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Weather Conditions in Paris
The capital and most famous city in France is also one of the most popular destinations for travellers and tourists. In the last few years, nearly 25 million people visited the City of Light from all over the world. Known for its iconic architecture, haute couture, and fine dining, there isn’t much you can’t do or find in Paris. Have a perfectly brewed coffee at a bistro, or go on a shopping spree at Champs Elysees, you’ll be floored by the city’s energy any time of the year. However, depending on what kind of vacation you’re planning to have, it’s important to know the best time to travel to Paris.
The City of Light also happens to be the fashion capital of the world. So, if you’re looking at immersing yourself in some haute couture, the best time to go to Paris, is when all the major designer stores slash their rates. Discounts are offered twice a year, spread over 6 weeks each, during the Le Soldes (the sales) period. This lasts from January to mid-February and then again in June-July. Stock runs out quickly though so make sure you’re there early!
Tip: Stores can be quite crowded during this time, especially during the weekends. So, plan in advance for where you’d like to shop.
Best Time to Experience Paris Tourism
Summertime, which falls between June and August, is the best time to visit Paris for people who just want to walk around the city streets taking in the culture and sampling some fine food options. The weather is warm, the tourists are in full flow, and the bistros are churning out the best street food in the country. Do bear in mind that this is the most popular time to visit Paris, meaning you’ll have to deal with thousands of other tourists.
Tip: Since most people consider this to be the best season to go to Paris, book flights and hotels well in advance.
Best Time to Take in the History
Travelling to one of Paris’s many museums and palaces can be a daunting task during peak season, as lines are very long and wait times are high. Plus, there’s a chance you may have to pay extra at every palace you visit. The best time to visit Paris if you want to take in some of this history are January and February when there are much fewer tourists, and cheaper entry tickets. You could also consider visiting the monuments at night, rather than the day when there are thousands of tourists flocking to take in the history of the City of Light.
Tip: All museums are free to enter on the first Sunday of each month, so try and time your visit accordingly!
Best Time for a Budget Vacation
The off-season is good time to visit the city if you’re looking for a budget vacation since Paris can be quite expensive in other parts of the year. This is usually during fall, October to early November and during the winter months December, January and February. In this period, flights and hotels slash rates by almost half, and the crowd reduces significantly. Do note that it can get quite cool, especially in the evenings, so remember to carry warm clothes.
Tip: Avoid travelling during fashion week (October 2019) if you want to really stay on budget.
Spring, which lasts from April to May, is the best time to go to Paris if you are the kind who enjoys spending days walking past beds of colourful flowers in the parks or enjoy the mild weather at a riverfront bistro. The crowds are slightly thinner during these months, making it an ideal time for sightseeing without being mobbed by dozens of tourists. It’ll be easier to get a hotel or dinner reservations during this period as well. Even locals will vouch for the fact that this is the best time to visit Paris.
Tip: September is another good month for people who enjoy mild weather and dislike the bustle of tourists.
The summer months of June, July and August is a good time to go to visit Paris if you enjoy the bustle of being in a global city. There’s a festival or event almost every second day - from rock festivals by the Seine (in August) to the country’s national festival Bastille Day (in June) you can guarantee there’ll never be a boring moment. In June, the Fete de la Musique is replete with thousands of street musicians and dance performances that you won’t want to miss. You could also attend the Pride Parade earlier in June to witness some of the most colourful costumes you can imagine.
Tip: Hotels and flights may be hard to come by so book well in advance.
July is the best time to visit Paris for sports fans, since it’s when the Tour de France is held. The race ends with a huge celebration at the glorious Champs Elysees where millions of sports fans gather from across the world. Another good time for athletes is in April, when Paris holds its annual marathon. Gather with thousands of other tourists to witness the grand spectacle first hand.
Now that you know the best time to visit Paris, it’s time to start deciding which one you can’t miss. SOTC can help you figure out what the perfect Paris tour package is for you.
