The Weather

Paris enjoys a mild climate, colder in winter and warm in summer, but without extreme temperatures; the inviernos are relatively mild and the summers are very pleasant.

The weather in Paris can be a deciding factor in enjoying your trip, but it will largely depend on your personal tastes and priorities.

What is the best time to visit Paris?

The best times to visit the city are in spring and summer, when the trees are in bloom and you can enjoy the comings and goings of the capital from the terrace of one of its many cafés or in the shade of a beautiful park.

Below, we present four versions of Paris, each with its own particular charm and magic. Keep reading to discover the best time to visit Paris and what kind of clothes to pack. We also tell you about the main events taking place in Paris during each season.

Spring: a perfect time to travel to Paris

From April to June, with temperaturas entre 13 y 20 grados degrees Celsius, Paris becomes an idyllic city full of color and poetic landscapes; its streets fill with people and it is possible to explore on foot or relax at an outdoor café. There may be some rain.

Pack mid-season clothing and your umbrella.

When it is spring in Paris, the parks and gardens are dressed in vivid colors that invite you to celebrate life. If you are making plans to surprise that special someone, it is the best time to enjoy Paris as a couple.

It is the season when cherry trees and tulips are in bloom, the ideal time to enjoy a lovely stroll through the Tuileries Garden, and to experience dining in Paris on a beautiful terrace. 

When it comes to prices, plane tickets and hotels in Paris are more affordable in spring than in summer.

Things to Do in Paris in Spring

From its famous marathon, which brings together thousands of participants in early April, to the Foire du Trône, held between late March and early May, you'll find plenty to do in Paris in spring.

Here are 10 spring events in Paris.

• Chorus (Hip-hop, rock, pop, electronic festival – late March, early April).
• Paris Marathon (first Sunday in April).
• Music Bank (K-pop festival, early April).
• Throne Fair (from late April to late May).
• Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés (jazz music, mid-May).
• Marvellous Island Festival (electronic music – last weekend in May).
• Roland Garros (Tennis, French Open – late May to early June).
• Festival We Love Green (rock and pop music to raise environmental awareness – first days of June).

The Weather in Paris in Summer: the Most Touristy Season

July and August are the hottest months of the year, with temperatures typically reaching up to 24 degrees Celsius, although in recent years these highs have hit historic figures approaching 40 degrees. Even so, we recommend packing light clothing and a light jacket.

This is the time when tourists crowd the streets in the greatest numbers, making it all the more apparent that Parisians have fled the heat of the capital to spend their holidays elsewhere.

Since the pandemic, Paris has not only recovered its previous visitor numbers, but is on the verge of reaching the all-time record of 34 million tourists per year.

This time of year sees a large number of festivals and open-air events.

During the summer, crowds of tourists are common at Paris's most famous landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Notre-Dame Cathedral, to name a few. Even so, a Parisian summer is a fascinating experience.

Summer is the perfect time to enjoy boat rides in Paris, sunbathe on the banks of the Seine (known as Paris Plages), or simply enjoy Paris by bike. 

Absolutely! The summer season is a delight for visiting Paris with kids and a great opportunity to explore the theme park Disneyland Paris. Furthermore, France's capital will host the 2024 Olympics. Without a doubt, it will be one of the liveliest summers in the city's history.

Things to Do in Paris in Summer

Here are the 10 most important cultural and entertainment events of the Parisian summer:

• Les Étés du Louvre (Theater, music, cinema and more – mid-June)
• Festival Chopin (Classical music – mid-June to mid-July)
• La Défense Jazz Festival (Jazz, world music – late June to early July)
• FNAC Live (2 days of free concerts – late June)
• Paris Jazz Festival (one of the best jazz festivals in the world – 20 days of music throughout July)
• Dolcevita-Sur-Seine (Cinema, photography and music on the banks of the Seine – second week of July)
• L’été du Canal, L’Ourcq en Fête (Dancing, concerts, cinema, water activities, food, drinks – mid-July to mid-August)

Autumn in Paris: enjoying the cultural life

Art galleries refresh their offerings and even the classic museums have surprises in store. Come on. Nothing beats Paris in autumn for soaking up the cultural life.

Below, we suggest a list of 10 cultural venues and museums in Paris not to be missed:

• Visit the Louvre Museum
• Centre Pompidou Museum
• Musée d'Orsay
• Grand Palais
• Fondation Louis Vuitton Museum
• Musée Jacquemart-André
• Musée de l'Orangerie
• Palais du Luxembourg
• Museum of Modern Art of Paris

Winter in Paris: the best time to visit with children

Pack a coat, winter shoes, and an umbrella.

During Christmas in Paris, the Place Vendôme is dressed in color, various Christmas markets (such as the one at La Défense) are set up around the city, and the shop windows, like those of the Galeries Lafayette (a must-see with children), make it perfectly clear that it's a time of peace, joy, and shopping.

What's more, the magic of Christmas overflows at Disneyland Paris. Parades, dream-like decorations, carols, fireworks. The folks at Disney really know how to pour joy and wonder into the hearts of the little ones.

How to enjoy Paris at Christmas

Beyond marveling at the Christmas decorations along the Champs-Élysées, the cheerful markets, and the incredible shop windows, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy Paris at Christmas:

• Patinaje sobre hielo: The most popular ice rinks in Paris are those at the Hôtel de Ville and the Grand Palais, but if you want a truly unique experience, try ice skating on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower.
• New Year's Eve at Disneyland Paris: On New Year's Eve, from 8:30 PM until 2:00 AM, the park offers its visitors an unforgettable experience, with Mickey and his friends as the ultimate hosts of a grand party brimming with light, fireworks, music, and magic.