are some of the best days in Europe. These are some defined seasonal occasions; however, if you are flexible enough and have less preference for festivals, there are ways to get cheaper travel, which we’ll discuss in our Paris's Best Time to Visit guide.

Contents

When is the Best Time to Visit Paris from India?
Best Season to Visit Paris
Learn more about the best time of the year to visit Paris
Frequently asked questions

When is the Best Time to Visit Paris from India?

The months of May, June and September are the best time to visit Paris from India. During May and June, the summer heat is at its peak in India, and the kids also have their summer vacation. The weather in Paris around this time is mild and ideal for being outdoors. Peak summer months (July and August) in Paris can be too intense for Indians to enjoy a fun holiday. Also, accommodation and flight prices are high in Paris during the summer.

However, Paris is, of course, one of the most expensive city gateways, so planning a trip can break the bank if not done in the proper way. To help you get a better idea, we've put together a detailed form that tells you when is the best time to go to Paris, along with a season-wise guide.

Best Season to Visit Paris

Here’s a breakdown of the best seasons to visit Paris, each divided into peak, shoulder and low.

June/July/August Peak Season in Paris

June to August is considered the peak season in Paris. It is the best time to visit Paris to be outdoors and relax in parks and beaches, and the days are longer and more sunny. The city comes to life with many outdoor concerts and movie screenings, and you can explore the different neighbourhoods in Paris, enjoy some delicious street food, enjoy coffee at an outside cafe, and enjoy wine and cheese with a magnificent view of the Eiffel Tower. Summers are considered to be the best time of year to visit Paris, so advance planning is advisable. Be prepared to deal with hordes of tourists at major destinations and high room and flight rates.

What is the weather like?

The average temperature in Paris during peak season ranges in the mid-twenties.

Fun things to do.

Paris is famous for its summer sales, when many stores, even high-fashion boutiques, have huge discounts. Stop by local places like Marche Bourse, Marche Bastille, and Marche d'Aligre for some fresh stuff.
If you are in Paris, you could go to the Paris-Plage event held next to the Seine River's banks. This is organised every year from July to August, and you can find plenty of snacks and drinks close by.
One of Paris's greatest attractions at this time of year is the outdoor music festivals. Fête de la Musique, Lollapalooza Paris, and the Paris Jazz Festival are some of the most famous. You can also visit open-air cinemas on the Parc de La Villette lawn.

You shouldn’t miss these fun summer events if you are visiting Paris:

Summertime in Paris is full of festivals and special events. In June, you can participate in the We Love Green music festival, the Paris Pride Parade, Fete de la Musique, and the French Open. On July 14, "Bastille Day," people in Paris will be out with their flags. In August, the city hosts an open-air rock music festival and holidays like Liberation Day and Assumption Day.

Pros of going to Paris during the peak season:

Longer days and warm weather.
The best time to attend musical events and festivals.

Cons of going to Paris during the peak season:

Places can be extremely crowded during these months.
Higher costs for accommodations and flights.

April/May/September/October Shoulder Season in Paris

Spring (April, May) and autumn (September, October) are Paris’s shoulder seasons. These months fall at the beginning and end of the peak tourist season in Paris. Many travellers consider the shoulder season to be the best season to visit Paris, as you get to enjoy good weather with fewer crowds. While you can enjoy beautiful flowers and tree-lined boulevards during spring, autumn colours and foliage are equally mind-blowing. Paris weather is pleasant around this time, with a slight snip in the air.

What is the weather like?

The average temperature during the shoulder season in Paris ranges from 12 degrees to 22 degrees Celsius.

Fun things to do.

In the autumn, the Rodin Museum gardens are worth visiting, and the best part is that you can pay as you like, as the garden has free admission year-round.
An autumn picnic at the Eiffel Tower in Paris is something that you should absolutely try doing. Not at the tower itself but rather at the Champ de Mars, which is the largest park in the city of Paris and where the celebration will take place. Have some of your favourite pizza and wine, and relax and enjoy the day.
You will definitely enjoy the Paris Marathon in the spring. This exciting challenge is held every April, where almost 60,000 runners from all over the world take on a 42 km route through the city.

You shouldn’t miss these fun events if you are visiting Paris:

The renowned Banlieues Bleues Festival a centuries-old tradition to celebrate the jazz music genre. Although the festival days may fluctuate, they generally happen in the spring.
The Foire du Trône is a giant fair, and it takes place at the Pelouse de Reuilly in the city's 12th arrondissement throughout the months of April and May. It is a family-friendly event that will keep both children and adults entertained.

Pros of going to Paris during the shoulder season:

Fewer crowds, lower prices for flight tickets, accommodations, and various travel expenses compared to the peak summer season.
Pleasant weather—not too hot or cold; longer days—more daylight hours.

Cons of going to Paris during the shoulder season:

Weather during the shoulder season can be unpredictable.
Some festivals and cultural events are specific to the summer season.

