Best Time To Visit Paris: Planning Your Ideal Trip

When it comes to planning the perfect trip to Paris, timing is everything. The good news is that there isn’t a bad time to visit the City of Light, nor is there a “best” time. 

Actually, let’s rephrase that a bit. 

The best time to visit Paris and the worst time to visit Paris is totally up to you. It all depends on the experience you want to have. 

If you’re a solo traveler on a budget, the worst time to book your trip is in the high season when everything’s more expensive — stick to the low season if you want to save money.

Traveling with kids? The summer offers great weather and plenty of outdoor activities, but you’ll find better deals on flights, hotel rooms, and more during the shoulder seasons of April to May and September to November. 

Want to know the best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds? A great time for couples to book a trip? Maybe you just want to know when is the best time to experience the city like Parisians do. 

While France is one of the best countries to visit in June, Paris is a city for all months and seasons. We’ll help you pick the right ones for your Paris adventure.

Seasonal overview of Paris

Choosing a time to visit Paris can be overwhelming, especially if it’s your first trip. Above, we touched on Paris’ high, low, and shoulder seasons for travelers, but you might be wondering: What do those terms even mean? 

Don’t worry — these terms just refer to the peak and off times for tourists. Here are the months these seasons fall in: 

• High season: June to August and late December for the holidays 
• Low season: Early December and January to March 
• Shoulder seasons: April to May and September to November 

The low and shoulder seasons are generally the best times to visit Paris to avoid crowds and if you’re on a budget. Paris’ low season, however, typically has the worst weather, so keep that in mind while you’re planning. 

Like any major city, a lot happens in Paris every year. Here are a few of the highlights, broken out by season, to mark in your calendar. 

Spring (March to May)

Why Paris in spring? March to May is a great time to visit Paris for temperate weather and to avoid crowds. Falling in the shoulder season, you’re also likely to find deals on airfare and hotel rooms that work for your budget. Sometimes you can even snag discounts to museums and other tourist attractions. 

Best attractions: When Paris is in full bloom and the sun is shining bright, you’ll want to head to the beautiful Luxembourg Gardens, the largest gardens in Paris, for a whimsical afternoon sailing toy boats, watching a puppet show, or simply just people watching. Second only to the Luxembourg Gardens in beauty, the Jardin des Tuileries is a romantic and peaceful greenspace just outside the Louvre Museum, so if it starts raining or gets too cold, you’ve got an indoor activity nearby to enjoy. 

Events worth traveling for: In March when there’s still a chill in the air, the three-day food festival La Fête de la Gastronomie is the perfect way to experience the peak of French culture. If you’re a runner or sports fan, watching participants cross the finish line of the Paris Marathon in April can’t be missed. And every May brings more excitement to the city with the French Open held in the Roland Garros stadium. 

Best month to visit Paris: March is the winner despite the occasional rain shower and slightly cooler temperatures. You’ll have very few tourists crowding the Eiffel Tower, and you’ll get to experience the city more like Parisians do. 

Summer (June to August)

Why Paris in summer? Summer is the obvious time to plan vacations to France and is often considered one of the best times to visit Paris. What’s not to like? The warmer temperatures make everyone from tourists to Parisians happy, and the longer daylight hours make sightseeing, river cruises on the Seine, and dining outdoors even more magical. Of course, it’s the high season, which means tourists will flock to all the popular attractions that are on your itinerary. Prices tend to be higher, too, but we can guarantee that it won’t stop you from falling in love with Paris. 

Best attractions: When the temperatures climb, there’s nothing better than walking around the Seine River or, better yet, taking a boat cruise at sunset. A day trip outside of the city can also be a nice change of scenery. The D-Day Normandy beaches offer a moving experience you’ll never forget.  

Events worth traveling for: Starting in June, parades and festivals fill the city. Paris’ Pride celebration includes a colorful carnival procession, concerts, and parties in clubs and bars throughout the city. In August, Rock en Seine shakes the capital with three days of music performed by bands from France, England, and other countries around the world — it’s just one of Paris’ many music festivals! But the biggest event happens in July: Bastille Day. July 14 marks the turning point of the French Revolution when a group of Parisians stormed the Bastille prison. The day is filled with events like a military parade down the Champs-Élysées and fireworks set off from the base of the Eiffel Tower. 

