The best times to visit Paris
By Divya Bala
Paris, a city synonymous with elegance, romance and a rich historical tapestry, has been captivating travellers for centuries. With its distinct seasons and a bustling year-round cultural calendar, choosing the best time to explore the enchanting streets and enticing interiors of the French capital can make all the difference.
Paris lures about 35 million visitors annually, boasting a vibrant tourist scene year-round. The majority of tourists flock to the city between May and September, with July claiming the crown as the busiest month, closely trailed by June and August. For those seeking a more serene experience, the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn might be more suitable, offering fewer crowds and often discounted rates. On the other hand, the peak season of summer guarantees reliably warm weather to complement Parisian escapades.
Paris Plages: no need to miss out on the beach while visiting the City of Lights in summer.Credit: Getty
While, as Audrey Hepburn is quoted as saying, “Paris is always a good idea”, there are some seasons that may resonate more with individual inclinations than others. From scorching sundowners on the banks of the Seine to snow-covered strolls in the Bois de Vincennes, Paris has a temperature to suit all tastes.
Summer
From June to August, Paris steps into its high season, offering a quintessential summer experience for its visitors. While it’s peak tourist season, don’t be surprised to find some establishments closing their doors for August as locals flee the city summer heat. However, fear not, the favourable weather sets the stage for delightful sightseeing adventures, complemented by a whirlwind of festivities that energise the city. If you’re seeking warm weather, extended daylight and idyllic outdoor moments, Parisian summers offer an escape like no other.
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‘Paris Plages’ pops up each year in the warmer months, bringing coastal vibes to the Seine.Credit: iStock
During the Parisian summer, ‘beaches’ adorn the banks of the Seine with sunbeds, umbrellas, atomisers, lounge chairs and swaying palm trees. Similarly, the warmth of the season and long days see the locals unwinding along the river and in the city’s parks, indulging in bottles of chilled wine and ‘apero’ hour picnic spreads. Meanwhile, avid shoppers dive into July’s summer sales – one of the two designated months the French government allows sales – seizing the chance to find bargains in the carefully curated department stores and designer boutiques.
Key events
The annual summer funfair at Jardin de Tuileries is ideal for families. Music enthusiasts can revel in the Paris Jazz Festival and party in the streets alongside the entire city for Bals de Pompiers, a celebration of the city’s firefighters. There are the national pride and festivities of Bastille Day commemorating the French Revolution with fireworks and for sports enthusiasts, the Tour de France sees the city’s streets transformed into a racecourse. Finally, contemporary music lovers can revel in the stellar line-up of the Rock en Seine festival.
Autumn
As October and November roll in, Paris embraces a chill in the air and welcomes a touch of rain, inhibiting outdoor attractions but making indoor pursuits and explorations more enticing. This seasonal shift marks a significant transition in the city’s rhythm. As hoards of tourists bid ‘au revoir’, Parisians return home, marking ‘la rentrée’ - a time when residents resume work and studies after the summer break. Cultural life shifts into high gear and the city comes alive with a vibrant energy. As Parisians seek solace indoors, opera and ballet seasons thrive and cosy bistros and bars beckon.
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Seasonal events, like the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival, are a big drawcard for locals.Credit: iStock
October skies treat visitors to a kaleidoscope of autumnal hues at sunrise and sunset, lighting up clear blue skies during the day. So, keep your eye on the sky! On the third Thursday of November, Beaujolais Nouveau kicks off the arrival of the new vintage of Beaujolais. Parisians flock to their local bars to enjoy this young and fruity wine with traditional food pairings. In the same vein, the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival celebrates Paris’ only vineyard in the picturesque neighbourhood of Montmartre in a festival that features parades, dances, wine talks and a wine auction supporting community-based projects.
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Journées Européennes du Patrimoine celebrates European Heritage sites, granting access to usually restricted sites and spaces, unveiling the history behind some of Paris’ most storied private buildings. Nuit Blanche is a single night when museums and galleries open their doors for free for the entire night, inviting art and culture enthusiasts to revel in late-night explorations. Discover the city freely on foot during Journée Sans Voiture, a car-free day that transforms the city streets into pedestrian havens in the name of eco-friendly harmony. For chocolate lovers, don’t miss the Salon du Chocolat offering tastings, chocolate sculptures and more.
Winter
Lafayette Galeries come alive in the festive season.Credit: iStock
Winter in Paris offers a relatively mild climate, with temperatures rarely dipping below freezing in December, January and February. However, the absence of humidity can create a chilly atmosphere. Travelling to Paris in February and March presents a more affordable option compared to the bustling summer months, although booking is essential due to conferences and business trips. As sights become quieter, prices also dip during the second of two government-sanctioned sales periods in France, making it an ideal time for budget-conscious travellers.
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Paris Town Hall: ice-skating rinks appear across the city during winter.Credit: iStock
Paris embraces winter with the appearance of charming ice-skating rinks that still pop up across the city, including picturesque locations such as Galeries Lafayette’s panoramic rooftop. Christmas markets are scattered throughout the city, twinkling fairy lights adorn the streets with particularly impressive displays around the high end boutique-lined Avenue Montaigne and the Champs Elysees. Vin chaud, (mulled wine) becomes the drink of choice and beautifully dressed department stores and shop windows transform Paris into a winter wonderland.
Key events
In November, art enthusiasts can visit the renowned Paris Photo Fair, gathering galleries, photographers, artists and collectors from around the world. Cultural heritage fans can visit the International Cultural Heritage Fair at the Carrousel du Louvre. In December, captivating melodies of Christmas concerts fill historic churches and for lovers of opera and ballet, the Palais Garnier presents exquisite performances and before the Christmas holidays, the Paris Night Market offers an alternative Christmas shopping experience, featuring locally produced and eco-designed gifts at Cité Fertile, an ephemeral cultural space on the city’s outskirts. Additionally, punters can partake in the season’s merriment with the annual Shake Cocktail event, known as Paris Cocktail week, where numerous bars and restaurants across Paris participate in creating unique and innovative drinks.
Spring
Parc de Sceaux: shoulder season means cherry blossoms.Credit: iStock
As spring arrives, delicate petals make way for fresh green leaves and vibrant floral window boxes bring bursts of colour to the beige and grey Haussmannian facades. This is a season perfect for picnics in the city’s parks and gardens and although the weather may not yet be balmy enough to do so without a jacket, the milder climate of spring brings a welcome change from the colder winter months alongside a cultural and sporting calendar that signals the warmer months ahead.
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As the leafless winter fades away, Paris awakens into a picturesque canvas, decorated with the delicate beauty of cherry blossoms. These ephemeral blooms grace the streets, parks and gardens for a fleeting few weeks and are nothing short of breathtaking against the backdrop of the city. For a fully immersive experience, plan a day trip to Parc Sceaux, where a mesmerising sakura orchard promises a rainfall of petals.
Key events
Paris blooms with captivating events during spring, offering experiences that delight locals and visitors alike. La Nuit Européenne des Musées is a night when museums open their doors for free, inviting you to explore their collections well into the night under the enchantment of moonlit galleries. The Portes Ouvertes des Ateliers d’Artistes de Bellevilles (Open Doors of the Studios of Belleville Artists) provide a unique opportunity to see into the creative spaces of this Parisian neighbourhood’s artists and, finally, sports fans can make their pilgrimage to the French Open on the iconic clay courts of Roland Garros.
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