November to March Low or Off-season in Paris

The winter months, from November to March, are considered the low season in Paris. However, around Christmas to the first week of January, the city lights up for the festivities, and this time of year is a little expensive. After the celebrations, Paris gets a little sleepy. These are also the cheapest months to visit Paris and are known to be the best time to visit Paris on a budget. Most tourist sites are quieter, and you can get good deals on hotels and flight tickets. Paris's weather is rainy, chilly, and snowy during the low season.

What is the weather like?

The average temperature during the winter season in Paris ranges between zero degrees to 8 degree Celsius.

Fun things to do.

If you want to travel in the winter, you have to go ice skating at the Patinoire Pailleron. It is a remodelled Art Deco sports complex with an ice rink that is 800 metres long. There are a lot of ice rinks like this in Paris, but this one is a must-visit.
One of Paris’s biggest attractions in the winter is the Montmartre Train Tour. There is no better way to see the city of Paris than this. It will take you about forty minutes to get to the beautiful neighbourhood of Montmartre by train.

You shouldn’t miss these winter events if you are visiting Paris:

Do not miss the concerts with candles, the concert on New Year's Eve, or the concert on the Eiffel Tower on Christmas Day!

Pros of going to Paris during the off-season:

Fewer crowds, lower costs, cooler weather.

Cons of going to Paris during the off-season:

It can rain often.

Best month to visit Paris

Spring in Paris (March to May):

March is the month when Paris transitions from winter to spring, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 13°C. In April, the city bursts with colour as cherry blossoms bloom, and temperatures rise to an average of 8°C to 16°C. May is considered the best time to visit Paris, with pleasant temperatures ranging from 11°C to 19°C and long daylight hours.

Summer in Paris (June to August):

June marks the summer season and the beginning of peak tourist season in Paris, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 22°C. July and August are typically the hottest months, with temperatures 16°C to 26°C, making them perfect for outdoor activities. However, tourism season peaks during these months, so expect large crowds.

Autumn in Paris (September to November):

Autumn in Paris is characterised by cooler temperatures, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 21°C in September to 6°C to 12°C in November. September is considered to be the shoulder season in Paris, and this time of the year is perfect for leisurely walks. With fewer tourists, the city returns to its local rhythm, making it an excellent time to experience Paris as a local.

Winter in Paris (December to February):

Winter in Paris brings cold temperatures and festive cheer. December sees temperatures ranging from 3°C to 7°C, with the city bustling with holiday events and activities like ice skating rinks and Christmas markets. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from 0°C to 12°C, making it ideal for indoor activities like visiting museums and enjoying cosy cafes. While January is a cheap month for tourists, the beginning of the month sees a lot more because of the New Year and December is a busy month for Christmas celebrations.

Learn more about the best time of the year to visit Paris

When is the cheapest time to visit Paris?

The cheapest time to visit Paris is early December, mid-January, and February. These are the off-season months, as the weather in Paris is harsh for being outdoors. Also, the shoulder season months of April, May and September to November are also considered the cheapest time to travel to Paris, as the number of tourists drastically drops during this time, and you can find good deals on hotels and flights.

When is the most expensive time to visit Paris?

The most expensive time to visit Paris is during the peak tourist months, from June to August. The high season begins post-Easter to mid-September, then another week around Christmas. If you are planning to visit Paris during the summer, then make all your bookings in advance and be prepared to stand in long lines at all the major tourist sites.

When is the best time to go to Paris for good weather?

The spring season (April and May) and autumn (September and November) are the best times to go to Paris for good weather. This falls under the shoulder season, so this is also the best time to visit Paris for thinner crowds.

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Frequently asked questions

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Paris with family?

The best time to visit Paris with family is spring and early fall. So the months of April to June and September and early October are ideal for Paris with family. The weather is mild, the crowd is less, and the lines at attractions are shorter. Both spring and early fall are perfect for relaxing and spending time with kids in the park. Even if you plan to visit Paris Disneyland, you won’t be sweating and dealing with the intense summer heat.

Is it a good time to go to Paris in December?

Yes, December is a good time to visit Paris if you can deal with the cold weather. The city feels like a winter wonderland in December, with fewer crowds, cosy cafes, enchanting lights and decorations, Christmas markets and cultural programmes. Many consider December to be one of the most magical times to visit Paris. Did you know that the Eiffel Tower is the only Paris attraction that remains open to visitors all year round? So bundle up and enjoy your winter break in Paris.

How many days is enough to visit Paris?

At the very least, plan to spend 3 wonderful days in Paris. But 5 to 7 days would be ideal, especially if it is your first trip to Paris. It is a big city, and you need time to visit some of the most amazing attractions and key landmarks and walk around various neighbourhoods. There are also many day trip options around Paris. If you like exploring a new place at a leisurely pace, try spending a week in Paris.

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Disclaimer: The content on this page is generic and shared only for informational and explanatory purposes. It is based on several secondary sources on the internet, and is subject to changes.