While it's true that "Paris is always a good idea," as Audrey Hepburn famous said in classic film Sabrina, when is the best time to visit Paris? 

If you are planning a trip to the City of Light, you may have already heard recommendations for the best time of the year to come to Paris: late September, October, April, and May usually get lots of votes.

While those months are, truly wonderful time to experience the city, they may not be optimal for you based on your budget, interests, vacation constraints (especially if you are a teacher), weather preferences, or other factors.

The good news is that no matter what time of the year you come to Paris, you'll find plenty of wonderful things to do and spectacular attractions to see. 

But if you want to pick the best time to go to Paris based on your preferences, take a look at our recommendations for 5 key points to consider.  Then, use this information to decide which season and month will give you the best experience. 

Are there any times when you should avoid visiting Paris? We offer a few tips on that topic too!

Here's what you'll find in this article:

Top photo: Magnolias blooming in March in Palais Royal Garden, 1st arrondissement of Paris, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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1.  What Will You Want to See and Do in Paris - Open or Closed?

Major tourist attractions stay open all year (except for major holidays), but some smaller museums along with many boutiques, antique shops, Michelin-starred bistros, and art galleries close during August, the month when many Parisians leave the city for their own vacations. 

And if you want to be there for special events and holiday celebrations such as the Paris Marathon, Bastille Day, and Christmas Markets, you'll need to know when they occur.

Here's a quick overview:

Closed During August - or Even Longer

  • Many vendors at Les Puces, the famous treasure-filled Paris Flea Market, and most of the antique and vintage shops in Village St-Paul in the Marais take part of all the month off.  So do many of the wonderful treasure-filled antique stores in St-Germain and in the "Design District" along Rue de l'Université where the 6th and 7th arrondissements meet.
  • If you fall in love with medieval tapestries at the Musée Cluny and want to visit the small tapestry museum at Manufacture des Gobelins, you'll have to wait until mid-September.
  • Numerous smaller restaurants also close during August, although plenty remain open - you will be in no danger of starving.  However, if you have your heart set on experiencing the cuisine of a particular chef, check the restaurant's website to see if it will be open.  Many high-profile and famous chefs take August off.
  • Most special exhibits at museums, the Grand Palais, and other exhibition spaces typically take place between September and May or June - mid-July at the latest.  But a few do continue through the summer - Musée du Quai Branly is usually a good bet.
  • Ballet and opera performances in Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille end in mid-July and resume in early September, so if seeing one (or more) of these performances is on your bucket list, this is not the best time of the year to go to Paris.  Concerts at the Philharmonie in Parc de Villette wrap up in June and restart in September.  Although the number of classical concerts historic venues such as Saint-Chapelle and historic churches is smaller than usual, some do continue to take place - so check our Paris Concerts schedule to see what's still on.

Only During Summer Months

  • Paris Plages, with its "beaches" along the Right and Left Bank of the Seine and water activitiess at Bassin de la Villette - open only for two months between early July and early September.  
  • Bastille Day festivities on July 14, including a big parade down Champs Elysées plus a free outdoor concert and spectacular fireworks at the Eiffel Tower
  • Outdoor concerts, festivals, movies, and other special events provide entertainment throughout the summer but primarily in July and August (although even these diminish during the last 2 weeks of August). 
  • Although the popular Musical Fountains and Musical Gardens shows in the gardens at Versailles Palace take place from spring through fall, the equally popular Night Fountains Shows with Fireworks happen only in the summer, ending about midway through September, making this the best time to visit Paris for these special events.  Check out a special bike tour with Musical Night Fountains & Fireworks
Paris in August - Relaxing in a hidden corner of a quai overlooking the Seine River
Paris in August - Relaxing in a hidden corner overlooking the Seine River

Only During Winter Months

More Things to Do in Paris in the Winter

Find out about the best places to stay in Paris in the winter


Lighted Christmas tree in front of Notre Dame Cathedral, Paris
Lighted Christmas tree in front of Notre Dame Cathedral

Seasonal Sales - vs Year-Around Discount Shopping

The famous Paris soldes, or sales, take place in January/February and June/July.  If keeping travel costs as low as possible while scooping up designer fashions at bargain prices are your top priorities, the best month for your trip will be January rather than June - assuming winter clothing is your target. 

