When to visit Paris: seasons and events.

When to visit Paris with the JARI community.

Which season, which events, what to pack: ask the community and JARI pros.

The seasons.

• Spring (April–June): the best time — terraces, gardens in bloom, longer days.
• Summer (July–August): hot and lively, but many Parisians leave in August and some small shops and restaurants close for the holidays.
• Autumn (September–October): soft light, fewer crowds, very pleasant.
• Winter (November–February): cold but magical with the lights and Christmas markets, and far fewer tourists.

The big dates.

• Sales (soldes): twice a year (early January, late June), real discounts.
• Fête de la Musique (21 June): free concerts all over the city.
• 14 July: parade and fireworks over the Eiffel Tower.
• Paris Plages (summer), Nuit Blanche (October), Christmas markets & lights (December).

What to pack.

Comfortable shoes (you walk a lot), a folding umbrella (rain falls in every season), and layers (mornings are cool even in summer).

JARI tip.

Avoid the first half of August if you want neighbourhood life in full swing. And note: the RER C to Versailles is closed 15 July–22 August 2026 (see our Versailles guide).