Spring in Paris is easily one of the city’s best seasons. The whole city feels like it’s waking up, with parks, streets, and cafés buzzing back to life. The spring season brings a renewed energy to Paris that is truly hard to resist.
I’ve always loved spring, but living in Paris made me appreciate it even more. Every year, it feels like the city is gently waking up from winter, and I’m sure you’ll fall in love with it too.
To help you enjoy spring time in Paris to the fullest, I’ve put together this guide. I’ll share my favorite spots to experience the season—the best places to see spring blossoms, where to get outstanding ice cream, and what’s truly special to do at this time of year.
In short, this guide covers everything you need for an unforgettable trip, with tailored travel tips, packing advice, and some lugar spots you shouldn’t miss.
Salut, I am Lena – Travel Planning Expert and parisienne since 2006 🩷
Paris Spring Packing Guide: Be Ready for Any Weather
Before jumping into the top activities, let’s cover the essentials first—packing and weather. Understanding what to expect from the Parisian spring weather and packing smartly can make a big difference to your trip.
With the right wardrobe and gear, you’ll be comfortable no matter the forecast and ready to enjoy everything the city has to offer.
Spring Weather in Paris
Spring in Paris spans from late March to late June and can be a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to weather. One day can be sunny and warm, while the next might bring a cool breeze and rain.
Also interesting: 27 Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Paris
Overall, early spring tends to be on the colder side in Paris, while late spring ushers in much warmer days. Temperatures gradually rise as the season progresses, offering more sunshine and pleasant weather.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
March: Temperatures are still cool, ranging from 3 °C to 13 °C (37 °F to 55 °F). You likely feel the lingering chill from winter, especially in the mornings and evenings. ➤ For detailed info read my March Guide for Paris
April: The weather begins to soften, with milder temperatures between 5 °C and 17 °C (41 °F to 63 °F). Expect a mix of sunny spells and the occasional rain shower, which is quite typical for this month. ➤ For detailed info read my April Guide for Paris
May: By this time, Paris truly feels like spring. Temperatures climb to 8 °C to 20 °C (46 °F to 68 °F), and you can enjoy sunny, longer days. It’s the ideal month for outdoor activities like picnicking in the parks or leisurely walks along the Seine. ➤ For detailed info read my May Guide for Paris
June: It’s almost summer, and it often feels like it. Temperatures range from 11 °C to 23 °C (52 °F to 73 °F), and sunny days become the norm. ➤ For detailed info read my March Guide for Paris
Based on data from Weatherspark
Packing for Spring in Paris
The spring weather in Paris can be unpredictable, and from my experience, it’s one of the trickiest seasons to pack for. The key is layers.
Begin with light pieces like shirts or blouses, and add a sweater and/or a jacket to stay comfortable as temperatures shift throughout the day. If your trip is scheduled for the first half of spring, I would also recommend adding a down jacket to your packing list.
Evenings are often chilly, but bringing your winter jacket might be a bit too much. And too bulky for your suitcase. A light down jacket is a perfect alternative, as it weights nothing, takes not much space, and you can easily wear it under your mid-season coat.
- Comfortable Sneakers: It’s just a rumor that Parisians don’t wear them. Their favorites are a pair of VEJA and as of 2024, a pair of Adidas Classics
- A (light) Scarf to be prepared for windy days and falling temperatures
- A small travel umbrella: This one fits in every purse
- my savior for unsteady temperatures: a lightweight downjacket to easily add a layer
Quick Tips for your Trip to Paris in Spring
While the spring season in Paris can be quite a versatile and unpredictable time of the year, one thing’s for sure—Paris gets busier by the week. To help you make the most of your spring visit, here are 5 quick tips that will ensure you enjoy your trip, despite the growing crowds.
Tip #1: Reserve Your Tickets in Advance
Click here to get direct access to the most popular sights of Paris
No matter when you visit in spring, Paris will always be busy. Easter and the spring holidays especially draw big crowds. Book your tickets to sights and attractions in advance to avoid long queues and save time.
