Paris in the spring. A fan favorite through the decades, depicted in the classic Amélie (or perhaps you were more of an After Sunset person). Either way the balmy weather, awakening city, and general good energy is addicting. The city changes in the spring - slowly in March, more so in April, and by May we’re in full swing. Spring is one of the most beautiful seasons in the city - along with autumn. (We love change, and the feeling it brings). Trees start to grow their little green buds, flowers bloom and brag about their beauty, and bees awaken from their long slumber. From the first warm day of spring, you’ll see the terraces come to life, and the parks and gardens fill with picnickers.
In this post, you’ll learn more about what to expect from Paris in the spring; whether the hype that everyone else talks about is true, or not.
We’ll include both on and off the beaten path experiences to add to your itinerary, of course, but if you’d rather not have to deal with planning at all, you’re in luck. Our Guide+ comes with three full-day itineraries to Paris: Montmartre, Latin Quarter, and a Book Lover’s itinerary. Oh, and an AI-powered audio guide of the Canal Saint-Martin - for those of you that want Jay’s voice in your ear as you wander Paris!
Should You Take a Trip to Paris in the Spring?
Our answer to this question is unequivocally YES. If you hate crowds, lean for early spring, and if you hate rain, lean for late spring, but in most circumstances, springtime in Paris is a good idea. The weather is mild (usually), which will make you want to get out and wander, hotel prices are typically a little lower as it’s the off season, and it’s a great time of year for photos as well.
What Is Spring Like In Paris
One particular element about Paris in the spring to note is that Parisians absolutely flock to parks and gardens at the first flicker of sunlight. Jardin des Plantes will bustle with museum employees eating a quick bite outside, or children exploring the menagerie on the weekends. Luxembourg garden will burst with early morning joggers, or young families enjoying the spring weather in Paris. The Tuileries Gardens will draw children with its playground and fountain to sail boats. It’s truly a wonderful time to visit Paris.
And on the occasional rainy day? Well you’re not short of museums to visit! Springtime is rather varied. March can still be quite wet, while May is usually rather dry. This mixed weather can also mean sunshine one moment, rain the next (this is why you’ll see we always recommend an umbrella). You’ll notice that mornings and evenings are chilly, but mid-afternoon can get quite warm!
When is Spring in Paris?
Spring in Paris falls between March and May, as with all places in the Northern hemisphere, of course. The spring equinox is March 20th, so technically only the last few days count, but we’ll still give you the run down for March. And summer might not technically start until late June, but when we think of spring in Paris for travellers, we focus on March-April-May. Here’s a little about each.
March
- Generally March still has cooler temperatures. It might get warmer in the afternoons later in the month, but don’t expect to need shorts, skirts, or short sleeves.
- Generally blossoms could start to bloom as early as mid-March! This isn’t a guarantee year to year, though.
- Tourist numbers are down, off season prices are still in action
- Check out our March blog for more information.
April
- Weather will start to warm up, and people will start to hang out in parks and gardens
- Summer terraces (temporary terraces for cafés, bars and restaurants) open from April 1st!
- Blossoms will typically peak early to mid-April for those pretty Paris photos.
- School holidays fall this month, so you might see some crowds that are French heavy.
- Easter is a big deal here! Lots of churches will be decked out with beautiful flowers
- Check out our April blog for more information.
May
- May is when the beautiful weather really starts to hit. The morning will remain a little chilly, but from midday to evening, it’ll be feeling good!
- Festival season begins, and there are loads of things to do.
- There are lots of public holidays in May, which means Parisians are likely to take several long weekends. It’ll be a good idea to double check that restaurants you’re looking to visit are open on the days you’d like - and reserve whenever possible!
- Check out our May blog for more information.
Best Things To Do in Paris In The Spring
In most seasons, our favorite things to do in Paris are eat, drink, and wander. However, this season is particularly wonderful, because more of that can be done outside in the sunny weather, both on and off the beaten path. As locals, here are a few of our favorite things to do this time of year.
Drinks along the Canal Saint-Martin
Off the beaten path for tourists, but not so much for locals (at least locals that live in this area). The Canal Saint-Martin is the outdoor place to hang out on a summer’s evening. It stretches from the 10th arrondissement, well… pretty much all the way out of Paris (though at some point its name changes). If you’re looking for a canal hang, we’d avoid up in the 19th, as that can become a bit unsafe in the evening - but lower down? That stays pretty great. Grab a seat on the edge of the canal, pop a bottle of wine (perhaps from le Verre Volé), and get ready to people-watch and chat the night away…
Of course, you can always do this same thing along the river, if you’d like. Wander the Seine in the center of town (perhaps after a visit to Notre-Dame), grab a bottle from L’Etiquette, and watch the water sparkle.
