Paris is located in the temperate oceanic zone, which is characterised by the change of 4 seasons. The proximity to the ocean mitigates the winters, during which Paris rarely gets snow or frost.
Normal summer temperatures reach 25°C, but summer heat of over 30°C is relatively common.
In winter, daytime temperatures range between 4°C and 10°C.
Interestingly, rainfall is similar virtually all year round. Only rarely does it rain for several days at a time.
Weather and temperatures throughout the year
This is how the weather in Paris looks during the different months of the year.
Weather in January
January is the coldest month of the year with average temperatures around 6 °C. There are often cloudy skies with showers, but these are usually only light and in most cases rainy.
From the second week of January, when the New Year celebrations die down, there are relatively few tourists in Paris and it is an ideal month to visit museums and indoor monuments.
Weather in February
February weather is characterised by frequent cloudy skies. It rains an average of 10 days a month and can rain all day.
Normal temperatures rise to an average of 6 °C to 10 °C.
According to statistics, February is the month when Paris sees the fewest tourists and the cheapest hotels.
Book a hotel with an off-season discount
Weather in March
At the turn of winter and spring, expect temperatures around 13 °C and mostly partly cloudy skies with precipitation occurring on an average of 8 days out of the month.
March weather often invites longer walks, for example along the banks of the Seine.
Weather in April
During April, flowers begin to bloom in the flowerbeds of many gardens and temperatures rise to an average of 16 °C.
In April, rapid changes in the weather between clear skies and light rain showers are common.
Weather in May
May is characterised by beautiful spring weather with temperatures between 15 °C and 21 °C.
During May, the first summer thunderstorms appear, often with very heavy rain (on average twice a month). Usually, however, these storms last no more than one afternoon. Otherwise, the weather is mostly partly cloudy or even completely clear.
Weather in June
The first month of summer sees temperatures soar to a balmy 24°C and Paris is literally packed with tourists from all over the world.
The weather is pleasant, but you should always expect a rain shower, which occurs an average of 8 days a month.
Weather in July
Although many Parisians go on holiday during July, the streets and monuments are very crowded.
With pleasant temperatures ranging from 24°C to 30°C and partly cloudy weather, July is the perfect month to take a stroll around Paris or a trip to the chateau gardens outside the city.
There is relatively little rain, mainly in the form of short showers occurring on average 7 days out of the month.
Weather in August
August is also a very warm month with temperatures between 24°C and 30°C and the weather is very similar to that of July.
The gardens are still in bloom and, thanks to the irrigation system, beautifully green even on hot days.
Weather in September
September is characterised by great temperatures for urban tourism - expect 21°C during the day.
Rain showers are not out of line with the annual average, so you don't have to worry about bad weather affecting your stay in Paris.
Weather in October
October is one of the best months to visit Paris.
The parks and tree-lined streets are slowly turning the golden colours of autumn leaves, while temperatures are still relatively comfortable, hovering around 16°C during the day.
It does rain a little more in October than in summer, but the difference is not dramatic. The rain, which can exceptionally last all day, occurs on average only 9 days a month.
Weather in November
Autumn is in full swing and by at least the third quarter of the month the trees are still beautifully coloured.
Temperatures drop to between 8 °C and 12 °C.
Weather in December
December temperatures are between 5 °C and 8 °C. It rains for about 11 days, making December the rainiest month of the year.
The skies are often overcast, but on the other hand the streets are beautifully lit with Christmas decorations and the atmosphere in the streets of Paris is truly magical.
Table of temperatures during the year
Paris - Average temperatures and precipitation during the year
When to go to Paris
Basically, you can go to Paris all year round, depending on your preferences.
In the winter, you can warm up in the many cafes and museums, which means you won't be sorry it's not nice outside.
In summer, you may be surprised by high temperatures, which may not be the most pleasant in the city, on the other hand, you can cool down in the parks. One of the big inconveniences of summer is that there are a lot more tourists and the waiting times in queues to see the sights can be very annoying.
Probably the best time is spring and autumn, when temperatures are at very comfortable levels for exploring the city. Spring is marked by the fresh lush greenery in the streets, while autumn plays with all the colours. These seasons are definitely the best for a romantic visit to Paris...