Best time to visit Paris: few crowds, great deals, and blissed-out weather

One of the best things about Paris is that it’s always stunning regardless of the time of year. June to August is the peak season when tourists take advantage of the sunny weather and exceptionally long days to amble along the Seine or enjoy outdoor festivals.

Spring and fall bring thinner crowds when blossoms and foliage make the expansive parks and gardens more inviting. Paris is quieter from November to early March—this is when you can explore the city at your own pace. Airfares and hotel rates are also lower, though you’ll have to brace for chilly weather and a higher chance of rain.

Wondering when’s the best time to visit Paris? Here’s a closer look at each season’s charms to help you decide when to visit.

Temperatures average at 70 degrees Fahrenheit, the Seine springs to life, and the streets are filled with parties and festivals—this is summer in Paris. Make sure to pack loose clothing and bring your water bottle. But be prepared for spells of rain during this time, so pack an umbrella or raincoat.

Mid-June welcomes throngs of tourists eager for free concerts and the Seine’s man-made beach, the Paris-Plages. If jostling with the crowds is not your idea of a holiday, this may not be the best time to visit Paris.

However, if you don’t mind sharing the city with lots of other travelers, summer is a great season to enjoy the best of Paris’ outdoors. Daytime temperatures are comfortable, perfect for drinking coffee at Paris’ sidewalk cafés. Make a reservation if you want to snag a seat at famous cafés such as Les Deux Magots and Café de Flore. If you prefer sipping cocktails, take a pick from the brasseries and pubs with outdoor seating lining the streets.

If all that time under the sun gets too much, Paris’ green spaces offer a breather. Instead of the packed Jardin des Tuileries, seek shade in the sprawling botanical gardens of Bois de Vincennes or the hilly Buttes-Chaumont. You can also cool down with some delicious ice cream from Berthillon, arguably the most famous ice cream shop in Paris.

If you’re planning to hit the popular tourist attractions, you might want to head out as early as 8 a.m. to avoid long lines. Or, you can join small, skip-the-line guided tours at the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre.

Summer is also the best time for outdoor (and mostly free) festivals, concerts, and sporting events. Highlights include Fête de la Musique (Music Day), Open Air Cinema at La Villette, Tour de France, and Paris L'Eté. Fireworks light up the skies on July 14 for France’s biggest holiday, Bastille Day.

As this is the peak season, expect higher rates on flights and hotels. Among Paris’ best arrondissements, the Latin Quarter offers more budget hotels, but you have to book at least six months in advance.

The shoulder season in Paris happens twice, in spring and fall. These are the best times to go to Paris if you’re after great weather and fewer crowds. The temperature ranges from 45 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit—mostly comfortable for sightseeing. Expect occasional downpours though. Pack warm sweaters for layering, a light waterproof jacket, rain-friendly shoes, and your trusty umbrella.

Next to summer, spring is the most popular season so you still have to book your flight and hotel months and months in advance to strike a good deal. On the other hand, fall is one of the cheapest times to go to Paris as it’s closer to the low season.

Cycling along Canal Saint-Martin, taking a day trip to Versailles, and sampling local cheese, meats, and wine during a gastronomic tour of Montmartre. These are just a few ways to enjoy Paris in springtime.

With pink blossoms all over the city, this is a lovely time to explore exquisite gardens like the Jardin du Luxembourg. But for picnics at hidden gems, head to the Parc Montsouris and Coulée Verte.

Spring also has its fair share of exciting events. This includes the Paris Marathon, Saint Patrick’s Day, and the Festival Jazz à Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Easter Sunday is a big affair as well. Regardless of your religious beliefs, you may book an Easter concert at Sainte Chapelle, join Easter egg hunts in various parks, or enjoy Easter lunch while cruising down the Seine.

Fall is an excellent time to admire Paris’ golden foliage. The good news is, crowds are smaller so you can take leisurely walks in any of the city’s magnificent parks and gardens. For some of the best fall displays, visit Jardin des Plantes or Bois de Boulogne.

If you’re an art enthusiast, you’ll find fall is a great time to visit Paris. During European Heritage Days in September, you can check out places like the Élysée Palace and Musée d'Orsay for free. In October, two major art exhibitions are held—Nuit Blanche, which exhibits artworks from all over the world for free, all night long; and the Foire internationale d'art contemporain (FIAC), which showcases contemporary art for an entire week at the Grand Palais.

As the temperatures hover between the 40s and 30s, lines at tourist attractions taper off. During this season (except between Christmas and New Year), airfares and hotel rates are more attractive. This is the cheapest time to go to Paris, and you’ll have more of the city to yourself, too!

The trade-off is that you’ll need plenty of layers, plus waterproof shoes and thick (but chic) coats. We still recommend packing an umbrella, raincoat, and rain boots, as winter brings frequent rainfall. However, snow is unlikely.

Despite the cold, you’ll want to marvel at the Christmas trees and elaborate shop facades. You can also go skating at one of the outdoor rinks or tour museums and cathedrals if it’s too cold out.

January and February are the chilliest and quietest months but the Les Soldes (winter sales) at Paris boutiques and department stores bring some buzz to the city. This is the best time to get as much as 70% off on famous fashion labels.

Just before tourists stream in, the city busies itself with Valentine’s Day. Don’t miss out on the great deals offered by most restaurants, from lunch and dinner menus to sweets and pastries.

Days are shorter in winter but nights are so much brighter, thanks to holiday lights and decorations. It’s a fantastic time to admire the luminous installations on the Champs-Elysées, Avenue Montaigne, and Bercy Village. Here's how you can have a magical Christmas in Paris.

You can also visit Christmas markets such as the Marché de Noel Notre Dame and Saint-Germain-Des-Prés Christmas Market. Shop for artisan crafts, clothing, jewelry, or other gift-worthy souvenirs. Keep warm by drinking some mulled wine or hot chocolate in between your shopping.

The holidays pose the perfect excuse to savor Parisian fare, too. Popular establishments such as Le Train Bleu and Congres Auteuil offer special holiday menus—just make sure to reserve your table far in advance. They’ll serve dessert but it won’t hurt to stop by a pâtisserie to have some bûche de Noël.

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