When to go to Paris

The City of Light

Paris is a place of dreams, and many wonder when is the best time to visit in order to maximize their experience. In all honesty, Paris is magical all year around, but there are certain months and seasons that may appeal to you more. Read on for finding the ideal time to visit the city of light.

I am going to start with my favorite time to visit: late spring. May and June tend to have beautiful weather with sunny, long days and warm temperatures. Flowers are in bloom, Parisians are excited to spend more time outdoors and Paris is finally out of hibernation mode. Sunsets are later, around 9 or 10pm, which means plenty of time for wandering the city or having dinner on a terrasse. Tourist season is just starting, so most sites and museums will be less crowded, and prices are a bit lower than in summer.

Next is high summer, which mean full on tourist season. This comes with high prices, high crowds in tourist areas and high temperatures. Heat waves are common during this time in Paris and can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit. In addition, many shops, cafes and restaurants are closed as the owners head out of town on their own vacations. The city can be empty in some respects due to inhabitants of Paris going on holiday.

Autumn in Paris is a time of calmness, mild temperatures and less crowds. The fall colors can be seen in the flora around the city, and brisk mornings and earlier evenings can have a romantic feel to them. Prices drop from the summer highs, and museums, sites and shops are less crowded. Restaurants become cozier with cold weather foods, including bouef Bourguignon and Reblochon cheese becoming available.

The holidays in Paris are particularly special, as Christmas is a magical time of year in France. Elegant window displays can be seen in department stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. Christmas markets pop up all over the city and spectacular light displays can be seen on the Champs-Elysées, Place Vêndome, and many more locations. Even with temperatures dropping, the city is illuminated and alive. Crowds and prices are lower during this time, but weather can get quite cold and rainy. Outdoor activities are limited and gardens are mostly closed.

Lastly is winter, which is considered the low season. Snow, sleet and rain are common, and temperatures can drop to below freezing. Indoor activities such as visiting museums and churches, and eating at cafes and restaurants are the primary things to do. Inclement weather can close the Eiffel Tower and cruises on the Seine may be limited. There are less tourists, so snagging a seat at the restaurant you have been trying to make reservations at might be possible.

All seasons have their advantages and disadvantages, it really comes down to to personal preference and time availability. No matter what, Paris is always a good idea!