The Best Time to Visit Paris is definitely a top visited city in the world with millions of travelers flocking in every year. Whether taking a casual walk along the Champs-Elysées or gazing at the Eiffel Tower or a bite of a croissant at a sidewalk café, Paris has a magic to the city. But when is the perfect time to travel to Paris? It really just depends on other factors including weather, planned activities and personal tastes. Use this seasonal guide to plan the best time to make your pilgrimage to Paris.

1.Paris in Spring (March – May)

Spring can be one of the best times to visit Paris. The city starts to thaw out from the winter’s grip, and the weather is mild and lovely. Temperatures in Paris during spring hover between 50°F and 64°F, ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities! The blooming flowers in the parks and gardens of this magnificent city make the romance of Paris in spring even more romantic, such as the famous Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg.

Why Spring is the Best Time:

• Nice weather: Spring has cool but comfortable temperatures, perfect for sightseeing without the scorching summer heat.
• Gorgeous views: The flowers are in full bloom, making for beautiful scenes around town. The cherry blossoms are in full bloom, particularly in the parks and along the Seine River.
• Less tourists: Fewer crowds descend on Paris in spring versus summer so lines for top attractions like the Louvre and Eiffel Tower are also shorter.
• Spring events: there are many May, April and June events in Paris: the Paris Marathon in April (April 4, 2021) and the Festival of Music in June give visiting tourists a taste of culture.

Things to Do in Spring:

• Picnics in the park: Now that the weather is heating up it’s an ideal time to pack a panier and enjoy a picnic in one of Paris’s stunning parks. And don’t forget to grab some fresh baguettes, cheese and wine from local markets.
• Walk in the gardens: Paris has beautiful gardens like the Tuileries Garden and the garden of Luxembourg that are at their best in spring. Stroll through well-maintained lawns and see vivid colored flowers in bloom.

2.The Parisian summer (June – August)

Summer: Some may associate summertime with sweaty bodies while walking on the streets of-Paris. This is prime tourist season, and the city is teeming with visitors from all over the globe. The temperatures hover between 18°C – 25°C (64°F – 77°F) on average, and it sometimes goes even higher, which is perfect for outdoor activities such as picnics, boat rides along the river Seine or sitting in the terrace of outdoor cafés.

Why Summer is the Best Time:

• Bustling environment: Summer is also a dynamic time to enjoy Paris. The outdoors cafés, bars and restaurants are packed, and street performers are entertaining hordes at some of the city’s most popular tourist destinations. The balmy evenings are ideal for a cocktail by the Seine or an open-air concert.
• Long days: With daylight until about 9:30 PM, you can get more time to see the city’s iconic sights, such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral and Montmartre. The late sunsets let you schedule your sightseeing how you want.
• Festivals and activities: Paris serves up a full summer of festivities, with the annual Fête de la Musique (June 21), Bastille Day parties (July 14) and the Paris Jazz Festival. These occasions provide an opportunity for visitors to get up close and personal with the city’s vibrant culture and history.

Things to Do in Summer:

• Go to festivals: If you love music, the Fête de la Musique is when musicians in France play in the streets, parks and other public places. The Bastille Day fireworks are also not to be missed if you are in Paris on the 14th of July.
• Seine Cruise: The lazy days of summer are the best ones to hop on a boat and sail tranquilly down the Seine River. It gives you views of famous sights like Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral as the summer sun warms your body.

3.Fall in Paris (September-November)

Fall is another great time to visit Paris. The temperature begins to drop, in the range of 11°C (51.8°F) and 18°C (64.4°F). The summer hordes dissipate, and it is the perfect season for travelers looking for a more slow-paced visit. Plus, Paris’s parks and gardens are bedecked in beautiful autumn colour.

Why Autumn is the Best Time:

• Great timing for sightseeing: The fall weather is pleasant; and the city’s main attractions will be less crowded than during the summer, so you can explore at your own pace. You’re able to leisurely stroll through areas such as Le Marais or the Latin Quarter without getting overrun with tourists.
• Gorgeous autumnal hues: The parks, gardens and tree-lined streets of Paris will be filled with gorgeous fall colours that will look beautiful in your holiday snaps.
• Cheap travel: Once the high season wraps up, prices for accommodations tend to fall off in autumn. Flights are typically cheaper as well than in high summer season, so it is a more budget-friendly time to go to Paris.

Things to Do in Autumn:

• Go to the parks: The Jardin des Plantes, Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, and Bois de Boulogne are some parks where you can walk around and see the leaves change alongside some cool, crisp air.
• Wine tasting: Autumn is when the grapes are harvested, which means it’s an excellent time to go wine tasting. Stop by a Parisian wine bar and sip on some of France’s outstanding local wine, particularly if it’s from the nearby Burgundy or Bordeaux regions.

4.Paris Winter (December through February)

Winters are usually cold in Paris, with temperatures between 3°C to 7°C (37- 45°F). It may not be the most popular time to travel to the city, but, for those not averse to feeling the chill in the air, it’s a magical one. The festive season in Stalls in Paraparesis Steals a revelry of twinkling lights, decorations and events in all corners of the city, at Christmas in particular.

