Paris: Best time to visit

Hi praveenroam,

Paris can be busy any time of year - there is always something happening, a fashion show or something that will draw crowds. I visited once in the second week of July when it was overrun by American college students. If you can find out what weeks their college break covers, I would avoid that time if you can.

Melinda

I saw the title of this post and my immediate thought was, "Whenever you can!!" I think you will have a wonderful time whenever you go. Expect crowds and just make it a people watching opportunity.

As Roland Garros virtually runs into UEFA Euro 2016, I would wait until mid July and hopefully less expensive accommodation.

If you're looking to minimize crowds (as another poster said, you can never AVOID them in Paris), go in late May or early June. I would advise most people to avoid Paris in August -- many of the good local restaurants and shops close for part or all of the month and many locals leave, meaning that you're left with a (potentially very hot) city that is jammed with tourists. July can be pretty neat as you can attend Bastille Day events, watch the Tour on television, and enjoy the late evenings since it stays light until 10PM — but the main tourist areas will definitely be more crowded than in May. Regardless of when you go, make sure you are prepared for both cool/rainy AND extremely warm weather. I've experienced both, back-to-back, in the summer. Bon voyage!

Last year when we visited Paris in July, the temperatures were in the high nineties and 104 on one day. The heat was miserable. Many places were not air conditioned. The Louvre was a steam bath. Walking the Champs Elysees was just torture. I would think twice about going to Paris in July. The odors were the worst- hot urine and hot rotting trash.

"The odors were the worst- hot urine and hot rotting trash."

You're thinking of New Orleans.

I've been in Paris during Roland Garros. It was not any busier or more crowded than the week before or after. Go as early as you can. The only difference you'll see then is the giant screen in front of the Hotel de Ville broadcasting the matches.

We were in Paris for a month during the great heat wave of August 2003. It was over 105F for several days and there is little AC in Paris. We always avoid July and August there -- that summer was an exception as we were doing 3 mos in Europe and that was the only time we could manage to include Paris.

We went to Paris in May for many years. Sometimes it is cool and rainy; sometimes it is warm and pleasant; usually it is mixed. I would certainly choose May or early June over July and August both for crowds and for weather.

We have gone to Paris in mid March when my husband has spring break from teaching. Have been fortunate to have had lovely weather both times. Given your availability, I would recommend May or June. July and August would be too hot and crowded for my taste.

The best time to go to France is when you have the time and the money. The weather is clearly less congenial in the middle of the winter, so stay indoors, but any week of the year will feature a little rain. There are always tourists; the fall fashion shows fill up hotels as much as Americans on summer vacation. The August break mostly, these days, closes such cultural events as live theatre and classical concerts but there is always something going on. I particularly like September, strolling in the dimming twilight and not worrying about air conditioning. But just go.