Best Time to Visit London Paris: Complete Guide

Last Updated on September 27, 2026 by Daniel Globe

The best time to visit London and Paris depends on whether you prefer pleasant walking weather, summer festivals, or a quieter city break. Choosing the right months affects hotel prices, attraction queues, and how comfortably you can explore both cities. This guide compares each season using climate averages, major events, and practical travel tips.

Last checked: September 28, 2026. Key dates and climate figures were verified against official sources.

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Best Time to Visit London and Paris by Season

May and September provide an excellent balance for a combined London and Paris vacation. June offers longer days and more outdoor events, while October brings autumn scenery and cooler walking weather.

The following table compares typical daytime temperatures, seasonal crowd levels, and the main reasons to visit.

London figures are rounded monthly average maximum temperatures from the Met Office Heathrow station, 1991–2020. Paris figures come from the Paris Tourist Office climate guide, using Météo-France data. These are typical daytime highs, not guaranteed daily temperatures.

Spring: Blooming Beauty and Vibrant Colors

Spring is an excellent season for visiting London and Paris if you enjoy gardens, walking tours, and comfortable sightseeing weather. April and May offer increasingly pleasant temperatures, although Easter holidays can bring busy attractions and higher hotel demand.

Spring in London

London’s parks fill with daffodils, cherry blossoms, and tulips. Hyde Park, Regent’s Park, and St. James’s Park are particularly attractive for outdoor walks.

The Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew showcase seasonal flowers and carefully maintained botanical collections.

Kew’s Orchid Festival takes place earlier in the year than many visitors expect. Its 2026 edition ran from February 7 to March 8 inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory, making it a winter-to-early-spring attraction rather than a late-spring event.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes place in May. Its elaborate garden displays and specialist plant exhibits attract visitors from around the world.

Spring in Paris

Paris becomes especially pleasant for walking in April and May. The Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens offer flowers, lawns, fountains, and places to sit between sightseeing stops.

Outdoor cafes also become more appealing as daytime temperatures rise. However, spring weather remains changeable, so a light waterproof jacket is useful.

For travelers who enjoy music, June 21 brings the annual Fête de la Musique. Musicians perform across Paris in public spaces, parks, and cultural venues, with many free concerts.

Best for: Couples, garden enthusiasts, first-time visitors, and travelers who want plenty of walking without midsummer heat.

Summer: Festivals, Outdoor Events, and Sunny Days

Summer offers the longest days and the broadest selection of outdoor activities in both cities. June is particularly attractive for sightseeing, while July and August bring warmer weather, school holidays, and larger crowds.

Summer in London

Hyde Park and Regent’s Park host seasonal concerts, performances, and outdoor entertainment. Summer evenings are also ideal for riverside walks and outdoor dining.

The Notting Hill Carnival takes place over the August Bank Holiday weekend. It celebrates Caribbean culture through music, colorful costumes, parades, and food.

The 2026 carnival weekend ran from August 29 to 31. The surrounding streets become extremely busy, so travelers staying nearby should allow extra time for local journeys.

Summer in Paris

Paris offers outdoor concerts, riverside activities, and open-air movie screenings throughout summer.

The Paris Jazz Festival takes place at Parc Floral de Paris. Its 2026 program ran from June 28 to September 6, featuring live performances in a garden setting.

France celebrates its national holiday on July 14. Paris traditionally marks Bastille Day with major public celebrations, including fireworks associated with the Eiffel Tower.

In 2026, the fireworks were exceptionally moved to July 13 rather than July 14. Festival schedules can change between years, making the specific event date important when booking accommodation.

Paris Plages and Summer Activities Along the Seine

The Paris Plages summer program transforms riverside areas into places for relaxation and recreation.

Its 2026 edition ran from July 4 to August 30. Visitors could enjoy free leisure areas with deck chairs, shaded seating, cultural activities, and seasonal swimming facilities.