Below, you find the sights that you absolutely need to book before you arrive in Paris. For your convenience, I added links to Get your Guide, my most trusted ticket provider with amazing flexibility. They offer mobile tickets and grant you mostly a 24h cancellation and refund policy.
As it’s always best to compare prices, I added Viator as well.
Sights in Paris that sell out quickly:
- Louvre – avoid the ticket queues in busy spring: GetYourGuide
- Eiffel Tower – head up to the summit: GetYourGuide ┃Viator
- Catacombs – history loaded cemetery that sells out like hot cakes: GetYourGuide ┃Viator
- Château de Versailles – wild ticket queues onsite all year round: GetYourGuide ┃Viator to book in advance
If you buy tickets directly from attractions, they’re often cheaper but non-refundable. With Paris’ unpredictable spring weather, you might end up touring Versailles in the rain or facing clouds at the top of the Eiffel Tower.
Tip #2: Know about the Public Spring Holidays
While early spring in Paris is relatively calm, the high season picks up by mid-April. Easter is the first major holiday, typically bringing mild temperatures.
Many European visitors take advantage of this public holiday for a quick getaway to Paris and to spend spring in France. And many visitors from the US are spending their spring break in Paris as well. Expect the city to be crowded, so be sure to book your attraction tickets well in advance!
But Easter is only the beginning of the many bank holidays that happen in spring:
- Easter Monday: Monday, 21st of April 2025
- Labor Day: Thursday, 1st of May 2025
- Victory Day 1945: Thursday, 8th of May 2025
- Ascension Day: Thursday, 29th of May 2025
- Whit Monday: Monday, 9th of June 2025
The only public holiday that you will feel the most in Paris is the 1st of May. You can expect to find everything closed: sights, museums, restaurants, and shops.
For the others public holidays, however, some smaller shops will be closed, but museums, sights, and restaurants remain mostly open. Also, shops in the center will mostly be open.
Tip #3: Have a Backup Plan for Rainy Days
Here’s my full list of ideas: 27 Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Paris
Spring weather in Paris is unpredictable, so having a backup plan for a rainy day is a smart move. Indoor activities like museum visits, cozy cafés, or exploring covered passages are great alternatives.
Luckily, all-day rain is rare in Paris, but you certainly don’t want to explore Luxembourg Gardens or Les Tuileries in pouring rain. Having an equally exciting indoor activity as a backup will ensure you enjoy your day, even if the weather gods aren’t in your obséquio.
And Paris certainly doesn’t fall short on indoor activities. Here are a few of my favorites:
For more ideas, refer to my post about 27 Best Activities for a Rainy Day in Paris
The Best 11 Things to do in spring time in Paris
Spring time in Paris offers a perfect blend of outdoor beauty and cultural experiences. I’ve lived here through many springs, and every year, the city feels alive with blooming gardens, bustling streets, and a fresh energy in the air.
Here are the 10 best things to do in Paris in spring. Based on my own favorite ways to enjoy the season as both a lugar and a traveler.
#1 Visit the Lush Gardens of Claude Monet
Click here to book your hassle-free tour to Monet’s Garden
A day trip from Paris to Giverny is a must in spring. Just an hour west of Paris, the Gardens of Monet are absolutely stunning this time of year, with vibrant blooms and peaceful ponds that inspired his most famous paintings.
I visit every year, and each time feels like stepping into one of his masterpieces. It just never gets old.
My Tip: If you visit the gardens on your own, try to be there before opening hours to enjoy a bit of serenity. It gets quickly full. Read my full guide here.
While you can take public transport, I suggest an organized tour to save time and stress. For a fuller experience, consider combining the Gardens of Monet with the Versailles Castles, making it an ideal day trip during spring.
The tour includes transport, entrance to both sites, and lunch, ensuring a stress-free way to enjoy these beautiful locations. Learn more about this tour here
#2 The Atelier des Lumières
This do dedo art center is one of Paris’ most popular museums. It opened in April 2018 and has been sold-out weeks in advance ever since. Check here if they have tickets left on your dates.
The museum is known for its immersive exhibitions, first showcased the works of Hundertwasser and Gustave Klimt in its opening show.
