Weather in Paris in October: What to Expect and Packing Tips (2024)

Although the weather in Paris in October may be a bit cooler than September and may even serve up the occasional chilly or rainy/blustery day, it generally feels close to perfect.

You'll see lots of colorful late-blooming flowers in the city's parks, and even the first hues of golden automn foliage on the trees.

But you'll also begin to feel a shift to cooler weather. October marks a transition periodas the last memories of Paris's summer heat fade away. Crisper temperatures announce the beginning of fall.

But here's what you should also know: October weatherin Paris still serves up plenty of lovely, sunny, and even warm days.

So you'll need to pack layers to prepare you for whatever version of October weather greets you when you wake up each morning. We'll go into more detail about what to pack later in this article.

You should also plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities for your visit. When October's cooler fall weather makes itself felt, spend time at museum exhibitions, concerts in historic churches, covered markets, and cozy bistros where you can sip hot chocolate and enjoy a steaming bowl of onion soup.

But also schedule a outdoor activities where you can soak up some sun while exploring the city - perhaps a cheese, wine, and pastry tour of artistic Montmartre, or a bike tour of lesser-known gems in the Latin Quarter, Marais, and Saint-Germain neighborhoods.

So keep reading to find out everything you need to know about October weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do in October, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

• Paris weather temperature ranges for October - PlusWhat to Really Expect
• How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during October
• What to pack for your October visit to Paris
• Should you visit Paris during October? Or wait for a warmer month?
• Activities for all types of October weather in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris during October

Top photo: Palais du Luxembourg in Luxembourg Garden in beautiful October weather in Paris - Photo: AdobeStock

Paris Discovery Guide is a reader-supported publication. When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission at no additional cost for you. Learn more

What Is Paris Weather in October Really Like?

Although you can expect at least a few warm sunny days, you'll see (and feel) the transition to cooler temperatures take place during October, along with some periods of gray skies and rain showers. Fortunately, showers seldom last long this month, but nights can get chilly.

Of course, weather patterns differ each year, but if you visit Paris for a week or more during October, you're likely to experience a little of everything this month offers, from warm sunny days to cold rain, wind, and perhaps even snow.

Paris Temperatures in October: Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what October weather in Paris looks like on Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) degree scales for average daily high and low temperatures during during the month over the past decade:

• Average October high temperatures (typically during daytime): 59°F (15°C) to 68°F (20°C)
• Average October low temperatures (typically at night): 45°F (7°C) to 53°F (12°C)

Remember, these are averages. They're useful for comparing one month with another if you're trying to decide the best time to travel to Paris. You can also use them to decide generally what to packfor an October trip as well as the types of activities to plan.

However, they are definitely not an October weather forecast for Paris. If you're making a packing list, they also don't show you the extreme weather conditions that you might encounter and want to consider when packing.

For that kind of information, check the October high and low temperature ranges in the following section.

Weather Statistics for October in Paris: High & LowTemperature Ranges

To find "worst case" information about what October weather in Paris might be like, check theseranges of daily highs and lows during the past decade:

• Range of daily high temperatures during October (2014-present): 43°F to 84°F (14°C to 29°C)
• Range of daily low temperatures during October (2014-present): 34°F to 64° F (1°C to 18°C)

Notice the rather large temperature variationof over 40degrees (F) for daily highs and 30 degrees (F) for daily lows.

now check e record-breaking temperatures for the past 3+ decades, and when they occurred:

• Highest October temperature (1991-present): 84°F (29°C) in 2023
• Lowest October temperature (1991-present): 27°F (-3°C) in 1997

So to sum up October weather: Most of the time, it will feel warm and balmy during the day and chilly at night.

But when planning activities and making your packing list, you need to consider the possibility of daytime temperatures in the "hot" range - so throw a short-sleeved t-shirt into your bag - and cold-to-freezing on possibly some daysand nights, which means bringing a medium weight jacket or coat, 1-2 cashmere sweaters, and warm gloves and hat.

Of course, Paris's climate is unpredictable from one year to the next(and on a daily basis) - so be prepared for a range of October weather conditions.

Sun and Clouds during October: What to Expect

Don't let the brilliant blue sky in this photo of the picturesque Mouzaia neighborhood fool you. This day, a Sunday, was picture-perfect but by the next day, the sky had turned gray and overcast. October weather can change dramatically from day to day.

Days begin to feel noticeably shorter this month compared with September. At the beginning of the month, you'll still experiencealmostfull 12 hours of daylight - 11:37 hours, to be exact - but that number drops rapidly as the month progresses. By the end of the month, October offers only 9.53 hours of daylight.

The shift from Daylight Savings time to Regular time toward the end of the exaggerates the feeling of loss, as sunset shifts from around 6:30 pm (18:30) to 5:30 pm (17:30).

On the positive side,October tends to be a sunny month in Paris, with a whopping daily average of 6 hours of sunshine this month.

Here's what you can expect:

• Average hours of daylight: 10hours, 45 minutes

How Much Rain Does Paris Get in October?

Paris records about 1.8 inches (about 4.6 cm) of precipitation on average during October.

In a typical year, you can expect brief showers that clear up quickly rather than steady rain falling for a longer period of time.

Downpours are unusual during most Octobers - although they can happen. If you get caught in one, just duck into a doorway orunder an overhanging balcony because the showers usually end quickly.

