Figuring out the best month to visit Paris takes a bit of thought and research. The right month for you might be different than the right month for your friend, so before you take their advice lock, stock, and barrel, we’ll break down the pros and cons of the different times of year to figure out the best for you, your budget, and your travel party.
Welcome to Paris
Paris, the City of Light, is the most popular tourist destination in the world. There’s a little something for everyone in Paris. It’s the global seat for couture fashion, it’s one of the world’s best destinations for art and architecture, and, of course, it’s a foodie’s paradise.
Best time to visit Paris
The best month to go to Paris depends entirely on the type of experience you’re seeking. The most popular season for travel to Paris is, like so many other places, summer, but it will almost definitely be the priciest and most crowded time to go. Though they are generally more expensive than the off season (though not quite as high as the summer months), spring and fall are more mellow and less crowded than the high season. The most affordable and least crowded season is winter, though the weather can be unpredictable.
The Best Month to Visit Paris
When it comes to planning the perfect Parisian getaway, choosing the best month to go to Paris is the among the most important decisions you will make. Dictating everything from the availability of seasonal experiences to the price you’ll pay to what you have to pack – take the time to carefully weigh the pros and cons.
Summer
Looking for the most action-packed months? The summer months of June, July, and August are the best time to visit. The days are long and the weather is warm, making it the perfect time to explore the city and take in the sights. There are a host of world-class events that happen in the summer; Bastille Day, the Tour du France, Liberation Day, and much MUCH more, so if you’re looking to party with the locals, book in summer. The downside, of course, is that it’s also the most popular and expensive time to visit
Spring
The months of March, April, and May, are some of my personal favorite months to come to Paris (springtime in Paris is a thing for a reason!). It’s less expensive than the high season of the Summer, and while there will still be crowds, they’ll be less intense than the summer crowds. There are still plenty of memorable events to be had in these months. Bastille Day, the Easter holidays, and La Foire du Trône are among some of the city-wide events happening in the Spring. The days are still longer and the weather is still on the warmer side, so you’ll have most of the benefits of the high season without that crazy price tag.
Fall
September, October and November fall into a similar category as the spring months, they can have gorgeous weather, plenty of activities, and a lower price tag than the summer. Events like Armistice Day and the Nuit Blanche (White Night) make this a magical time to come without all the thick crowds of the summer.
Winter
For the budget traveler, the least crowded and most affordable time to visit Paris is the winter months of, December, January, and February. Don’t write it off, though! Some of my favorite trips to Paris have been in the winter. The city is all but clear of tourists, and although the days are short and the weather can be unpredictable, you can still have an incredible experience here during the winter. The holidays in Paris are absolutely magical, and there is nothing quite like strolling the streets of Paris while the snow falls.
Weather in Paris by Season
The warmest and driest season of the year is the summer months of June, July, and August. During these months, temperatures might range from a pleasant 70°F (21°C) to a scorching 90°F (32°C), so pack accordingly. Light, breathable fabrics with some light layering pieces should have you prepped for anything that the summer throws at you.
Often, the most pleasant months of the year are the spring and fall months of March, April, May, September, and October . During these months, temperatures might range from a pleasant 60°F (15°C) to a toasty 80°F (26°C), so prep with some light layers, and if you’re traveling in March or later October, keep an eye on the weather as you approach your travel days to see if a heavier coat will be needed
The coldest and wettest months of the year are November, December, January, and February. These months might have chilling lows of 20°F (-7°C) and highs of 40°F (4°C), so pack your winter coat. I wouldn’t go without a rain coat and a sturdy umbrella as well. Consider picking up some waterproof shoes or boots (I’m loving the Vessis and Sorel for fashion-forward waterproof sneakers.), and for my go-to sturdy umbrella that won’t break the bank (we’re going on 3 years and many, many trips together now), you can grab it on Amazon here.
Paris Hotel and Lodging Costs by Month
The cost of lodging is another thing that you’re going to need to take into consideration as you plan your trip to paris. the summer months of course will come with the highest price tag with the winter months coming in at the least expensive.
The months of June July and August will be the most expensive time to stay in Paris. well rates will vary depending on the quality of your lodging, you can expect to pay between $150 to $400 per night in the summer for an average hotel.
Likewise, the least expensive times to travel are the winter months of November December January and february. of course, the time around Christmas and the winter holidays will be slightly more expensive but due to the lower tourist demand, the rooms will on average be significantly less expensive than they are in the summer months. you can expect to pay between $50 and $150 per night for an average tourist-class accommodation.
Coming in right down the middle, are the spring and fall months of April, May, September, and October. These can be the best bang for your buck as the climate can be ideal, crowd levels will be lower, and accommodations are significantly less expensive than the high summer months. you can expect to pay between $100 and $250 for your average hotel room in Paris during these months.
In Conclusion
Paris is an incredible and magical city, no matter what time you come to visit. Whether you come on the busiest day of the year or the slowest in the winter, you’ll be greeted with unspeakable Beauty and a beautiful culture. I hope this helped you figure out the best month to go to Paris for your unique situation. Happy traveling!
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