The city also operated supervised swimming areas at Bras Marie, Grenelle, and Bercy. Swimming was permitted only in designated areas when safety and water-quality conditions allowed.

Paris’s La Villette park hosts seasonal open-air cinema. In 2026, its festival ran from July 22 to August 16, with free screenings and optional deck-chair rentals.

Best for: Festival lovers, families traveling during school vacations, and visitors who prioritize long evenings and outdoor entertainment.

Autumn: Colorful Foliage, Mild Weather, and Cultural Events

September and October offer comfortable walking conditions, autumn scenery, and a strong cultural calendar. September remains popular, but visitor numbers generally ease after the main summer vacation period.

Autumn in London

Hyde Park and the surrounding Royal Parks become attractive places to see autumn colors.

St. James’s Park offers another scenic walking route. Borough Market provides a convenient stop for seasonal food and local specialties.

The London Design Festival takes place in September, bringing exhibitions, installations, and design-focused events to venues throughout the city.

Totally Thames also celebrates London’s river through cultural activities and public events during September.

Autumn in Paris

Paris’s tree-lined boulevards and public gardens turn golden as temperatures fall. Montmartre, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Tuileries are rewarding places for autumn walks.

The Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival celebrates the neighborhood’s vineyard heritage with music, food, performances, and community activities.

In 2026, the festival runs from October 7 to 11. General admission is free, although individual food, drink, and special activities may involve separate spending.

Art lovers should also consider the city’s autumn exhibitions and cultural programs.

Best for: Travelers who enjoy photography, museums, local neighborhoods, and comfortable walking weather.

Winter: Christmas Markets, Holiday Lights, and Cozy Atmosphere

Winter offers two very different experiences. December brings holiday markets, illuminated streets, and festive crowds, while January and February are generally quieter and better suited to museum visits and budget-conscious travel.

City	Key Winter Event	Ice Skating	Christmas Market
London	Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park	Seasonal rink at Hyde Park	Southbank Centre Winter Market
Paris	Tuileries Christmas fair	Temporary rink locations vary by year	Tuileries, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, and other seasonal venues

Christmas in London

Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park features festive entertainment, market stalls, rides, and ice skating. Some attractions require paid tickets or reservations.

The Southbank Centre Winter Market offers riverside food stalls and seasonal shopping. Oxford Street and Regent Street also attract evening visitors with Christmas lights and decorations.

December is not necessarily a budget season. Central hotels and popular holiday attractions can be expensive during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

Christmas in Paris

Paris offers Christmas markets, illuminated shopping streets, seasonal food, and festive displays.

The Tuileries Christmas fair is a major seasonal attraction, with stalls, entertainment, and food. The 2025–26 edition ran from November 15 to January 4.

Other seasonal markets have included Saint-Germain-des-Prés, the Notre-Dame area, Les Halles, and La Défense.

The former large Champs-Élysées Christmas market should not be treated as a permanent annual fixture. Seasonal market locations and temporary ice rinks can change between years.

January and February

After the New Year celebrations, both cities become more relaxed. This is an appealing period for museums, galleries, shopping, and neighborhood restaurants.

However, February school holidays can create a temporary increase in family travel, particularly in London.

Best for: Christmas enthusiasts in December and travelers prioritizing indoor attractions or potential accommodation savings in January and February.

Off-Peak Travel: Avoiding Crowds and Saving Money

January and February are generally the quietest practical months for visiting London and Paris. Early March and parts of November can also offer attractive accommodation opportunities outside major events and holiday periods.

Hotel prices vary by neighborhood, weekday, exhibition schedule, and booking conditions. November can cost substantially less than July for some properties, but a 50% discount is not guaranteed.

How to Save Money Without Sacrificing Sightseeing

• Compare identical hotel conditions: Check room type, breakfast, cancellation rules, and taxes before deciding which date is cheaper.
• Use free attractions: London’s British Museum has free general admission, although special exhibitions may require tickets.
• Explore public gardens: Hyde Park, St. James’s Park, Luxembourg Gardens, and the Tuileries provide enjoyable sightseeing opportunities without a standard admission charge.
• Consider weekdays: Midweek stays can sometimes offer better rates than weekends, depending on local events and business demand.
• Plan indoor alternatives: Museums and galleries make winter travel more enjoyable when rain or cold weather limits outdoor activities.

