Best time to visit

Best time to visit France

Late spring and early autumn are the sweet spots. Paris is magical in April–June; the Riviera shines in September when summer crowds have thinned.

Best monthsApril–June, September–October

Month-by-month overview

GreatGoodOkayAvoid

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Verdict	okay	okay	good	great	great	great	good	okay	great	good	okay	good
Temp (°C)	7° 2°	8° 2°	12° 5°	16° 7°	20° 11°	24° 14°	26° 16°	26° 16°	22° 13°	17° 9°	11° 5°	8° 3°
Rain (mm)	50	45	50	50	60	55	55	50	50	60	55	55
Crowds	low	low	low	medium	medium	high	high	high	medium	medium	low	medium
Price	$	$	$	$$	$$	$$$	$$$	$$$	$$	$$	$	$$
Notes	Winter sales in Paris	—	—	Spring blooms in Provence	Cannes Film Festival	Lavender season begins	Tour de France; Bastille Day	Locals on holiday; some shops close	Wine harvest	—	—	Christmas markets in Alsace

May

The world’s most prestigious film festival on the French Riviera.

Jul

France’s national day with fireworks, parades, and the famous Eiffel Tower display.

Jun–Aug

Provence’s iconic purple lavender fields in full bloom.

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