Spread the love, frugal travelers, Francophiles, and lovers of all things croissant! Wondering when is the best month to visit Paris without burning a hole in your wallet? Grab your baguettes and berets because I’m going to walk you through how to soak up the magic of the City of Lights—without losing your shirt in the process.
Like many travel decisions, figuring out the best time to go to Paris is one giant “it depends.” What do you want from your trip? Iconic landmarks? (Of course.) Smaller crowds? (Please.) Cheap flights and hotels? (Sign me up!) I’ll break it all down so you can figure out which month suits your budget and your Parisian dreams.
Here’s the tl;dr: If you’re set on strolling along the Seine while nibbling macarons, go in May or September for milder weather without the summer chaos. Looking to enjoy Parisian charm with few tourists? November or January is your golden ticket—just pack a warm coat. And if you want a balance of affordable rates and good temps, March hits the sweet spot.
But let’s start with the essentials.
Paris in a Nutshell: Weather and Seasons
Paris has a temperate climate, meaning winters are chilly but not freezing, and summers are warm but not unbearable (except maybe during a heatwave when it feels like the Eiffel Tower itself might melt).
And because Paris is so beautifully Parisian year-round, you really can’t go wrong with when to go. And that is most definitely not a given as I detail in my guides on the best months to visit Scotland or the worst months to visit London.
That said, let’s break it down by season:
Spring (March to May): The flowers bloom, the skies clear, and the romance is in full swing. Temperatures range from 45°F to 65°F (7°C to 18°C), making it the perfect time for wandering the streets with a coffee in hand. Spring is gorgeous, but May sees prices creeping up as tourists return. If you’re hoping to avoid crowds but still enjoy the pleasant weather, March is your friend. Early April is a solid contender for visiting Paris as well.
I went to Paris in late May and the weather was perfect, but the crowds were definitely starting to pick up and I did not have great options for accommodations considering we booked the trip under 3 months out.
Summer (June to August): It’s hot, it’s bustling, and if you’re in Paris in July or August, you’ll notice half of the Parisians are nowhere to be found—they’re all on vacation at the beach in the south of France or in the charming Alpine town of Annecy (here are 10 reasons you should visit Annecy too)!
Hotel prices and airfare can skyrocket. Yes, you’ll have long summer evenings and a lively atmosphere, but the crowds can be overwhelming, and your budget? She’s going to cry.
Fall (September to November): September is chef’s kiss in terms of both weather and fewer crowds. You can enjoy temperatures similar to spring, around 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C), without the chaotic hordes. By October and November, it’s starting to cool down, but I would personally much prefer that over a heatwave.
If you do think this is the right time for you, check the Paris Fashion Week calendar first to make sure you’re not planning your trip smack in the middle of it as prices will increase. It’s typically held twice a year at the end of September/beginning of October and in June.
Winter (December to February): Frosty but fabulous. The temperatures hover between 35°F and 45°F (2°C to 7°C), and there’s something magical about Paris under a blanket of snow (if you’re lucky enough to catch it, it doesn’t happen all too often). Plus, flights and hotels are often significantly cheaper, except for Christmas and New Year’s. January and February? Without a doubt the cheapest time to go to Paris.
The Best Month to Visit Paris for a Budget Traveler
Drumroll, please: March is your best bet if you’re looking to enjoy Paris while staying on a budget. Why? You’re sidestepping the peak season madness, but the weather’s still mild enough to make wandering from Notre Dame to Montmartre a delight rather than a chilly ordeal that you need a parka for.
Here’s why March is the magic month:
- Lower Flight Costs: Airlines know that most tourists aren’t thinking of Paris in March, so tickets are often a steal. Use price trackers (or just become besties with budget airlines) to snag deals.
- I pay to use Thrifty Traveler and to be honest, it’s the reason I went to Paris in the first place. I got a flight alert for rountrip prices on American Airlines for $318 so off my sister and I went. Who needs your husband in the City of Love?
- Affordable Accommodations: Hotels are cheaper in March than in peak season, but you won’t have to deal with the tourist-flush holiday rates. Plus, more availability means you can score a room with an Eiffel Tower view without needing to sell your soul (or your car at the very least).
- Milder Weather: Spring is on the horizon, and though you might get a drizzle here and there, you’re more likely to have pleasant weather for outdoor adventures. Just don’t forget a stylish umbrella in case you do get caught in the weather.
