Rain In Paris

An umbrella is a good idea and something you will undoubtedly be grateful you have. It can typically be cold and windy, I always wear a heavy overcoat and gloves but the French believe that scarves are mandatory - everyone wears them, don't they? Not one of those short scarves either, something sufficiently long to be able to be easily worn with a French knot.

Waterproof shoes are a not a bad idea but make sure that your shoes are very comfortable. Most people do an enormous amount of walking.

Well I certainly wouldn't pack any expensive leather shoes that can't get wet. I would make sure I had at least a change of shoes so that if they got wet I had another pair of walking/touring shoes to wear while they dry. You might also want to get some spray on water repellent like Camp Dry to treat your shoes with. Definitely bring hat/gloves and a wardrobe that can layer ( unless you'd like an excuse to do some shopping 😁).

I'd want to have a broad-brimmed hat to keep the rain off my face in situations that were too crowded for deployment of an umbrella, or if it was just sprinkling lightly and I didn't want to get out the umbrella. I use a hat with a cord under my chin because I got tired of running after hats blown off by the wind. I suspect that might offend the French sense of style, but I wouldn't care.

Spring rain in NW Europe tends to be light but persistent. For city walking, waterproof shoes are probably overkill, and certainly less important than well-broken in and properly fitted shoes. I lived for several years in a region of Germany with a similar climate, and over thousands of hours walking, the only time my feet ever got soaked was when I jumped into a canal to rescue my dog.

A coat with a detachable hood is more useful than an umbrella in a busy city if you don’t want to risk poking someone’s eyes out.

I would wear waterproof lightweight hiking boots that are comfortable for walking miles. I wouldn’t take leather shoes for walking around.

I would bring a small folding umbrella, long ones are now a hindrance as with security checks at museums, where your are supposed to leave the umbrella at the cloakroom...

Since it is Paris and March, I would bring a pair of comfortable, waterproof/resistant "fashion yet practical" booties. Like those inked below.

You could add a pair of smart wool socks which are good in all seasons.

Dansko booties

Dansko waterproof booties

Since you are just a week or so out from travel, I'd not go with new shoes that are waterproof. I'd want to have shoes I've already walked miles and miles in. I'd take 2 pr so you can alternate if one gets damp. It's not like you'll be trudging thru wet fields or muddy trails. You'll be in and out of buildings even if you are doing a lot of walking.

I would want a waterproof jacket. Is the trenchcoat waterproof?

I visited Paris the last week of March last year and was comfortable in a waterproof jacket and 2 layers of long sleeves with a puffy vest on occasion but I'm pretty cold tolerant. Most locals were still wearing their winter wool coats and as indicated winter scarves. You might also take glove liners.

I spray my trench coat with camping water proofing once a year and that is what I have for spring in Paris and I layer under it when it is cold. I think waterproof shoes are a must as shoes take a long time to dry and they are uncomfortable when wet. I have lightweight waterproof hiking boots and they are both great for putting on the km of walking and protect my feet. I have a second pair of comfortable shoes for dry days to switch with.

Usually Paris rain is showery -- you may have an hour or two of overcast of even sun and then mid afternoon a brief downpour. We usually head for a cafe then and wait it out. It does rain all day occasionally but that is less common. It also tends to rain at night and you can hope to be lucky enough that most of the rain falls then.

Umbrellas, raincoat, waterproof shoes -- all useful for Paris comfort in early spring. We are heading there for April and May and will be taking those things.

Huge "Thank You" to everyone! The information has been very helpful in allowing us to better plan our trip!

My husband takes a scarf now, too. A long one can keep your neck and chest warm. When it’s raining he just tucks it inside his jacket.

According to RSs 2012 FR guidebook climate page, expect an average of 19 days of no rain. It also shows an average of 54 degrees so if your trench coat has a lining wear it. Waterproof shoes isn't a bad idea either.

If you stuff your sneakers with newspaper they will dry overnight. I learned that from my son who runs cross country and track for his high school.

Pull the innersoles out of the shoes; they're much more likely to dry overnight that way.