Off-peak travel also makes it easier to enjoy neighborhood cafes and restaurants without the intensity of the busiest summer weeks.

Peak Season: Embracing the Energy and Vibrancy of London and Paris

June through August brings lively streets, long evenings, and extensive outdoor entertainment. July and August are particularly busy because of international tourism and school vacations.

What Makes Summer Worth Visiting?

London’s summer calendar includes concerts, outdoor cinema, and riverside events. The Thames Festival celebrates the river’s cultural significance through art, performances, and community activities.

Paris hosts outdoor screenings at Parc de la Villette, concerts, and summer activities beside the Seine. The Palais Garnier also offers cultural programming, although its schedule is not limited to summer.

Summer gives you more daylight for sightseeing and makes evening walks especially enjoyable.

What Should You Expect During Peak Season?

The main drawbacks are higher accommodation demand, crowded public transport, and longer waits at major attractions.

The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Westminster area, and other famous locations can remain busy throughout the day.

If you prefer summer weather but want a slightly more relaxed itinerary, consider June or early September rather than the busiest school vacation weeks.

Travelers who enjoy festivals and busy city streets may find the summer atmosphere worth the additional cost.

Weather and Packing Tips

London and Paris have temperate climates, but rain, cool evenings, and occasional heatwaves can affect any itinerary. Packing layers is more useful than relying on a single expected temperature.

Spring Packing: March to May

Pack comfortable walking shoes, light sweaters, and a waterproof jacket. A compact umbrella is useful for occasional showers.

April and May afternoons can feel pleasant, while mornings and evenings remain noticeably cooler.

Summer Packing: June to August

Bring lightweight clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and a reusable water bottle.

July average daytime highs reach approximately 24°C in London and 26°C in Paris, but individual days can become significantly hotter.

Some older hotels and buildings have limited air conditioning, so confirm cooling arrangements before booking summer accommodation.

Autumn Packing: September to November

September still allows lighter daytime clothing. By November, a warmer coat, layers, and waterproof shoes become more useful.

Autumn is especially suitable for walking tours when temperatures remain mild.

Winter Packing: December to February

Bring a warm coat, scarf, gloves, and comfortable waterproof footwear.

Winter temperatures do not remain below freezing every day, but wind and damp conditions can make sightseeing feel colder than the thermometer suggests.

Does It Rain More in London or Paris?

Both cities receive rainfall throughout the year. Neither has a completely dry sightseeing season.

London’s Heathrow climate records show approximately 46 mm of rain in July and 53 mm in August. The Paris climate guide reports approximately 59 mm in July and 58 mm in August.

Rainfall totals alone do not tell you how long showers will last. A wet day can still offer several hours of suitable sightseeing weather.

Special Events: Plan Your Trip Around Festivals and Exhibitions

London and Paris have major events throughout the year. Choosing one event as the centerpiece of your trip can help you decide which month offers the experience you want.

London Events Worth Planning Around

• Kew Orchid Festival: February and early March.
• Chelsea Flower Show: May.
• Notting Hill Carnival: August Bank Holiday weekend.
• London Design Festival: September.
• Totally Thames: September.
• London Fashion Week: Traditionally February and September.
• Winter Wonderland: The Christmas season.

Paris Events Worth Planning Around

• Nuit Blanche: The 2026 edition took place on June 6, bringing contemporary art installations and performances to the city. The City of Paris event guide confirms the date and program.
• Fête de la Musique: June 21 each year.
• Paris Jazz Festival: June through early September in 2026.
• Bastille Day: July 14. The 2026 Paris fireworks display was exceptionally held on July 13.
• Montmartre Harvest Festival: October 7–11 in 2026.
• Christmas markets: Primarily November and December, with some continuing into January.

