Paris in Autumn

Paris has a lot to offer. The city is filled with art, culture, food, fashion—even romance! And what better time to visit than during autumn?

The leaves are changing colors everywhere you look: from vibrant yellows and oranges to deep reds and purples, Paris offers some of the most beautiful foliage around. There’s no need to go into nature reserves or national parks – just take a walk through one of France’s major cities and watch as trees transform before your eyes.

Delicious tasting fruits at every street corner: picking up fresh produce has never been so easy! Don’t miss out on what is possibly the best apple, pear, and plum season of your life. There are so many great bakeries in Paris to get perfectly baked goods made with local ingredients.

The Parisian autumn has to be one of the most beautiful experiences. With the memory of warm days still fresh in the air, the French capital is enveloped in a relaxed atmosphere of soft lights, freshly fallen leaves, and the perfect balance between contagious excitement and an introspective calm.

What’s The Weather Like in Paris in Autumn?

Autumn weather in Paris is close to perfect – it’s not too cold nor is it the scorching temperatures of summer. That said, it does vary significantly based on when you’ll be visiting. Obviously, December is much colder than September!

In general, expect temperatures from about 62F to 47F with mostly sunny days and some chilly nights. Note that there can be some rainy days and morning can be a bit damp. Be sure to dress in layers and come prepared for all temperatures. Always check the weather right before your trip as well.

Despite being a little damp and chilly, the city has a plethora of events for all ages and some of the most important trade shows and international exhibits.

When is Autumn in Paris?

Officially, fall runs from around the 22nd of September to the 21 of December (I have included information on visiting Paris for all 4 months) and I've got the breakdown of the best things to do in Paris each month including season events, seasonal foods, and more. 

Paris in Fall Month-by-Month

Autumn months in Paris are September, October, November, and December. However, it’s difficult to lump all four together as the climate can vary drastically from September to December. Below I’ve broken the season down month by month to give you the best tips for each month.

Regardless of which month you choose, fall is perhaps the best time to visit the City of Love and you’re all but guaranteed to have a good time.

Paris in September

September is definitely my favorite time of year to visit Paris. The weather starts getting chilly, but it's still warm enough for outdoor activities if you dress right. There are no more crowds so everywhere you go is easy to get into and navigate around. It's the perfect time to just walk around and enjoy the city.

Paris is also full of fashionistas during September because all of France's fashion weeks are at this time (fall/winter collections). The shows start in mid-September and run until early October. You'll get to see some of your favorite designers' fall lines on the runway, but you may have to pay for it

Get all the details: activities, events, seasonal foods, and tips for traveling to the city of light in my Paris in September post.

Paris in October

If you go to Paris in October, you'll get a taste of autumn before it hits. And with any luck, you'll get beautiful weather too! This is a perfect time of year to visit because the leaves change color and it's not too cold yet.

Paris is full of food festivals and wine tastings all over the city. There are also a number of holiday markets around town that offer a variety of foods and crafts.

October is not only a great time for your stomach – Paris is also full of arts and culture! This month brings with it music performances, art exhibitions, dance performances, poetry readings, and literary events that celebrate everything from French classics to contemporary fiction.

Get all the details: activities, events, seasonal foods, and tips for traveling to the city of light in my Paris in October post.

Paris in November

If you have the chance to visit Paris in November, do it! This is a great time of year because the weather is still warm but not too hot. It's the perfect time to visit if you want to do a lot of outdoor activities and sightseeing.

One thing I love about visiting Paris during this month is that there are fewer crowds everywhere. You can walk around easily and see more places without feeling like you're constantly bumping into other people on the street or in museums!

Even though it's not too cold yet, November in Paris is still festive. You can attend a concert or show every evening of the week. The holiday season begins with the start of Christmas markets all over town.

Get all the details: activities, events, seasonal foods, and tips for traveling during this month in my Paris in November post.

Paris in December

December is an amazing time to visit Paris! The Christmas markets are full of beauty, warmth, and delicious holiday treats. This is a perfect time to explore all the city has to offer so take your time and relax. There are plenty of sights, sounds, and smells to discover!

Christmas markets are open in Paris from late November to early January, but they're at their best during December. They’re full of vendors selling crafts and food (and wine! The French love their wine). You'll definitely want to buy or make some souvenirs while you're here.

