When to Go in Paris | Frommer's (2024)

Paris

With an average of 27 million visitors per year, Paris is the most visited city in the world. Although the city is bustling year-round, the summer (July–Aug) is the worst time to visit, since most Parisians flee the city while most tourists crowd into the city then. Paris is probably most pleasant to visit in the spring (Apr–June) or fall (Sept–Nov), but it is also lovely during December, when the city is all lit up with Christmas lights. Annual fashion shows and trade fairs bring a lot of people to the city in September and October, so it may be difficult to find a hotel room during this period. Hotels in Paris rarely advertise off-season rates, but rooms are often a little less expensive during the cold, rainy period from November to February. Airfares are cheaper during these months, and more promotions are available; airfares rise in the spring and fall, peaking in the summer, when tickets cost the most.

Weather

Although you'll often hear French people complaining about the weather in Paris, Parisian weather is usually quite stable, and the surrounding region boasts one of the lowest annual rates of precipitation in the country (640mm/25in.). In terms of weather, the best times to visit Paris are the spring (Apr-June) or the fall (Sept-Oct). Recently, Paris has seen extreme temperatures in both summer (when temperatures are around 90°F/30°C) and winter (when temperatures are around 30°F/below 0°C)—perhaps a result of global warming. The high temperatures in summer, combined with air pollution, make visiting Paris unbearable then—especially in the mostly un-air-conditioned Métro.

For a reliable weather forecast, go to Méteo France (www.meteofrance.com), Weather.com, or tune into local radio stations.

Public Holidays

Holidays in France are known as jours fériés. Shops and banks are closed, as well as many (but not all) restaurants and museums. If a jour férié falls on a Thursday, for example, many French people faire le pont (literally "make the bridge") and take the Friday off work.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

When to Go in Paris | Frommer's (2024)

FAQs

How much time in Paris is enough? ›

What an exciting endeavor! A trip to the French capital is likely to be an excellent experience. First-time travelers should try and plan around 4-5 days—ample time to enjoy some classic Parisian highlights and visit a few of the 20 arrondissem*nts (neighborhoods).

When should I travel to Paris? ›

March to May and September to October are the best times for a bit of everything. Spring (especially April and May) and autumn (particularly September and October) are ideal for visiting Paris – crowds are thinner, but the weather is temperate and lovely.

Is 4 days in Paris enough? ›

There is so much to enjoy in and around Paris that it will never be enough time. But you can see a lot in 4 days, and then plan to come back another time to see more. This outstanding 4 Day Paris Itinerary is a great plan for your first trip to Paris. You will get to see a lot, and it will leave you wanting more.

Is 200 euros enough for a week in Paris? ›

Depending on your budget and preferences you can stay one week with 200€ and still enjoy Paris. I always say that a city doesn't come with the material things in it. A meal can vary from 10€ to 100€ or more if you like fancy dishes. A bottle of water from 1–10€.

Is 3 full days in Paris enough? ›

Three days in Paris is the perfect amount of time to get a feel for Paris and see some of the main sights, but if you want to really delve deep into Paris you want a couple more days so you can visit galleries and museums without worrying about how little time you've got there.

How much money do you need for 3 days in Paris? ›

About €100 a day is a reasonable figure. This may include a few small souvenirs, but if you do serious shopping, the figure can increase dramatically. This is also true if you eat meals at fancy restaurants, but this figure will cover ordinary meals at ordinary restaurants.

What is the cheapest time to go to Paris? ›

The best time to visit Paris is from April to June and from October to early November when the weather is pleasant and the tourist crowds are thin. However, the cheapest time to visit Paris is early December, January, and February as these are considered off-season due to the harsh winters Paris faces.

What month is Paris most beautiful? ›

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August and September to October. Both summer and fall have its ups and downs. From June to August the weather in Paris is just about parfait (perfect).

How many days in Paris is ideal? ›

There's no wrong answer here, but to get the most out of your trip, we recommend at least four days. However, we know not everyone has the time to spend four days in Paris, and some people might want to stay longer. Therefore, in addition to a four-day itinerary, we also offer a one-day and seven-day itinerary.

What area to stay in Paris for the first time? ›

If it's your first trip to Paris and you want to immerse yourself in culture and see as many sights as possible, the best areas to stay in are the 1st, 8th and 7th arrondissem*nts. And, as they're all next to each other, you can walk easily between them.

How much is a croissant in Paris? ›

In supermarkets, bakeries and cafés, the price of croissants varies between 85 cents and 1.10 euros. When we asked passers-by to taste the selected croissants, the croissant sold in cafés at 1.10 euros was the most successful.

How much is a pizza in Paris? ›

1 pizza: between €8 and €12. 1 small coffee: €1 at the bar, €2 sitting down. 1 full meal (starter, main dish, dessert, not including drinks): between €15 and €20 depending on the area. 1 baguette of bread: €1.

Is 7 days in Paris too long? ›

Paris in a week is kind of the perfect amount of time to see the city. It leaves plenty of time to discover both the main attractions like the Louvre and even enjoy smaller, hidden gems like a picnic in Parc des Buttes-Chaumont.

How long do you need in Paris to see everything? ›

At the minimum, plan for 3 days in Paris to get a great taste of the city, visit some of the main sights, and explore the main neighborhoods. But if you really want to enjoy yourself, I'd recommend 7 days in Paris as a good starting point, especially if it's somewhere you've been dreaming of visiting for a long time.

Is 2 full days in Paris enough? ›

With 2 days in Paris, you have just enough time to visit the highlights of this extraordinary city. Visit the Louvre, enjoy the views from the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe, stroll along the Champs-Élysées, and explore the charming neighborhoods of Paris.

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