Why Winter is the Best Time:

• Holiday magic: Paris, at Christmastime and for New Year’s, is magic. The city glows with beautiful holiday lights, and the Christmas markets at sites such as Les Hales and the Champs-Élysées are a treat. The decorations at monuments like the Eiffel Tower and the Galerius Lafayette are out of this world.
• Less tourists: Winter is the low season in Paris, so you won’t have to elbow your way through large crowds to see the city’s must-see monuments. Museums and galleries are less crowded, and there’s time to discover them.
• Cozy cafes and indoor attractions: Winter is an ideal time to visit some of Paris’s indoor treasures — like the Louvre, the Muse d’Orsay, and the Muse de orangeries. In such cold times, a nice hot drink in a cozy café is the ideal escape.

Things to Do in Winter:

• Take in Christmas markets: If you’re going to be in Paris during the winter months, the Christmas markets shouldn’t be missed. From charming markets located all over the city, you will be able to buy seasonal goodies, handmade gifts, and hot drinks.
• Ice skating: The capital has a number of outdoor ice rinks that pop up in winter, like the rink at Hôtel de Ville, in the shadow of the Eiffel Tower. These are all great options for getting out there and having some winter outdoor fun.

5.Best Time for Budget Travelers

When is the best time to visit Paris on a budget? If you’re a smart budget traveler, consider visiting Paris in the shoulder seasons, which are spring and fall. You will get cheaper accommodation, less number of tourists and it will be cool weather. Moreover, if you choose to fly, airlines generally have sales that will save you cash while providing you with a phenomenal experience in the City of Light.

6.Weather in Paris during the Year

So before I get to when to visit Paris, let’s break down the weather by season throughout the year. The climate of Paris is moderate and influenced by the Atlantic Ocean: winters are relatively mild (between 3°C and 8°C); summers are warm, with an average temperature of 20°C; and spring and autumn are seasons with moderate temperatures. The weather will heavily influence what you are able to do and how it is.

Winter in Detail (December Through February):

It is not uncommon for winters in Paris to be chilly, but they are usually mild in comparison with many European cities. It rarely gets snow, but there is in precedent, frost can hit the ground and the temperature can go below freezing during cold streaks. Winters in the city are mild most of the time, but make sure to pack warm clothes, particularly if walking around in the cold. And cooler temperatures make for a quieter Paris life, allowing you to discover its beauty with fewer crowds.

And with the winter come fewer outdoor activities, which gets many tourists thinking about indoor attractions of the city. Spend time at the museums, art galleries, and historical sites. Many of the establishments also have snug indoor dining spaces, so it is a time to tuck into hearty French dishes and hot drinks too.

The Details of Spring (March to May):

Spring brings Paris to life. “There are cold days in March, but by the time it’s April and May, it’s getting hotter, and flowers begin to bloom. With temperatures creeping into the 10°C-15°C (50°F-59°F) range, it’s a great season to visit some of the city’s outdoor sights. Paris in spring is particularly enticing because there are so many flowers in the gardens and fresh green in the parks.

The weather is mostly mild … but it can still be a bit of a mystery. It does rain here and there, so I would recommend bringing an umbrella. Spring coincides with the beginning of the outdoor festival and market season, so it can be festive time for a visit if you’re interested in Paris’s cultural offerings.

Summer Month by Month (June to August):

The climate in Paris in Summer is warm, but not too hot. It never gets much hotter than 18°C-25°C (64°F-77°F) and even at moments of heatwave the temperature doesn’t get much beyond that. Daylight stretches into the evening, offering tourists plenty of opportunities for outdoor activity and letting Paris’s street life prosper. Open-air cinemas provide an electric atmosphere, with outdoor festivals and events.

But Paris in summer can be packed, and you’ll be greeted by long lines at popular tourist destinations. It’s also a time when hotel prices and flights tend to increase in price, so planning in advance can help prevent you from spending a fortune.

Aside from the higher price point, summer in Paris allows you to see the landmarks of the city including the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame Cathedral, and Montmartre against a gorgeous blue sky. People who crave the high-energy pulse of a city will feel right at home in Paris.

Autumn Breakdown (September to November):

Arguably the most pleasant season in Paris to visit is Fall. The city adopts a different face, as summer crowds start to dissipate. September is hot, but by October the cool, crisp air begins, making it the perfect time to uncover the outside spaces of Paris.

Paris in the autumn is characterized by beautiful fall foliage that covers the city’s parks and tree-lined boulevards. The fall light is often soft and golden, great for photos. The cool, calm weather is perfect for leisurely strolls through the Marais, sitting at cafes and soaking up the city’s charm.

Autumn also means a series of culinary events — it’s the harvest season in France. Farmers markets abound across the city, offering fresh produce such as apples, pumpkins, and squash, so it is an all-around great season for foodies.

Paris in the Off-Season:

Aside from the seasons, when you visit Paris is another important parameter that you may want to take into account. Summer is definitely tourist season, but autumn and winter are the off-season, and give a flavor on Paris in a different way.

Like a lot of destinations, it’s cheaper in the off-season, both for hotels and flights. It’s also a time when the most famous Parisian landmarks are more sparsely peopled, so you can visit attractions more leisurely. If you’re not a fan of the swarms that jam into the city during peak season, traveling to Paris in the off season is a unique way to experience the real Paris.

Conclusion: When’s The Best Time to Visit Paris For You?

When to the best time to visit Paris really depends on your personality. The best balance of better weather and less crowds is achieve in spring or fall, although for those looking to experience the city’s energy, summer is the optimal season. For a more intimate affair, try winter, when the festive spirit and understated glamour make it just lovely.

That being said, no matter when you go, you won’t be able to resist the allure of the City of Light. Be it wandering through the gardens in spring, enjoying an outdoor café in the summer or gawping at festive lights in the winter, Paris is one of those cities that will woo you all year long.