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Best time to visit Paris

Best time to visit Paris

Paris is a stunning city and deciding when to go can be a challenge. Today, we share the best time to visit Paris by season, so you can plan the perfect trip.

When is the best time to visit Paris?

best time to visit Paris

Is summer the best time to visit Paris?

The summer season (June to September) is the busiest time in Paris. During these months, the prices of tourism-related businesses skyrocket due to high demand. However, despite the higher price, tickets and hotels still get sold out months in advance. Many family travelers also explore Paris in summer because this is the time of the year when schools are on break.

Summer in Paris is undeniably an incredible season. There’s very little chance of rain, and it offers the perfect time to take memorable photos. However, if you don’t want to pay the extra cost and spend your time shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists in Paris and standing in line for hours, you probably should avoid this time to visit.

What to do in Paris in summer? 

There are loads of things to do in Paris in summer, such as visiting the Tuileries Garden, a 17th-century garden near the Louvre. Tuileries Garden is a lovely spot to get away from a massive wave of tourists. If you are a fan of the Tour de France and are visiting at the end of July, get yourself a spot near Arc de Triomphe, where you will see the riders race and pass-through for the final stage multiple times.

Other places you must see are the Luxembourg Gardens, Jardin des Plantes, Coulee Verte Rene-Dumont, Champ de Mars, Vincennes Woods, and of course, bring out the child in you and spend a day at Disneyland Paris.

best time to visit Paris
best time to visit Paris

Is fall the best time to visit Paris?

The fall season in Paris is a magnificent time to visit. The changing colors bring such a unique and fantastic atmosphere, not to mention it’s a great time of the year to sit in a charming Parisian cafe and have a coffee and a bite of a freshly baked croissant.

The temperature in Paris in the fall is also quite comfortable. You don’t need to bring a thick coat. Instead, get a down jacket and long-sleeve tops that work well as layers. In this way, you don’t have to pay extra for multiple check-in bags. You can also simply pack cabin-sized luggage.

best time to visit Paris

What to do in Paris in the fall? 

The colors of fall foliage and the remarkable Parisian atmosphere can be enjoyed by having Bois de Boulogne and Buttes-Chaumont on your list of must-visit spots in Paris in the fall. This is also when Autumn Festival is happening, tied to events such as theater, musical, and visual art shows hosted by International Contemporary Art Fair (FAIC).

Fall is also the celebration of the wine harvest season. Make sure you book an incredible vineyard tour near Paris to join this fantastic occasion. Finally, if you enjoy the spooky season, fall in Paris is the ideal time to explore the Catacombs.

best time to visit Paris

Is winter the best time to visit Paris?

Exploring Paris in the winter season can be cold and wet, but don’t let that deter you from visiting. In winter, affordable and bright Christmas markets in Paris are open, which makes the City of Lights even brighter at night.

Since winter in Paris is the lowest season of the year, during this time, the prices of accommodation and tours are much more affordable. There are also remarkably fewer crowds on the streets and at top attractions.

Visiting Paris in winter is an excellent choice for those who want to avoid the big wave of tourists and don’t mind the rain and cold. You can save money on hotels and flights and even book those at the last minute. Remember to bring warmer clothes, waterproof shoes, and raincoats or umbrellas.

What to do in Paris in winter? 

best time to visit Paris

Eiffel Tower is mind-blowingly busy in summer. If you are coming to Paris in winter, this is a better time to see this magnificent spot with a sprinkle of magical snow above it. The view from the top is so much different and much like a wonderland. The queues are a lot shorter, you don’t have to waste an entire day standing in line.

One thing you must do in Paris during winter is to visit the dazzling Christmas markets. The most popular are the ones at Tuileries Garden and Courtyard of the City Hall. These markets are fantastic places to buy souvenirs, drink hot chocolate, and try traditional Christmas French dishes. Lastly, you can rent ice skating shoes at Boulogne-Billancourt Rink, where you can skate all night.

best time to visit Paris

Is spring the best time to visit Paris?

Spring in Paris means the trees and flowers are blooming and showing off vibrant colors. This time in Paris, the weather is neither too hot nor too cold, which allows visitors to dress up nicely and get on that Parisian fashion vibe.

During the spring season in Paris, the prices are also relatively reasonable due to lower demand. Paris receives at least 19 million visitors yearly, the second most visited city in Europe. Although not as busy as summer, it is recommended to book your accommodation in advance, especially if you want to find a place that is well-located, comfortable, and affordable at the same time.

What to do in Paris in spring? 

Spring in Paris is the best time to visit the city’s top gardens. Pack your picnic basket and head to Jardin des Plantes where you can also see the famous snow-white tree in full bloom. If you love colors, Notre Dame Cathedral has some stunning cherry blossom trees around it.

Sacre Coeur Basilica and the Eglise Saint Germain des Pres prepare a fantastic Easter celebration, including a mass and events for young children. Sit down at La Terrasse de Madame, where you can devour Paris’ cafe culture. And finally, book yourself a cycling tour that goes through the beautiful Versailles – a unique way to enjoy its palace and gardens.

free things to do in Paris

When is the best time to visit Paris?

The best time to go to Paris is either in the spring or fall season. During this time, there are noticeably fewer tourists. This means that fantastic restaurants don’t require long queues and the same goes for waiting when you visit the top attractions in the city.

The airfare and hotel prices are a bit cheaper. If you are already traveling from within Europe, you can easily find flights lower than $50 per person, while international flights are also significantly more affordable.

Finally, the temperature in spring and fall in Paris is just perfect. You won’t be covered in sweat while exploring the city, nor will you have to bring bulky jackets with you whenever you go out.

Things to know before you go to Paris

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50+ Practical Paris Travel Tips for First-time Visitors - We3Travel

Wednesday 22nd of March 2023

[…] Make sure to pack an umbrella and a weatherproof jacket, especially if you are visiting in the spring. (See the best time to visit Paris.) […]

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