What’s the Best Season to Visit Paris?
Eiffel Tower and the Seine River
We all have a special weakness when it comes to traveling — especially when it’s a trip for two. The obvious answer is Paris, the eternal city of romance. But you might be wondering, when is the best time to visit Paris? Here we’ll break down what each season offers and the activities you can enjoy. The best time will depend on your preferences and budget.
Each season has its own unique charm that can’t be replicated at any other time of year. Winter brings Christmas and New Year’s celebrations, followed by the city’s quietest period. Summer, with its warmth and crowds, also has its advantages: the banks of the Seine turn into lively social hubs, complete with sand and sun loungers in some areas.
Autumn and spring are the perfect balance — mild days, fewer tourists, and better prices for flights and accommodations. The city bursts with color, whether from blooming flowers in spring or the changing leaves of autumn.
Keep reading to discover what Paris offers in every season of the year.
Spring
Eiffel Tower during spring in Paris, France
Spring begins in late March, with a mix of rainy and sunny days — one of the best times to avoid both the crowds and the weather extremes of summer and winter. March also celebrates Macaron Day and National Cheese Day.
April and May turn Paris into a floral spectacle — cherry and chestnut trees bloom in April, followed by roses and other blossoms in May. These months are perfect for walking, picnicking in the parks, and enjoying the national sport: sitting on a café terrace and people-watching.
April also brings the Paris Marathon, a cheerful, massive event that livens up the city, along with Easter celebrations and the chocolate frenzy that comes with them. If you love books, plan your visit during Livre Paris, France’s major book fair held in spring.
In May, the city hosts two key music festivals — the Saint Germain-des-Prés Jazz Festival and Villette Sonique, a rock, experimental, and post-punk event that mixes free and paid concerts in a beautiful venue. It’s also a great month for tours of the castles around Paris.
Summer
The Trocadéro Fountains and the Eiffel Tower, Paris
School vacations, warm weather, and endless outdoor evenings! Summer is the ideal time to experience Parisian street life. While there are many tourists, many Parisians also leave the city, so you might find some restaurants and small boutiques closed in August — the French take their summer rest seriously.
June, July, and August are packed with cultural events and plenty of reasons to head to parks, gardens, and the Seine’s riverbanks. Late June features the Paris Pride Parade, a colorful and festive celebration.
On July 14, France celebrates Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) with fireworks over the Eiffel Tower, a grand concert, and the largest military parade in Europe, ending with an impressive air show by the Patrouille de France.
In late August, another celebration commemorates the Liberation of Paris from Nazi occupation. Throughout July and August, the Paris Plages event transforms parts of the Seine’s banks into urban beaches, complete with sand and even pools.
Autumn
Aerial view of Paris with autumn colors
Perhaps the most romantic time to visit Paris — perfect for couples. As locals return to work and school, visitor numbers drop, along with flight and hotel prices.
September and October are still mild, even warm, and it’s not unusual to enjoy a “little summer” in October, perfect for strolling through the city’s parks and gardens, which turn golden and red from late September.
The cultural season also begins in autumn. The Paris Autumn Festival, which started in 1972, kicks off in September with a mix of theater, dance, visual arts, and music across multiple venues — running well beyond autumn, until February.
Fall is ideal for leisurely walks — especially in the Père Lachaise Cemetery, resting place of many cultural icons like Édith Piaf. When the weather is pleasant, take walking tours such as Montparnasse or enjoy a boat cruise on the Seine.
Winter
La Place des Vosges
Even the coldest winter has its sweet and cheerful side. Though it’s chilly and the days are short, Paris in winter has a unique, intimate charm — the city feels quieter and more personal, as fewer tourists dare to visit.
Outside of the festive period of December and early January, when Paris shines with lights, Christmas markets, and shopping fever, winter is perfect for exploring major museums like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay without crowds, or touring Notre Dame.
You’ll also skip the long summer lines to climb the Eiffel Tower, and the cold weather is the perfect excuse to indulge in French cuisine. With countless Michelin-starred restaurants, Paris is a paradise for food lovers — though you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy authentic Parisian dishes.
We hope this article helps you plan your next trip to Paris!
Remember that at airporttransportation.com/paris-charles-de-gaulle-airport-transportation we help you get from the airport to your hotel or anywhere else in Paris.
The City of Light is truly special — and it has something for everyone, in every season.
