The climate of Paris
Paris is the capital of
France and its most populous city. It enjoys a temperate oceanic climate classified under the Köppen climatic classification as Cfb - mainly influenced by the North Atlantic Drift from the Atlantic Ocean. The climate is characterized by warm and pleasant summers that are fairly sunny and cold wet winters with scarce sunshine and frosty nights.
Winter runs from
December through
February and is characterized by cold days and chillier nights. Temperatures go as low as the freezing point and even lower due to influence by the northern and northeastern currents. Snow falls are experienced for a few days in the season when the Russian cold air masses prevail. Snow remains minimal and thaws away quickly, but frost at night remains a regular occurrence. Sunshine in winter is very scarce, and the skies are moderately gray throughout.
Summertime in Paris is characterized by variable weather. Some days can be hot and sunny with temperatures as high as 30°C (86°F), while some remain cool and rainy with tolerable temperatures of below 20°C (68°F). The weather is generally warm and pleasant and extremely high temperatures are a rare occurrence. Expect the rainy afternoons to be accompanied by sudden thunderstorms occasionally during the season. Summer in Paris experiences more extended daylight hours of up to sixteen hours on average. As the days are long and the nights short, summer remains a good time for outdoor activities.
Spring in Paris is a perfect time for spending the day in the beautiful parks. The temperatures remain warm and pleasant, and the humidity tolerable. The nights are, however, cold and chilly, as are the early mornings at the beginning of the season. Expect light showers of rains in the afternoons, therefore, carrying an emergency rain jacket is recommended. Crowds of tourists and locals picnicking at the gardens near the Eiffel tower are typical in spring owing to the general lovely weather.
The best time to visit Paris
The best time to visit
Paris is the summer. While most cities' summertime is characterized by scorching and sweltering temperatures, Paris is moderately warm, with the highest average temperature of 25°C (77°F). This temperature feels a lot warmer due to high humidity at an average of 70%, and the fair amount of sunshine received.
Summer receives moderately low rain allowing uninterrupted tours of Paris, so expect more crowds as it is essentially the peak time for tourists.
What's more, the sun sets late - at 10 pm - elongating the daytime for more outdoor fun. The Eiffel tower, amazing in summer, is humming with activities in and around it. The weather gets colder at higher points of the city, so dressing mildly warm and carrying a rain jacket is advised.
The worst time to visit Paris
Winter in
Paris, for some, is the worst time to visit. Characterized by low temperatures, the nights in winter are longer, chillier, and wet. Cold winds blowing during the season make weather even colder. Rainfall is moderately high during winter making it difficult for visitors to wander the streets, and the sun seldom comes up, reducing most activities to indoors, away from the cold air.
The skies remain cloudy, and the general atmosphere is pensive. As the nights are extremely cold, it is difficult even to enjoy the festive celebrations carried out around Paris at night. Lighting from the Eiffel tower is beautiful at night during the Christmas period and can be viewed from the comfort of any house.
Weather hazards
The River Seine, located in the center of
Paris, poses a great risk during the continuous rainfall from
September to
February. A rise in its waters results in a standstill for all the roads and neighboring businesses, impairing all road transport as the roads under the bridges remain covered in water. In the past, the river has caused floods that have brought catastrophic damage for a lengthy period.
Weather in January
January, like
December, in
Paris,
France, is a wintry winter month, with temperature in the range of an average high of 5.9°C (42.6°F) and an average low of 1.8°C (35.2°F). January is the coldest month, with an average high-temperature of 5.9°C (42.6°F) and an average low-temperature of 1.8°C (35.2°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
The last month of the winter,
February, is a frosty month in
Paris,
France, with an average temperature ranging between min 2°C (35.6°F) and max 7.6°C (45.7°F). In February, the average high-temperature is almost the same as in
January - a frosty 7.6°C (45.7°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
The first month of the spring,
March, is a fresh month in
Paris,
France, with an average temperature varying between 11.8°C (53.2°F) and 4.1°C (39.4°F). In March, the average high-temperature slightly increases from a chilly 7.6°C (45.7°F) in
February to a cool 11.8°C (53.2°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is an enjoyable spring month in
Paris,
France, with an average temperature fluctuating between 16.1°C (61°F) and 6.8°C (44.2°F). In Paris, France, the average high-temperature in April marginally rises from a cool 11.8°C (53.2°F) in
March to a comfortable 16.1°C (61°F).
Weather in April » Weather in May
The last month of the spring,
May, is also an enjoyable month in
Paris,
France, with an average temperature varying between 18.3°C (64.9°F) and 9°C (48.2°F). In May, the average high-temperature is practically the same as in
April - a still enjoyable 18.3°C (64.9°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
June, the first month of the summer in
Paris, is a pleasant month, with an average temperature ranging between min 12.5°C (54.5°F) and max 21.6°C (70.9°F). In Paris,
France, the average high-temperature in June marginally rises from a comfortable 18.3°C (64.9°F) in
May to a pleasant 21.6°C (70.9°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Paris,
France, is a moderately hot summer month, with an average temperature ranging between min 14.8°C (58.6°F) and max 24.6°C (76.3°F). July is the warmest month, with an average high-temperature of 24.6°C (76.3°F) and an average low-temperature of 14.8°C (58.6°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August, the last month of the summer in
Paris, is also a moderately hot month, with an average temperature fluctuating between 24.5°C (76.1°F) and 15°C (59°F). In Paris, the average high-temperature in August is essentially the same as in
July - a still moderately hot 24.5°C (76.1°F).
Weather in August » Weather in September
The first month of the autumn,
September, is still a pleasant month in
Paris,
France, with an average temperature fluctuating between 20.9°C (69.6°F) and 11.8°C (53.2°F). In Paris, the average high-temperature in September marginally drops from a warm 24.5°C (76.1°F) in
August to an agreeable 20.9°C (69.6°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, the same as
September, is another comfortable autumn month in
Paris,
France, with an average temperature fluctuating between 16.5°C (61.7°F) and 9.4°C (48.9°F). In Paris, France, the average high-temperature in October slightly decreases from a pleasant 20.9°C (69.6°F) in September to an enjoyable 16.5°C (61.7°F).
Weather in October » Weather in November
The last month of the autumn,
November, is another cool month in
Paris,
France, with temperature in the range of an average high of 10.6°C (51.1°F) and an average low of 5.7°C (42.3°F). In Paris, the average high-temperature in November drops from a comfortable 16.5°C (61.7°F) in
October to a fresh 10.6°C (51.1°F).
Weather in November »Weather in December
December, the first month of the winter in
Paris, is also a frosty month, with temperature in the range of an average low of 3°C (37.4°F) and an average high of 7.3°C (45.1°F). In December, the average high-temperature slightly decreases from a fresh 10.6°C (51.1°F) in
November to a frosty 7.3°C (45.1°F).
Weather in December » [Resources]