Fran Smith

We were planning to go to Paris the second week in Aprill '99 for our honeymoon, but I've been hearing that it rains almost the whole month of April. What has been your experience? Should we wait until May? <BR>

Donna

Well, it might rain and it may not. Could be warm and sunny, or really dreary. You just never know. The bulbs should be in bloom, and if you dress for the whether, it won't matter much. I, personally, would wait until mid-May or later when the trees have leaves and the flowers are in bloom everywhere, and the weather will be much more pleasant for enjoying walking all over, sitting in outdoor cafes and taking an open air boat ride down the Seine.

Christina

Well, personal experience is always <BR>anecdotal unless one's lived there <BR>for many years, and anything can <BR>happen with weather at any time of <BR>the year. However, I have some <BR>official weather statistics on all major <BR>cities in the world by month of the <BR>year which states that April is actually <BR>less wet than most other months of <BR>year in Paris as measured by no. of <BR>days with precipitation and total inches. <BR>Averages are 13 days with precip. in <BR>April (vs. 12 in March, May,June & July; <BR>Aug thru Oct all have 13 on average). <BR> Total inches are 1.6 in April vs. 1.3 in <BR>March and 2.2 in May; total inches are <BR>greater than April's 1.6 in every month <BR>of the year except for the 1.3 in March <BR>(e.g., total inches are around 2 for June, <BR>and Sept-Feb; greatest (2.2-2.4) in May, <BR>July and Aug.) Personally, <BR>I'd go whenever you most want to take <BR>your honeymoon and not base it on the <BR>weather as it's not that different in just <BR>a few weeks--nothing you can count on.

Lee

Fran: I used to live in Frankfurt and it was usually cool and somewhat wet in April and in May. Generally speaking, the weather in Paris is somewhat better than Frankfurt, so it may be a good time to go. <BR> <BR>My wife and I took an unplanned trip (unbeatable "E-Saver" airfare) to Paris this past January and had fantastic weather with temps in the 50's during the day and 40's at night. <BR> <BR>The bottom line is this: You just never know, it could be warm and dry or otherwise, but one thing is certain and that is, it's Paris. It's great any time of the year! <BR> <BR>Have fun, may the flowers be in bloom with good weather and best wishes! <BR>

Howard

<BR>My experience, having been in Paris during April twice, several years apart, is that April is rainy. The song is a lie: things bloom in May, not in April, but May in Paris has the wrong rhythm. If you can hold out for May or June, do it. But if it's April or nothing, take April.

qm

Anecdotal yes, but my experience is that it does tend to be very rainy in April (actually, Paris is rainy and overcast in general from Oct-April) I lived there several years, and was recently back at the end of April/beginning of May 1998. We had only one sunny day on our last trip, spent most of our time under an umbrella or indoors enjoying cafe life. My experience is that both sunny and rainy Paris are wonderful (the latter gives you an excuse to make frequent pit stops at wine bars or cafes).

Aurora

Look at it this way. If you are on your honeymoon, to heck with the weather. And, another thing, you avoid the summer crowds. And Paris, when it's hot, is no picnic. April -- in 10 years when you look back -- will be the best month of your lives.

BIJIME

PARIS CAN BE COLD AND OVERCAST IN APRIL. HOWEVER, PLEASE DON'T LET THIS DETER YOU FROM ENJOYING THIS BEAUTIFUL CITY.

jeanne

Interesting responses-especially the stats! I have lived there on and off and I always recommend May-June over April-but now I will have to re-think that <BR> <BR>Anyway, another thought-why not go for a piece of the honeymoon in Grasse to see the Lavender bloom! It is a wonderful area-I am not sure of the exact time of year since it has been too long since I visited. Or just hop a tgv and go to the south (or whereever the weather is great!) <BR> <BR>Regardless-I agree with all the others-Paris is great almost always-make sure you have a great romantic hotel and eat great food, etc. and you won't go wrong!

Meg

We took our honeymoon in April 2 years ago and it was warm and sunny with no rain. We packed for cool weather and had to buy some lightweight items there. We returned a year later to celebrate our first anniversary and it was COLD so we were prepared, but still only experienced a day of rain. Rain or shine, hot or cold, it's PARIS. Even though I've never been in the summer, I think I would rather be there when it's cooler with less crowds than in crowds in the heat of the summer. Whatever you decide, there is no greater place for a honeymoon. You'll love it!

Jody

You may wish to consider what the weather has been, every year, where you live - on your birthday, July 4th, Christmas Day? Is it predictable? Probably not. While Paris is, indeed, Paris, no matter when you go, it is just so much more pleasant when the weather is more likely to be nice (than cold, wet and dreary) and the flowers are in bloom all over. One of the ultimate pleasures in Europe is enjoying outdoor cafes and open air boat rides and picnics along a river or in a park and evening strolls...

Bob Brown

Who cares about the weather in Paris? <BR>Regardless of what it is doing, there is plenty to see and so, both indoors and out. I would be prepared for cool and rainy days. If it is warm, don't wear your Goretex and Polarfleece. And knowing a little French sure helps. <BR> <BR>

mariana

We've been in Paris three times in April and it is GREAT. I would avoid, however, Easter week for the crowds are very large,. Last year the end of April was very cool, but we loved it, and it did rain a little, but it adds to the atmosphere.....in fact we think Paris is better in the rain!!! (course it could be warm and sunny) April has many fewer tourists, prices of hotels are better etc etc. Have fun.

mariana

We've been in Paris three times in April and it is GREAT. I would avoid, however, Easter week for the crowds are very large,. Last year the end of April was very cool, but we loved it, and it did rain a little, but it adds to the atmosphere.....in fact we think Paris is better in the rain!!! (course it could be warm and sunny) April has many fewer tourists, prices of hotels are better etc etc. Have fun.

topper

For Roberto.