Weather and Packing


The major tourist season in France stretches from Easter to mid-September, but Paris has much to offer at every season. Sometimes Paris in the early spring can be damp; June is usually delightful, with good weather and plenty of cultural and other attractions. July and August can be sultry and dusty. Moreover, many theaters, the new Bastille opera house, and some of the smaller restaurants and shops close during most or all of August. Yet, those undeterred by the hot weather will notice a fairly relaxed atmosphere around the city, as August is the month when most Parisians are on vacation.

September is ideal. Cultural life revives after the summer break, and sunny weather often continues through the first half of October. The ballet and theater are in full swing in November, but the weather is part wet-and-cold, part bright-and-sunny.

December is dominated by the fêtes de fin d'année (end-of-year festivities), with splendid displays in food shops and restaurants and a busy theater, ballet, and opera season into January. February and March are not the best months, weatherwise, but with the coming of Easter, Paris starts looking beautiful again.



Weather in Paris

Ah, springtime in Paris. Just the thought makes one fall in love. Well, don't believe the movies you see. Springtime in Paris can be risky weatherwise. Often overcast, or drizzling temperatures are generally below 15C. Maybe movies in Paris are filmed only after May?

As a matter of fact, Paris weather is generally temperate like mentioned above. Mid-June through mid-October is when you seem to find the best weather. Mostly warm and sunny days. Unfortunately, this is also the busiest tourist time.

Winter time is very mild with temperatures hovering from -2C to 10C. Christmas Eve saw temperatures in Paris of 10C with light rain. January and February seem to have the coldest temperatures hovering right at 0C.

The average annual temperature and precipitation for Paris is 11.7 C (53.0 F), and 641.6 mm (25.2 inches) respectively.

Paris average Temperatur :

Packing for Paris

Pack light: Although you'll usually have no trouble finding a baggage cart at the airport, luggage restrictions on international flights are tight. What you pack depends more on the time of year than on any particular dress code. It can rain a fair amount in Paris, even in the summer, so consider bringing a raincoat and umbrella. Otherwise, pack as you would for a major American city: formal clothes for formal restaurants and nightclubs, casual clothes elsewhere. Jeans are as popular in Paris as anywhere and are perfectly acceptable for sightseeing and informal dining. However, a jeans-and-sneakers outfit will raise eyebrows at the theater, at expensive restaurants, and when visiting French families.

Wear sturdy walking shoes for sightseeing: Paris is full of cobblestone streets, and many historic buildings are surrounded by gravel paths. Keep in mind that you may be running in and out of warm, crowded métros. To protect yourself against purse snatchers and pickpockets, take a handbag with long straps that you can sling across your body, bandolier-style, with a zippered compartment for your money and passport--French law requires that you carry identification at all times.