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Weather in Paris
Every cliche about Paris is true
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About Paris
There is a reason people keep going back to Paris. It is not just the Eiffel Tower glittering at midnight or the Louvre's overwhelming abundance. It is the cheese shops, the bouquinistes on the Seine, the way a crepe tastes better eaten standing in the rain.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Paris
Eiffel Tower
Louvre
Montmartre
Seine river cruise
Marais exploration
Versailles day trip
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
8C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
March
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
16C
Cool, with occasional showers.
May
19C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
June
23C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
25C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
August
25C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
September
22C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
17C
Cool, with some rainy days.
November
11C
Cool, with some rainy days.
December
9C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Paris resists the clichés and then proves every single one of them correct — the Eiffel Tower glitters at night, the wine is always better than it has any right to be, the croissants at a good boulangerie make you question every croissant you've ever eaten before, and walking the banks of the Seine on a Sunday morning is one of the finest ways to spend time on this earth. It takes itself very seriously and this is completely correct. Go in autumn when the light is amber and the queues are shorter.
Best areas to stay in Paris
Le Marais
Paris's most dynamic neighbourhood — medieval streets, the Place des Vosges, excellent museums including the Pompidou and Picasso, and the best falafel in the city.
Montmartre
The bohemian hilltop village of Sacré-Cœur, artists' studios, and the best views over central Paris — magical in the early morning before the tourist rush.
Saint-Germain-des-Prés
The literary and intellectual heart of Paris — Café de Flore, Les Deux Magots, excellent independent bookshops, and the Musée d'Orsay nearby.
Île de la Cité & Île Saint-Louis
The original island heart of Paris — Notre-Dame Cathedral (now restored), the beautiful Sainte-Chapelle, and the ice cream at Berthillon.
Getting to Paris
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Flights
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and Orly (ORY) airports serve Paris from dozens of UK airports; Eurostar from London St Pancras takes 2h15m direct to Paris Gare du Nord — often the most comfortable option.
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From London
~2h15m by Eurostar from London, or ~1h15m by air
🚕
Getting around
The Paris Métro is one of Europe's best urban transit systems — a carnet of tickets or a Paris Visite pass covers all journeys efficiently.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Paris?
April to June and September to October offer the best combination of good weather, manageable crowds, and the city's finest light. July and August see peak tourist numbers but also a lively atmosphere with Paris Plages and outdoor events.
Do I need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance?
Yes — book timed tickets online well in advance, particularly for the summit lift. Walk-up queues can be 2–3 hours long in summer. Early morning slots offer the best experience with fewer crowds.
Which area is best to stay in Paris?
The Marais (3rd/4th arrondissements) is the most atmospheric neighbourhood; the Latin Quarter (5th) is classic bohemian Paris; Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th) is elegant and central. Montmartre is picturesque but can feel touristy.
Is Paris expensive?
Paris is expensive at tourist-facing establishments, but eating at brasseries away from major sights, using the excellent metro, and visiting free museum days (first Sunday of the month) makes it very manageable.
What should I eat in Paris that I can't get elsewhere?
A proper steak frites at a traditional bistro, croissants from a top-rated boulangerie, onion soup at Les Halles, and a croque monsieur from a zinc café counter — these are Paris fundamentals not to be skipped.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Paris in October is simply perfect — golden leaves in the Tuileries, no queues at the Musée d'Orsay, and the most extraordinary dinner at a small bistro on the Île Saint-Louis. We took the Eurostar and it was completely painless.
Amélie D. · October 2024
★★★★★
The cherry blossoms along Canal Saint-Martin in April were a complete revelation — nobody told us about that. Paris always rewards going slightly off the beaten path; the food market at Marché d'Aligre was our highlight.
Chris B. · April 2023
★★★★☆
Wonderful as always though the Eiffel Tower lift queue was brutal despite booking ahead — arrive at your timeslot exactly. The rooftop bar at Galeries Lafayette for the free panoramic views of Paris is an absolute insider tip.
Victoria H. · June 2024
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