Paris is beautiful in every season, but the experience changes a lot depending on when you go. Summer brings long evenings and crowds, winter brings bargains and Christmas lights, and spring and fall bring the city at its most romantic. Here is the best time to visit Paris for fewer crowds, lower prices, good weather, and big events.
Paris Travel Seasons at a Glance
- High season: June to August.
- Shoulder seasons: April to May and September to October.
- Low season: November to March (except around Christmas and New Year).
Best Time to Visit Paris for Fewer Crowds: April to May and September to October
Spring and fall are the sweet spots. In April and May, the chestnut trees blossom, café terraces fill up, and the parks are at their prettiest. In September and October, the summer crowds have gone, the light turns golden, and the city's cultural season gets going. Lines at the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are shorter, though Paris is never truly quiet. Watch out for French school holidays and public holidays in May, when the city gets busier.
Best Time to Visit Paris for Lower Prices: November to March
Outside the festive period, late fall and winter bring the cheapest flights and hotels. January and February are usually the best value of all, with the winter sales (les soldes) in the shops. Days are short and often gray, so plan plenty of museum time and long lunches in cozy bistros. In December, the Christmas lights on the Champs-Élysées and the department store windows on Boulevard Haussmann are magical, but prices rise around the holidays.
Best Time to Visit Paris for Good Weather: Late April to June and September
For comfortable sightseeing weather, aim for late spring or early fall. Average highs are usually in the 60s to low 70s °F (about 16 to 23 °C), perfect for walking. July and August are the warmest months, with long evenings ideal for picnics along the Seine, but heatwaves are increasingly common, and many older buildings and Metro lines have no air-conditioning. Many Parisians also leave for their own vacations in August, so some small shops and restaurants close.
Best Time to Visit Paris for Events
- Late February to early March and late September to early October: Paris Fashion Week.
- Late May to early June: The French Open tennis tournament at Roland-Garros.
- 21 June: Fête de la Musique, when free concerts fill the streets.
- 14 July: Bastille Day, with a military parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks at the Eiffel Tower.
- July: The Tour de France usually finishes in Paris.
- Summer: Paris Plages, when parts of the riverbanks turn into urban beaches.
- Early October: Nuit Blanche, an all-night contemporary art festival.
- Late November to early January: Christmas lights, markets, and ice rinks. See the best Christmas markets in Europe.
Dates change from year to year, so check before you book.
Paris Weather by Season
- Spring: Mild and changeable. Bring layers and a light rain jacket.
- Summer: Warm to hot. Pack light clothes, sunscreen, and a refillable water bottle.
- Fall: Mild in September, cooler and wetter by November. Bring a warm jacket.
- Winter: Cold and damp, with occasional frost. Pack a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes.
Tips for Planning Your Paris Trip
- Book major attractions in advance, whatever the season.
- Check museum closing days, usually Monday or Tuesday.
- Book early for big events such as Fashion Week and Roland-Garros, when hotels fill up.
- Stay connected. Weather updates, maps, and e-tickets all need data. An egoViet France eSIM gets you online when you land. Compare plans in our France eSIM guide.
Once you've picked your dates, see the best things to do in Paris and find out how many days you need in Paris.
FAQs: Best Time to Visit Paris
What is the best month to visit Paris?
May, June, and September offer pleasant weather and long days, with fewer crowds than July and August.
What is the cheapest time to visit Paris?
January and February, after the holidays, usually have the lowest prices for flights and hotels.
Is Paris worth visiting in winter?
Yes. Museums are quieter, prices are lower, and December brings Christmas lights and markets. Just pack warm, waterproof clothes.
Is August a good time to visit Paris?
It can be. The city is quieter as many locals leave on vacation, but it can be hot, and some small shops and restaurants close.