Paris — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Paris.
Paris climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 3°C | 51mm | 82% |
| Feb | 8°C | 3°C | 46mm | 80% |
| Mar | 12°C | 5°C | 51mm | 79% |
| Apr | 16°C | 8°C | 51mm | 77% |
| May | 20°C | 11°C | 63mm | 74% |
| Jun | 23°C | 14°C | 54mm | 70% |
| Jul | 25°C | 17°C | 59mm | 68% |
| Aug | 25°C | 17°C | 54mm | 67% |
| Sep | 21°C | 14°C | 55mm | 72% |
| Oct | 16°C | 10°C | 62mm | 78% |
| Nov | 10°C | 6°C | 59mm | 83% |
| Dec | 8°C | 4°C | 56mm | 84% |
Climate overview
Paris has a temperate oceanic climate (Cfb), influenced by Atlantic air but far enough inland to have slightly warmer summers and colder winters than coastal France. Average highs run from 7°C in January to 25°C in July and August, and annual rainfall of about 640 mm is spread evenly through the year.
The city's weather is generally moderate and predictable by European standards, but it has its moments: summer heatwaves, such as the 42.6°C record set in July 2019, and grey, damp spells in late autumn and winter. As a dense city, Paris also experiences a strong urban heat island effect during hot spells.
Köppen classification: Cfb — temperate oceanic
Paris through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryWinters are cool and often overcast, with highs of 7–8°C and lows around 3°C. Frost occurs on some nights and light snow falls in most years, though it seldom settles. Humidity is high and days are short, which makes museums, cafés and covered passages popular retreats.
Spring
March – MaySpring arrives gradually: March averages 12°C, April 16°C and May 20°C. Showers are frequent but short, and chestnut trees and gardens bloom from April. May is the wettest spring month at around 63 mm, often in the form of afternoon showers.
Summer
June – AugustSummers are warm and mostly sunny, with highs of 23–25°C and lows of 14–17°C. Heatwaves above 35°C have become more common, and thunderstorms can break the heat on summer evenings. August is quieter in the city as many Parisians leave for holidays.
Autumn
September – NovemberSeptember is often warm and bright at about 21°C, making it one of the best months of the year. October cools to 16°C with more rain, and November is typically grey, damp and cool at around 10°C.
What makes Paris's weather distinctive
Paris rarely sees extreme weather, but the variability between days can be wide, particularly in spring. A pattern of sunshine and passing showers is typical, so carrying a light rain layer makes sense from March through November.
Summer heat is the main weather risk. Many older apartments and some hotels lack air-conditioning, and hot nights in the city centre can stay above 20°C during heatwaves. Météo-France issues colour-coded heat warnings when temperatures are expected to be dangerous.
Best time to visit Paris
The best times to visit Paris are April to June and September to October, when highs of 16–23°C suit long walks along the Seine and through the city's neighbourhoods. Spring brings blossoms, autumn brings golden parks and fewer crowds. July and August are warm and lively, but busy with visitors and occasionally very hot.
What to pack
- Comfortable walking shoes — Paris is best explored on foot
- A light trench or rain jacket for spring and autumn showers
- Layers for cool mornings and warm afternoons
- A warm coat, scarf and gloves from November to March
- Breathable clothing and a refillable bottle for summer heatwaves
Frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest month in Paris?
Rain is evenly spread, but May and October are slightly wetter at around 62–63 mm. Most rain falls as short showers rather than all-day downpours.
Does it snow in Paris?
Light snow falls on a few days in most winters, typically between December and February, but it rarely settles for long.
How hot does Paris get in summer?
Average highs in July and August are 25°C, but heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C. The all-time record is 42.6°C, set in July 2019.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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