Paris weather is rather predictable and typical for a temperate climate with four distinct seasons and no harsh extremes. The average annual temperature in Paris, France ranges from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, per holiday-weather.com.
Annually, there are 161 sunny days in Paris and 155 precipitation days. January is the coldest month of the year in Paris while July boasts the warmest temperatures. When planning a move to France, it’s helpful to know what Paris weather is like in real life, rather than just stats, because living in Paris for longer periods exposes one to a variety of weather conditions.
Throughout the year, the weather in the French capital ranges greatly from hot summers to cool winters. Climate-wise, living in Paris has its perks no matter what time of year it is, as Paris has so many indoor and outdoor events year-round, it is never a bore regardless of what it feels like outside.
However, if you’ve only experienced the city during a pleasant tourist season and are wondering what it feels like when you live in France in the off-season, what clothes to pack or if there is anything to do there in the winter or fall, here’s a brief description of each month.
January
- Average temperature: 41°F (5°C)
- Temperature range: 37°F (3°C) – 45°F (7°C)
- Sunshine: 1 hours
In January, the weather in Paris can be chilly, but bearable. The average temperature can range from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 44 degrees Fahrenheit. Even though it’s winter, there are still plenty of people out and about. The French capital is typically colder than other European capitals this time of year, including Lisbon, Rome, or Madrid.
There are some differences between winter in Paris versus other places that are worth mentioning. For one thing, most buildings here don’t have central heating, so you may need to rely on your unit’s heat source to stay warm inside (a radiator or space heater).
If you dress warmly, you’ll be fine walking around exploring all that Paris has to offer during this time of year and take advantage of the fact that there are fewer crowds after the holidays.
If you don’t like the cold, there are also plenty of indoor attractions and private car tours to beat the winter weather. It’s the perfect time of the year to spend time inside Paris’ world renowned museums with a private family tour of the Louvre or a luxurious private vintage car tour with a Louvre museum visit and hotel pickup.
February
- Average temperature: 42°F (6°C)
- Temperature range: 37°F (3°C) – 47°F (8°C)
- Sunshine: 2 hours
The weather in Paris during February is relatively cold, with the average temperature ranging from 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, there can be significant variation from day to day, so it’s always a good idea to check the forecast before heading out.
Generally speaking, February is a dry month in Paris, with precipitation amounts below three inches on average. However, this does not mean that rain or snow showers cannot occur – they just tend to be brief and not last for long periods overall. So if you’re planning on spending lots of time outdoors this month then remember to pack an umbrella and a jacket for a more comfortable experience.
Despite the weather, February is a romantic month to spend some memorable times discovering Paris’ exciting nightlife. For instance, you can spend Valentine’s Day in the city of lights with a guided night tour and a Moulin Rouge show for an unforgettable experience.
March
- Average temperature: 47°F (9°C)
- Temperature range: 42°F (5°C) – 54°F (12°C)
- Sunshine: 2 hours
The weather in Paris during March is cold. The average high temperature for the month is 51 degrees Fahrenheit, while the average low temperature is only 40 degrees. March can also bring some wet weather to Paris; on average, there are about 10 days with measurable precipitation each month. This can come in various forms, from light showers to more significant rainstorms.
Snow is relatively rare during this time of year but not impossible; sleet and snow mixed have been known to fall occasionally. Despite all these potential changes in weather conditions, many people find that they enjoy Paris in March because springtime flowers start blooming around this period and there is generally more sunlight than what’s available during the winter months.
April
- Average temperature: 51°F (11°C)
- Temperature range: 45°F (7°C) – 60°F (16°C)
- Sunshine: 5 hours
The weather in Paris during April is slightly cold, with average temperatures ranging from 44 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. Although there can be occasional showers throughout the month, overall it is a great time to be in the City of Light as the days are mostly sunny and pleasant.
This makes for perfect conditions to explore all that Paris has to offer, whether strolling through its blooming parks and gardens or taking a cruise on the Seine river to admire the city from a different perspective.
May
- Average temperature: 59°F (8°C)
- Temperature range: 52°F (11°C) – 67°F (20°C)
- Sunshine: 6 hours
May is a transitional month weather-wise in Paris, with average highs ranging from a comfortable 64 degrees Fahrenheit to a chilly 49 degrees Fahrenheit. You can expect some rain, so come prepared with an umbrella. The good news is that you’ll also enjoy plenty of sunny days as well, and by late May beautiful flowers will be blooming everywhere.
All in all, May weather in Paris is lovely. Everyone is out and about showing off their fashionable spring outfits and enjoying the warmth of the sun, as it gets comfortable to sit outside in a café or take long strolls along the Seine.
