October in Paris brings its own mystery and magic. Golden sun streams in the late afternoon; mornings are dark and chilly. The streets are filled with jackets, boots, jewel tones, and even a few berets. Almost as though prepping for the months of hibernation to come, Paris is filled with things to do, both outside and in, and many of us here profite, or take advantage of, the last month of fairly consistent sun before the rainy season begins.
We think Paris is amazing any time of year, and every month we’re happy to remind you why. Here are five cool Parisian events and experiences in October AND four ways to celebrate Halloween in France's capital.
Plus, if you’re looking for food and drink recommendations to tag into your event days, don’t forget to check out our guide and its interactive map feature. Now let’s get to it.
Paris Weather in October
While these days it’s getting harder and harder to guess what weather to expect, this October, it’s likely to remain warm. September 2026 brought summer heat, and October looks to slowly start to cool down. Expect to start the morning off in quite chill weather - bring a light jacket or layers. Expect then to need to peel these off in the afternoon, as peak temperatures will hit around 3-5pm, and if the sun is out, you’ll heat up fast.
Expect high temperatures between 60°F to 65°F, and low temperatures dropping around 45°F to 50°F. The sun rises around 8AM, and will set around 7:30PM at the beginning of the month, and after daylight savings, the sun will rise around 7:30AM but set around 5:30PM! In terms of rain, you can generally expect some light showers, but heavy days of constant rain are rare.
What to Pack for Paris in October
Far be it from us to assume your personal fashion sense and style, and how much you may or may not want to keep that up in Paris. That said, we want to give you a little advice on what to pack to best enjoy your visit to the City of Light.
Comfortable Shoes
You’ll want a couple pairs of very comfortable shoes for visiting Paris. Chances are you’ll be logging 10K+ steps if you’re able. We recommend having at least two pairs of shoes, as even the most comfortable ones can feel less nice after a few days of tens of thousands of steps. Also, chances are one pair will get wet and need to dry out. If you have little boots for rainy weather, all the better!
An umbrella
Not much to say here. Bring an umbrella. Not a really expensive one - it’ll break in the wind, or chances are you’ll leave it in a café. If you don’t have an umbrella, or have no room to pack one, you can purchase one on the ground in Paris. Makes for a great souvenir.
Your Wise Card
Wise, formerly known as Transferwise, is our number one recommendation for taking your money overseas. You can add money in USD, and then transfer it to EUR right in the app, and use the card as you travel - whether to tap and pay for a coffee or to withdraw cash to tip your tour guide.
Gloves
Mostly to hold the umbrella. When it’s chilly and rainy, naked hands start to feel like ice cubes real quickly.
Sunglasses
Yes, you’ll want these along with your umbrella. It sounds counter intuitive, but such is the drama of Paris. Take these out and about with you every day. What might start as a rainy morning could end as a sunny afternoon, and when that glare hits the wet streets… you’ll want those sunglasses!
Rain jacket
Again, it goes without saying. Even better if it’s a loose fitting rain jacket so you can layer underneath. Did someone say trench coat? The ultimate Parisian coat is a trench. Which brings us to…
Layers
Pack in light layers. If it is 60°F in the afternoon, you’ll want to be able to peel off the jacket and the sweater.
Anti-pickpocket Jeans
Okay, yes, we were suspicious, too. But Jay now has several pairs of jeans from Aviator, and not only are they stylish and comfortable, but his wallet, passport, and phone are literally hidden from pickpockets. Go check out their technology - it’s great for the modern traveler, someone who might not want to wear a bag, or your partner who keeps absentmindedly putting their phone in their back pocket (definitely a no-no!)
Is October a Good Time to Visit Paris
Historically, we would have leaned more towards visiting Paris in September than October, but as each year passes, it seems like October is turning into what September once was. Slightly more autumnal feeling, slightly cooler, fewer people, more space… The crowds start to drop off, and hotels start to ease into their off-season pricing. October isn’t typically very rainy either, so it’s actually becoming a wonderful time to visit the city.
