First time in Paris
 

Hi,
I am coming to Paris for the first time. Is it better to go at Christmas time, or should I wait until spring and come the week following Easter. How is the weather in late December? Is it too cold to really enjoy the city? Or is it so festive that the cold doesn't bother anyone? How is the weather in late March? Here in the northern U.S. late March is sometimes still very cold.

I have been several times in mid-April, just either before or after Easter, and really enjoy this time of the year; my other experience was late July and it was mid 90s, ugh. Sometimes there is rain, but the days are cooler (mid-60s). I find it to be good walking weather. The spring flowers are in full bloom, and it is warm enough to sit in an outdoor cafe comfortably. I've never managed to be there near Christmas so can't answer, but I wouldn't turn down the chance to be in Paris no matter what time of the year. You will have a memorable trip no matter when.

If you have a choice, I would recommend waiting until spring. Paris is lovely in spring, the days are longer, the weather is warmer, the city is beautiful. I would not call Paris especially festive at Christmas although I have only been there on business at that time of year.

I've been there several times in mid March and would recommend it. Stays light out till about 7pm which I think is perfect. Plenty long day but still lots of time after the lights come on, which is wonderful in Paris. In terms of the weather I've had 70 degrees and sunny but also had 50s and rain. Some years in the same week! (Also had years with near perfect weeks, and weeks when it rained almost every day). But there are flowers in bloom, the grass is green and it is definitly SPRING, especially compared to New England.

I've had mixed experiences in Paris in the 'springtime', song lyrics not withstanding. Christmas and pre-Christmas have their own magic in almost any city, lots of decorations and bustling about, but short days.
Rain likely at least some of the time, but rain and cool-cold temperatures have also been present in March, April, and May, I have found. Days will be longer though.

Check average historical temps at a weather website like wunderground.com, but after that it's a matter of luck.

My experience with several March visits is to expect lows in the 40's and high's around 58-60, occasional misty/quick showers, usually overcast skies. Flowerbeds will either be empty or have a few new plantings in them. Trees will be somewhat bare or budding, except for any evergreens of course. Good brisk walking weather, but take an umbrella.

I was in Paris last year right after X-mas and did not like it. It was rainy, overcasted, and cold. Being there in March and November and weather has been ideal. Actually I liked November much better, sunny-cool days and not so cold at night time.

Does anyone know when Easter falls in 2005?

Hi hop,

Go to www.google.com and enter "easter 2005".

Thanks to all that replied. So it looks like spring is best.

In 2005 Easter Falls early. It is on March 27th.

Kathy