Ah…April in Paris.
Sounds tremendously romantic, but is that really when you should visit?
The truth is, you’d have a pretty good chance of experiencing rainy and chilly weather in April. (It’s further north than you might think!)
Of course, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit Paris in April. The weather in Spring may give you a taste of both sun and showers. The temperatures should average in the high 50′s F (14 C).
If you ask people about when is the best time to visit Paris, France, most will probably talk about Spring. It’s a popular time for tourists and locals alike, and why not? The weather will be sunny more often the later you go in Spring, and by the end of April and into May the gardens will be blooming.
Spring may be shoulder season, but you will still need to be prepared for many other tourists. Lots of people have heard that it’s a good time to go to miss the heat of summer. Prices for hotels may even be at high season rates. There will be lines for some of the most popular attractions, but the locals haven’t been putting up with tourists all winter, so they will be fresh and friendly.
In spring, the worst of the summer crowds haven’t arrived yet, making a stroll down the Champs Elysees more memorable. When the spring showers hit, head indoors to one of the museums.
Should you consider another season? Maybe you need to go in summer because of your school or work schedule. Summer brings lots of traveling students as well as all the other tourists. Prices will be at their highest, and the lines will be at their longest in the summertime. It’s probably a good idea to book flights and rooms early to try and get good deals in this popular season. The weather is nice with temperatures in the high 70s F (24 C).
July draws crowds because of Bastille Day, July 14, and the Tour de France bicycle race that ends up in Paris. During August, most Parisians take a month long vacation… usually out of the city. So some restaurants and businesses might be closed.
Fall is a good time to consider a visit to Paris, as well. The weather is changing, and you may run into some cool days. The upside is the crowds will be smaller, and you’re more apt to find off season Paris prices. The locals are rejuvenated from their summer month away, and they will be relaxed, more tolerant, have more time for you. Temperatures are in the low 60s F (16 C) — a little warmer than spring.
You might nab a wonderfully cheap airfare right after the New Year holidays. Winter in Paris can be really cold: Temperatures in the 30s and 40s F (0-4 C). The gardens may be buried in snow, the Eiffel Tower closed due to ice. But it can also be romantic if you’re into cafes and hot chocolate, bookstores and boutiques.
If you decide to go to Paris in the wintertime, you won’t run into as many tourists, and the hotel rates will be as low as they get. Still our recommendation would be one of the other seasons for the most enjoyable time to visit.
So what will it be? Summer, winter, spring, or fall. It’s your choice. The City of Lights is wonderful anytime of the year.
Here’s the latest Fodor’s Paris Guidebook…so much to know before you go!
Fodor’s Paris 2012
Price: $13.45
Fodor’s,Paperback, Series: Fodor’s Gold Guides Series, English-language edition, Pub by Fodor’s Travel Publications, Inc. on 08-23-2011