Traditionally, Paris' summer holiday lasts from 16th July through to 10th August. The whole of August, however, is generally low key, and the streets won't be full of busy Parisians. That all changes in September. Monuments and museums host Heritage Days, opening up areas that are usually closed to public visitors.
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September and October are arguably the best months to visit — brisk breeze seeps into the air, Paris Fashion Week is in full force, and turning leaves color the city's scenic gardens. Nevertheless, cases can be made for traveling to the City of Light any time of year.
If you're visiting Paris this month, celebrate the tail-end of summer at a free jazz festival at Parc Floral plus mostly-free music and film fests. More top events include the fabulous European Heritage Days, Paris Fashion Week, and free cultural events across the Marais neighborhood.
The busiest period at the Eiffel Tower is between the end of June and the beginning of September. This is the so-called peak season, when the attendance peaks. In certain periods, attendance may be higher due to school vacation in Europe.
September-OctoberIf you're wanting to experience fewer crowds while in Paris, but don't want to give up good weather, fall is your best bet. The city experiences highs in the upper 60s during September then dips down to the lower 60s typically during October, with lows hovering between the low 50s and 40s.
Best Time to Visit Paris to Avoid CrowdsMost tourists come between May and September, and July is typically the busiest month (followed closely by June and August).
Summer is high season in Paris, and that's when the Louvre palace is at its most packed. If you're visiting Paris between June and September, use the above weekday and time-of-day recommendations to visit the Louvre Museum with fewer people around.
We recommend visiting between October and April — sidestepping the jam-packed holiday season in December — if your main objective is to avoid crowds. Go at the beginning or end of that window, October or April, for temperatures still comfortable enough to sit outside at one of the quintessentially Parisian cafe tables.
How Much Rain Does Paris Get in September? Paris records about 2 inches (about 51 mm) of precipitation on average over the course of 8 days during September, making this one of the dryer months of the year.
Sun and Clouds during September: What to ExpectAlthough this month, like every month in Paris, offers a mix of cloudless, cloudy, and overcast skis, there's something about the September weather patterns that seems to produce an unusually high number of days with bright blue skies with few or no clouds.
The Palace of Versailles is best to visit between the months of April-June and October-November. Pleasant weather meets thinner crowds, making it the ideal time to visit. The low season months include November, February and March.
First-time travelers should try and plan around 4-5 days—ample time to enjoy some classic Parisian highlights and visit a few of the 20 arrondissements (neighborhoods).
One of the great things about September is that extreme highs or lows are very rare. Nights won't freeze, and daily lows only occasionally dip below 45 degrees Fahrenheit. It's cool compared to July and August, and it's certainly not shorts weather, but the weather in Paris should be comfortable for most visitors.
From June to August the weather in Paris is just about parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the high 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time – and the most expensive. For lower travel rates and significantly shorter lines at attractions, plan a visit in the fall.
If it's your first time in Paris, our recommendation is that you stay either in the 7th Arrondissement at the feet of the Eiffel Tower, or in Le Marais, the heart of medieval Paris.