Paris in the Fall: Weather, What to Do and How to Dress
Thinking about taking a trip to Paris in the fall?
Fall is a fabulous season to be in the City of Lights. By the time the leaves start to change color, the summer crowds have thinned. As well as relative peace, autumn in Paris also brings pleasant temperatures so you can comfortably enjoy all there is to see and do.
Depending on when you visit, the weather in Paris in autumn may be summery, wintry, or somewhere in-between. Early fall can be warm to hot, while late autumn might be quite chilly with darker evenings.
If you feel like visiting the capital of France in autumn, this guide will walk you through all you need to know before you go. Covered here is the weather, things to do and what to wear in fall in Paris. Read on so you can plan your cozy Parisian adventure!
Planning a trip? Use my favorite resources:
- Accommodations: booking.com
- Travel Insurance: SafetyWing
- Tours & Excursions: Viator
- Flights: Skyscanner
- City Pass: Go City
- eSim: Airalo
Fall Weather in Paris
As such a transietn season, the autumn weather in Paris can vary considerably. To help you time your trip just right, here’s an outline of what to expect weather-wise in September, October and November.Â
Paris Weather in September
- Average temperature: 13°C (or 55°F) to 22°C (72°F)
- Days of precipitation: 7
Along with July and August, September is one of the driest months in Paris. You can expect around seven days of rain, on average, which is less than a quarter of the time.
September temperatures in Paris are warm, or even hot, with the mercury climbing up to around 22°C (or 72°F). Even lows are in the region of 13°C (or 55°F). This is comparable to late May or early June averages.
Overall, in Paris in September, the weather is still often like it is in late summer, especially at the start of the month.
Paris Weather in October
- Average temperature: 10°C (or 50°F) to 17°C (63°F)
- Days of precipitation: 8
October is very slightly wetter than September, with about one extra day of rain during the month. This is pretty average for Paris, all year round.
In October, the temperature does begin to drop. However, even lows are around 10°C (or 50°F), with highs reaching about 17°C (63°F). So, in general, you can expect no extreme highs or lows in the middle of fall.
Personally, I visited Paris solo in October to celebrate my birthday a few years ago and loved being there that time of year!
Paris Weather in November
- Average temperature: 6°C (or 43°F) to 11°C (52°F)
- Days of precipitation: 9
It gets colder, wetter and darker during November in France. You can expect rain on around a third of the days, and average lows are now around 6°C (or 43°F). Daytime highs may reach 11°C (52°F), which isn’t warm, but is still fairly mild.
In case you’re wondering, seeing snow in Paris in November isn’t very likely at all. Even in winter, it’s not very common.
Top Reasons to Visit Paris in Fall
If you’re pondering whether Paris in autumn is for you, here are some compelling reasons to plan a fall visit.Â
Fewer Crowds
After the midsummer madness, Paris becomes a lot calmer and more peaceful in fall. Less tourists means you can get around quicker, without the stress of working your way through a throng of people.
Mild Temperatures
Though the average temperature in Paris during autumn drops between the start and the end of the season, in general the weather is cooler than in summer and warmer than in winter. This can make exploring far more pleasant than when you’re trying to beat the summer heat or avoid the winter chill.
Lower prices
The cost of flights, accommodation and other services may be more affordable in fall. Competition pushes summer rates up, so by planning your visit for autumn, you should be able to take advantage of cheaper prices.
Unique Festivals
While France doesn’t celebrate all of the same seasonal holidays as we do in the U.S. (like Halloween and Thanksgiving), the city has its own autumnal events. Visiting in the fall gives you a chance to join in on Paris’ fall events.
10 BestThings to Do in Paris in the Fall
There are plenty of ways to enjoy Paris in the fall, here are the top 10:
1. Attend the FĂŞte des Vendanges de Montmartre
In early to mid October, the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (Grape Harvest Festival of Montmartre) takes place in the artsy Parisian hilltop district. It’s very popular, and celebrates the annual grape harvest. For five days, it’s all about wine in the 18th arrondissement.
