When to go to Paris: climate, best time and month-by-month tips

Climate, temperatures and best times

• Best period: May to September, with a preference for May and June. Paris is always enjoyable, but in these months the days are long and the heat is not excessive

• Period to avoid: November to February. Apart from the rain and cold, the sunshine is poor. At Christmas, however, it is beautiful.

Paris has a continental climate, with more frequent rainfall in winter and less frequent but more abundant in summer. Consider that during the hot season sudden downpours that cool temperatures are not unusual. Winter is harsh and summer hot, especially given the high level of smog covering the city.

When it's best to go to Paris: the cheapest time of year

Paris is one of the most expensive cities in Europe, yet planning your visit in February, September and November or between March and May can save you up to 30%. Away from the Italian and French festivities, the city is less expensive but still fantastic!

Paris in Spring

Spring is definitely the best time to visit the city. Thanks to the mild weather and long days, you can stroll through parks such as Jardin de Luxembourg and Jardin de Tuileries, enjoy the climb up Montmartre, and have fun in the Mairie nightclubs that start using the outdoor spaces.
In addition, street performers are all the rage in the streets of the centre this season: musicians, jugglers and dancers will provide you with a few minutes of genuine entertainment. Stretching as far as the Palace of Versailles, you can admire the rekindling of the fountains with their incredible water games.

Paris in Summer

The Parisian summer can be very sultry. However, if you have decided to visit the city in summer, shopping centres, such as the famous La Fayette, andair-conditioned museums come to the rescue. The city is certainly less crowded and sightseeing is quicker. Don't miss a walk along the Canal Saint-Martin, which can be reached by renting one of the public bicycles (the city is dotted with Velib pick-up and drop-off points).
If you are intolerant of the heat, you can relax at one of the Paris Plages, the beaches that are set up along the Seine in July and August. A dinner on a boat can be really delicious, taking advantage of the very long days.

Paris in Autumn

In autumn, Paris shows all its romanticism. The trees that begin to turn their leaves and the natural light of this season give the city amagical atmosphere, which is greatly reflected in the Richelieu gardens. However, the days are short, but well worth a stroll along the Seine, where you can rediscover yourself more in love than ever. A stroll on the Champs Elysee at this time of year will also give you great thrills. And when night falls, you can entertain yourself with a show at the Moulin Rouge or go to the opera at one of the most beautiful theatres in the world.

Paris in Winter

Parisian architecture is at its best during the cold season. A light blanket of snow enhances the city's historic buildings but bad weather may force you to shut yourself inside the museums, which are nonetheless a highlight of the French capital.
Don't miss a visit to the Louvre and the D'Orsay, undisputed heritages of world culture. TheChristmas tree set up in front of Notre Dame is very beautiful, as are the markets set up in Trocadero Square. If you like ice skating, a special rink is set up in front of the Hotel De Ville.

How to dress: what to pack

• In winter: favour warm clothes and snowy underwear. The Parisian cold can be really biting, so knit socks to wear under trousers, thermal shirts to put under jumpers and heavy winter down jackets. Don't forget the wind that can hit the city: remember to bring gloves, scarf and hat. The most suitable footwear is definitely waterproof and padded.

• In summer: the sultry heat of the city means tank tops, flip-flops and shorts or, at any rate, light clothes. Linen and cotton will be your most valuable allies. In the evenings, especially on the Seine, there can be a light and pleasant breeze: take a light jumper with you, which is also ideal to protect you from the air conditioning of enclosed spaces.

• In autumn and spring: the mid-seasons are a dilemma in themselves, one day it is hot and the next day cold. Dress in layers. Long or short-sleeved cotton T-shirts, jeans or heavy cotton trousers, closed shoes suitable for walking, light jumpers or sweatshirts will be perfect.