Read our article on Paris climate and weather by month and start preparing for your trip. We’ll give you all the details about the climate and temperature in the French capital.
Climate and temperature in Paris
To begin this article on Paris climate and weather by month, you should know that France’s climate is predominantly temperate. However, the climate in Paris, which is continental and oceanic, varies according to the time of year. Plus, it’s worth remembering that the seasons in Paris are very well marked, meaning that you’ll see beautiful landscapes change.
Check out the temperatures in Paris throughout the year:
1. What’s summer like in Paris?
Summer in the French capital falls between June 21 and September 20. The season is very hot, especially if you compare it to other seasons in the city, as it is over 71.6 ºF and can reach 82.4 ºF.
Even so, the weather in Paris during the summer is mild for those who are used to warmer temperatures. Rain can also be frequent, but it’s not very intense.
During this time of year, the city is full of tourists, mainly from the Northern Hemisphere, due to the school vacation period. Our tip for this season is to take advantage of the summer days for long walks, as the sun sets around 10 o’clock at night.
Important tip: To make the most of your trip is to stay in the best region. If you want, see our article here that explains the best area, hotels and how to save a lot on accommodation.
Average summer temperatures:
- June: 62.6 ºF
- July: 66.2 ºF
- August: 68 ºF
What can I pack for summer in Paris? We recommend that you pack cool clothes to spend the summer in Paris. Opt for t-shirts, shorts, but also blouses and pants (for the evening), not to mention good shoes for walking around the city. Don’t forget to pack hats, caps, sunscreen or suntan lotion, as well as water bottles.
What to do in summer in Paris? To enjoy the Parisian sun, we recommend you visit the Paris Plage, which is an artificial beach created on the banks of the River Seine. You can also take a boat trip on the River Seine and stroll through the streets of Paris. While walking around the city, you can stop for a delicious ice cream or frappe at the wonderful Amorino ice cream parlor.
We also recommend that you take the opportunity to do some shopping in Paris.
Summer events in Paris:
- Fête du Cinéma and Fête de la Musique (June): film and music festivals in Paris.
- Bastille Day (July 14): this date commemorates the fall of the Bastille, an event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution. In celebration, Paris is filled with parades on the Champs-Elysées and fireworks.
- Tour de France (July): this is the biggest cycling event in the world, which passes through various tourist attractions in the French capital.
- Paris Fashion Week Men’s (July): this men’s fashion event showcases the latest trends in this segment.
Summer holidays in Paris:
- 14/07: Fall of the Bastille (French national holiday)
- 15/08: Assumption of Mary (on the previous day, the 14th, several boats cruise along the River Seine in Paris, circling Île Cité and Île Saint Louis)
2. What is fall like in Paris?
This season begins on September 21 and ends on December 20 and is ideal for visiting the French capital. In autumn, the avenues look beautiful as they are covered in leaves and the colors of the city take on a great contrast.
The climate in Paris changes, as the days get shorter during this time (there is less sunlight) and the hottest month of the season is September, with highs of 69.8 ºF. The coldest month is November, with lows of 41 ºF and highs of 50 ºF. This is very important when planning your trip.
Our tip for enjoying autumn in Paris is to take advantage of the many festivals that fill the city, such as the food and wine festival. Another great thing is that the queues for attractions shorten dramatically at this time of year, allowing you to enjoy them even more.
Average temperatures:
- September: 60.8 ºF
- October: 53.6 ºF
- November: 44.6 ºF
What to do in Paris in the fall? You can walk around the city a lot and take lots of pictures, as Paris looks stunning in the fall. Also, don’t miss out on the city’s restaurants, bars and cafés, since many of them even have super cozy terraces and outdoor areas.
Plus, don’t forget to visit the museums in Paris, which offer a lot of culture and learning about the history of France and the world.
Important tip: Paris is a city that has many museums, attractions and tours. Always buy the tickets in advance. We always buy everything on this website that has the best price.
Events that take place in the fall in Paris:
- Fête de la gastronomie (September): the Paris Gastronomy Festival with tastings, tours, fairs and much more.
- Paris Fashion Week (September/October): a fashion event that attracts fashionistas and fashion lovers from all over the world.
- Festival Nuit Blance (October): an event that celebrates contemporary art and always takes place on the first weekend of the year.
- Festival des Vendanges de Montmartre (October): a festival dedicated to wine lovers which takes place over four days in the first half of October.
- Mois de la Photo (November): takes place during the month of November, always on even-numbered years. The city celebrates the art of photography in cultural venues.
- Festival d’Automne (September to December): this event celebrates contemporary art with theater performances, dances, concerts, film productions and much more.
Fall holidays in Paris:
- 01/11: All Saints’ Day (families in Paris visit their loved ones in cemeteries)
- 11/11: End of the First World War
3. What is winter like in Paris?
Winter in Paris lasts from December 21 to March 20 and is one of the most beautiful seasons in the city. The rooftops are covered in snow, making Paris feel like Christmas and the area super romantic.
During this season, Paris is decorated from the beginning of November until the beginning of January. The weather in Paris gets intense, with the coldest months of the Parisian winter being January and February, when the minimum temperatures are 33.8 ºF and the maximum 44.6 ºF.
