Paris has been capturing the hearts and minds of its visitors for centuries, and though great swathes of the city have moved with the times, the essence at its core remains unchanged: love. And we don’t mean love in the conventional sense – Paris is not a city that demands you explore as a couple, but rather in its passion: for art, for architecture, for literature, for shopping – the list goes on. This zest for life is woven into each part of this patchwork city, from the bustling boulevards to bijou back alleys, and it’s undeniably infectious. So infectious in fact, that the term “Paris is always a good idea” is one that seems to be perpetually floating around.
It will come as little surprise then, that the City of Lights – as it’s affectionately known – can become pretty crowded. And though there is something beguiling about each and every season here, it’s worth knowing when the best time to visit Paris is. Below, we’ve shared the lowdown on when to book your trip, depending on your top criteria. We predict it will be avoir le coup de foudre (love at first sight).
When is the cheapest time to visit Paris?
Paris isn’t known for being “cheap”, but it doesn’t necessarily need to blow the budget. If you’re after lower travel fares and better hotel rates, then early December, January and March are considered off-season here. Travelling during these months means you might be in for some pretty chilly climes (Paris temperatures can sink to just three degrees during January), but if you’re happy wrapping up and bracing the cold, then there are some budget-friendly deals.
Those able to travel midweek might also find sporadic deals available throughout the year across Eurostar and several of the airlines that fly to Paris, though a sweet spot for those wanting slightly warmer temperatures fall around mid-September - this is shoulder season, when schools are back in session, but the weather hasn’t quite dipped yet.
When is Paris busiest?
The busiest time to visit Paris is across the spring and summer. In the spring, the flamboyant blooms in the famed jardins are a big draw, Easter events are in full swing (head to Gothic Saint-Chapelle to listen to a medley of Mozart, Bach and Handel set against the chapel’s 600-square-metre stained glass windows), and these balmy months give way to long, lethargic summer days, where al-fresco dining and late evening ice cream trips are a must. None of these things are a secret though, and so the city fills up with visitors looking to make the most of the cherry blossoms in full bloom. Summer then bursts onto the scene, bringing with it a plethora of outdoor events and festivals, from the French Open in June to the famed Nuit des Musées, a yearly one-night event that invites visitors to check out the veritable smorgasbord of Parisian museums late into the evening, and so too the crowds follow.
If you’re travelling during these times, make sure to set a loose itinerary ahead of your trip, as many of the main attractions will need to be booked ahead of time.
When does Paris have the best weather?
Unlike its fervour for life, Paris’ weather is pretty temperate. The summers rarely see searing temperatures, and the winters never fall below freezing. That being said, April through August sees the city enjoy its highest temperatures (averaging mid-20s), though in recent years, the later summer months have seen highs of 40 degrees Celsius. Mainly, though, the capital can be relied upon for a balmy stretch of predictably pleasant weather throughout this five-month period.
When is Bastille Day?
Bastille Day references a revolutionary attempt in the 1700s to storm and seize control of the medieval armoury, fortress and political prison known as the Bastille. Because of this, on 14 July each year, the city celebrates an official holiday, during which a mix of military parades, dancing, and fireworks around the Eiffel Tower come to life across the streets. Unsurprisingly, travel and hotel fares are high around this time, but the jubilant atmosphere enjoyed by those who do choose to visit Paris during this time is second-to-none.
When is Paris Fashion Week?
Paris oozes style, and so do its residents; Parisians are known across the world for their chic approach to fashion and their epitomising of "French Girl Style" However, the capital is never more en-vogue than when Paris Fashion Week comes to town, with two editions of womenswear (Spring/Summer in September and Autumn/Winter in March) and two editions of menswear (Autumn/Winter in January and Spring/Summer in June). Expect to see the fashion stakes, and the prices raised during these weeks, and double-check that the landmarks and foodie hotspots you’ve been planning to visit aren’t closed for some impossibly cool party to celebrate the occasion.