The Climate in Paris
When vacationing in any part of the world, it’s a good idea to know what kind of climate to expect at your destination, so you’ll be prepared for any kind of weather. Paris, which is located in the Ile de France region, experiences some of the lowest levels of rainfall in the country. This doesn’t mean you can leave your umbrella behind when you head out for some sightseeing however, as unexpected rain showers may just put a damper on your plans, if only for a short while. Paris’ proximity to the Atlantic sea and its central location in the Ile de France region means that its climate is mainly mild, although in the summer there can be some heat waves. The weather during winter isn’t extreme, with temperatures averaging around 7 degrees celsius or 44.6 fahrenheit. Choosing a time of year to vacation in Paris isn’t just about the weather, but you’ll find that the warmer, sunnier months are more expensive and the city is more crowded than the colder months.
Spring sees the least amount of rainfall Paris sees for the entire year. In the spring months, temperatures can be around 60 degrees fahrenheit or 16 celsius, but it can be a bit on the chilly side at night so packing warm clothing is a must. A few sweaters and a jacket should do the trick, and don’t forget to dress in layers so you can easily adjust to the warmer indoor temperatures when necessary. There are lots of activities and attractions in Paris during the spring since the weather is so mild and enjoyable. You’ll still experience some rainfall, an average of one day of rain for every three days you spend in the city, but its definitely not enough to prevent you from making the most of your vacation time. Flowers are in full bloom, the leaves are sprouting their new green leaves, and strolls through Paris’ gardens and parks are a must. For days when it does rain, museums offer plenty entertainment and cultural enrichment for the entire family. Shopping is also a great activity, keeping you warm and cosy indoors. Cafes and restaurants offer tasty warm pastries to satisfy your appetite, and decadent hot drinks for chilly evenings in Paris. If you’re in the city on May 1st, don’t expect too much in the way of visiting tourist attractions, since they’ll be closed because of an important public Holiday in France. Paris’ climate will make strolling through the city’s parks and gardens a great activity during the spring season.
Summer is definitely the busiest season in Paris, as tourists from all over the world flock to the city to enjoy the mild to warm temperatures. You’ll be able to go on a boat tour of the city on the River Seine in temperatures as high as 79 degrees fahrenheit or 25 degrees celsius in July and August. Temperatures can also drop as low as 55 degrees Fahrenheit or 12.7 celsius during summer. You can expect rainfall on average every one out of five days you’re in Paris, so an umbrella is a useful addition to your day bag since rain can be somewhat unpredictable. This is the time of year when you’ll find it rather difficult to get a table on restaurant terraces since tourists are so eager to take advantage of the mild summer temperatures, so make your reservations way in advance if you can. Walking tours run almost every day of the year, and summer is ideally the time when you should book one for your Paris vacation. The weather is excellent during the summer months for strolling along Paris’ tree lined avenues and historic boulevards with a great tour guide to show you the ropes. When its time to visit museums during the summer, lines can be long and the wait a bit tedious, so wear a hat to protect you from the sun and bring along a good book to keep you occupied.
If you’re in Paris during the fall months, beginning in September, you can expect temperatures to drop as low as 14.5 degrees celsius, although it has been known to go as high as 32 degrees celsius or 89.6 fahrenheit and as low as 2 degrees celsius or 35.6 fahrenheit. These temperatures are certainly not average in Paris, especially since its temperate climate rarely produces such extremes in temperature. You can still enjoy up to eight hours of sunshine during September, and humidity levels average around 71%. The transition into winter is marked by temperatures dropping into the single digits, with average lows of 8 degrees celsius or 46.4 fahrenheit as the end of October draws near. There are still fairly sunny days in Paris during the autumn season, but you can look forward to slightly gloomier days in November. Sunshine hours drop to around an average of two hours per day, and the city takes on a gloomy, grey hue. This is counteracted by the golden leaves cascading from the city’s tree lined streets and beautiful parks, making this time of year ideal for visiting Paris if you’re looking for moderate prices and fewer crowds. Rainfall during the autumn season in Paris is relative to that which you’ll experience year round, and November will bring comparatively longer rain showers. When you visit Paris in the winter months, you can expect a cold, wet experience, however this doesn’t mean that its not as good a time as any to vacation there. By the end of December, you can expect low temperatures of around 5.5 degrees celsius or 41.9 fahrenheit, and highs of around 13 degrees celsius or 55.4 degrees fahrenheit. Snow is rare, but creates such a romantic atmosphere in the city’s streets that its hard to be disappointed. Its also the cheapest time of year to vacation in Paris, and definitely isn’t as crowded as the summer months. There are lots of winter festivals and events taking place as well, so there’s always something to keep you occupied during your vacation to Paris.