Avid bargain-seekers should keep in mind that Paris now offers alternatives to les soldes: a 35-minute train or bus ride will bring you to La Vallée Village, a huge collection of famous-name designer outlets.  And you'll even find a few high-end outlet stores right in Paris.

Special Events & Holidays


Seasonal Color 

Spring Flowers in Paris

You'll begin to see first hints of spring by late February/early March when the earliest cherry trees and magnolias start to bloom and tiny pale green leaves appear on trees and bushes. 

March and the first half of April are a riot of color, followed by even more flowers throughout May and June. 

Find out about the best places to see cherry blossoms in Paris

More about Paris in April

Fall Foliage in Paris

Look for the first golden leaves to start appearing by late September, with October through early November being the most colorful months. 

But even in December, you'll usually still see some dark russet and even crimson leaves throughout the city, thanks to Paris's relatively mild winters.

See fall colors while touring Paris by bike 

Fun Things to Do in Paris

Find fun things to do in Paris in February

2.  Paris Weather - Love the Heat?  Energized by the Cold?

Do you love the heat of summer?  Feel energized by cold temperatures? 

Whatever your weather preferances, Paris offers something for everyone - depending on the time of the year when you visit.

Here are some quick snapshots of what to expect during each season.  Use them to help determing the best time to visit Paris based on your preferences.  (For more details, you can also check out our articles about Paris weather each month.)

Winter in Paris

Winter months feel cold, gray, and damp, although December can be warmer than you might expect - temperatures in the mid-50s are possible.  Even during January and February, the daytime temperature usually ranges from the upper 30s to mid 40s, and can (and do) go higher.

Find the best neighborhoods to stay in Paris in the winter

A medium weight coat or jacket combined with a cashmere sweater, warm scarf, and umbrella (or rain hat) will usually keep you feeling comfortable on the chilliest days.  On warmer days, shed the sweater.  Boots are a good idea, along with a hat and gloves.

Don't count on seeing any snow, although Paris looks dazzling when it happens.  Snowfall each year varies from none to a few inches - but if you like to sleep late, it will probably melt before you see it.  Christmas lights and holiday markets light up the city from mid-November through December and the first week or so of January.

You can also expect a scattering of sunny days throughout the winter months.  On clear days, humidity is low and the sky will be a brilliant blue.

Winter's short, often gray and cloudy days give you the perfect excuse to seek out indoor Paris activities.  The city's historical covered passages glow with holiday decorations during December and early January.  Many museums lure visitors inside by unveiling new exhibitions during January.  And of course the semi-annual winter sales keep shoppers happily seeking out bargains for 3-4 weeks during January and February.

Paris in early February in front of Notre Dame
Paris in early February - Tour guide (in pink vest) and tour group (3 people at the right) in front of Notre Dame at about 11am - note the lack of a line of people waiting to enter the cathedral

Spring in Paris

Spring weather usually consists of a mixture of gorgeous sunny and gray rainy days.  

March can be chilly, but you won't care once you see flowers starting to bloom.  By the end of the month, you can see magnolias and cherry trees in bloom throughout the city.

Where to see cherry blossoms in Paris in the spring

April can be glorious (except on cold rainy days - see our packing tips for April weather). 

Sidewalk terraces in front of cafes and brasseries fill up with patrons seeking out the April sun (or taking shelter from showers and drizzle under the canopies.)

April weather can be tricky, though - bright and sunny one minute, interrupted by brief showers during the next minute. 

Find out more about April in Paris

By May, every garden in Paris will be filled with gorgeous flowers in full bloom.  Temperatures may feel balmy, even hot, and daylight hours suddenly feel much longer (which they are) as the summer equinox in June approaches.

Summer in Paris

Summers get hot, and 90° F (or higher) days are not uncommon.   Although the temperature doesn't usually hit 100°, it can happen - in fact, it soared to 109° in July a few years ago.  Humidity usually drops as summer progresses.

Find out how to stay cool during Paris heat waves

If you decide to travel in August, be aware that while the weather is often hot, dry, and wonderful, it is possible for the daytime temperature to plunge to the low 40s for a day or two, usually accompanied by rain and wind.  You won't see this mentioned in most travel guides. 

Autumn in Paris

Fall weather is lovely, especially during September and October.  By mid-fall, golden foliage blazes across the city - a reminder that Paris has more trees than any other European capital. 

November gets noticeably cooler, with fewer hours of sunlight - but by the middle of the month, Christmas markets begin to open across the city as holiday festivities begin.

Rain in Paris

Rainy days in Paris are distributed fairly evenly throughout the year, so you can't reliably avoid it by choosing one season or month over another.

Find the details about Paris weather each month & what to pack

3.  Your Budget - Big or Small?

Your flight and hotel will probably be your biggest Paris vacation expenses.  

Plane fares reflect a typical "high," "low," and "shoulder" month pattern.  You'll find the cheapest flights to Paris from late November through March, except for when they zoom up for a couple of weeks around Christmas and New Year. 

Late March through mid May, and September through late November are shoulder months.  High season rates go into effect from May through early September.  The actual timing varies a bit each year, depending on the economy.

However, hotel rates for central Paris follow a somewhat different pattern.  According to the Paris Tourist Office, average rates are highest during May, June, September, and October.  The lowest average rates occur in February and August, although rates may also be lower than average during the last two weeks in November, first two weeks in December, and last two weeks in January.  

Rates during the remaining six months fall somewhere in between. 

Any time a huge special event brings lots of visitors to the city, hotel rates skyrocket.  Paris Fashion Week, the biennial Paris Air Show and Paris Motor Show, and other several other big trade expos make competition for hotel rooms particularly intense during June, September, and October. 

4.  Crowds and Lines - What Is Your Tolerance Level?

Paris is the most visited city in the world, so it never lacks tourists. 

In the spring, the number of tourists in Paris rises with the temperature.  

Starting with the Paris Marathon in early April, visitors begin to pour into the city.  The Marathon attracts approximately 54,000 runners from all over the world, about 70% come from outside Greater Paris, and many bring family and friends to cheer for them.  Hotels start filling up several days before the event.   

In addition, throughout April schools across France and other European countries have a week of vacation - so you'll see lots of families with kids and teens, particularly at attractions such as Disneyland Paris. 

By May, lots of American and other tourists arrive, hoping to avoid the even larger summer crowds.  And, around mid-May, an invasion of college students descends on the city as summer study abroad programs kick off.  Lines at tourist attractions grow much longer.

Crowds are biggest during June and July.  You can find yourself standing in line at the Picasso Museum, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, Versailles, and other top attractions for a long time.  Fortunately, "skip the line" options can reduce your wait time.

Paris in July - crowds in front of Notre Dame
The line of people waiting to enter Notre Dame on this July afternoon loops around the plaza several times ... wait time was about 40 minutes in total, and despite the clouds, the temperature was in the 80s

During August, the number of tourists somewhat drops - perhaps due to the (mistaken) belief that the entire city shuts down for the month while Parisians vacation elsewhere.

Parisians return in early September  - it's called la rentrée - and the big trade shows and conventions begin.  The biennial Paris Auto Show, for example, typically receives 1+ million visitors (including locals).  On the positive side, crowds at tourist attractions are smaller than during the summer months - but good luck getting a reasonably priced hotel room in central Paris during the biggest shows.

Visitors do decline in November, and aside from the period around Christmas and New Year, remain low until mid-April. 

Winter is the time to come if you don't want to wait in line - and don't mind the gray, chilly weather and short periods of daylight.  Since the Christmas season in Paris lights up the city with holiday decorations, nights are much brighter than you might expect. 

Although the Christmas lights come down in January, the excitement of winter sales starting in early January continue to compensate for the grayness. 

By mid-February, days begin to get longer and you may even start to see early blossoms on trees and in gardens but tourists are still scarce.

5.  Daylight Hours - How Much Will You Have?  How Much Do You Need?

Rose garden in the Marais neighborhood in August at about 8pm
Rose garden in the Marais neighborhood in August at about 8pm

If you're visiting from North America, you may not realize that Paris is farther north than even Montreal or Seattle - meaning the sun doesn't set until around 10pm in June and July.  This means long days of glorious sunlight, and magical evenings as the sun slowly sets, with the sky not getting fully dark until about 11pm. 

The reverse is true in November, December, and early January, when the sun sets around 5pm.  On cloudy or rainy days, you'll feel the darkness even sooner. 

During December and January, the sun doesn't rise until 8:30am - 9am.  Stay away during these months if you suffer from seasonal affective disorder. 

On the other hand, if you spend your time in Paris at brightly lit Christmas markets, in museums and galleries, shopping, and attending concerts or the ballet, you may not even miss the sun. 

If you visit Paris during these months, you'll find an abundance of lights and decorations in the 1st arrondissement, along with attractively low seasonal rates in the district's poshest hotels.

Conclusion:  So When Should You Visit?

So to sum all this up ... if you want to minimize your flight and hotel costs, travel to Paris in February.  You can also find attractive seasonal savings during November, early December, the second half of January, and the first 2-3 weeks of March.

Smaller-than-peak crowds, comfortable weather, and long periods of daylight provide compelling reasons to visit Paris in May, June, September, and October - but just be aware that you're likely to pay a premium for plane fares and hotel rates during these months. 

Keep in mind that you can economize in other ways.  Stop by a bakery or market for a inexpensive sandwich instead of having a pricier meal in a bistro.  Take the metro or walk rather than a taxi or Uber.  Get a Paris Museum Pass or Paris Pass in order to get free admission to museums and other attractions. 

Gourmet sandwiches being prepared at Marché des Enfants RougesGourmet sandwiches being prepared at Marché des Enfants Rouges, one of the city's historic covered markets, in the Upper Marais

When Should You Avoid Paris?

If you want to avoid visiting Paris at times when hotel rooms are scarce and rates soar astronomically high, you should plan your travel to not coincide with two of the city's biggest trade shows/exhibitions.  Fortunately, each event takes place every other year.

The Paris Motor Show is the bigger of the two events, attracting over 1 million attendees, over half of whom travel to Paris from outside the region for the event.  The 10-day show takes place in October during even-numbered years, and is held at the Porte de Versailles on the edge of the 15th arrondissement.  With over half a million visitors seeking accommodations, you can imagine the challenge of making hotel reservations during this period, even if you book far in advance.  Check our October events calendar for dates.

The Paris Air Show attracts only about a third as many visitors during its 1-week duration - but that's still a heavy demand on hotel rooms, especially since most attendees choose to stay in Paris and take the RER B to the show location at Le Bourget Parc des Expositions north of Paris.  The Paris Air Show takes place during odd-numbered years in mid-June - one of the most popular months for tourist visits.  Check our June calendar for exact dates.

More about When to Visit Paris (& Tips about When to NOT to Come)

Best Season for Your Visit to Paris - Based on your interests, weather, costs, amount of daylight, and your tolerance for crowds and long lines, when is the best time to visit Paris?  Find out more

When to AVOID Visiting Paris - Which famous events pack the city's hotels and restaurants?  Should you visit at a different time?  Find out more

More Fun Ways to Visit Top Paris Attractions

Pin Now, Read Again Later

Summer flowers in Tuileries Garden near the Louvre in Paris
Summer flowers in Tuileries Garden near the Louvre in Paris
Magnolias in bloom in Palais Royal Garden in Paris
Magnolias in bloom in Palais Royal Garden in Paris

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Want to Save on Your Paris Hotel?

Check our tips on how to find discounts, deals, and bargains for Paris hotels.  Whether you're looking for cheap accommodations or want to pay less for luxury, we'll show you how to save on hotels in Paris. 

Here are some shortcuts: 

  • Booking.com: Need last minute reservations?  Check out Today Deals on their website
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