For those wishing to visit Paris in winter, our tip is to spend the Christmas season in the city, as it is an unforgettable experience. During this time, the city isn’t so crowded and the days are shorter, getting dark around 5 o’clock in the afternoon.
Average temperatures:
- December: 41 ºF
- January: 39.2 ºF
- February: 41 ºF
What can I pack for winter in Paris? As the cold in the French capital is intense, with much higher temperatures, we recommend that you pack warm clothes. Therefore, thick coats, woolen clothes, gloves, scarves and hats are an excellent option. Also take closed shoes suitable for walking in the snow.
What to do in winter in Paris? During this time of year, you can choose to visit indoor places such as the many museums in Paris. We recommend visiting the famous Louvre Museum and the charming Orday Museum, which is located on the banks of the River Seine.
You can also see many shows in the city’s main theaters, visit the city’s main monuments and go to the city’s skating rinks. You can find one in Trocadeiro, which is below the Eiffel Tower. Also be sure to stop for a bite to eat in the charming bistros that Paris has to offer.
Winter events in Paris:
- Christmas markets (December): you can find them in many parts of the city, and they offer decorations, festive objects, regional products, handicrafts and much more.
- Paris Fashion Week Men’s (January): this is the first edition of the year of this men’s fashion event, which receives many visitors in this segment.
- Paris Fashion Week (February/March): the first annual edition of this event attracts professionals and fashion lovers from all over the world.
Winter holidays in Paris:
- 25/12: Christmas
- 01/01: New Year
- 15/01: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- 14/02: Valentine’s Day (commemorative date)
4. What is spring like in Paris?
Spring is, like fall, one of the best times in the French capital. It lasts from March 21 to June 20, and temperatures are very mild and unstable at this time. April is a very rainy month, so make sure you always carry a good umbrella. Curiously, this is the hottest month of the season, and the weather in Paris is mild, with minimum temperatures of 42.8 ºF and maximum temperatures of 60.8 ºF.
Our tip for enjoying spring in Paris is to take advantage of its rich cultural program, with very interesting exhibitions and shows.
Average temperatures:
- March: 44.6 ºF
- April: 50 ºF
- May: 57.2 ºF
What can I pack for spring in Paris? It’s worth paying attention to the time you want to travel to the city. So, if you’re going at the beginning of spring, pack warm clothes. And if you’re going at the end of the season, pack lighter clothes. But don’t forget to pack a jacket, as the nights are usually cooler.
What to do in spring in Paris? To enjoy the city at this time of year, you can stroll along the flowery streets of Paris, especially the famous Champs-Élysées. This is the perfect time to visit Parisian parks and gardens such as the Luxembourg Gardens.
Try to enjoy the season sitting in the sun, reading or resting, and even having a picnic on the banks of the River Seine. Also take advantage of the many events taking place, such as concerts and exhibitions.
Spring events in Paris:
- Roland Garros (May/June): an annual tennis championship in Paris which starts in May and can last until June.
- Jazz Festival (June): an event that brings great artists to the city for a variety of performances. The festival takes place over weekends in June and July.
Spring holidays in Paris:
- One week before Easter: Palm Sunday
- Easter
- 01/05: Labor Day
- 08/05: Victory Day in Europe. Commemorates the end of World War II
- 10/05: Ascension Day
- Pentecost Day
When is the best time of year to go to Paris?
Still in this article on Paris climate and weather by month, know that each season brings a unique landscape to the city. Therefore, all of them are perfect for visiting the City of Light, and the date of your trip will depend on your personal taste.
Nevertheless, we recommend that you go during spring or fall, as these are the most cost-effective times. Temperatures are mild and prices are lower, so you can save a lot on your trip.
What is the least rainy season and when does it snow in Paris?
Now, to conclude this article on Paris climate and weather by month, know that the amount of rain is the same all year round, with little variation from one month to the next. Even so, they are neither constant nor very heavy.
The least rainy season is winter, especially in February and March. Snow is present throughout the season and partly in the fall, specifically from November to March. However, there are very few days when it snows in Paris.
Save money on your trip to Paris:
Saving money: do you want to plan your trip while making the most of your budget? Be sure to read our article on how to travel to Paris cheap, with all the tips to save the most, while still enjoying it!
Tickets: find out where to buy your Paris tickets in the cheapest and safest way – for parks, museums and ticket combos. You can save up to 40%!
Car: if you are thinking about renting one this is the best website. It compares the price at all rental companies and finds unbeatable prices. You can save up to 30%!
Mobile chip: we always use this chip. It’s electronic (eSIM), you install it instantly and you can use your cell phone’s Internet anywhere in the world.
Hotels: our article on where to stay in Paris. You will find out the best area, the hotels that we have stayed there and how to save a lot on the hotel.
Travel insurance: medical care in another country is very expensive and it is extremely important to take out travel insurance for any trip abroad. This is the website we always take out our insurance on. Reliable and at a good price.
Transfer: do you need one from the airport to the hotel? Find out here how to book and for the lowest price!