Best month to visit Paris: We have to say July, because the Bastille Day celebrations can’t be beat. 

Fall (September to November)

Why Paris in the fall? The colorful foliage in all the parks and the temperate weather give Paris a cozy feeling — perfect for wearing chic sweaters and coats as you explore this fashion capital. What really makes it one of the best times to visit Paris, especially if you’re on a budget and have no patience to wait in long lines for everything, is that it’s a shoulder season. Take advantage of lower rates for airfare and hotel rooms, and very few people blocking your view of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre. Okay, maybe that’s too much to hope for, but the city really is less crowded. 

Best attractions: Definitely take advantage of all the museums that are typically too crowded in the high season. 

• Take your time seeing all the highlights at the Louvre Museum
• Venture to all the floors of the Galeries Lafayette
• Spend at least two hours seeing the best of the Musée d’Orsay

If you’re visiting in October, we also recommend getting a spooky thrill at the Père Lachaise Cemetery. 

Events worth traveling for: Hit the runway in September and October for Paris Fashion Week,  join the all-night art party at Nuit Blanche in October, and taste the Beaujolais Nouveau when it becomes available in November — these are just a few of the exciting events that make fall trips to Paris the best! 

Best month to visit Paris: It’s a tie between October and November. Both have beautiful foliage and plenty of festive things to do. 

Winter (December to February)

Why Paris in winter? Apart from late December, winter is generally the best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds and save money. The city isn’t a top destination for winter vacations, so you should be able to find affordable deals on everything from airfare to dining options. If you do travel to Paris in December, you’ll get to experience the magic of the city at Christmas, which is definitely a highlight if you’re traveling with kids.  

Best attractions: If you’re in Paris in December, Christmas markets and light displays can’t be missed. For the rest of the chilly months, we suggest indoor activities like museums, the Palais Garnier, or the often overlooked Panthéon.

Events worth traveling for: The Christmas market at Jardin des Tuileries features a giant ferris wheel, where you’ll have an amazing view of the city lit up — especially the Eiffel Tower! From mid-December to mid-January, take the kids to the Christmas market at Disneyland Paris for some holiday fun with all their favorite characters. 

Best month to visit Paris: January still has the holiday feel, but with dwindling crowds.  

There’s plenty to see and do throughout the year in Paris, so the best time to go is when you think you’ll have the greatest adventure. Better yet, why not plan Paris trips for every season? 

Best time to visit Paris to avoid crowds

Don’t want to spend your time in Paris pushing through large crowds of people and waiting in line to do everything? We get it. If you want to avoid the crowds, you need to plan accordingly. 

First, the worst time of year is the high season: mainly the summer months, but also the end of December. Don’t book your trip when most people take their vacations from June to August — most Parisians leave the city in July and August anyway, so you’ll just be left with the other tourists. 

For shorter lines at popular landmarks and a more relaxed atmosphere, plan your visit in the low season from January to March. We like March because there are early signs of Spring, which means that you get the benefit of a tranquil atmosphere, plus the start of nicer weather. The shoulder seasons — April to May and September to November — are also good times to visit before the tourist season is in full swing.  

If you can only travel to Paris during the peak tourist season, there are other ways to avoid the crowds: 

• Stay away from shopping centers and popular landmarks on weekends, and try to do some late-afternoon and evening sightseeing. 
• Visit lesser-known attractions like the Musée d’Orsay that Parisians prefer to the Louvre or the Panthéon. 
• Take Paris tours that offer skip-the-line access to attractions like the Arc de Triomphe and our Paris Catacombs Tour. And be sure to ask your local guides for tips on finding the less-crowded parts of the city. 

Best months: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, and November 

Worst Months: June, July, August, and late December   

Best time to visit Paris with kids

When planning family vacations, you’re obviously limited to school holidays, which usually fall in the winter, spring, and summer. 

Luckily, Paris has lots of family-friendly activities throughout the year, so it doesn’t really matter when you go. If you’re looking to spend more time in Paris’ beautiful parks like the Luxembourg Gardens or Jardin des Tuileries, summer has the best weather. For holiday magic, book your trip for December. 

