Weather in Paris

climate and weather in ParisParis, the capital of France, has its weather influenced by its proximity to the north Atlantic Ocean, along with the rest of Western Europe. The city has a temperate oceanic climate, which means warm summers, cold winters and rain all year round. The seasons in Paris are very well defined, and the city seldom experiences any extreme weather events or conditions beyond the norm.

There can be the occasional heat wave in summer in Paris, particularly during the mid-summer months of July and August, when temperatures can peak at around 30°C (86°F) or above, but generally in summer the mercury hovers in the mid-20s°C (70s°F). Evenings are much cooler and come as welcome relief after a crowded, hot summer day.

Autumn arrives in late September and Paris quickly cools down. At first the chill is felt mostly at night, but by November the city is shivering in winter coats and the days have closed in, with little sunshine to be had.

Winter is cold in Paris, with January being the coldest month statistically, but temperatures rarely drop below freezing, especially during the day. Snow is rare, but has been known to lay for some days when Paris becomes caught up in a generally harsh European winter, adversely affecting transport and travel.

Spring is glorious in Paris as temperatures rise during March, flowers blossom and trees turn green. Despite Paris’ reputation for April showers, early spring is actually the driest time of the year. Having said that, Paris does experience rain all year round, with relatively stable monthly precipitation averages, which means that visitors need to be prepared for showers whenever they come on holiday in Paris.

 

When is the best time to go to Paris?

Weather-wise the most pleasant times to visit Paris are during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November), when temperatures are cool to mild. Peak tourist season is during the hottest summer months of July and August, when most of the attractions are very crowded and, if a heat wave should strike, conditions in the city are uncomfortable.
 

Weather in Paris in January

Average temperature in Paris in January: 3.5°C, 38°F
Relative humidity in Paris in January: 89%
Average rainfall in Paris in January: 56mm, 2.2in
Note: January is mid-winter in Paris, meaning it is cold and often wet, but temperatures are unlikely to drop below freezing, except perhaps during the night. The city is prone to unpredictable heavy rain showers, and grey skies predominate during January. It’s a good time for shop-a-holics to hit the fashion capital’s January sales.
 

Weather in Paris in February

Average temperature in Paris in February: 4°C, 39°F
Relative humidity in Paris in February: 84%
Average rainfall in Paris in February: 46mm, 1.8in
Note: Paris in February is chilly and damp, so best to retreat indoors to cosy cafes or appreciate the art galleries. Rain showers can be heavy and arrive without much warning, so waterproof coats and footwear are vital for sightseeing in Paris in February.
 

Weather in Paris in March

Average temperature in Paris in March: 8°C, 46°F
Relative humidity in Paris in March: 75%
Average rainfall in Paris in March: 35mm, 1.4in
Note: Parisians begin to emerge into the outdoors during March, as temperatures creep up slightly and trees begin to bud with the approach of spring. It is a good time for exploring the city on foot, but be sure take an umbrella because as ever, Paris is prone to unexpected rain showers.
 

Weather in Paris in April

Average temperature in Paris in April: 11°C, 52°F
Relative humidity in Paris in April: 69%
Average rainfall in Paris in April: 42mm, 1.7in
Note: April in Paris is legendary as the month when the city puts on her most charming face. Warm to cool and crisp, largely sunny days scented with the fragrance of cherry and apple blossom – Paris lives up to all the clichés during April.
 

Weather in Paris in May

Average temperature in Paris in May: 15°C, 59°F
Relative humidity in Paris in May: 69%
Average rainfall in Paris in May: 57mm, 2.2in
Note: Paris is magnificent in May, the spring weather tempting tourists into the blooming parks and gardens, or to soak up the city’s café culture. The weather is warm and sunny, but a few unpredictable rain showers are likely. Evenings are rather cool so a light jacket is recommended for exploring the nightlife of Paris.
 

Weather in Paris in June

Average temperature in Paris in June: 18°C, 64°F
Relative humidity in Paris in June: 69%
Average rainfall in Paris in June: 54mm, 2.1in
Note: Everyone gets out and about in Paris in June, as the city begins to fill up with summer tourists and sightseers. The city is hot and sunny, with the threat of erratic rain showers. June sees Paris host several outdoor festivals and events, most notably the French Open tennis tournament, the Paris Street Music Festival and the colourful Paris Gay Pride street party.
 

Weather in Paris in July

Average temperature in Paris in July: 20°C, 68°F
Relative humidity in Paris in July: 70%
Average rainfall in Paris in July: 59mm, 2.3in
Note: The weather in Paris in July is warm and very pleasant, but there is the risk of the occasional heatwave in this, the height of summer, which can become uncomfortable for some, especially if you have not booked an hotel room with air conditioning just in case. An umbrella is essential in Paris in July because there could be odd thunderstorms and heavy showers of rain.


Weather in Paris in August

Average temperature in Paris in August: 19°C, 66°F
Relative humidity in Paris in August: 72%
Average rainfall in Paris in August: 64mm, 2.5in
Note: August is a wet and warm month in Paris, with plenty of sunny, hot interludes and the possibility of a heatwave. The city’s sights and attractions are crowded with visitors, but many Parisians have fled the city to enjoy their own summer holidays elsewhere. There are many outdoor activities to enjoy on a summer holiday in Paris, and boat tours along the Seine are popular.
 

Weather in Paris in September

Average temperature in Paris in September: 17°C, 54°F
Relative humidity in Paris in September: 78%
Average rainfall in Paris in September: 55mm, 2.2in
Note: Temperatures drop appreciably in Paris in September after the heat of the summer. Autumn is creeping in, but it can still be pleasantly warm with highs hitting 21° C (69.8°F) during the day. September is one of the best months to holiday in Paris, but as the city is subject to showers all year round, expect a few rainy days.
 

Weather in Paris in October

Average temperature in Paris in October: 12°C, 54°F
Relative humidity in Paris in October: 84%
Average rainfall in Paris in October: 50mm, 2in
Note: Crisp, cool days, sometimes marred by rain showers, are the order of most October days in Paris, as the city prepares to cuddle up for winter. Attention for visitors on holiday in Paris turns to the museums and galleries. It is a good month for a quiet, romantic visit to Paris.
 

Weather in Paris in November

Average temperature in Paris in November: 8°C, 46°F
Relative humidity in Paris in November: 89%
Average rainfall in Paris in November: 51mm, 2in
Note: Pack your winter woollies for a holiday in Paris in November, and be prepared to take refuge in the charming warm cafes and indoor attractions, because the city becomes very chilly as the days grow shorter, and winter sets in. Be prepared for at least half the days of the month to be wet and overcast.
 

Weather in Paris in December

Average temperature in Paris in December: 4.5°C, 40°F
Relative humidity in Paris in December: 89%
Average rainfall in Paris in December: 50mm, 2in
Note: December in Paris holds the promise of a glittering festive season, with the trees along the Champs-Elysees strung with lights and Christmas market booths doing a roaring trade in the central city. The weather is cold and damp, and temperatures can reach freezing point depending on the harshness of the European winter. It seldom snows in Paris in December though, and if it does the snow is unlikely to settle but more likely turn to slush.