What To Do in October in Paris, Especially for Halloween
1. FÊTE DES VENDANGES DE MONTMARTRE
October 7th-11th 2026
WE LOVE WINE! There’s no better way to kick off October in Paris than with the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre! From October 7th to 11th, Montmartre will come alive as Paris celebrates the grape harvest from the city's last remaining vineyard. With its parades, food stalls, wine tastings, and street performances, this annual event is quintessentially Parisian. Standing outside of Sacré-Coeur, a glass of wine in one hand, and oyster in the other? Oui, merci!
2. PARIS PRIDE 2026
Saturday, October 3rd 2026
Due to the intense heat waves in June of 2026, Paris Pride was postponed until October. Join for the Pride Parade in the afternoon, which will run from Place d’Italie to Place de la Bastille. Find all information here.
3. JAZZ SUR SEINE
October 9th-24th 2026
October is also jazz month in Paris, with the Jazz sur Seine Festival running from October 9th to 24th. Over 200 concerts with hundreds of artists will be held across nearly 28 different venues, from small clubs to larger stages. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the Paris jazz scene, whether you’re a longtime fan or just looking to experience something different. With a variety of styles and artists, there’s something for everyone. Find out more and explore the full lineup here.
4. THE SALON DE LA PHOTO
October 8th-11th 2026
In mid-October, photography enthusiasts will want to head to the Salon de la Photo at the Grande Halle de la Villette. This annual event gathers both amateur and professional photographers to explore the latest in photography technology, gear, and techniques.
The Salon offers a variety of hands-on workshops, known as photo spots, where you can practice different photographic techniques in a guided setting. These immersive sessions give you the chance to test equipment and practice your skills with the help of expert brands.
It’s definitely not your average tourist activity… maybe not even your average local activity, but if you’re a professional, enthusiast or content creator, it’s certainly one to add to the list!
5. ENJOY AN AUTUMN SPOOK AT PARISIAN CEMETERIES
Okay this doesn’t count as a stand alone event, but ‘tis the season for spooky! This is an amazing time of year to visit graveyards, not only for the Halloween spirit (pun intended) but for the light, the low rays that cast long shadows of mausoleums, and for the peace, the tranquility, the lengthy, unbothered walk… a crisp October day is the perfect time to wander through these peaceful, atmospheric spots:
- Père Lachaise Cemetery: The largest and most famous cemetery in Paris, it’s the final resting place of icons like Oscar Wilde, Edith Piaf, and Jim Morrison.
- Montmartre Cemetery: Hidden beneath the bustling streets of Montmartre, it’s a tranquil spot with beautiful sculptures and winding pathways.
- Montparnasse Cemetery: A lesser known cemetery in the 14th arrondissement, home to the graves of artists and writers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir.
HALLOWEEN IN PARIS
Whether you're looking for a spooky night out or a fun family adventure, Halloween in Paris has something for everyone:
1. THE DARK DREAMS - SILENTIUM
Throughout October 2026
If you want an immersive Halloween experience game, check out The Dark Dreams' events. This Halloween event transforms their already-creepy space into a terrifying maze of nightmares. Imagine immersive theater meets escape games. Sounds like a literal nightmare, right? We might not have the guts to attend, but you can learn more here and grab tickets at the bottom here. [tw: blood]
2. HAUNTED HALLOWEEN AT CLUB HAUSSMANN
10pm October 31st - 5am November 1st 2026
Going all out, this venue of 1000m2 is hosting a haunted house. There will be performances, candy, drinks, and dressing up is highly encouraged (and gets you you a few free drinks). Learn more and grab your tickets here.
3. HALLOWEEN PARTY BALL V AT GAÎTÉ LYRIQUE
November 2026
Gaîté Lyrique is back for its fifth Halloween Party Ball! This one technically falls in November, but we wanted to include it in the Halloween goodness. Some of the best voguing dancers from across the globe will gather for a Halloween-themed competition. Yes, you read that right. Yes, it will be amazing. Keep an eye on the link above for more details dropping soon.
Since 2016, Gaîté Lyrique has embraced the diversity of club dance styles, transforming into an iconic space for ballroom culture in Europe, providing a safe and vibrant space for voguing enthusiasts to express themselves and challenge social norms.
Have we convinced you yet that October in Paris truly has something for everyone?! Whether you’re in the mood to sip wine, listen to jazz, catch some runway action, or be scared silly. And for all your other trip planning needs, don’t forget to check out our guide for even more tips on how to make the most of your Parisian adventure this October.
