I love Paris in the springtime. I love Paris in the fall. I love Paris is the summer, when it sizzles. I love Paris in the winter, when it drizzles.
So wrote Cole Porter back in 1953, but it’s pretty clear that sentiment has been around for hundreds of years. Paris has charms that transcend seasonality, so the question of “What’s the best time to visit” is really a personal preference.
If you’re looking for longer days, come in late spring or summer. If you’re looking for shorter lines, winter is your season. And don’t really go by Mr. Porter’s lyrics in trying to time your visit to the weather. Truth be told, it rains year round in Paris, and it doesn’t typically get sizzling hot during the summer. But it sure is a pretty song. Isn’t it?
Spring is when the color comes back to Paris. Trees flower, foliage grows lush, and people begin spending more time in the parks and gardens of this reawakened city as the days grow longer. April is the month with the lowest average rainfall, so you might have to fight for a place to sit on the benches.
Average temperatures:
Low Temps: 4°C / 39°F
High Temps: 20°C / 68°F
When summer arrives in Paris, it’s time to head to the beach. What? Paris doesn’t have a beach, you say. Oh, dear innocent traveler, that’s the magic of this city. The banks of the River Seine are transformed into one grand plage (that’s French for “beach”) in the summer, and you’ll find the city’s residents taking full advantage of it. In August, many of the locals close up shop and head to their vacation homes. But fear not, you’ll still find plenty of places still open and eager to greet visitors.
Average temperatures:
Low Temps: 13°C / 55°F
High Temps: 24°C / 75°F
The days may be getting shorter, but the colors of the city really come alive in the fall. Even in November, you’ll find trees still thick with foliage – only the leaves have transformed into the fieriest of reds and yellows. It’s truly magnificent, complemented by an abundance of cultural activities. September still holds on to the temperatures of summer, but by October, you’ll need to start bundling up.
Average temperatures:
Low Temps: 5°C / 41°F
High Temps: 21°C / 70°F
There’s really nothing quite like winter in Paris. You’ll find it far less crowded by tourists, which is a shame because, in many ways, Paris is at its most beautiful in winter. By the end of November, the Champs Elysees – and all of Paris’ grand boulevards – are alit with all the dressings of Christmas. A steaming cup of chocolate chaud awaits in a warm café. It’s trés romantique.
Average temperatures:
Low Temps: 1°C / 33°F
High Temps: 7°C / 44°F