June
- Average temperature: 61°F (16°C)
- Temperature range: 57°F (14°C) – 73°F (23°C)
- Sunshine: 6 hours
Paris is a beautiful city with distinct seasons. As the city heads into the summer, in June, temperatures average between 52 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit. The weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring all that the City of Light has to offer. You may expect around 11 rainy days in June, so it’s recommended to prepare an umbrella.
Visitors can enjoy long days of sightseeing followed by evenings dining al fresco or strolling along the Seine River. If you want to venture outside of the city for a day, it’s the perfect time of the year to take a day trip to the world famous Versailles Gardens, walk through its green mazes and take instagrammable pictures of the royal palace at its best.
July
- Average temperature: 68°F (20°C)
- Temperature range: 60°F (16°C) – 77°F (25°C)
- Sunshine: 8 hours
The weather in Paris during July is usually quite mild, with average temperatures ranging from around 62 degrees Fahrenheit during the daytime up to 80 degrees Fahrenheit in the evenings. Overall though, most days are pleasant and comfortable with just enough warmth to enjoy all that this wonderful city has to offer and rarely very hot.
Of course, as with any large city, Paris can experience its fair share of summer storms from time to time. But even on those occasions when it might be raining or overcast skies dominate, there’s still plenty to do indoors – museums, art galleries, and cafes abound.
August
- Average temperature: 67°F (20°C)
- Temperature range: 60°F (16°C) – 80°F (30°C)
- Sunshine: 8 hours
The weather in Paris during August is relatively mild, with average temperatures ranging from 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. This is however, less hot than what you would feel if you visited Madrid or Barcelona in August, for instance.
Despite the possibility of high temperatures, August is generally a pleasant time to visit Paris thanks to its long hours of daylight and low precipitation levels. On hot days, it is a great time to enjoy the many green shady spaces that the city has to offer.
September
- Average temperature: 61°F (16°C)
- Temperature range: 55°F (13°C) – 70°F (21°C)
- Sunshine: 8 hours
The weather in Paris during September is mild, with average temperatures ranging from 59 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s not unusual for the city to experience occasional heat waves during this month, so visitors should be prepared for summer-like temperatures. With that said, the overall climate of Paris is fairly comfortable during September and most people find it to be a great time of year to be in Paris.
While rainfall is always possible in Paris (and indeed anywhere else), the chances are lower during September than in other months due largely to the fact that summer rains have typically tapered off by this point. This means that days spent exploring all that Paris has to offer are more likely to be pleasant and dry, although you’ll still want to pack an umbrella just in case.
October
- Average temperature: 54°F (12°C)
- Temperature range: 49°F (10°C) – 61°F (16°C)
- Sunshine: 5 hours
The weather in Paris during October gets gradually cooler, with temperatures ranging from 50-62 degrees Fahrenheit on average. However, there can be some variation depending on the particular year and location within the city. On some days it may feel more like summer while other days may have a chillier autumnal feel.
Overall though, the weather is generally pleasant without being too extreme in either direction. Those planning to visit Paris during October should pack accordingly by bringing layers that can be easily added or removed as needed. The evenings may require a light jacket or sweater, but daytime highs are often comfortable enough to get by with just a t-shirt or blouse.
November
- Average temperature: 45°F (7°C)
- Temperature range: 42°F (6°C) – 51°F (11°C)
- Sunshine: 2 hours
The weather in Paris during November is slightly cold, with temperatures ranging from 45-55 degrees Fahrenheit on average. Although you might think of November as a dreary month, this time of year sees relatively little rain in Paris, although occasional showers are not uncommon.
Surprisingly, you can really enjoy Paris in November as it is less crowded and there are lots of events going on. The days are shorter than usual due to the position of the sun at this time of year, but there is still plenty of opportunity to enjoy all that the city has to offer.
December
- Average temperature: 41°F (5°C)
- Temperature range: 38°F (3°C) – 46°F (8°C)
- Sunshine: 2 hours
The weather in Paris during December is cool and crisp, with an average temperature of 40-49 degrees Fahrenheit. This time of year sees the city blanketed in a beautiful layer of snow, making it the perfect place to enjoy festive activities such as ice skating or sledding.
Christmas markets are also a popular attraction at this time of year, and visitors can explore the beautifully decorated boutiques and stalls selling all manner of holiday gifts.
Dreaming about living in Paris or someplace in charming France? Read more about the pros and cons of living in France.
Weather data source: Holiday-weather.com