Wander through Buttes Chaumont
Now, this is a park that most visitors will never get to. High in the 19th arrondissement, it might feel out of the way - but not if you want a proper local experience. Trust us. You can start with coffee from Mardi, then wander down into the park. That way you’re starting from the top and working your way down (it can get steep!). Let yourself really explore - there are all sorts of wonderful nooks and crannies, from the kids’ puppet theatre to the dog park. If you’re hungry when you reach the bottom, you’re not far from Koko Bistro for Japanese food, or Paname Brewing Co for pizza and a beer.
Walk around Montmartre
Do this early on in your trip, because the crowds will really hit the closer you get to summer. It’ll also be great to walk around the neighborhood in the morning, as things will pick up in the afternoon. Don’t forget to check out the park behind Sacre-Coeur for great photos, and be sure to look out over the city in front of the church as well.
If you’re looking for another great view, but don’t think you’ll make it up to Montmartre, then you’ll want to go to the Arc de Triomphe. The panoramic view is one of our favorite in the city.
Cocktails on a Rooftop Bar
Speaking of views, if you’re visiting in late spring, the weather just might be warm enough to visit some rooftop bars! We have several places in our Guide, but we’ll give you this new discovery for free: Bonnie Bar. It’s the bar on top of the SO/ Hotel and it’s possibly our new favorite. Great views and absolutely stellar cocktails.
But if you want even more great rooftop recs - heck, even just fantastic cocktail bars in general, then be sure to grab our Guide.
Take a bike tour
When the weather gets nice, one of the best ways to see the city is on a bike tour. Paris is very bike friendly - almost too bike friendly! - and with a guide, you’ll be super safe as you travel through the city. You’ll learn about history, packed with anecdotes and perhaps a joke or two. Our favorite bike tour company in Paris has been around for … 20 years?! Check out Bike About Tours, and tell them Jay Swanson sent you.
Fun fact: ¾ of our team at Paris in My Pocket used to be Bike tour guides in the summer! So you can rest assured that our recommendations are tried and true.
See the Eiffel Tower Sparkle
One of the more common questions we get is whether or not a river cruise is worth it. And as a general rule we say yes. Who doesn’t love some time on a boat? That said, the way over-priced fancy food tours? Those we could do without - we’ve got so many other great places we love to go eat anyway. But if you’re looking for a simple crossing, under an hour, to the Eiffel Tower and back, ditch Bateaux Mouches, and head out with Vedettes de Pont Neuf. We aren’t affiliated with them (hi, Vedettes!) we just think it’s better. Fewer crowds, and if you want, you can even pop a bottle of bubbles on board (or wine, just don’t forget your corkscrew)
Bonus! Day Trip to Parc de Sceaux
It’s spring in Paris. That means everyone’s asking about the cherry blossoms. And sure, while there are some beautiful blossoms in the city, for instance in Palais Royale, where you really want to go is Parc de Sceaux. There’s a whole section that’s basically an orchard of cherry trees. If you time your trip right (and unfortunately, this is a gamble year to year), you just might be able to catch them. Park de Sceaux is one of those great day trips from Paris either way (plus, they have a HUGE wooded dog section that’s fenced in), but it’s always a bonus to get the pretty flowers.
What To Pack For Spring In Paris
If you’re travelling to Paris in the spring, you might find packing clothing a bit tricky, because the weather truly could go any direction, and you’ll want to be well stocked to be on your feet all day. Here are a few of our top recs for packings, but if you want our best tips and tricks, check out this blog.
Clothing
- Clothes you can layer easily
- A light jacket that can handle some rain (a trench coat to feel truly Parisian!)
- A light scarf - great for your neck if you’re cold, or head if you forget your umbrella
- Comfortable shoes - several pairs.
- Anti-pickpocket jeans… yes, they do exist. We’d tried them - they’re comfortable, stylish, and très secure.
Accessories
- A small, compact umbrella. Keep it in your bag, always.
- A crossbody bag for security. Our favorite? Pacsafe. It’s basically an anti-pickpocket brand.
- Sunglasses (hopefully you’ll need them!)
Travel Essentials
- Portable charger with both USB ports
- Travel adapter for European outlets
- Travel transformer ONLY if you’re bringing electronics like hair dryers that need a different wattage.
- A basic USB cord, as bus stations have charging ports
And you’ll love this blog post to help you prepare for your trip… But if you REALLY want the the best possible time in the city of lights, be sure to grab our guide. In it, you’ll find hundreds of recommendations for the best places to eat and drink. With the interactive map, you can geolocate yourself to find the best places closest to you at any moment. Thirsty in the Marais? Pull up the map! Hungry in the 11th? Check out the map. Paris in my Pocket is the only guide to Paris you’ll need for your trip, for the best time guaranteed.
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