Paris, France is probably one of the world's most well known and best loved cities; consequently, Paris receives many visitors throughout the year. However, each season has its own charm and advantages for visiting Paris; all it takes is a little planning to figure out the best personal time for a visit to Paris.
Paris in the Spring
Paris in the spring is probably one of the best times to visit Paris; the tourist season has not quite begun but the days are longer, brighter and warmer than in winter. However, early spring weather may be unpredictable with heavy rain showers and intermittent, icy blasts; May is probably the best spring month to visit Paris with regard to weather.
Some of the highlights of visiting Paris in the spring, in addition to longer opening hours of museums, art galleries, shops and restaurants, include:
- Festival du Film de Paris – held annually in March/April
- Marathon International de Paris – held annually in April
- French Open Tennis Tournament – held annually in May/June.
Paris in the Summer
Summer is the season which is busiest and hottest in Paris; many Parisians desert the city in the month of August to vacation elsewhere, leaving Paris to the tourists. Consequently, some businesses may be closed. However, the weather is usually warm and there are many musical events and celebrations to enjoy in Paris in the summer, some free and held in many of Paris' famous gardens; other major summer events in Paris include:
- Bastille Day (July 14) – firework displays and celebrations are held to mark one of the most historic events in Paris' history, the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789 and the start of the French revolution; U.S. Independence Day, July 4th, celebrations are similar in style.
- Tour de France – the annual cycle race ends on the Avenue des Champs-Elysees in Paris on the third or fourth Sunday in July
- Paris Plage – from mid-July to mid-August, the embankments of the River Seine, close to some of the famous bridges of Paris, are transformed into imitation tropical beaches, complete with deck chairs, umbrellas and palm trees.
Paris in the Fall
Fall in Paris is cooler and quieter, yet days are not as short as in the winter months; early fall sees a change in the colors of the trees but days are often still warm. September is probably the best fall month to visit Paris before the weather becomes wetter and colder. There are often music and art festivals held in September and October in Paris; these include:
- Paris Jazz Festival – usually held in September/October
- Foire Internationale d'Art Contemporain – a contemporary art fair of over one hundred galleries held annually in October.
Paris in the Winter
The highlight of the winter months in Paris is the sparkle of the Christmas lights and decorations and the New Year celebrations; winter in Paris is often cold and wet, with rain and/or snow. However prices are cheaper and the summer crowds are absent, so visiting museums and art galleries is stress-free. Enjoy a hot chocolate and/or coffee in one of Paris' many cafes and restaurants - without the crowds. Winter celebrations in Paris include:
- Christmas Eve Mass – at many of Paris' historic churches, including Notre Dame
- La Grande Parade de Paris – New Year's Day parade
- Chinese New Year – a parade of Chinese dragons and Chinese festivities, held annually in late January/early February.
The Best Season in Paris
Each season in Paris has advantages and disadvantages; late fall and winter are probably the best months to visit Paris on a budget. However, spring and summer affords the opportunity to visit many of Paris' gardens and enjoy several festivals and celebrations. Paris is a city for all seasons, depending on personal plans and reasons for visiting Paris.
Sharon Falsetto - Sharon Falsetto is a business owner, certified clinical aromatherapist & professional writer with a life-long interest in plants.
