Paris travel guide

🇫🇷 Paris · When to go

The best time to visit Paris

Paris is loveliest in late spring (April–June) and early autumn (September–October) — mild, blooming or golden, and lively. Summer is warm and busy (quieter in August as Parisians leave); winter is cold and grey but cheap and romantic, with the Christmas lights.

Best overall

April–June and September–October — mild, lovely and lively.

Best weather

Late spring to early autumn (May–September).

Fewer crowds

Winter (November–March, outside Christmas) and the August lull.

Lowest prices

January–March is the cheapest.

When to avoid

August for widespread local closures; midwinter for grey, chilly days.

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Paris season by season

SpringApr–JunPeak season

Blossoms, café terraces and long days — one of the best (and busiest) times.

SummerJul–AugShoulder season

Warm and long-dayed; August is quieter as locals leave, though some shops and restaurants close.

AutumnSep–OctPeak season

Golden, mild and culturally lively as the city comes back to life — a favourite window.

WinterNov–MarLow season

Cold and often grey, but cheapest and least crowded, and magical around Christmas.

Key events & holidays

Paris Pride (June), Bastille Day (14 July), the August local exodus, the Fashion Weeks, and the Christmas markets and lights.

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Best time to visit Paris — FAQs

When is the best time to visit Paris?

April–June and September–October — mild and lively, with blossoms in spring and golden light in autumn.

What is the cheapest time to visit Paris?

January to March is the cheapest and least crowded, if you don’t mind cold, grey weather.

Is August a good time to visit Paris?

It’s milder on crowds as Parisians leave, but many shops and restaurants close for the holidays — plan around it.

When is Paris least crowded?

Winter outside the Christmas period, and parts of August.

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