When planning a trip to Paris, one of your most pressing questions is likely to be "When is the best time to go?" If you're set to visit Paris for the first time, you may be persuaded that the much-lauded "Paris in the springtime" is the obvious choice-- but depending on your budget, tolerance for large crowds, and centers of interest, another time of year may suit you better.
Similarly, if you've been to Paris before, you may wonder whether a fall or winter visit will be worthwhile, given rumors of cold, bitter conditions and gloomy locals. The reality, though, is far more nuanced-- the winter holiday season in Paris offers plenty of light and celebration, and in the fall, events like the Montmartre Wine Harvest bring the city to life in a memorable way.
As a resident of the city of light, my own take is that every season here has its charms and pitfalls-- as anywhere else! Use this guide to help make an informed decision about when to visit Paris.
Paris in the Springtime
Pros:
- Colorful, poetic spring landscapes
- Boosted mood among locals
- Ambling or lazing outdoors for long stretches is again possible
- Paris' famed cafe terrace culture is back
- Air and train fares go up (Look for a travel package)
- You may need to book a hotel months in advance (Book now)
- Lines at popular Paris attractions are longer
- Allergy-prone or asthmatic visitors may suffer from high airborne pollen levels
- Explore Paris Parks and Gardens
- See the Best of Paris in 2 Days
- Most Romantic Paris Attractions
- Saint Patrick's Day Celebrations in Paris
Month-by-Month Guides to Paris in the Spring:
- Paris in March Weather Outlook, Packing Guide and Highlights
- March Events in Paris
- Paris in April Weather Outlook, Packing Guide and Highlights
- April Events in Paris
- Paris in May Weather Outlook, Packing Guide and Highlights
- May Events in Paris
Paris in the Summer
Pros:
- Prime time for festivals and great open-air events, many of them free
- Visitors virtually have the city to themselves as locals leave on vacation en masse
- Relaxed, carefree, and warm atmosphere
- Spike in airfares during peak season means reserving well ahead is a must (Look for a travel package)
- Attractions and public transport are often overcrowded
- Spells of rain or intense heat waves can ruin plans for outdoor activities-- and extreme heat can be dangerous for elderly or young visitors
- Paris Boat Tours
- Paris Walking Tours
- Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris
- Paris Street Music Festival
- Paris Plage (Paris Beach)
- Paris Gay Pride
Month-by-Month Guides to Paris in the Summer:
- Paris in June Weather Outlook, Packing Guide, and Highlights
- June Events in Paris
- Paris in July Weather Outlook, Packing Guide, and Highlights
- July Events in Paris
- Paris un August Weather Outlook, Packing Guide, and Highlights
- August Events in Paris
Paris in the Autumn
Pros:
- Airfares take a dip as low season returns (Look for a travel package)
- Booking a hotel at reasonable rates is less of a challenge (Book now)
- Paris gets a surge of new energy as locals return to business
- Festive celebrations and fall foliage
- In late October and November, days can be cold and dark
- Outdoor activities can be unpleasant in later part of season
- Parisians often exhibit SAD syndromes (Seasonal Affective Disorder)-- not always a cheery time around the city
- Stroll in Paris Parks and Gardens
- Vendanges de Montmartre (Montmartre Wine Harvest)
- Exploring Paris Museums and Galleries
- Shorter days means longer nights: Explore Paris Nightlife
- Cozy up with a good book and coffee in a Paris cafe
- Paris in September Weather Outlook, Packing Guide, and Highlights
- September Events in Paris
- Paris in October Weather Outlook, Packing Guide, and Highlights
- October Events in Paris
- Paris in November Weather Outlook, Packing Guide, and Highlights
- November Events in Paris
Paris in the Winter
Pros:
- Winter holidays, festivities and decorations bring a surreal magic to Paris
- Can be a romantic time to visit-- can be pleasant for a family trip too
- Low season means you have more of the city to yourself
- Cold, often rainy conditions and short days can be discouraging
- Some Paris attractions and restaurants are closed for low season
- Outdoor activities are less pleasant
Suggested Winter Activities:
- Winter holiday lights and decorations in Paris
- Celebrating Christmas in Paris
- Traditional French Christmas Markets
- Visit Paris Monuments and Cathedrals
- Celebrate the New Year in Paris
- Valentine's Day in Paris
- Chinese New Year in Paris
Month-by-Month Guides to Winter in Paris:
