Paris Weather in October: What to Expect

Although the weather in Paris in October may be a bit cooler than September and may even serve up the occasional chilly or rainy/blustery day, it generally feels close to perfect. 

You'll see lots of colorful late-blooming flowers in the city's parks, and even the first hues of golden automn foliage on the trees.  October is a fantastic month to join a bike tour through leafy neighborhoods such as the Marais and Saint Germain, or perhaps a food tour around the hills of Montmartre (but don't worry - the guides know how to avoid climbing up the hills).

But you'll also begin to feel a shift to cooler weather.  October marks a transition period as the last memories of Paris's summer heat fade away.   Crisper temperatures announce the beginning of fall. 

But here's what you should also know:  October weather in Paris still serves up plenty of lovely, sunny, and even warm days.

So you'll need to pack layers to prepare you for whatever version of October weather greets you when you wake up each morning.  We'll go into more detail about what to pack later in this article.

You should also plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for your visit.  When October winter weather makes itself felt, spend time at museum exhibitions, concerts in historic churches, covered markets, and cozy bistros where you can sip hot chocolate and enjoy a steaming bowl of onion soup.  

But also schedule a outdoor activities where you can soak up some sun while exploring the city - perhaps a cheese, wine, and pastry tour of artistic Montmartre, or a

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about October weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do in October, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

• Paris weather temperature ranges for October - Plus What to Really Expect
• How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during October
• What to pack for your October visit to Paris
• Should you visit Paris during October?  Or wait for a warmer month?
• Activities for all types of October weather in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris during October

Top photo: Palais du Luxembourg in Luxembourg Garden in beautiful October weather in Paris - Photo: AdobeStock

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What Is Paris Weather in October Really Like?

Even though the official beginning of spring doesn't happen until March 21, you'll see (and feel) the transition from winter to spring take place during October, when the Paris weather also becomes even more unpredictable than normal.

Of course, weather patterns differ each year, but if you visit Paris for a week or more during October, you're likely to experience a little of everything this month offers, from warm sunny days to cold rain, wind, and perhaps even snow. 

Paris Temperatures in October:  Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what October weather in Paris looks like on Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) degree scales for average daily high and low temperatures, which have increased by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit during the past decade:

• Average daily October high temperature:  48°F (9°C)
• Average daily October low temperature:  35°F (2°C)

Remember, these are averages - useful for comparing one month with another, but they are definitely not a weather forecast for Paris in October.  To better understand what actual temperatures might be during your October visit, always check the October high and low temperature ranges in the following section.

Weather Statistics for October in Paris:  High & Low Temperature Ranges

If you want to find out what October weather in Paris might be like, looking at the average temperature ranges will give you a better idea than just checking the monthly averages.  You'll also get a much better sense of what to pack - because Paris weather seldom hits the "average" mark for more than a day or two.

Here's the range of daily highs and lows throughout a typical Paris October:

• Range of monthly high temperatures during October:   31°F to 70°F (2°C to 17°C
• Range of monthly low temperatures during October:  10°F to 50° F (-12°C to 10°C)

Notice how the huge temperature variation of about 40 degrees - and now check e record-breaking temperatures for the past three decades, and when they occurred:

• Highest monthly October temperature (1991-present):   70°F (21°C) in 2019
• Lowest monthly October temperature (1991-present):   10°F (-12°C) in 1991

As you can probably guess from the high end of these ranges, it's not unusual for Paris to have several days during October when daytime temperatures soar into the 60s and as high as 70°F.  Although these temperatures happen frequently later in the spring, they can feel like a heat wave in October.  Stroll through almost any city park, and you'll see Parisians laying on the ground to soak up the sun.

But remember, Paris's climate is unpredictable from one year to the next (and on a daily basis) so you need to be prepared for a range of October weather conditions.

Sun and Clouds during October:  What to Expect

Don't let the brilliant blue sky in this photo of the picturesque Mouzaia neighborhood fool you.  This day, a Sunday, was picture-perfect but by the next day, the sky had turned gray and overcast.  October weather can change dramatically from day to day.

Days begin to feel noticeably shorter this month compared with September.  At the beginning of the month, you'll still experience almost full 12 hours of daylight - 11:37 hours, to be exact - but that number drops rapidly as the month progresses.  By the end of the month, October offers only 9.53 hours of daylight. 

The shift from Daylight Savings time to Regular time toward the end of the exaggerates the feeling of loss, as sunset shifts from around 6:30 pm (18:30) to 5:30 pm (17:30).

On the positive side, October tends to be a sunny month in Paris, with a whopping daily average of 6 hours of sunshine this month. 

Here's what you can expect:

• Average hours of daylight:  10 hours, 47 minutes
• Average daily hours of sunshine during October:  6 hours per day
  

In a typical year, you can expect about 7-13 days to be totally or mostly sunny. 

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How Much Rain Does Paris Get in October?

Paris records about 1.6 inches (about 4.1 cm) of precipitation on average during October.  That's the least precipitation of any month, although of course October is also the shortest month. 

In a typical year, you can expect brief showers on 4-7 days, including maybe 1-3 days when steady rain falls for a longer period of time.  You may also encounter occasional downpours - but thankfully, they don't usually last very long.

Scattered rain showers or sprinkles may occur on perhaps another 5-6 days. If you get caught in one, just duck into a doorway or under an overhanging balcony because the shower will most likely end as soon as it began.

On nights when the temperature drops below freezing, you may see a few snowflakes or even "ice fog," which is exactly what it sounds like:  frozen fog or mist suspended in the air.  During some years, the temperature never drops low enough for this to happen.

Although Paris can be breezy in October, including occasional strong winds (which invariably seem to happen on cold days, producing a significant wind chill factor), conditions are normally relatively calm.  Of course, storms can (and do) happen during any month in Paris, so consider adding a rain-resistant jacket to your packing list - more about that in a moment!

Snow during October is rare for Paris.  A small amount of snow typically falls on 2-4 days this month, but less than an inch accumulates on the ground during most years and it may melt before you see it. 

If you're planning day trips from Paris, you may be wondering about the weather at nearby attractions such as Versailles Palace and Disneyland Paris during October.  The good news is that the temperature, rain, and other conditions will be very similar to Paris.  Bring an umbrella or rain hat, or be prepared to dash inside if a quick shower hits.

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What to Pack for October Weather in Paris

Paris weather often changes rapidly, so pack for a range of temperatures and conditions.  Be prepared to dress warmly on cold or rainy days, but in layers you can shed if the temperature soars. 

In addition to your core wardrobe of tops, bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, and under garments, these are the essentials and options to consider for October:

• A warm jacket or a trench coat with a zip-out lining - water-resistant is ideal.  Consider bringing a rain hat for when you get caught in surprise showers.
• One or two sweaters in case the thermostat soars to 70°, and layer under your jacket or trench for extra warmth on the coldest days and evenings, especially on a Seine River sightseeing cruise or open-top hop-on hop-off bus where the temperature will feel at least 10 degrees colder.  Cashmere (check options on Amazon) is ideal for keeping you toasty outside while not making you sweat inside.
• A pair of comfortable ankle boots and your favorite walking shoes.  Bring both warm and lighter-weight socks.
• A warm scarf, gloves, fleece-lined leggings, and a warm hat are useful on cooler days and chilly nights.  If you live in a warm climate such as Texas or Australia and don't have these items in your regular wardrobe, don't worry.  You can buy what you need once you reach Paris.  Monoprix and Camaïeu offer nice quality items at affordable prices.
• A rain hat or umbrella will be useful if you experience rainy days.  A rain hat takes up almost no packing space, but umbrellas are a little bulkier.  Bring one from home, or buy one in Paris if you need it (umbrellas are also a fun souvenir) - you'll see them everywhere from small convenience stores and souvenir shops where they cost 5-10€ to pricy boutiques and department stores where you'll pay much more. 

Pro Tip:  Right before you start packing for your trip, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast in case of any surprises.  Here's the forecast in both Fahrenheit and Celsius:

PARIS WEATHER
PARIS WEATHER

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Is Visiting Paris in October Worth It Despite the Potentially Cold Weather?

Yes, definitely.  You'll feel euphorbic on the bright sunny days, and longer periods of daylight make even the chilly gray days feel quite bearable.  As a bonus if you're in Paris at the end of the month, you see the earliest magnolias, cherry trees, and daffodils start to bloom.

Here are more benefits to visiting Paris in October:

• Cheap flights and low-season hotel rates, which start to go up next month as the "shoulder" travel season begins 
• Fantastic exhibitions at many Paris museums and a huge lineup of concerts, opera, and ballet
• On warm sunny days, you can sit outside at a cafe terrace and enjoy a glass of chilled white wine (or two), but a steaming cup of hot chocolate will still be a pleasure on colder days.
• Bakeries and confiseries fill their windows with mouth-watering galettes des rois for Epiphany and luscious chocolates for Valentine's Day, which of course you must sample
• Crowds remain small at popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d'Orsay

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Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in October

Recommended activities for staying warm and dry while sightseeing in Paris during October weather:

• Moulin Rouge - Enjoy an evening of entertainment and champagne in this famous Paris cabaret - or choose the gourmet dinner option
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus - Stay warm and dry while you ride on the covered upper deck or enclosed lower deck
• Paris (or Versailles or Giverny) by bike - The perfect way to see fall color (plus a lot more) in 
• Seine River dinner cruise - Savor a gourmet meal in a cozy glass-enclosed boat while seeing famous sights along the river
• Reims & Champagne Tasting Day Trip - Taste a variety of Champagnes and French food, visit vineyards and the historic Reims Cathedral, and learn about how Champagne is produced on this special small-group day tour with transportation from Paris
• Paris Museums - You won't care what the weather outside is like when you use a Paris Museum pass for free admission to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and almost 60 other famous Paris museums and attractions

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in October

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Where to Stay in Paris during October

As you know by now, October weather in Paris can be chilly and rainy so a smart strategy is to stay in central Paris neighborhoods close to top attractions, lots of restaurants, and convenient metro stations.  On warmer days, stroll by the Seine River and the outdoor markets.

With these criteria in mind, we recommend staying in these top locations during October:

• Paris Opera House neighborhood - When you stay in the lively neighborhood surrounding the Paris Opera House, you'll also be close to the famous Galeries Lafayette and Au Printemps department stores, the Grevin Wax Museum, and Madeleine Church, home to classical concerts.  Find concert schedules for the Opera House and Madeleine Church
• Saint Germain neighborhood - Choose the popular Saint Germain neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine River, and you'll be close to famous bistros such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, fabulous shopping (Winter Sales!), the Orsay Museum, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
• Champs Elysees neighborhood - If shopping the Winter Sales at the "Golden Triangle" designer showrooms and boutiques will be your main focus, this is where you'll want to stay - plus the Eiffel Tower is directly across the river

Use this hotel booking map to find more hotels and apartments for your travel dates: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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Paris Weather Resources

Want current Paris weather predictions?  This is a good French source:  Meteoblue
Historical weather data sources:  The Weather Channel, Weather Spark, and Time and Date

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