Best time to visit Paris

Paris in the Spring (March to May)

Spring in Paris is a dream come true, with mild temperatures averaging 10-18°C and the city bursting into bloom - with no less than 500 parks and gardens to explore, savor a picnic in and enjoy a romantic stroll. Created by Catherine de’ Medici in 1564 and a public garden since the French Revolution, the elegant Jardin des Tuileries today invites you to unwind on the iconic green metal chairs and watch the world go by, taking in the pink magnolia trees, which blossom from late February through April. The Parc des Buttes-Chaumont meanwhile is home to a sprawling artificial lake and bridge to the romantic Belvedere Island and Temple de la Sibylle (Sibyl’s Temple).

Rainfall is light, so a chic Parisian umbrella never goes amiss! The springtime is a shoulder season, ensuring you’ll experience fewer crowds than the bustling peak-season summer months. Traveling now offers a more tranquil and comfortable sightseeing experience - particularly to the iconic attractions of the Eiffel Tower and the blooming royal gardens and opulence of Palace of Versailles.

Top Paris Events in Spring

Paris Marathon (April)

Join or cheer on runners as they tackle the 26.2-mile course, in what is the world’s biggest running event. The route begins at Champs-Élysées and finishes on Avenue Foch, with iconic views of the Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame.

Foire de Paris (April-May)

Also known as the ‘Paris Fair’, this 12-day trade fair is a major retail event and takes place at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles. Explore innovations and products across 6 exhibition halls. Don’t miss the 4 flagship areas of Home & Living, Wine & Food, Crafts & World Cultures and Shopping.

Nuit des Musées (May)

Enjoy late-night access to many of Paris’s museums and monuments during the annual ‘Night of the Museums’. Many are free for the event and put on special workshops, guided tours and cultural performances to showcase their world-class collections.

Jardin des Plantes Cherry Blossoms (March-April)

Visit this stunning 60-acre botanical garden, originally a 17th century medicinal garden grown for Louis XIII. Enjoy a serene walk beneath the blossoming cherry trees and experience the hanami (sakura season) in Paris! Try visiting in the week, to avoid the busy Parisian crowds who will descend there at the weekends.

Paris in the Summer (June to August)

Get ready to pack your sunglasses, because summer is here! In Paris, despite the humidity the summertime is a lively and vibrant experience. With long sun-drenched days, endless must-see outdoor events, and temperatures ranging from 20-30°C, Paris in the peak season is a fun place to be! Cosmopolitan cafés spill onto sunlit terraces, and the picturesque Seine River is abuzz with activity, from sightseeing river cruises to popular pop-up beaches. While it’s the busiest time for tourists, the uplifting atmosphere and extended daylight hours in the evenings make it well worth experiencing.

Top Paris Events in Summer

Bastille Day (July 14)

Celebrate France’s national day with gusto! Attended by the oldest and largest regular military parade in Europe - which is led by the President of France and accompanied by flying French jets overhead, it promises to be a unique spectacle. Marked by daytime festivities and a firework finale over the Eiffel Tower, this annual event is a must-see. For the best view of the fireworks, head to the popular picnicking spot of Champ-de-Mars.

Paris Jazz Festival (June-July)

Enjoy live open air jazz performances in the picturesque Parc Floral, attended by more than 100,000 spectators. Taking place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons throughout the summer, you’ll find there is a nominal entrance fee to the park but all the concerts within are free.

Paris Plages (July-August)

Seeking some R and R whilst in Paris? Head to the Seine River bank for the renowned Paris Beaches. This 2-month long event offers Parisians and visitors free access to relaxation and leisure facilities across 2 riverside sites. Unwind on artificial beaches along the Seine, complete with deck chairs, sandy shores and a dedicated swimming area - featuring pools of varying depths for all ages and mobilities.

Open-Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette (July-August)

Watch classic films under the stars in this free one-of-a-kind open-air cinema festival. Head to the Triangle meadow at Pac de la Villette and rent a deckchair and blanket for this memorable movie moment!

Paris in the Autumn (September to November)

Autumn paints Paris in tempting golden hues, with falling leaves and crisp air creating an ambient atmosphere for enjoying a scenic shoulder season city break. Paris temperatures are on average between 10-20°C, making it ideal for sightseeing around the iconic attractions, as well as for more leisurely strolls along the Seine and in the scenic parks and gardens - now resplendent in seasonal colour and interest. The busy summer crowds have dissipated by now. Yet the city’s cultural calendar is very much in full swing, with plenty to see, do and savor!

Top Paris Events in Autumn

Paris Fashion Week (September-October)

Spot the latest trends and celebrities during this global fashion event - which artfully blends fashion, art, culture and lifestyle into its seams. The September/October edition of this bi-annual event focuses on ready-to-wear collections, with designs from iconic fashion houses including Balenciaga, Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. Tickets are by invitation only.

Nuit Blanche (October)

Experience all-night art installations, light shows, fireworks and performances across the most iconic parts of the city, during this popular ‘White Night’. Held annually on the first Saturday in October, the event sees the metro running around the clock and museums open all-night long!

Salon du Chocolat (October-November)

Indulge in a world of chocolate at the world’s largest chocolate and cocoa event. Unique events include a chocolate fashion show, tastings, a pastry competition and chocolate award ceremony, live demonstrations, immersive workshops, cookery sessions and recipe book signings.

Grape Harvest Festival in Montmartre (October)

Celebrate the season with wine, food, and music in the historic Parisian quarter of Butte Montmarte. Held annually on the 2nd weekend of October, this popular 5-day festival celebrates all things tasty, with a focus on gastronomy and of course, wine! Savor exhibitions, live shows, parades and street entertainment, giant outdoor picnics and exclusive tours of the small charity-focused Clos Montmarte vineyard, normally closed to the public.

Paris in the Winter (December to February)

Winter in Paris is magical, with festive lights, cozy cafés, and fewer tourists to experience. While temperatures hover between 3-7°C, the holiday decorations and warm treats like mulled wine and hot chocolate make it a delight. The city is perfect for romantic evenings, whether ice-skating at Hôtel de Ville or strolling through its seasonal Christmas markets.

Top Paris Events in Winter:

Christmas Markets (Late November to early January)

Browse artisanal gifts, regional products and enjoy mulled wine and festive treats at the magical Christmas markets across Paris. The largest Christmas market in Paris is on the Champs-Élysées, whilst the Tuileries, Notre Dame and Saint-Germain-des-Prés markets are equally popular. Afterwards enjoy ice skating, a scenic ferris wheel ride, Christmas concerts and live performances nearby.

New Year’s Eve on the Champs-Élysées (December 31)

Ring in the new year with fireworks, music and celebrations at this iconic Paris location, with the Arc de Triomphe serving as the backdrop to a stunning live projector show. Those looking to party on, will be joined by DJ sets and live entertainment.

Winter Sales (January-February)

Usually held on the 2nd Wednesday of January and lasting until early February, enjoy some retail therapy and take advantage of discounted shopping at high-end boutiques and department stores during the seasonal sales, known as ‘les soldes d’hiver’.

Valentine’s Day in Paris (February 14)

Born romantics will love Paris on Valentine's Day. Experience special romantic events, chocolate and pastry tastings and live cabarets, followed by a dinner cruise on the Seine or a candlelit dinner in one of the world’s most romantic restaurants, such as Madame Brasserie on the Eiffel Tower.

No matter when you choose to travel, with so much to see, do and experience, it’s always the best time to visit Paris!

Plan ahead and book a stay in our unique Paris vacation rentals - with optional Concierge on hand to elevate your city break.