I actually ran into this festival, unplanned, when I visited in October a few years ago. You have the option of purchasing a souvenir glass, that you can then take around to the various stalls and pay for the wine tastings you’d like to experience.
There are also food stalls selling seasonal dishes like roasted chestnuts and aligot – a cheesy potato dish. There’s music, and lots of people of course. If you can stand the crowds, you’ll really enjoy this as it’s such a fun and lively environment!Â
2. Book a Weekend Getaway to the Loire Valley Â
Only a couple hours away from Paris by train, you’ll find the alluring Loire Valley. Dotted with stunning chateaus, and with a wine scene of its own, this makes the perfect little getaway from the bustle of Paris for a couple days.
Not only will you see beautiful fall foliage there this time of year, but September into October also marks grape harvest season in the Loire Valley. While I myself visited in February, I recommend adapting my Loire Valley itinerary and visiting in fall months if you have the chance.
3. Swoon Over the Fall Colors
If you’re headed to any city during fall, then one of the top things to do is to seek out the colorful display of autumn leaves. And picturesque Paris is of course no exception!
Some of the best places in Paris to take in fall colors are Jardin du Luxembourg, Place Dauphine and Jardin des Tuileries. The leaves tend to be at their best in October, changing color from the beginning of the month, with some falling to the ground by the end.
You can even book this fall photo shoot in Jardin du Luxembourg for a special souvenir! As someone who has booked several photo shoots while traveling (including in Paris), I can attest to how much fun it is!
👉 Book a Fall Photo Shoot in Paris
3. Experience a Halloween Festival at Disneyland Paris
Find yourself in Paris during spooky season and don’t want to miss out on the typical festivities? Then make your way to Disneyland Paris! Disney villain characters will be in the spotlight, Halloween decorations will surround you and exclusive Halloween souvenirs will be available.
To get to Disneyland Paris, you can book a private transfer, take the RER A train or take a taxi or rideshare. If you take the train, be sure to book your tickets mindfully. You’ll need a specific, separate ticket for this journey that is different from a standard metro ticket that gets your around Paris.
👉 Secure Your Disneyland Paris Pass
4. Attend Salon du Chocolat
Every year, at the end of October into early November, Paris hosts a chocolate trade show. This brings together pastry chefs, chocolatiers, chocolate sculptors and more from around the world!
In addition to having the chance to sample various sweet treats, you can enjoy various shows, competitions and exhibits.
Tickets are available for the general public, and you can get them on the official website.
5. Explore the Museums
Whether it’s still too hot out in September, or far too chilly in November, you have the perfect excuse to explore Paris’s incredible museums and art galleries. When planning your itinerary, remember that some Paris museums close on Mondays and Tuesdays so check schedules in advance.
A Paris Museum Pass can save you money, and can also save you time where skip-the-line entry is included. It lasts for 2, 3 or 6 days, and covers more than 50 Paris museums and attractions.
Other than the world-famous Louvre, museums to visit include Musée de L’Orangerie, where you can see Monet’s Waterlilies; the nearby Musee d’Orsay, home of impressionism; Musée Rodin, which has lovely gardens for fall leaf-peeping; Musée de Cluny, where the medieval The Lady and the Unicorn tapestry is; and the modern art and architecture of the Pompidou Centre.
The Paris Museum Pass includes entry to all of these.
👉 Click here to buy your Paris Museum Pass
6. Visit the Palace of Versailles
If you’d like to see fall in France beyond the city, then why not head to the Palace of Versailles? When you have a Paris Museum Pass, entry is included. It’s a popular place to go all year round, but the Queen’s Hamlet and other gardens are particularly beautiful in fall.
The huge site is a former royal residence, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Yearly visitor numbers can easily rival those of the Eiffel Tower.
You can get to Versailles Château Rive Gauche train station via a 40 to 50 minute trip from Paris, and trains depart from a number of stations in the city. The palace is only 10 minutes’ on foot from the station.