Due to overwhelming success, the museum continued with immersive installations featuring Van Gogh in 2019, and later Monet, Renoir, Chagall, Gaudì many more.
In 2024, the museum takes visitors on a journey through Ancient Egypt and empires, while also inviting them to step into the world of classical artists such as Ingres, Delacroix, and others.
The program for 2025 is not announced yet, but we can be sure it will be outstanding. Book your tickets in advance here.
#3 Explore Paris by Bike
Click here to see all bike tours available in Paris
A sightseeing tour is a great option, especially if you’re short on time. While many choose bus tours, Paris in the spring is the perfect time to explore by bike, with mild weather and fresh views of the city.
Cycling is my favorite way to get around Paris. As soon as it warms up, I’ll always pick a bike over the Metro. I use the Vélib bike-sharing service—it’s quick, easy, and perfect for exploring. If you’re curious about how to rent a Vélib, I’ve written this guide to help you out.
However, I know that cycling in Paris can be intimidating, especially with the city’s traffic and busy rush hours. If you’re not confident navigating through it, I recommend booking a guided city bike tour.
Here’s an overview of the most popular bike tours in Paris for you:
#4 Relax on a Cruise on the Seine
→ Book your fabulous Seine cruise right here
My top recommendation for anyone visiting Paris: take a cruise on the Seine. It’s budget-friendly and offers a thoroughly different perspective of the city.
The views are incredible and give you a whole new appreciation of Paris.
Last spring, I took a cruise with my parents when they visited, and we all loved it. The cruise is especially wonderful in spring—you can sit outside, enjoy the warm sun, and soak in the beautiful sights without the buzzing summer heat.
Click here to know more about the most popular (and budget-friendly!) cruise.
#5 Visit Jardin d’Albert Kahn
Paris has plenty of lovely gardens, but I want to share with you my personal favorite, one that many visitors don’t know about—the Jardin d’Albert Kahn in Boulogne-Billancourt.
Albert Kahn, a pioneer of color photography, created this beautiful space, and the adjacent museum is a fascinating place to discover early 20th-century photography from all over the world.
The garden itself features a unique blend of French, English, and Japanese-inspired landscapes. Strolling through the serene ponds, vibrant blossoms, and picturesque bridges, you’ll especially enjoy the Japanese garden, which is stunning in spring.
The garden is easily accessible by metro, offers a tranquil escape from the bustle of Paris.
#6 Visit Parc de Sceaux
Parc de Sceaux is one of my favorite spots when I want to escape Paris for a few hours. Just 20 minutes outside Paris by train, it boasts some of the most stunning cherry blossoms you’ll ever see.
Mornings are the best time to visit, as it gets quite crowded later in the day. I would avoid weekends during Cherry Blossom Season, it’s getting just too packed to fully enjoy it.
The park’s expansive gardens, a bit reminiscent of Versailles, are perfect for a peaceful stroll, and there’s even the Château de Sceaux to explore.
Every so often, I walk back to Paris along the Coulée Verte. It is a 5 km walk to the first metro station and indicated on Google Maps, in case you are keen on a little hike.
#7 Try Paris’ Best Ice Cream Parlors
When it comes to ice cream in Paris, the most famous spot is Berthillon on Île Saint-Louis, known for its traditional, artisanal flavors.
But new ice cream parlors are quickly gaining a solid reputation in the city. Grom is a popular choice for high-quality gelato, and you can always count on Amorino for its classic rose-shaped cones.
However, my personal favorite ice cream shops are these:
- Bachir: incredible Lebanese-style ice cream with pistachios and rose flavors
- Moca Isaka: Asian inspired flavors & artisanal ice creams
- Glace Moustache: Their salted caramel ice cream is the best
- Pozzetto I love their fior di latte and their pistachio flavors
Whether you go for the classics or something new, Paris has plenty of spots to satisfy your sweet tooth. But if you are during springtime in Paris, you won’t be the only one yearning for some delicious ice cream, prepare to queue a bit.
