Climate in Paris

Seasons in Paris

A melody of colours and atmospheres, a symphony of contrasting skies and light. Every season pays tribute to Paris and highlights its charms, be it the sun caressing its pale facades, or the rain reflecting the night’s gleam. To the sweet music of romance or a festive beat, compose your own score for your trip to the city, depending on the time of year and the whims of the weather.

Spring (21 March-21 June)

This is the season where Paris seems to reawaken, with its avenues fringed with new green shoots and its trees in flower. The days are getting longer, as are the opening times of museums, and the high season is just around the corner. There’s a holiday feeling in the air and the sweet smell of candy floss pervades the pathways of the Foire du Trône funfair. People venture out and about in the parks and gardens and along the river banks, strolling, cycling or skating.

Summer (21 June-21 September)

When the summer season is at its height, rest and relaxation and 'joie de vivre' bask in the sun, on the café terraces, in the parks and on the 'beaches' by the Seine. Picnics abound and gourmets melt for the best ice cream in Paris. On the Champs-Elysées, the 14 July parades and the cyclists triumph. Cinema and music celebrate: free films and concerts thrill the capital, which takes on its summer scenes.

Autumn (21 September-21 December)

When you see the avenues and parks take on their autumn reflections, and the soft light of the street lamps sets aglow the carpet of fallen leaves, it’s an inspiring sight. The days may be getting shorter, but the colours are blooming. This is not only the time to return to school, but also a renewal of culture. Autumn has its own festival and the major trade fairs draw the crowds. Towards the end of November, Paris already sparkles with Christmas decorations.

Winter (21 December-21 march)

Snow occasionally covers the rooftops of Paris with its mantle, reminiscent of the Impressionist paintings by Caillebotte. Christmas dresses up the main avenues with its sparkle, markets and appealing window displays spring up around the city. It is a pleasure to dive into the cosy warmth of its restaurants and cafés. Take a tasty break for hot chocolate between two museums or after a few pirouettes on the open-air ice rinks. From January to March, this is the charm of off-season Paris.

The weather to expect during your stay

To know the weather forecast in Paris, for today and the days ahead, click here.

Air quality in Paris

Since 1954, the air in Paris is being constantly monitored, a job entrusted since 1979 to the [AIRPARIF] organization, under the authorization of the Department for the Environment. The quality of the air is displayed on a daily basis on electronic boards throughout the city, on a scale from 1 (very good) to 10 (very poor) corresponding to international standards set down by the OMS and the European Commission.

The mandatory Crit’Air certificate

Since 1 July 2017, Paris is a limited traffic zone. All vehicles circulating in the capital (in the area within the périphérique ring road) must display the Crit'Air sticker, which has a number ranging from 0 to 5 that corresponds to the vehicle’s environmental classification. Drivers not displaying a sticker risk being fined. In the event of pollution peaks, certain categories of vehicles may be banned from circulating at certain times.

If you want to drive your own vehicle in Paris, you must order your Crit’air certificate on the French government website.

When levels of pollution are high, the population is alerted by the media. These warnings concern in particular anyone with existing conditions, children, older people, or pregnant women. At the same time we are advised against outdoor sporting activities. Despite these occasional warnings, consultation of yearly statistics indicates an air quality that is generally good.

If you would like to know more about the air quality control in the Ile-de-France region, visit the web site of AIRPARIF

Steps taken

Among the steps taken by the City of Paris to fight against atmospheric pollution, can be highlighted: the increase in environmental-friendly municipal vehicles and buses (electricity or natural gas), bicycle paths, 'green' districts with reduced traffic, more convivial public areas along the busier routes, as well as public transport improvements including the installation of exclusive bus lanes and the tram project for the ring-roads. The local authorities also encourage Parisians to use public transport as much as possible, and develop the activities of cycling and rollerblading.

When pollution levels are high, the police authorities may decide to alternate the use of cars, lower speed limits, keep coaches out of the city centre, or to impose free use of public transport in the region.