Or to have it all taken care of, why not book an organized day trip from Paris to Versailles?
👉 Book a Guided Versailles Tour with RT Transportation
7. Take a Food Tour
Taking a food tour in Paris is among the most memorable experiences you can have in the city. As well as delving into the foodie scene, you can discover districts and architecture you probably wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Expect to sample freshly made macarons, croissants, and crepes, plus French cheese and wine – as well as some less predictable treats! All while getting to know your local guides and fellow travelers.
During Paris foodie tours you’ll also learn when and where to buy the best goods, plus which restaurants to dine at.
The Le Marais food tour I took was one of the highlights of my stay, and I’m happy to highly recommend it.
👉 Book the best Le Marais food tour
8. Go to Giverny
If seeing Monet’s Waterlilies at the Musée de L’Orangerie isn’t enough, take a day trip to Giverny. There are lots of tours to choose from, usually lasting for half a day. Full day trips may also visit other places, such as Versailles.
You can see Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny. Including the iconic waterlily pond, and of course the fall colors.
Vernon is the closest train station to Giverny, so it’s easier to take an organized tour for this destination. While you can of course visit Giverny year-round, it’s one of those places that is especially beautiful in the fall.
👉 Book this Small-Group, Half-Day Tour of Giverny
9. Join a Baking Class
Pastries are a delicious part of Paris life, and croissants are at the forefront. Join a cooking class in Paris and you can learn to bake these yummy breakfast treats yourself. Taking a local-led baking class is also a unique way to immerse yourself in city life.
Plus, what turns on those cozy fall vibes faster than baking sweet treats?
The Paris pastry class I took was so good – as were the snacks I got to eat as a result! Remember to bring along a hair tie if you need one, which is something I completely forgot about.
👉 Book a Croissant Baking Class in Paris
10. Discover the Champagne Region
Any fan of French fizz cannot pass up the chance to visit the vineyards where the world’s most famous sparkling wine is made! You can visit renowned champagne houses such as Moët & Chandon, Mercier, Nicolas Feuillatte and more.
It makes a very relaxing change from city life, and the fact that hotel pick-up and drop-off is included with organized tours makes things super simple. Some day trips may also take in a French town, such as Reims or Epernay, or include a gastronomic feast, like a Michelin-starred meal.
Champagne tours from Paris might also include an overnight stay in some cases, if you’re looking for more of a getaway.
👉 Book the Best Small-Group Champagne Tour from Paris
What to Wear in Paris in the Fall
The weather during autumn in France varies a lot from the beginning to the end of the season. At the start of September, it’s likely to still feel like summer. By the end of November, though, it may seem much more wintry, with colder temperatures, shorter days and a little more rain.
When packing for Paris in the fall, it’s best to prepare for shifting weather. As it’s hard to predict how warm or cold it will be, plenty of thin to medium layers are ideal. You can also plan what to wear according to the specific month of your visit, rather than the fact that it’s fall in general.
Clothing
Pack plenty of layers and you can adjust your clothing to suit the temperature. Think t-shirts with thin sweaters you can wear over them.
Outerwear
Also bring a jacket that’s suitable for September, October or November conditions, depending on your timings. This is the exact jacket I wore in October in Paris, and also during the rest of the winter months in other European cities. It kept me warm and comfortable!
Accessories
At the start of fall, sunglasses and a cap will probably be more appropriate than winter accessories. By late November, though, you may need warm socks plus a scarf, hat, and gloves to ward off the cold.
Footwear
City breaks usually mean spending a lot of time on your feet! Sneakers or walking shoes are good for fall. For early September, you might also like to pack a pair of sandals. Waterproof footwear is always a good idea if you’ll be walking a lot, and hiking boots might be a better choice by late fall.
Bag
The best kind of bag to carry on a daily basis is a theft-proof cross-body bag. This offers some protection against thieves, while safely storing all your essentials. While Paris is pretty safe overall, theft does happen, particularly in crowded places.
