Best Time to Visit Paris (2026)
Paris is beautiful in every season, but spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) offer the most pleasant combination of weather, manageable crowds, and lower prices than peak summer.
Green ✓ = Best months · Red = Consider avoiding
Paris Travel Guides
July–August
Summer is the most popular but also the most crowded and expensive. Many Parisians leave the city — some restaurants close.
April–June & September–October
The real best times: pleasant temperatures, blooming parks, open restaurants, manageable tourist numbers.
November–March
Grey and cool, but dramatically fewer tourists and much cheaper. Christmas markets are wonderful.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Weather | Avg Temp | Rain | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Cold & grey | 5°C | Moderate | Low | Budget |
| Feb | Cold, some sun | 6°C | Moderate | Low | Budget |
| Mar | Cool, spring starts | 11°C | Moderate | Low | Mid |
| AprBest | Mild & lovelyParks bloom, café terraces open | 14°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| MayBest | Warm & beautifulBest overall month | 18°C | Moderate | High | Peak |
| JunBest | Warm & pleasantFête de la Musique June 21 | 21°C | Moderate | High | Peak |
| Jul | Hot & sunnyBastille Day July 14 — many restaurants closed | 24°C | Low | High | Peak |
| Aug | Hot & sunnyMany Parisians on holiday — some closures | 24°C | Low | High | Peak |
| SepBest | Warm & goldenExcellent shoulder month | 19°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| OctBest | Cool & atmosphericAutumn colours in parks | 13°C | Moderate | Moderate | Mid |
| Nov | Cool & grey | 8°C | High | Low | Budget |
| Dec | Cold & festiveChristmas markets + lights on Champs-Élysées | 5°C | Moderate | Moderate | Peak |
Key Events & Festivals
Roland Garros (French Open)
The world's premier clay court tennis tournament at Stade Roland Garros. Book tickets months in advance.
Bastille Day
France's national day — military parade on Champs-Élysées and spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
Fête de la Musique
Free outdoor concerts in streets, parks, and courtyards across all of Paris — every musical genre imaginable.
Planning Tips
May is Paris at its absolute best — warm, blossoming, lively, before summer crowds peak
August sees many neighbourhood restaurants close as Parisians holiday — check opening hours
Book the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Versailles online at least 2–3 weeks ahead regardless of season
Paris fashion weeks (March and October) cause hotel prices to spike sharply — book early if visiting then
Plan your Paris trip
Paris Packing List
What to pack for your Paris trip — by season and category