- Fewer Crowds: Say goodbye to hour-long lines at the Louvre. March is the sweet spot between the quiet post-holiday lull and the mad summer dash. You’ll have more space to follow my itinerary for 2 days in Paris and enjoy the museums, gardens, and even the cafes without bumping into dozens of tourists who all had the same idea.
Honorable Mentions: November and January
If March doesn’t work for you (maybe your PTO doesn’t play nice), don’t worry—November and January are really the best time to visit Paris on a budget.
November: If you love Parisian culture but not the accompanying price tags, November is a low-key gem. Yes, it’s a bit chilly and the days are shorter, but there’s a coziness to Paris in late autumn that feels right. Imagine wandering through art galleries, sipping warm drinks in cafes, and watching as Paris starts to twinkle with holiday lights. It’s also a great month for cultural events, like the famous Beaujolais Nouveau wine release.
Just keep in mind that some tourist attractions may operate on shorter hours, so plan ahead. Also, it’s prime time to enjoy museum discounts and off-season rates at attractions like the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay. Bonus: You’ll feel like a local with all the French people who are still very much around. Huge plus.
January: The ultimate off-season. After the New Year’s rush, January in Paris is quiet, cold, and wonderfully cheap. Flights? Affordable. Hotels? Practically begging for you to stay. Attractions? Wide open. The only catch is that Paris in January is cold, so pack accordingly. I’m from Minnesota, so it’s not that cold, but it isn’t as warm or mild as cities like London or Rome.
The silver lining? You’ll get to experience the charming Parisian winter wonderland—and, of course, there’s no better time to dive into the cozy cafes, or indulge in hot chocolate at Angelina’s (trust me, it’s worth every penny).
Plus, the January sales in Paris (yes, it’s a thing) are a shopaholic’s dream. You could practically make back your flight costs with the money you save on high-end fashion. Or just treat yourself to a designer scarf that says, “I went to Paris in winter, and all I got was this fabulous accessory.”
Avoid If You’re Budget Conscious: June, July, and August
Now, I get it—summer in Paris sounds perfect. You watched the Paris Olympics and it looked wonderful. Me too, I assure you. But for your wallet? It’s a nightmare.
Flights skyrocket, hotel rates hit the ceiling and book out months in advance, and the city is crawling with tourists. Not to mention, air conditioning is not a given in Paris, and the recent heatwaves that have been hitting Europe thanks to climate change can make sightseeing a sweaty ordeal and even potentially dangerous.
If you don’t want to hear that summer months are the worst time to visit Paris and you absolutely must go when school is out of session, opt for early June, when you can still score some decent deals. But be prepared to book accommodations and flights well in advance (and by “well,” I mean six months or more if you want options that are actually affordable and not sketchy).
What to Do in Paris During Budget-Friendly Months
Wondering what to do once you’ve arrived in Paris during your frugal travel month? Here’s a few must-dos:
- Free Museums on the First Sunday: Many of Paris’ iconic museums, including the Louvre and Musée d’Orsay, offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month—perfect for budget travelers.
- Side note: if you love museums and plan to fill your itinerary with them, you should definitely travel to Paris in the winter months when you’ll be indoors anyway and not pushing through hoards of crowds or dealing with high prices.
- Parks and Gardens: Jardin des Tuileries, Jardin du Luxembourg, and Parc des Buttes-Chaumont are all stunning year-round, and, spoiler alert, totally free. If you want to see the spectacular gardens of Versailles but you’re not sure if it’s worth visiting or not, check out my full post.
- Walk Along the Seine: Nothing beats a stroll along the Seine any time of the year, whether you’re taking in the iconic landmarks or people-watching as locals go about their day. There are artists selling their creations (and cheaply produced souveriors) that will keep you entertained for hours.
- Markets Galore: Explore Parisian food markets like Marché d’Aligre or Marché des Enfants Rouges for fresh produce, French cheese, and pastries—perfect for picnics on the cheap, even in the winter months. Just make sure you have your warmer clothes if you do plan to picnic by the Eiffel tower.
In Conclusion: When Should You Go to Paris on a Budget?
As I said at the beginning, you really can’t go wrong with Paris. The city is bursting full of culture, history, and delicious cusine that is on full display any month of the year.
But, if you’re a Basic Economy B like me, then March, November, and January are the standout months for the best time to visit Paris. The combination of lower airfare, cheaper accommodation, and fewer crowds makes these months ideal for experiencing the beauty of Paris without breaking the bank.
So, pack your bags, brush up on your French, and prepare for an unforgettable (and affordable) adventure in the City of Lights.
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