Best time to visit Paris in 2026

As you might already know, the high season for visiting Paris is the summer: June, July, and August. That’s when school’s out, the weather’s sunny, and there are countless outdoor activities. The shoulder season includes the months around the high season – April, May, September, and early October. During this time of year, temperatures are lower but pleasant, school’s in session so there’s less crowds, and there’s still plenty of sights to see. Let us walk you through the benefits!

Sunny days and cool temperatures

The shoulder season typically comes with ideal sightseeing temperatures. April and May weather usually ranges from 10-15 °C (low to mid-50s and 60s °F) with lows 7 °C (45 °F) and highs near 19°C (67 °F). September is very similar to May, just slightly warmer, with highs up to 21 °C (70 °F). Plus, these pleasant cool temperatures are usually accompanied by sunny days, providing the perfect weather conditions. Just come prepared if traveling in May; out of the entire shoulder season, it’s the most rainy month. All in all, the mild weather makes for great sightseeing – you just need a breathable top with a light jacket!

Paris Marathon, Roland-Garros, Fashion Week, and more!

Depending on your interests, there are plenty of exciting events during Paris’s shoulder season! For example, the Paris Marathon is in April. Even if you’re not a runner, it’s fun to cheer on the athletes. If you’re more culturally inclined, you can go to the Festival of Books which also takes place in April. It is a great, relaxing way to spend an afternoon! May is when Roland-Garros takes place, one of the four most important tennis tournaments. It’s your chance to watch world-class athletes in action! In addition, “Nuit européenne des musées” or the “European Night of Museums” also happens in May. This event is an opportunity to visit Parisian museums in an enchanting evening atmosphere, completely free of charge!

Finally, September is when “Journées du Patrimoine or Heritage Days” takes place. It’s also worth mentioning that Paris Fashion Week happens in early March and late September. If you’re interested in that industry, it’s another reason to pick this month to visit Paris!

30 °C (90s °F) temperatures

During summer in Paris, temperatures are estimated to reach 25 °C (78 °F). And while 25 °C isn’t too hot, you’re still spending all day on your feet (and walking in the sun). That kind of activity coupled with strong heat will likely wear you out much more quickly. Furthermore, there’s always the possibility that the temperatures will surge above 30 ° C (90 °F)! In such heat, it’s difficult to relax and enjoy your visit, since you’re simply sweating too much and are too preoccupied with the oppressive heat. Plus, some AirBnBs won’t have air conditioning, especially older units. Make sure you double-check beforehand!

Crowds, crowds, and more crowds!

June, July, and August are when children are free from school. Coupled with sunny, long days, many families consider the summer the best time to visit Paris, and then proceed to do exactly that. The result? Huge crowds and long lines. In fact, during peak season, visitors might have to wait up to 3 hours to enter the Eiffel Tower. And while you can overcome long lines via skip-the-line tickets, that typically requires more expensive tickets. As for the crowds, the only real solution is to show up early in the morning and hope for the best. Neither ‘fix’ is ideal, and both require either increased spending or alarm clocks, something you’d normally hope to keep to a minimum during your vacation.