Plenty of people pack an umbrella for Paris and then fight it on narrow sidewalks all week. Rain shows up every month, and even February has 9 rain days, so a light waterproof jacket beats an umbrella all year. Add shoes for long days on foot and Metro stairs, and keep valuables close in crowded spots.
Paris weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 20°C68°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 21°C70°F | 17°C63°F | 11°C52°F | 9°C48°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 3°C37°F | 5°C41°F | 7°C45°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 15°C59°F | 15°C59°F | 13°C55°F | 10°C50°F | 6°C43°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 14 | 9 | 15 | 13 | 15 | 11 | 14 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryCold and gray, with highs of 7–10°C (45–50°F) and lows around 2–4°C (36–39°F). January is the wettest winter month at 14 rain days. Bring a warm coat that handles drizzle, a hat, gloves and a scarf, plus layers you can shed inside heated museums like the Louvre and the Musée d'Orsay.
Spring
March–MayThis is the wet stretch, not the gentle one people picture. Highs go from 13°C (55°F) in March to 20°C (68°F) in May, with 15 rain days in both March and May, and mornings start at 5–10°C (41–50°F). Pack a light sweater, a waterproof jacket and closed shoes that can take a puddle in the Tuileries.
Summer
June–AugustWarm, not hot. Highs sit around 25°C (77°F) from June to August with lows of 14–15°C (57–59°F), and July still gets 14 rain days, so the packable shell stays in the day bag. Light shirts, a summer dress or chinos and a thin layer for evenings by the Seine cover most days.
Fall
September–NovemberSeptember is mild at 21°C (70°F), then highs drop to 17°C (63°F) in October and 11°C (52°F) in November, with lows from 13°C (55°F) down to 6°C (43°F). Rain holds steady at 12 to 13 days a month. Pack a mid-weight jacket, a sweater or two and something waterproof for Montmartre and the Marais.
What to bring to Paris
0 of 21 packedThe EU plug fits French type C and E outlets and charges your phone plus a few small devices off one socket.
With 9 to 15 rain days every month, this light women's shell that packs into a stuff sack is the jacket we'd bring.
The men's shell stuffs into the bottom of a day bag, so you're covered for the showers that hit Paris every month.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather sealing keeps a laptop and layers dry on drizzly days between museums.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Phone, cards and passport in one secure bag on the Metro and around crowded sights like Sacré-Cœur.
- Bellroy City PouchDocuments & Security
Sits flat in an inside jacket pocket, so tickets and cards stay out of reach for pickpockets.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A pocket-size top-up for long days of maps and photos, with no cable to carry.
Clothing
- Sweater or knit layer · 2
- Long pants or dark jeans · 3
- Light summer clothes · 3 setsJune to August highs of 25°C
- Warm coatDec–Feb, highs of 7–10°C
- Scarf
- Dinner outfit · 1
Footwear
- Comfortable walking shoes · 1 pairLong days on foot and Metro stairs
- Second pair of shoes · 1 pairRain shows up every month
Gear
- Reusable shopping bag
Health and toiletries
- Basic medications
- Blister plasters
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless card
- Museum and train bookings
What shoes should you pack for Paris?
Your feet decide how good this trip is. Expect cobblestones in the Marais and lots of Metro stations with long stairways and no lift. Bring one pair of broken-in, cushioned walking shoes and a second pair so you have a dry option after rain, and skip new shoes or anything with a thin sole.
What do people wear in Paris?
Parisians dress simply and neatly, in dark jeans or trousers, a good coat, a scarf and clean sneakers or leather shoes. Bright athletic wear and baseball caps stand out more than they would at home. One plain outfit that fits well works for a café lunch and a nice dinner.
What plugs does Paris use?
France uses plug types C and E at 230V. Most phone and laptop chargers are rated 100 to 240V and just need a plug adapter, but check the label on hair tools and anything else that heats up. A small power bank helps on long days of maps and photos.
Tours and things to do in Paris
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Paris.
What should you leave at home for Paris?
Leave the bulky umbrella if you've got a packable rain jacket, since narrow sidewalks make umbrellas a pain in a crowd. Skip flashy jewelry and the back-pocket wallet, because pickpockets work the Metro and the big sights. Heavy formal wear can stay home as well. Most restaurants don't need it.
Around Paris
Packing for Paris: questions people ask
What is the best month to visit Paris for weather?
June or September. June averages a 25°C (77°F) high with 11 rain days, and September averages 21°C (70°F) with 12 rain days.
How often does it rain in Paris?
Every month, from 9 rain days in February to 15 in March and May. Most of it is light, so a packable rain jacket usually beats an umbrella.
Do I need a plug adapter for Paris?
Yes, if your devices have US or UK plugs. France uses type C and E outlets at 230V, and most phone and laptop chargers handle that voltage with just an adapter.
Can I wear sneakers in Paris?
Yes. Clean, simple sneakers are common in Paris, and they're the smartest choice for long walking days. Leave the bright running shoes for the gym.
How cold does Paris get in winter?
January averages a 7°C (45°F) high and a 2°C (36°F) low, and February lows are around 3°C (37°F). A warm coat, hat and gloves handle most winter days.
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