Weather in Paris

Paris may be the City of Light, but it's also got a bit of a mood when it comes to the weather. Think crisp spring mornings, sizzling summer afternoons, golden autumn strolls, and winter days that are equal parts romantic and brisk. Whether you're sipping coffee on a sun-drenched terrace or cosying up under a café awning as the rain adds to the city's charm, Paris serves up a little bit of everything. So whatever the season, you'll want to pack smart, and maybe leave room for a chic new trench coat, just in case.

What is the temperature in Paris?

Paris keeps things pretty moderate, but the seasons still make their mark. Summers bring warm, sunny days with temperature highs hitting around 25-30°C, though the odd heatwave can push it even higher. Spring and autumn are mild and pleasant, sitting between 12-25°C, perfect for park strolls and alfresco dining. Winter? Chilly but not freezing, with averages around 3-7°C, and the occasional frosty morning adding a little extra sparkle to the city’s rooftops.

Does it rain in Paris?

Yes, it rains in Paris, but a little drizzle just adds to the city's charm. Showers can pop up year-round, though they're more frequent in spring and autumn. Winter sees its fair share of damp days too, while summer storms can bring a dramatic downpour before the sun quickly returns. The good news is that rain in Paris is usually light and short-lived, so a stylish brolly and a stop at a cosy café are all you need to wait it out in true Parisian fashion.

Paris Weather by Season

🌸 Spring (March to May): blooms and blue skies

Spring in Paris is peak postcard-perfect season. The city shakes off winter with blooming cherry blossoms, longer days, and temperatures ranging from a crisp 8°C in March to a lovely 15°C by May with highs sometimes hitting 20°C. You'll get plenty of sunshine, but also the odd shower, because Paris loves a bit of drama.

Best for: Wandering through Montmartre, picnicking by the Seine, and snapping flower-filled parks.

Top tip: Pack layers. Mornings can be nippy, but afternoons are perfect for ditching the coat.

☀️ Summer (June to August): sun-soaked and sizzling

Summer in Paris is all about long, golden evenings, ice-cold rosé and a whole lot of sun. Temperatures often hover around 25°C, and heatwaves can push higher. August has a particular character of its own, when many locals head to the coast and the city feels slightly quieter, leaving more space at the best cafés and easier access to popular sights. Bastille Day on the 14th of July brings fireworks at the Eiffel Tower, and Paris Plages turns parts of the Seine into urban beaches with deckchairs, pétanque pitches and pop-up bars.

Best for: Rooftop bars, open-air cinemas, and dreamy sunset cruises on the Seine.

Top tip: If you're visiting in July or August, book a hotel with proper air-con, Parisian summers can get toasty and not every older hotel handles it well.

🍂 Autumn (September to November): cosy and colourful

Autumn in Paris is effortlessly chic. Temperatures stay mild, around 15 to 18°C in September before dipping to a crisp 10°C by November. The city turns golden with falling leaves, café terraces stay buzzing, and there's a different energy in the air, more contemplative than the summer buzz. September in particular often feels like an extension of summer, with warm days and the start of fashion week energy.

Best for: Strolling through the Jardin du Luxembourg, wine tasting and museum-hopping.

Top tip: A light coat and a stylish scarf are essential. Parisian autumn fashion is chef's kiss.

❄️ Winter (December to February): magical and chilly

Paris in winter is straight out of a fairytale. Temperatures drop to around 3 to 7°C, but the festive lights, Christmas markets, and cosy cafés more than make up for it. Snow is rare, but when it happens it's pure magic. The city's museums and galleries are the perfect indoor escape from the cold, and the Disneyland Paris Christmas season programme runs from early November through early January for a different angle on a winter trip.

Best for: Festive shopping, hot chocolate at Angelina, and romantic Seine strolls.

Top tip: Bring a warm coat, but don't overpack. Parisians handle winter with effortless style, and you'll want to blend in.

All about Paris

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Whether you're looking for a last minute beach break or planning ahead for the summer hols, like a big friendly towel when you're changing at the beach, we've got you covered.

July is the hottest month in Paris, with daytime highs averaging 21°C and frequently pushing 25°C or higher. Heatwaves can take temperatures over 30°C for stretches of several days, with the record high sitting at 42°C set in July 2019. August stays similarly warm at around 20°C average.

January, with average temperatures around 5°C. Lows dip to 2 to 3°C overnight, and light night frosts are common but the temperature rarely falls below freezing for long. February is similar.

Generally no, with one caveat. Average July highs around 25°C are comfortable for sightseeing as long as you're sensible about midday breaks, water and sun protection. The challenge is heatwaves, which arrive most years and can push temperatures past 35°C for several days. Older Parisian hotels and apartments don't always have proper air conditioning, so checking the listing before booking matters more in summer than other times of year. The longer evenings (sunset around 9.30pm in late June) make summer one of the best times for outdoor dining and Seine cruises.

Snow falls every year, but rarely settles. December, January and February occasionally see light snow or flurries with or without accumulation, but a proper snow day is a once-or-twice-a-winter event, not a regular feature. If you're visiting and it snows, treat it as a bonus rather than something to plan around.

Spring and autumn need layers, a warm jumper or light jacket plus a brolly handles most days, mornings nippy and afternoons mild. Summer is light cottons and linens with a wide-brimmed hat for sightseeing days, plus something slightly smarter for evenings out (Paris dress code is sharper than most European cities). Winter needs a proper warm coat, scarf, gloves and waterproof shoes, with temperatures sitting around 3 to 7°C with regular drizzle. A pair of comfortable walking shoes works year-round, since Parisian sightseeing is genuinely on foot more than on the metro.