Here’s an overview of seasonal events to guide you:

Winter 

• Christmas markets pop up all over the city, including the Jardin des Tuileries and Disneyland Paris. 
• Another holiday treat are the concerts at Sainte-Chapelle or the first-night menorah lighting for Hanukkah at the Eiffel Tower. 

Bake bread and pastries together with an Authentic French Baking Experience.

Spring 

• Take a Paris in a Day tour to see the best of the city’s landmarks in one go. 
• Attend kid tours and workshops at museums like the Louvre. Attractions like the Panthéon also provide activity books for kids. 

Summer 

• Plan a beach day along the Seine River at Paris Plages. Every summer, you’ll see artificial beaches pop up on the Hôtel de Ville Square and Villette Basin. 
• Stay on the Seine with a walking tour and boat cruise. 
• The Paris l’Eté festival in July offers lots of theater, music, and circus performances to keep both kids and adults entertained. 

For more practical tips, this guide to experiencing Paris with kids shares everything you need to know.  

Best months: December, April, May, June, July, and August 
Worst months: January, February, and March

Best time to visit Paris on a budget

Paris’ low season has a lot going for it. One of the best reasons to head there in early December before the holiday rush, January, and February is the prices. If you’re a budget-conscious traveler, you’re sure to save on flights, accommodations, public transportation, and even the city’s most popular attractions like on tours of the Eiffel Tower.  

The downside is that temperatures can dip into the 30s, but a cozy cafe or museum visit will warm you up — especially if you happen to be there on a free museum day (the first Sunday of the month). There might also be fewer tours running and reduced hours for activities like Seine River cruises.

Free attractions and activities can also help you stay on budget, even if you’re visiting during peak tourist season. Here are some budget-friendly ideas to save on your trip: 

• Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in one of Paris’ beautiful parks instead of dining in a cafe. 
• Book accommodations in more affordable neighborhoods like Montparnasse in the 14th arrondissement, Strasbourg Saint-Denis in the 10th arrondissement, Belleville in the 20th arrondissement, and Vincennes in the 21st arrondissement. 
• Paris is relatively small for a capital city, so it’s easy to walk to get where you need to go. The metro is also reliable and fast, so there’s no need to spend your money on taxis. 
• Enjoy simple pleasures like wandering around to look at Paris balconies, street art, and street performances. 
• Research before you go to popular attractions to see if you’re eligible for any discounts. Booking tickets in advance might also save you money that would be better spent on a croissant or souvenir.   

Best months: Early December, January, February, and the shoulder seasons

Worst months: June, July, August, and late December

Worst time to visit Paris

The worst time to visit Paris? Again, it depends on what you’re looking (or not looking) for. Each season has its drawbacks, such as bad weather, large crowds, reduced hours, or high prices. 

While planning your ideal Paris trip, consider changing things up. Do you typically plan summer vacations? Try the spring or fall. Do your family trips tend to break the bank? Take the kids to Paris in the low or shoulder seasons for more budget-friendly options. 

Paris tours and activities for every season

Whether summer, spring, winter, or fall, you’ll only discover the “real” Paris with a local guide. Our Paris tours immerse you in French culture and introduce you to the City of Light one arrondissement at a time. Don’t know which tour to choose for your trip? We’ve highlighted the best tour for each season: 

• Springtime in Paris: Walk to the Seine’s most popular bridges, visit the Orsay Museum, and upgrade to journey down the river in a boat on this scenic Seine River Walking tour. 
• Summer Sightseeing: From the Moulin Rouge to the Sacré-Cœur, explore the bohemian heart of Paris on our Montmartre tour.  
• Fall for the Eiffel Tower: We’ve got two unique Eiffel Tower tours to reach the top and see Paris from different heights.  
• Winter Wonderland: With our Paris in a Day tour, you can keep warm on a heated bus in between stops and see the city all lit up for the holidays.  

Plan your perfect Paris getaway

Now that you know there’s no bad time to visit Paris, we hope this takes the pressure off. You can plan your trip based on your interests, the vibe you’re looking for, and the memories you want to make. 

We’ve told you about events happening throughout the year to mark in your calendar, activities to do with kids, exploring Paris on a budget, and tips for avoiding crowds. All that’s left to do is build your itinerary. Let us help you fill it with our immersive Paris tours led by local guides who know everything about the city. 

No matter when you visit, Paris will always be Paris. How you experience it, well, that changes with the seasons.