Important Museum Planning Update

Art lovers can visit the Musée d’Orsay, Louvre, and other major Paris museums throughout the year.

However, the main Centre Pompidou building closed for renovation in September 2025. Reopening is planned for 2030.

During the closure, the institution continues presenting exhibitions and cultural programs through partner venues.

How to Combine London and Paris in One Trip

For a first visit, consider spending several days in each city rather than trying to cover both in a rushed weekend.

The direct Eurostar service between London and Paris can complete the journey in approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes.

The train connects London St Pancras International with Paris Gare du Nord, allowing you to travel between the city centers without using airports.

Remember that Paris is one hour ahead of London. International rail travel also requires time for ticket checks, security, and border formalities.

For a comfortable first-time itinerary, choose May or September, spend time in both cities, and organize your main sightseeing days around the events that interest you most.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to travel to London and Paris?

April to June and September to October offer the best balance of comfortable weather and cultural activities. May and September are particularly appealing for sightseeing. Choose July or August if summer festivals and long evenings matter more than avoiding crowds.

What is the weather like during the best time to visit London and Paris?

May average daytime highs are approximately 18°C in London and 20°C in Paris. September averages are approximately 20°C in London and 22°C in Paris. Both cities can experience rain, so comfortable walking shoes and a light waterproof jacket are useful.

Do major events and festivals run during spring and autumn?

Yes. London’s Chelsea Flower Show takes place in May, while the London Design Festival runs in September. Paris celebrates the Montmartre Harvest Festival in October. These events make spring and autumn attractive even when you are not visiting during the main summer festival season.

What are the drawbacks of visiting during the best season?

Spring and early autumn can still be expensive around major events and school holidays. Rain is also possible in both cities. Popular museums, exhibitions, and centrally located hotels may require advance reservations despite the generally more comfortable sightseeing conditions.

When do tourist crowds peak in London and Paris?

Summer is the main high season, particularly July and August. Christmas and New Year also attract substantial visitor numbers. Easter, school holidays, and major festivals can create shorter busy periods throughout the year, even during otherwise quieter months.

What is the cheapest month to visit London and Paris?

January and February are generally good months to search for lower accommodation rates after the Christmas holidays. Actual savings depend on the property, travel dates, and local events. Compare complete booking prices rather than assuming a particular month guarantees the lowest rate.

Is May or September better for London and Paris?

May is particularly attractive for spring flowers, gardens, and the Chelsea Flower Show. September offers warmer early-autumn conditions, design events, and fewer summer vacation crowds later in the month. Both provide comfortable opportunities to explore the cities on foot.

Can you visit London and Paris on the same trip?

Yes. Direct Eurostar trains connect London St Pancras International and Paris Gare du Nord, with journeys taking approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes on many services. Allow additional time for international rail check-in and border formalities, and remember that Paris is one hour ahead of London.

For more packing ideas, explore the travel toothbrush guide from TakeTravelInfo. A minimalist travel backpack like the options featured in this backpack guide can make exploring both cities more convenient. If your trip includes outdoor adventures beyond the cities, you can also explore the solar-powered camping lantern guide from TakeTravelInfo.

Sources

1. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew — Orchid Festival and Seasonal Events — Kew Gardens official site.
2. RHS Chelsea Flower Show — Royal Horticultural Society.
3. Visit London — Events and Seasonal Guide — London’s official tourism site.
4. Paris Tourist Office — Seasonal Events Calendar — Original tourism reference.
5. Met Office — Heathrow climate averages, 1991–2020.
6. Paris Tourist Office — Monthly climate and rainfall information.
7. Paris Tourist Office — Paris Plages, Montmartre Harvest Festival, and Bastille Day celebrations.
8. City of Paris — Nuit Blanche 2026 event information.
9. Centre Pompidou — Official renovation and closure information.
10. Eurostar — London–Paris train journey information.