FranceBest Time to Visit

France travel is always a good idea, so there are only two factors to consider when planning your trip: one is weather, and the other is price. Planning your trip with a travel guide will help ensure ideal timing for the type of trip you wish to take. 

If your trip is concentrated in Paris, spring is the loveliest time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds. The city heats up in summer, as does the size of France tours, so be sure to book them early through your travel agency. Parisians tend to escape the city for their own France vacations, meaning some businesses will be closed in August. Fall weather is cooler but brings a lot of shows and exhibitions, meaning accommodation prices can be high. Winters are wet and cold. 

Weather in Brittany and Normandy is a bit more unpredictable. Both are generally mild, particularly in the winter, as frost and snow are rare. Summers can be hot, but rain does occur from time to time. Summer is peak season for both areas, so May and September is the best time to visit to avoid the crowds.

When is France’s peak tourist season?

Late May through to September is peak travel season in France. While accommodation rates in Paris will be highest during the summer, there are plenty of hotels, so finding all inclusive vacation packages is still manageable. The French Riviera becomes busiest during the summer months, especially August, as it is a popular France vacation destination for tourists and French citizens. Given the exodus of locals, you might find Paris to be quieter in August than in July. You’ll likely experience less congestion even in the summer during a visit to France’s historic towns and villages, such as Trouville and Deauville.

If you are seeking fewer crowds, plan your France trip  (especially if you are visiting Paris), during the shoulder season months of April, May, October, and November. These months also feature milder temperatures, perfect for long days of exploring. May becomes exceptionally busy in the South of France, as the internationally attended Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix take place.

Which is the most affordable time to visit France?

From November to March, when typically cooler wet weather is found, the prices are lower for accommodation and flights across France. If your trip involves a lot of museums, then you'll benefit from lower prices and fewer crowds.

If you are hoping to spend any time along the French Riviera, consider October when the summer crowds are gone, accommodation is reasonably priced, but the water is still warm for swimming. You could also consider a cruise during this time, to see more of the coast of France.

How long should I plan to visit France?

It would be easy to return to France many times and still have more to see. If it is your first time visiting, ideally spend 7 to 10 days, starting with Paris for three and choosing two other spots, such as the French Riviera and Brittany. If you’ve got extra time, consider two weeks to explore more, heading north to Normandy, then down further to explore the Bordeaux region before heading to the beach. 

When is the ideal time to visit France?

Late September to early October you will find warm weather, with less crowds, making it an ideal time to visit France. Spring is known for having comfortable temperate weather, along with beautiful greenery and lavender flowers in bloom. Summer is the best time to visit France for festivals, concerts, and beachgoing. To avoid crowds, plan your France trip, especially Paris, during the shoulder season months of April, May, October, and November. For hiking tours, July through September will give you stable pleasant conditions.

The French Riviera enjoys a pleasant year-round Mediterranean climate. Winters are relatively mild with some rain, and summers are hot and dry with a light sea breeze. Despite the cold, winter in France is still a draw with stunning light installations during Fete des Lumières in Lyon, comforting French food and winter sports in Alpes-Mont Blanc, or dipping into hot thermal springs in the Pyrenees. If you're in search of an adrenaline adventure in the French Alps, your dates will depend on your desired activities. Most ski resorts open at the end of November until mid-April, featuring peak ideal conditions in January.