Trip to Paris during mid-April: what's the weather like?

[Anonymous]

Thinking of taking our family to Paris during DC public schools' spring break, which looks to be 4/17-4/21. How cold and rainy will it be? I've been to Paris in July, but not spring. I don't mind much if it's a little chilly, but won't be as much fun strolling around w/our 5yo if it's raining daily.

Another option is going at the end of the school year, although I'm assuming travel costs will be higher.

Should we wait until June, or stick with April?

Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Thinking of taking our family to Paris during DC public schools' spring break, which looks to be 4/17-4/21. How cold and rainy will it be? I've been to Paris in July, but not spring. I don't mind much if it's a little chilly, but won't be as much fun strolling around w/our 5yo if it's raining daily.

Another option is going at the end of the school year, although I'm assuming travel costs will be higher.

Should we wait until June, or stick with April?

Thank you.

P.S. This will be our kid's first trip abroad, so was hoping for nice (enough) weather for sight-seeing, meals outside, etc.

[Anonymous]

I was there for a week this April. Some days were nice, some days chilly, some days a little rainy but it was totally fine overall. Most of the cafés (if that's what you mean by sit outside) are covered so rain isn't an issue for that, although be aware that because smoking isn't allowed inside the patios can be super smoky. I'm sure June is nicer, but the April weather wouldn't deter me from going.

[Anonymous]

Depends on the year, but June will likely be nicer. April tends to be rainy and cold. That said, Paris is still lovely in the rain!

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for weighing in, PPs. Another question--how will the crowds compare for mid-April vs. mid-late June? Or will there not be a huge difference?

Just thinking that if the weather isn't stellar in April, BUT it's much less expensive to travel then and much shorter lines/smaller crowds, it might be worth it to go during the spring.

[Anonymous]

I don't think there will be much difference with lines/crowds, as French school holidays start in July, and it's similar in other close European countries like England. You may want to check the April week for holidays - that week may well be a French school holiday too in which case it may be more crowded. But Paris is obviously always a popular tourist destination so if it is much less expensive in April then go then. Pack warm clothes and rainwear!

[Anonymous]

I think it's a great time to go!! It's on the chilly side, and you'll probably have rain one or two of the days you're there, but I thought it was great. Temperature probably in the mid high 50s. But who knows, it could be a little warmer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Depends on the year, but June will likely be nicer. April tends to be rainy and cold. That said, Paris is still lovely in the rain!

We were there the beginning of June last year and it was HOT.

[Anonymous]

There's a lot of good information on this out there:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/658417

When to Go

With an average of 27 million visitors per year, Paris is the most visited city in the world. Although the city is bustling year-round, the summer (July-Aug) is the worst time to visit, since most Parisians flee the city while most tourists crowd into the city then. Paris is probably most pleasant to visit in the spring (Apr-June) or fall (Sept-Nov), but it is also lovely during December, when the city is all lit up with Christmas lights. Annual fashion shows and trade fairs bring a lot of people to the city in September and October, so it may be difficult to find a hotel room during this period. Hotels in Paris rarely advertise off-season rates, but rooms are often a little less expensive during the cold, rainy period from November to February. Airfares are cheaper during these months, and more promotions are available; airfares rise in the spring and fall, peaking in the summer, when tickets cost the most.

Weather

Although you'll often hear French people complaining about the weather in Paris, Parisian weather is usually quite stable, and the surrounding region boasts one of the lowest annual rates of precipitation in the country (640mm/25in.). In terms of weather, the best times to visit Paris are the spring (Apr-June) or the fall (Sept-Oct). Recently, Paris has seen extreme temperatures in both summer (when temperatures are around 90°F/30°C) and winter (when temperatures are around 30°F/below 0°C) -- perhaps a result of global warming. The high temperatures in summer, combined with air pollution, make visiting Paris unbearable then -- especially in the un-air-conditioned Métro.



http://travel.usnews.com/Paris_France/When_To_Visit/

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August, when the weather is just about parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the mid 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time — and the most expensive. For a significant drop in tourism, plan a trip in the fall or spring. To save some money on your flight and hotel, pack your most stylish heavy jacket (this is Paris, after all) and visit in the winter.

June-August

Summertime sees high average temperatures in the 70s, which makes strolling through the neighborhoods and enjoying your café en plein air (outside) an absolute joy. But keep in mind, you'll be wrestling with hordes of other tourists for your place in the sun. This is the city's high tourism season, and as such, room rates and flight prices tend to go up.

Key Events:

Fete de St-Denis (June)
Fete de la Musique (June)
Tour de France (July)
Bastille Day (July)
September-November

Starting in late September, Paris' hotels make moderate rate cuts. Average temperatures can range from the 40s to the 60s, so pack accordingly.

Key Events:

International Ready-to-Wear Fashion Shows (September)
Fete d'Automne (September-December)
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (October)
Armistice Day (November)
December-February

Paris' low season sees temperatures that range from freezing to around 40 degrees. Heavy — yet chic — coats are necessary this time of year. If you dare defy the chilly weather, you can save quite a few euro on your hotel and flight.

Key Events:

Le Salon Nautique de Paris (December)
Fete de St-Sylvestre (December)
March-May

Along with fall, spring is Paris' other shoulder season, and these months lure travelers with slight price cuts on hotel rooms. Temperatures usually span the 40 to 60 degree range, and afternoon rains are a bit more frequent.

