My husband and I are planning to go to Paris. Should we go in April or September? We plan to walk, see some gardens and do the usual tourist sights. Please share your thoughts!

From all accounts, April can be rainy and cold, while September is traditionally pleasant (but Paris weather is very changeable at all times). If those are your only two options, I would choose September. <BR>

Hi Joyce, <BR>I was in Paris last April and the wheather was pleasant (sunny to partly cloudy) with mild temperatures except for one day when it rained lightly, and I had a terrific time. This coming year I am planning to go in early May. However, I've heard that September is the next best time to go because of typical Indian summers and kids are back in school. In any event, you can't go wrong with either April or September just go! Paris is beautiful regardless of the wheather.

I highly recommend September. The weather it still pleasant for being out and about, enjoying outdoor cafes and open air boat rides, and the throngs of tourists have subsided. And, there is still much in bloom. April can be very dreary, or maybe not, but (other than some bulbs) the flowers will not yet be blooming and the trees won't have leaves yet. Next time, we're going in June, the most beautiful month for the gardens.

I have lived in central France for a number of years (now back in USA). My wife and I would go to Paris two or three times a year. We found that April was too unpredictable in Paris and most often a little cold and damp. September, on the other hand, has a virtue, besides very pleasant weather, that must not be overlooked; it's the time that all the French go on vacation, therefore, Paris has been vacated. Crowds disappear and Paris is yours. We found ourselves in a routine of always going to Paris in September if only for the convenience. To me there is no comparison between the two months. <BR>

I have lived in central France for a number of years (now back in USA). My wife and I would go to Paris two or three times a year. We found that April was too unpredictable in Paris and most often a little cold and damp. September, on the other hand, has a virtue, besides very pleasant weather, that must not be overlooked; it's the time that all the French go on vacation, therefore, Paris has been vacated. Crowds disappear and Paris is yours. We found ourselves in a routine of always going to Paris in September if only for the convenience. To me there is no comparison between the two months. <BR>

The weather is certainly better in September, but all of the parisans who went on vacation in August are back and I had always wondered where all the people and cars had come from. September is noticeably more crowded. If you want less crowds in Paris, go in August. September and October are great times for visiting the rest of the country where the parisians had vacationed but are now back in Paris.