When is the best time to go to Paris France?
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Choosing the best time to go to Paris France depends on your priorities and itinerary. Whether you want to discover hidden gems in Paris or experience a Parisian winter, there are many things to do in the capital city of France.
Paris is one of those cities you could spend a lifetime exploring without seeing all it has to offer!
Best time to go to Paris France by Season
Are you ready for the ultimate Parisian adventure? Here are the pros and cons to every season in Paris. The way you rank them will depend entirely on your individual travel preferences.
Summer in Paris
Summer months in Paris are June, July, and August, with the French National Day, or Bastille Day celebrated on the 14th of July. This is one of the most popular times to go to Paris France, so expect crowds.
When visiting Paris in Summer it’s highly recommended that you book all activities, accommodation, train and flight tickets in advance. With the great weather, festivals, markets, and shopping sales, Paris become more vibrant than usual in summer!
Fall in Paris
Fall in Paris is still high season. During the months of September, October, and November, you can explore the vibrant Fall Foliage in Paris that provide a stunning backdrop to the city’s many sites and around the Seine River and canals.
Some important days during this season include National Holidays – La Toussaint (All Saints’ Day) and Armistice Day, and Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (It’s the only wine harvest & festival in Paris).
Winter in Paris
The Winter months in Paris are from mid-December to March, with January being the coldest month. The weather is chilly and damp, and Paris rarely receives snow.
Some exciting events in Paris in winter include various Christmas Markets in December, Paris Fashion Week, and the Les Soldes (Winter Sale Season in France) in the second week of January.
Spring in Paris
Spring days offer green landscapes, flowers galore, and scenic views, ideal for photography, picnic lovers and Parisian cafes and terraces return to life.
Spring (March to June) is one of the best seasons to visit Paris. Some significant events during this season include the Semi de Paris (Paris Half Marathon), Cinéma du réel (International Documentary Film Festival), and Salon Mondial du Tourisme (Travel Expo).
Best time to go to Paris to avoid crowds
France’s capital, Paris is one of the world’s most visited cities home to around 2 million people. No matter what time of year you visit, you can expect it to feel a little crowded.
If you’d prefer to share Paris with as few tourists as possible, and you’re not at all picky about the weather, the best time to go to Paris France is in January, February, or March.
For those who don’t want to go sightseeing in the cold, the best time to go to Paris France is in September and October, when the weather ranges from mild and warm.