Key Events:

Foire du Trone (March)
International Marathon of Paris (April)
VE Day (May)
French Open Tennis Championship (May)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:There's a lot of good information on this out there:

http://www.frommers.com/destinations/paris/658417

When to Go

With an average of 27 million visitors per year, Paris is the most visited city in the world. Although the city is bustling year-round, the summer (July-Aug) is the worst time to visit, since most Parisians flee the city while most tourists crowd into the city then. Paris is probably most pleasant to visit in the spring (Apr-June) or fall (Sept-Nov), but it is also lovely during December, when the city is all lit up with Christmas lights. Annual fashion shows and trade fairs bring a lot of people to the city in September and October, so it may be difficult to find a hotel room during this period. Hotels in Paris rarely advertise off-season rates, but rooms are often a little less expensive during the cold, rainy period from November to February. Airfares are cheaper during these months, and more promotions are available; airfares rise in the spring and fall, peaking in the summer, when tickets cost the most.

Weather

Although you'll often hear French people complaining about the weather in Paris, Parisian weather is usually quite stable, and the surrounding region boasts one of the lowest annual rates of precipitation in the country (640mm/25in.). In terms of weather, the best times to visit Paris are the spring (Apr-June) or the fall (Sept-Oct). Recently, Paris has seen extreme temperatures in both summer (when temperatures are around 90°F/30°C) and winter (when temperatures are around 30°F/below 0°C) -- perhaps a result of global warming. The high temperatures in summer, combined with air pollution, make visiting Paris unbearable then -- especially in the un-air-conditioned Métro.



http://travel.usnews.com/Paris_France/When_To_Visit/

The best time to visit Paris is from June to August, when the weather is just about parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the mid 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time — and the most expensive. For a significant drop in tourism, plan a trip in the fall or spring. To save some money on your flight and hotel, pack your most stylish heavy jacket (this is Paris, after all) and visit in the winter.

June-August

Summertime sees high average temperatures in the 70s, which makes strolling through the neighborhoods and enjoying your café en plein air (outside) an absolute joy. But keep in mind, you'll be wrestling with hordes of other tourists for your place in the sun. This is the city's high tourism season, and as such, room rates and flight prices tend to go up.

Key Events:

Fete de St-Denis (June)
Fete de la Musique (June)
Tour de France (July)
Bastille Day (July)
September-November

Starting in late September, Paris' hotels make moderate rate cuts. Average temperatures can range from the 40s to the 60s, so pack accordingly.

Key Events:

International Ready-to-Wear Fashion Shows (September)
Fete d'Automne (September-December)
Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe (October)
Armistice Day (November)
December-February

Paris' low season sees temperatures that range from freezing to around 40 degrees. Heavy — yet chic — coats are necessary this time of year. If you dare defy the chilly weather, you can save quite a few euro on your hotel and flight.

Key Events:

Le Salon Nautique de Paris (December)
Fete de St-Sylvestre (December)
March-May

Along with fall, spring is Paris' other shoulder season, and these months lure travelers with slight price cuts on hotel rooms. Temperatures usually span the 40 to 60 degree range, and afternoon rains are a bit more frequent.

Key Events:

Foire du Trone (March)
International Marathon of Paris (April)
VE Day (May)
French Open Tennis Championship (May)

OP here. Thanks, this is great.

I checked the forecast and it looks like upper 50s in mid-April, but this additional info is good to have.

I see there's a marathon on April 9th--too bad we'll miss that by a week (one of us is a runner).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for weighing in, PPs. Another question--how will the crowds compare for mid-April vs. mid-late June? Or will there not be a huge difference?

Just thinking that if the weather isn't stellar in April, BUT it's much less expensive to travel then and much shorter lines/smaller crowds, it might be worth it to go during the spring.

PP here - I was mostly there for work but did some touristy things as well and didn't have any problem getting in anywhere. You do need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance even in April. We had a short line getting in to the Louvre (to go through security) but that was it. There were some big tour groups at Versailles but otherwise not too crowded there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP here. Thanks for weighing in, PPs. Another question--how will the crowds compare for mid-April vs. mid-late June? Or will there not be a huge difference?

Just thinking that if the weather isn't stellar in April, BUT it's much less expensive to travel then and much shorter lines/smaller crowds, it might be worth it to go during the spring.

PP here - I was mostly there for work but did some touristy things as well and didn't have any problem getting in anywhere. You do need to book the Eiffel Tower in advance even in April. We had a short line getting in to the Louvre (to go through security) but that was it. There were some big tour groups at Versailles but otherwise not too crowded there.

OP here, thanks again. Good to know re: the Louvre. I spent 8 hours there during last trip--that won't happen this time with a 5yo, but would be nice to do a quick visit for an hour or so (the 5yo enjoys art so I think will enjoy a shortish visit there, also maybe Musee d'Orsay).

[Anonymous]

Went to Paris a couple years ago in June. The weather was great - sunny and mostly clear skies - but actually quite warm/hot. It was crowded but not as insane as later in the summer (we were there the first week in June). The main sights were all very crowded and there were long lines for the museums, Versailles, Eiffel Tower, etc.

We did not prebook any sights (only restaurants) but went early to Versailles and didn't have a line, used the "secret entrance" to the Louvre and arrived mid afternoon so no line, and went up the Eiffel Tower at 10:30 pm when, you guessed it, no line.

[Anonymous]

Was there in 2014 and it was gorgeous. 75 and sunny.

[Anonymous]

If you go to Paris, get the Paris Museum Pass. It covers all the main museums including Versailles (but not Eiffel Tower, I think). The real advantage of the pass is that it allows you to skip the queues except the security ones. We were there in August, peak tourist season, and walked right pass all the queues and only waited a minute or two at the security screening. I always get the pass when in Paris and am always surprised that more people don't buy them because the time saved in avoiding the queues is well worth the money (if you see 5-6 main museums/sights the pass pays for itself alone).

FYI the Paris Museum Pass is different from the Paris Pass. It can be bundled with the Paris Pass if you want but we don't opt for that.