Traveling to Paris might be once in a lifetime adventure (especially if you live outside of Europe), so choosing the best time to visit Paris is very important to enjoy your visit as much as you can. Paris, ‘city of lights’, attracts 30 million visitors every year and it tops the world travel destinations lists since modern tourism is a thing. That’s why it is important to plan, both for your comfort and your budget.
As far as gotravelyoursef.com is concerned, the best time to visit Paris is today, but we are not impartial here. 😊. The best time to visit Paris also depends on your personal preferences and your schedule, so it will be solely up to you to decide. Let’s consider different factors for your next trip to Paris.
When is Paris most crowded?
Definitely in summer, especially July and August. Most of the tourists come then as people are traveling the most during summer holidays. Also, many families come to Paris with children on the way to Euro Disney. And to top it off, July and August can be really hot in Paris, so keep that in mind.
If you don’t like crowds and cannot stand hot weather (it can be really hot in Paris in July and August), this is not the best time for you to visit. We recommend visiting during the summer if you want to spend a few days in Paris only and go further explore the surroundings and the rest of France. Otherwise, try and visit outside of the July-August period. If you cannot avoid visiting during these months, then try traveling in early July or late August.
When is Paris least crowded?
Paris is least crowded both during the springtime (April through June) and during fall (from September until the end of November). These are two periods in between high seasons that make it somewhat less crowded, although many visitors tend to visit at this time for the same reason – to avoid crowds!
So, if you are happy with a less crowded place and with mild weather, this is the best time for you to visit Paris. Keep in mind that there might be a few rainy days, but this shouldn’t be too much of a problem. Another advantage of the city being less crowded is that you will have more enjoyable city tours: walking, bike, or foodie tours.
When is staying in Paris the cheapest?
This is usually in the off-season, starting from November, all the way until the end of February. You can find some great deals and some cheap flights and also enjoy Christmas time in this wonderful city. Individual hotels in Paris don’t offer off-season discounts, but you will be able to get a good deal if you buy a package – flight + hotel. If you use Airbnb or another non-hotel accommodation service, you might find great deals if you book in advance during this period.
What is the best time to fly to Paris?
The peak season for flights to Paris is in April, June, and July. The low season for purchasing tickets is January, February, and October. Paris is served by these airports: Beauvais-Tille Airport (BVA), Paris Orly Airport (ORY), Chalons Vatry Airport (XCR), and Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG). Direct flights to Paris are offered by 103 airlines.
Please take into consideration the expenses of transfer from and to airports, as this might add to the total price of your trip considerably. For example, you might find a great bargain for a ticket to BVA airport, but transfer from this airport is much more expensive than from CDG.
The cheapest month to fly to Paris is definitely January. The period after Christmas and New Year and before the next major holiday (Valentine’s) will give you many opportunities to score cheap return flights from anywhere in the world.
When is the best weather in Paris to visit?
June to August and September through October are the ideal months to visit Paris regarding the weather. Summer and fall both have their ups and downs in temperatures and rain. The weather in Paris is almost perfect from June to August. Unfortunately, summer is also the busiest – and most expensive season. Plan a trip in the fall to take advantage of reduced airfares and fewer waits at attractions. The city’s spring blooms are also well-known, and the seasonal greenery is known to dazzle. If all you want is a good deal on a trip, visiting in the winter will save you money on airfare.
So, what is the best time to visit Paris?
Considering all the options above, it is still entirely up to you. If you can afford (meaning, you can take days off) to visit in less crowded times, do it, otherwise you can go visit when most visitors come – in July and August and be prepared for long waiting times for attractions and crowded streets. Every option has its ups and downs and you need to consider your travel needs before deciding. But, whenever you visit, we can guarantee you that you will have a great time in this fabulous city!