Although Paris can be breezy in October, this generally isn't a windy month. However, storms can hit Paris during any month(including July and August, when you least expect it) and when this happens, you may encounter a few days (usually no more that 3-4) of cold, rainy, miserable weather so pack with this possibility in mind.

If you're planning day trips from Paris, you may be wondering about the weather at nearby attractions such asVersailles Palace and Disneyland Paris during October.The good news is that the temperature, rain, and other conditions will be very similar to Paris in most day trip locations. Bring an umbrella or rain hat, or be prepared to dash inside if a quick shower hits.

The exceptionto this is the Normandy Coast. If you're planning a trip to the World War II beaches in Normandy or to Mont Saint-Michel, expect that the temperature may feel much colder due to the possibility of strong coastal winds and even rain.

What to Pack for October Weather in Paris

Paris weather often changes rapidly, so pack for a range of temperatures and conditions. Be prepared to dress warmly on cold or rainy days, but in layers you can shed if the temperature soars.

In addition to your core wardrobe of tops, bottoms,comfortable walking shoes, and under garments, these are the essentials and options to consider for October:

• A warm jacket, perhaps in a longer length - water-resistant is ideal. You'll see Parisians wearing practical dark-colored insulated jackets including puffer jacketssuch as these from Amazon. Also consider bringing a rain hat for when you get caught in surprise showers.
• One or two sweaters in case to layer under your jacket, especially if you plan to take a Seine River sightseeing cruise or open-top hop-on hop-off bus where the temperature will feel at least 10 degrees colder. You can also wear just the sweater on warmer days. Cashmere (check options on Amazon) is ideal for keeping you toasty outside while not making you sweat inside.
• A pair of comfortable ankle boots and your favorite walking shoes.Bring both warm and lighter-weight socks.
• A warm scarf, gloves,and a warm hat are useful on cooler days and chilly nights. If you live in a warm climate such as Texas or Australia and don't have these items in your regular wardrobe, don't worry. You can buy what you need once you reach Paris. Monoprix offers nice quality items at affordable prices.
• A rain hat or umbrella will be useful if you experience rainy days, and it takes up almost no packing space, but umbrellas are a little bulkier. Bring onefrom home, or buy one in Paris if you need it (umbrellas are also a fun souvenir) - you'll seethem everywhere from small convenience stores and souvenir shops where they cost 5-10€ to pricy boutiques and department stores where you'll pay much more.

Pro Tip: Right before you start packing for your trip, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast in case of any surprises. Here's the forecast in both Fahrenheit and Celsius:

PARIS WEATHER
PARIS WEATHER

Is Visiting Paris in October Worth It Despite the Potentially Cold Weather?

Yes, absolutely! Usually October weather in Paris is quite pleasant, making this one of the best months for a visit. If you do encounter chilly weather, it's unlikely to last long this month.

Here are more benefits to visiting Paris in October:

• Fantastic exhibitions at many Paris museums and a huge lineup of concerts, opera, and ballet
• You're likely to experience many sunny days when you can sit outside at a cafe terrace and enjoy a glass of your favorite wine or a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
• You'll love the golden foliage and beautiful flowers in all the city parks, plus if you're in Paris at the end of the month, you'll get to see some fun decorations and perhaps even costumed party-goers on the 31st
• While popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d'Orsay will not be uncrowded, you'll avoid the biggest summer crowds

Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in October

Recommended activities for staying warm and dry while sightseeing in Paris during October weather:

• Moulin Rouge - Enjoy an evening of entertainment and champagne inthis famous Paris cabaret - or choose the gourmet dinner option
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus - Stay warm and dry while you ride on the covered upper deck or enclosed lower deck
• Paris (or Versailles or Giverny) by bike - The perfect way to see fall color (plus a lot more) at these iconic attractions
• Seine River dinner cruise - Savor a gourmet meal in a cozy glass-enclosed boat while seeing famous sights along the river
• Reims & Champagne Tasting Day Trip - Taste a variety of Champagnes and French food, visit vineyards and the historic Reims Cathedral, and learn about how Champagne is produced on this special small-group day tour with transportation from Paris
• Paris Museums - You won't care what the weather outside is like when you use a Paris Museum pass for free admission to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and almost 60 other famous Paris museums and attractions

More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in October

Where to Stay in Paris during October

As you know by now, October weather in Paris can be chilly and rainyso a smart strategy is to stay in central Paris neighborhoods close to top attractions, lots of restaurants, and convenient metro stations.On warmer days, stroll by the Seine River and the outdoor markets.

With these criteria in mind, we recommend staying in these top locations during October:

• Montmartre - Enjoy fall foliage and the village-like vibe of this wonderful neighborhood perched high on the hills overlooking the city
• Latin Quarter - Enjoy fall foliage in the beautiful Jardin des Plantes and Luxembourg Garden, pay your respect to French heroes (including American Josephine Baker, honored for her contributions to the Résistance during World War II), and explore the Rue Mouffetard Market Street
• Saint Germain neighborhood - Choose the popular Saint Germain neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine River, and you'll be close to famous bistros such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, fabulous shopping (Winter Sales!), the Orsay Museum, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés church

Use this hotel booking map to find more hotels and apartments for your travel dates:

Check out the newest Paris hotels

Paris Weather Resources

Want current Paris weather predictions? This is a good French source: Meteoblue
Historical weather data sources: The Weather Channel, Weather Spark, andTime and Date