What to Pack for Paris in the Fall | The Shortlist
- Waterproof jacket
- T-shirts and thin sweaters
- Theft-proof cross-body bag
- Sneakers or walking shoes or boots
- Sunglasses and cap for early fall…
- …or hat, scarf, gloves, and warm socks for late fall
Where to Stay During Fall in Paris
Some popular areas of Paris to stay include the first, sixth or seventh arrondissements.
The first is the royal center of the city and home to the Louvre, while the sixth is on the Left Bank and where you’ll find the Jardin du Luxembourg. The seventh, also on the Left Bank, is arguably the city’s most prestigious district, and the Eiffel Tower, MusĂ©e d’Orsay, and MusĂ©e Rodin are located here.
Even for first-timers, I’d also recommend Montmartre. This artsy neighborhood with charming cobbled streets offers fast public transport links to the city center, and is my personal favorite area to stay. You can also walk to the main attractions in as little as half an hour.
I like the space and freedom of staying in apartments best, and recommend booking through VRBO. Here are three of my Paris favorites:
- Character-packed apartment for up to 2 in Haussmann building
- Bright, modern apartment sleeping up to 3 below the Sacre-Couer
- Apartment for up to 4 with outdoor terrace close to Lamarck metro
Whether you prefer hotels or apartments, you can also find lots of highly appealing Paris properties at booking.com
Top Tips for Visiting Paris in the Fall
If you’re headed to Paris in autumn, here are some insider tips to help you on your way.
Wear comfortable shoes
Any Paris itinerary is likely to include lots of walking, so make sure your feet stay comfortable all day long.
Take a walking tour
Fall is a lovely time to take a walking tour of Paris. In October in particular, you can look out for colorful fall leaves while exploring the city on foot.
Savor cafe culture
Whether you need a cool drink on a hot and sunny September day or feel like a chocolat chaud later in fall, the cafes in Paris are some of the best in the world.
There’s some debate about which establishment offers the best hot chocolate in Paris. My personal favorite? Carette, and the Place des Vosges location is picture perfect.
Book ahead for dining out
If you want to dine somewhere special in Paris, you’ll still need to book a table, even outside of summer. As a foodie hotspot, the most popular places get booked up months in advance, especially if they have Michelin stars.
Go to the Montmartre grape harvest festival
If you’ll be in the city in mid October when it’s happening, don’t miss this wine festival! It’s very popular, and free to attend (although you’d pay for food and drink).
Paris in the Fall FAQ
As you prepare for your trip, you might be wondering:
Is Paris nice to visit in the fall?
The lovely parks and gardens of Paris can look even prettier in fall, as the leaves change color. In early autumn, the city is often blessed with sunny days. Later in the season, cooler weather gives you the perfect excuse to stop for a coffee or hot chocolate in a Paris cafe.
What are the fall months in Paris?
Like the rest of Europe and North America, fall spans September, October and November, according to the meteorological calendar. Astronomical autumn, though, is from around 22nd September to 21st December. This date varies slightly each year.
Is October a good time to go to Paris?
October is the best month to see fall leaves in Paris. Though the weather’s colder than in summer, it’s not yet too chilly, either. The leaves usually start changing color in early October, and begin falling from the trees by the beginning of November. This makes October the perfect time to see fall colors in Paris!
What is the cheapest time to go to Paris?
The least costly time to visit Paris is in winter, except for the Christmas season – so early December, January and February. But between April and May, and from October to November, Paris offers mild weather and fewer crowds, plus cheaper prices than in summer.
Paris in the Fall | Final Thoughts
Whatever time of year you go, Paris is a wonderful place to be. Which is why I’ve been so many times!
The fall leaves are at their finest in October, if that’s your thing. At this time of year you can also pay less for your trip, navigate fewer crowds and enjoy fairly mild weather throughout autumn.
As fall weather in Paris can be shifty, it’s best to plan your packing list and activities according to the month, rather than the season as a whole. Paris in September is a lot warmer than Paris in November! Whenever you go, I’m sure you’ll have a lovely visit to this special city.
