D10S

My wife and I want to take our 17 year old duaghter to Paris on her spring break. The break is March 11-20th.

Will it be to cold in March? Would it be better to hold off till July? Is the colder weather worth the trade off for fewer crowds?

Will there be things blooming yet in March?

travelbunny

..There will be crocuses and daffodils. The weather is very variable at this time of year. It can be gorgeous or quite rainy and chilly. This shouldn't stop you. Remember Paris is a city not a rural destination..lots of museums ect and great hot chocolate and cafe au lait. Check weather undergroud for historical temps.

djkbooks

I'd recommend March over July. It will likely be chilly, but you could have a spell of nicer weather.

Just pack a raincoat/jacket and a warm sweater (or polartec jacket).

StCirq

I've been in Paris in March almost every year for more than 20 years, and it's one of my favorite times to go, but not because of weather, which can range from snow squalls (rare) to heat(rare also), but because the city is gearing up for the summer season, the flowers are beginning to bloom, there aren't tons of tourists, you can get into museums without long lines (yes of course I know you can do this with the museum pass, but I'm often just aiming for one or two museums), and there's a delightful air of expectancy about. Just plan to dress in layers and be prepared for rain (I never am, but you should be).

AnthonyGA

March weather tends to be cool, and usually sunny but with frequent spring showers. Nothing is yet in bloom in March, but there are signs that spring is beginning. It is a much less gloomy month than February. Nowadays, it's usually much warmer than historical records would predict, although it's not usually hot.

Scarlett

We were in Paris the second week of March this year. One day was sunny and breezy and a bit cold, the next day we had snow showers. I would suggest taking winter coats, hats, gloves and scarves and layers.
I enjoy Paris soo much more in cool/cold weather than in the crowded hot un-airconditioned summer months.
I don't remember that many flowers blooming.

Cicerone

Take a look at weatherbase.com and worldclimate.com for historical average temps and rainfall. It will be cool to cold and you probably will have rain; but I agree with the above that if you are prepared with the right clothes and attitude, March is a great time to go as it is not nearly as crowded. I also think that the wet cobblestone streets and the bare trees are actually quite beautiful. You won't notice the weather when you are inside the museums in any event. You also luck out and great a warm sunny streak. Hotel prices will be lower than in July, as should air fares, esp as you are not going over Easter. Drawbacks are that the boat rides on the Seine, and upstairs/outdoor part of the double decker sightseeing bus may not be quite as much fun, and outdoor cafes are unlikely to be open (unless you get the odd warm day), but have to second the recco on the hot chocolate (and mulled wine for the grown ups).

Also keep in mind that days will be a little bit shorter still in March.. Go to sunrisesunset.com for precise times. Actually good for timing dusk at the Eiffel Tower, a great time to be there, IMO.

July can really be beastly hot and is of course really crowded.