What to Wear in Paris in Spring: Tips for Packing for Paris in the Spring (+ Packing List!)

I love Paris in the springtime… especially April in Paris, with flowers in blossom… Great singers have said it all before, and spring can indeed be an enchanting time to visit the City of Light. Between the parks in full bloom (don't miss the cherry trees in the Jardin des Plantes and behind Notre Dame) and the first rays of sunshine, the Parisians themselves are in a relatively good mood.

Visiting Paris in the spring is also your chance to enjoy beautiful weather without the crowds, as long as you avoid the school holidays around Easter and les ponts in May.

So how do you pack for that? After multiple trips to the French capital, I've figured it out, and now you can learn from my mistakes. General packing rules I follow year-round: neutral colors, a capsule wardrobe, and dressing for the occasion. See my full guide to what to wear in Paris. Below is everything specific to spring.

I have a free printable spring packing list for Paris.

Spring Weather in Brief

Between March and June, temperatures swing from the low 40s to the mid-70s (°F), and rain showers, les giboulées, as the French call them, can appear alongside clear blue skies within the same day. Check the forecast a day or two before you travel, since it changes fast. For the exact averages and month-by-month outlook, see Paris in March, Paris in April, and Paris in May.

In general: go prepared for unpredictable weather with plenty of layering pieces and waterproof shoes, no matter which spring month you're visiting.

What To Wear in Paris in Spring

Here are a few tips to help you decide what to pack for Paris in spring.

It's all about layers

Yes, I've said it before; it's true any time of year, but particularly during shoulder seasons like spring and fall. The weather can change dramatically multiple times, leaving you either wet and freezing or sweating, all within the span of a single day.

You may seriously regret your morning choices by the time lunch rolls around, but don't make a detour to drop your warm coat off at the hotel. You'll likely miss it as soon as the sun goes down or the next rain shower hits.

My advice: carry a bag big enough to hold extra clothing and accessories so you can peel layers off like an onion and carry them conveniently. (Basket bags are very trendy and “in” right now!)

My scarves are my constant companions in any season, and they make a welcome addition to any outfit in the morning or once the sun goes down in spring. A silk scarf adds a touch of sophistication to any outfit.

Bring both long-sleeved and short-sleeved tops to layer up comfortably. Basic tees pair easily with a blazer or cardigan and jeans for a put-together casual look. A nice blouse or white button-up works for something slightly fancier.

I'd also recommend a couple of lightweight but warm cardigans (now's a good time to invest in that cashmere sweater you've been eyeing) in neutral colors that go with different outfits.

Be weatherproof

The impromptu rain showers that appear almost daily from March through May are your biggest adversary when packing for Paris in spring. They're often short but can be violent, leaving you wet and shivering for the rest of the day. No matter what the forecast says in the morning, be ready to fend off rain at all times.

A travel umbrella is great to keep in your bag. It's light, takes up almost no room, and you'll be thrilled to have it when you need it. Make sure your outerwear is waterproof and preferably hooded. As always in Paris, leave the technical gear at home and go for something more stylish.

A jacket for all-weather

The key to a good travel wardrobe is making sure it's easy to travel with and goes with everything. In spring, a reliable jacket is a crucial part of your capsule wardrobe.

A classic belted trench coat is a favorite among Parisians for good reason; it goes with everything, takes you from a walk in the park to dinner at a fancy restaurant, and is light enough to carry once the weather warms up.

Depending on your style, go with a leather jacket or a denim jacket. If you're planning a fancier trip or attending work events, a smart blazer is also a great way to dress up more casual outfits, or a little black dress for dinner out.

Layer your trusted jacket under your raincoat on chilly mornings and evenings, or use it as outerwear once the weather warms up. All of these choices fit right in with the Parisian crowd and are versatile enough to pair with everything from jeans to flowy dresses on the warmest days.

Shoes for all-weather

Waterproof, comfortable shoes are key for any trip to Paris, though they're one of the hardest items to settle on. You'll likely be walking a lot, so you want shoes that are comfortable and sturdy enough to handle anything, from the stairs of Montmartre to the slippery cobblestones of the Latin Quarter or the gravel alleys of Versailles.

Make sure your shoes can handle changing weather. If your favorite pair is made of delicate material (suede or fabric), waterproof it before packing.

I usually recommend picking a single pair of shoes if possible (my personal preference is blue, but black works just as well), but spring is possibly the only season that warrants bringing a second pair just in case. I recommend Jambu, a great travel shoe no matter the circumstances.

Sneakers were a no-no until relatively recently, but they're definitely back, and not only with a younger crowd. This being Paris, expect fashion sneakers made of leather or neutral fabric, not the technical kind you'd wear at the gym. White sneakers are very trendy right now. They're lightweight enough to pack and complement warmer, sturdier leather booties for colder days.

High heels aren't recommended given the amount of walking, but cute ballet flats are a great option.

Outfits you can dress up and down

With shrinking suitcase allowances and endless stairs in the metro (or your Airbnb) in mind, pack as light as possible. It's tempting to plan every cute outfit you'll wear in Paris, but trust me, you're more likely to end up with clothes you never wear than to miss something you left at home. Worst case, you're in one of the fashion capitals of the world, and you have the perfect excuse for a little shopping.

When packing for a spring trip, choose outfits you can dress up or down, from day to night, and according to the weather. A well-cut pair of dark jeans is always appropriate (French women tend to opt for straight-cut over skinny jeans).

Add a short-sleeved T-shirt layered under a long-sleeve button-down shirt and cardigan, and you're set no matter the weather. A T-shirt dress can work all day if you add leggings and a warm cardigan in the morning — remove them discreetly later if needed.

If you're visiting later in spring, a slip dress is a good option instead of a T-shirt dress. It works beautifully for Paris in summer as well.

Paris Packing List: Spring

When it comes down to it, here's what should make its way into your suitcase:

• Long and short sleeve tops
• Button-down shirt
• Scarves
• Cardigans
• Travel umbrella
• Waterproof trench coat
• Jacket (leather, denim, or blazer)
• Pair of ankle boots (leather is ideal)
• Fashion sneakers
• Dark jeans
• T-shirt dress (with leggings for layering)
• Tote bags or other bag recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

By Month: Where to Go for More Detail

Spring covers three quite different months. For the exact weather, events, and a full local packing breakdown for each, use the dedicated guides:

• What to wear in Paris in March → Waterproof everything: shoes, outerwear, bags, tights for dresses and skirts, a warm hat and scarf.
• What to wear in Paris in April → A light jacket (trench coat), a light sweater or cardigan, a scarf, and water-resistant shoes.
• What to wear in Paris in May → Tees and blouses, sundresses, linen pants, a blazer, and sandals.

What NOT To Wear

Let's quickly talk about what not to wear in Paris in spring (or any season). Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world, and there's a bit of a dress code even visitors should adhere to unless you want to stick out like a sore thumb.

Short shorts, athletic wear (unless you're actually headed to the gym), and flip-flops aren't staples of Parisian style the way they are in North America. Plus, spring weather tends to be too cold for short shorts, and tank tops and flip-flops can be dangerous on cobblestone streets after a rain shower.

Packing for Paris by Season

Illustrations commissioned from Linden Eller.

How about you? Have you ever been to Paris in the spring before? What is one thing you are glad to have brought? Is there anything you wish you had with you? Do share!

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