Weather in Paris, France – A year round summary

Parisian weather can be rather temperamental and fickle, but somehow, it always suits the mood of the city. And really, there is nothing like a bad time to visit the city of lights. Sunny or gloomy skies, the Eiffel Tower stands tall and magnificent and Mona Lisa smiles away mysteriously at magnificent Louvre.
Paris lies in central France and has a very low variance on the scale of annual temperature. The region experiences low rainfall but Paris is notorious for capricious rain showers across the seasons. You would be wise to always pack an umbrella to enjoy the romantic city undeterred.

Paris enjoys the gamut of the four seasons. Spring is undoubtedly the most wonderful time of year to visit the city for Paris is in full bloom and the sheer palette of colors will steal your breath away. The air is fresh, the sun shines and the temperature averages 18°C / 64°F. The tourists are out in full strength so enjoy the city as long as you are prepared to share.

Summer follows, taking the average temperatures up to 24°C/75°F. The weather in Paris at this time is nowhere as wilting as it can be elsewhere in Europe, though occasional heatwaves can make the afternoons stifling. If you can stand the heat and a tourist season at its peak, a relaxed air and several summer festivals await to reward you.

The autumn months see a decline in average temperatures to 15°C / 59°F. Some may find that too chilly to enjoy the city but the crispness in the air and the exodus of the tourists gives you a sense of having Paris, and all its treasures, all to yourself. If you are lucky enough to swing a vacation during this time of the year, you may find yourself enjoying a less crowded and definitely more inexpensive holiday.

As the year draws to a close, winter sets in in Paris. December and January are the coldest months of the year with the temperature dipping to as low as the freezing point. It can be dark and gloomy and occasionally wet but if you happen to be in the city close to the festive season, you may find the city more beautifully lit up than in any other part of the year. Like the other seasons, Paris in winter has a charm of its own.

When to visit Paris

The spring and summer months are the most popular with the tourists for the weather in Paris is warm and welcoming, but that is also when the city is most crowded and the queues are at their smarmiest. If you have the luxury of choosing your vacation time, Paris in autumn and later on in the year may pleasantly surprise you. Irrespective of the season, you can’t go far wrong for Paris is elegant and charming year around.