Springtime in Paris?

I spent the last week of April and the first week of May in Paris and it was beautiful - trees had leaved out, the chestnut trees were in full bloom, the weather was sunny and relatively hot and the city was crowded with tourists, Americans and Europeans. During the time I was there, we had one late afternoon thunderstorm that blew over quickly. Be aware that May 1 is a holiday all over Europe and May 8 is a holiday in France. I'd say the time period you picked is just about perfect. I hope you take a side trip to Giverney, Monet's house and garden. Everything except the famous water lilies was in bloom there - beautiful.

This year April and May were unusually beautiful, while June and July were cold, gray and rainy. Plant cycles were, and still are, running two weeks early. Some years April and May can be cold, gray and rainy. So be prepared for anything. Bring layers of clothes that you can add on or take off. The climate depends on the Gulf Stream. As for crowds, heavy tourism begins during the European spring break and continues through the fall. Lots of European families go to Paris at spring break and the long weekends.

Thanks so much to Anna and Bets for the great advice! I didn't know about the May holidays, and didn't even consider Spring Break. Very helpful!

Pamela, don't let the spring break and holidays stop you! It's just a great time of year to go!

Thanks so much to Anna and Bets for the great advice! I didn't know about the May holidays, and didn't even consider Spring Break. Very helpful!

Right again, Anna! It's Paris - how could it ever be anything but wonderful!

I brought a light raincoat I could fold easily on my trip last year to germany and france and did not need it in Paris, but I did wear 2 layers on top ( a thin shirt or tank with a pull over sweater or shirt) you could take off the top layer and tie it around your neck or fold thinly into your bag. Oddly enough I found the best rain jacket in a skate boarder shop with my son in germany.....very thin, waterproof but could roll it up with snaps like a travel umbrella....brilliant and all you needed in a pinch.
(or a travel umbrella itself)

I too have frequented Paris in both April/may. I found cheaper flights and hotel costs in May. Crowds not too bad, just follow RS recommendations for museums.

I would say that the weather can be unpredictable. We were there for a week, end of April, early May in 2010. Very warm on arrival. We wanted to have fondue, but it was too warm. About the third day, it was cooler, so we indulged. The next few days were quite cold and windy. I like cool weather, but needed sweater and jacket. If I had had gloves with me, I would have worn them.

We were there during the last week of April in 2009 and it was in the 60s and sunny for the most part. It did rain a couple of times, but no big deal. We had a pretty cool thunderstorm the first night. I thought it was rather pleasant as I detest warm weather and consider the 60s and 70s ideal for walking around and sightseeing. All was green and lovely enough.
As you know with weather, there are no guarantees. I think in general, that is a decent time of year to go.

I've been in Paris in April several times recently. I liked the weather and temperatures better the second half of the month. Trees are in bloom and it is warmer. Not much rain. The week before Easter is crowded, and Notre Dame and museums can have long lines waiting to get in. After the Monday following Easter, things calm down.

We've been in Paris in April and/or May a number of times, most recently last year. Some years we had perfect balmy, sunny, spring weather. Some years, we had chilly mornings, grey skies, and patchy rain, with a few days of the balmy/sunny stuff thrown in. It was always Paris, which means it was always amazing. I actually kind of like the contrast of a little rain to go with the perfect weather, but then I live in Seattle, and am perhaps a tad unbalanced. :D Pack a light raincoat and a collapsible brelly and you should be fine. Waterproof shoes are a good idea, but not a "must," IMHO. Also - I recommend dressing in light layers, especially if you plan to be out and about all day. A light cotton top with a light cardigan over it, and a rain coat if needed. As the day warms up, just take off the cardie. But then, that's just common sense, isn't it? Crowds. Well - we go to Paris every year in April/May and November/December, and it is always pretty crowded, but not, according to what I've read here and heard from others, as crowded as "serious high season" in the summer. I mean, it's a world famous tourist destination, so expect masses of people. In April and May it's still pretty civilized, though.

We've been in Paris in April and/or May a number of times, most recently last year. Some years we had perfect balmy, sunny, spring weather. Some years, we had chilly mornings, grey skies, and patchy rain, with a few days of the balmy/sunny stuff thrown in. It was always Paris, which means it was always amazing. I actually kind of like the contrast of a little rain to go with the perfect weather, but then I live in Seattle, and am perhaps a tad unbalanced. :D Pack a light raincoat and a collapsible brelly and you should be fine. Waterproof shoes are a good idea, but not a "must," IMHO. Also - I recommend dressing in light layers, especially if you plan to be out and about all day. A light cotton top with a light cardigan over it, and a rain coat if needed. As the day warms up, just take off the cardie. But then, that's just common sense, isn't it? Crowds. Well - we go to Paris every year in April/May and November/December, and it is always pretty crowded, but not, according to what I've read here and heard from others, as crowded as "serious high season" in the summer. I mean, it's a world famous tourist destination, so expect masses of people. In April and May it's still pretty civilized, though.