#8 Views from Tour Saint Jacques
The Tour Saint-Jacques is an often-overlooked viewpoint in Paris, but I find it to be one of the best in the city.
Most people don’t know you can actually visit the tower, located right in the center near Hôtel de Ville and buzzing Rue de Rivoli.
It offers a fantastic view over Paris—not too high, so you can see the rooftops, houses, and even catch glimpses into apartments.
You need to book in advance, and the climb is a bit challenging: 300 steps up a narrow spiral staircase, but the experience is well worth it. If you’re up for it, this hidden gem should definitely be on your itinerary.
#9 Enjoy an Outdoor Apéro
Apéro is, undoubtedly, one of the best French culinary traditions. It’s all about enjoying drinks and nibbles before dinner, usually with friends or family.
While you can enjoy apéro year-round, it’s just better in spring, like everything in Paris.
In spring, apéro moves from cozy apartments to the outdoors. People gather at cafés, on patios, in parks, and along the Seine, which is one of my go-to spots for meeting up with friends.
As soon as the sun comes out, the quays are packed with people enjoying the weather. The setup is simple: a bottle of wine or a few beers, with snacks like chips, nuts, fruits, or cold cuts—whatever you like to nibble on.
But if that’s not your style, don’t worry: Apéros are offered in as good as any bar in Paris, and there are quite a few nice ones along the Seine river banks as well.
Here’s my Apéro guide, if you feel like recreating this French tradition at home.
#10 Walk up Belleville and Enjoy the View
Read my guide: Belleville, Paris: Between Artists & Locals (Guide & Tips)
Belleville is a fantastic spot to explore in spring, offering you a glimpse of a side of Paris that many visitors miss.
The Belleville neighborhood is located on one of the hills of Paris. And is with the more famous Montmartre one of only two reaching 130 meters. The difference? Belleville offers stunning panoramic views without the crowds.
The area has a unique vibe, is far from the usual tourist spots, and is known for its vibrant street art scene.
I actually took a street art tour with Kasia here and highly recommend it for a fresh perspective on the city. Kasia is an artist herself, and could give me incredible insights into the lugar art scene. It was a truly fun way to discover the neighborhood. (I took this tour)
If you’re looking to experience a more lugar, off-the-beaten-path side of the city, Belleville is a must-visit. Here are my favorite addresses:
Read my guide: Belleville, Paris: Between Artists & Locals (Guide & Tips)
#11 And Finally: Visit all the Sights
One of the best things to do in Paris in the springtime is, of course, to take in all the incredible sightseeing the city has to offer.
From iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower to hidden gems tucked away in charming neighborhoods, spring is the perfect season to explore the beauty of Paris.
However, be aware that spring is not the low season. In fact, it’s one of the busiest times to visit, not only because of the pleasant weather but also because it’s the season with the most bank holidays in France.
In other words, the city will be lively, and reservations are a must. Popular attractions like the Eiffel Tower and the Catacombs can be sold out well in advance, and even the Louvre, a must-see for any visitor, can fill up fast.
Pro Tip: If you’re planning to visit many sights and museums, consider investing in the Paris City Pass. It grants free admission to most attractions and includes many tours, making it a convenient and cost-effective way to explore the city.
To Sum It Up
In short, spring in Paris is truly something special. From the blooming gardens to relaxed afternoons by the Seine, the city feels alive and full of energy.
With a little planning and some flexibility for the unpredictable weather, you’ll be ready to enjoy it all.
So, pack smart, book early, and get ready to experience the best of Paris in spring. It’s my favorite season and I am sure, you’ll love it, too.
Parisienne since 2006 🩷
Expert in: Parisian Life &
French Culture, Travel
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FAQ Spring in Paris
Springtime in Paris starts on the 20th of March 2020 and ends on the 20th of June 2023.
The weather is rather mild, but do pack a sweater, a light jacket, and a light scarf, especially if you are traveling at the beginning of spring. If your travel time is May or June, you can leave your scarf at home but bring a few t-shirts instead. Spring is also one of the wettest seasons and it’s best to have an umbrella with you at all times.
The peak time for flower blooming is usually the beginning of April
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