Paris is also stunning this time of year because of all the holiday lights and decorations. This is when Paris really looks like a winter wonderland and there are plenty of holiday concerts and exhibits.

Get all the details: activities, events, seasonal foods, and tips for traveling to the city of light in my Paris in December post.

6 Best Things To Do in Paris in Fall

Enjoy the fall foliage in the parks

Fall is a beautiful time in Paris, especially in October and November as the leaves turn golden yellow, orange, and red. To see the best of the foliage, head to the many parks and gardens throughout the city.

The Jardin des Tuileries and Places de Vosges are both perfect for a stroll but nothing compares to the Luxembourg Gardens.

Be sure to bring a book and pack a lunch. Parisian Parks are perfect for picnics.

Visit the popular sites without the summer crowd

While September and October could still be considered high season, they don’t begin to compare to the crowds you’ll find over the summer months. That means that lines to the top attractions may be shorter (and more enjoyable).

The Eiffel Tower in autumn, surrounded by the beautiful fall colors, is a site to see. Fall is also a great time to visit Musee d’Orsay, the Palace of Versailles (12 miles outside of Paris), Grand Palais, the Louvre Museum, and pretty much any attraction on your Paris bucket list.

Note that there are some school vacations and holidays during the fall in France. If your trip falls on those dates, you may want to reserve tickets in advance where possible.

People watch from a cafe with some hot chocolate

Cafes in Paris are always a good idea but if you’re visiting in fall, swap your tea for hot chocolate. While it can be found in most cafes around the city, one of the best cups of hot chocolate can be found at the Angelina Tea Room in Rue de Rivoli.

Be warned that you’ll likely need to wait in line for this cup of chocolate chaud, which is thicker than you may be used to in the US and sourced from Niger, Ghana, and the Ivory Coast.

Visit one of the wine festivals

Wine lovers, rejoice! The fall season in Paris is also wine harvest season, with several wine festivals to celebrate.

The most well-known is Fête des Vendanges, the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival held for 5 days each October to celebrate Montmartre’s last winery.

Then there is Beaujolais Nouveau Day, the third Thursday in November, when the release of the new wine from the harvests is celebrated with fireworks, music, and more festivals.

Stay up all night for Nuit Blanche

Nuit Blanche (White Night) is another annual French Festival, held on the first Saturday of October. The annual art festival is one of the biggest nights of the year, with museums, galleries, and other public spaces in the city and suburbs staying open all night for special pop-ups and events.

Everything is free to attend, with free public transportation available to get between events.

Appreciate the new art and exhibitions

As the Parisians return to their city, new exhibitions open, plays launch, and the Autumn Festival begins. The festival runs from September throughout the end of the year in over 40 venues across the city, with theatre, dance, film, visual arts, and more.

There is also the International Contemporary Art Fair held for a few days each October, which welcomes over 1500 international artists. This is also spread out through the city, with the Grand Palais as the main venue but the Petit Palais and a few other locations also hosting.

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What to wear in Paris in autumn

I always say pack layers. And the weight and fabric of what you pack change by season. I have a separate post dedicated to what to wear and packing for Paris in the fall with a packing list! I have a free printable packing list for fall in Paris.

Bring a jacket and/or a raincoat with you because it is cold and damp there. You will also need to wear comfy shoes, like sneakers or waterproof boots. A hat might make sense too! Paris in the fall calls for several sweaters and leggings. They are very comfortable when it's cold out. And don't forget a big scarf – It can get windy in Paris so you'll want a scarf to keep warm when walking around the city.

You can visit Paris in the fall and experience a variety of seasonal activities without any crowds. The city is full of food festivals, wine tastings, holiday markets, art performances, poetry readings, and literary events at this time!

If you have the chance to come to Paris in the fall, then do it. The city is full of beauty, warmth, and delicious holiday treats during this time. Make sure to enjoy all that Paris has to offer!

Once you decide what month you want to visit, start exploring the individual arrondissement to plan all your activities including meals!

Paris Arrondissement Guide | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | 7th | 8th | 9th | 10th | 11th | 12th | 13th | 14th | 15th | 16th | 17th | 18th | 19th | 20th 

How about you? Have you been to Paris in the fall? What was your favorite thing about it? Do share!

AUTHOR BIO

Andi Fisher

I am married to a French man, lived in France for 3 years, and have been to Paris more than 50 times. I am always a tourist so the information, tip, and tricks I share are created to help you!

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