mlprcarr

Thank you everyone! Will be looking at May tickets this week. It will be my husband and I's first time in Paris, so I'm trying to be prepared and see which months / days to go so we can fully enjoy the city!

indyhiker

I think it's worth noting that temperature only tells part of the story. Add a stiff breeze and 60 degrees is not going to feel like 60 degrees. We were in Paris is early/mid May 2010 and while it wasn't cold, it was windy. Some days felt pretty raw. I'd focus on layers and bring a decent trench, perhaps one with a removable liner and/or hood.

welltraveledbrit

Sorry spell check changed "brolly" to broody!

manouche

If you can go in late May your chances of having decent weather will be much higher. There are people who visit Paris once in a while and those of us who have lived here all year long for many years. I know whose opinions I would listen to. I would also have a look at MeteoFrance a few days before you pack. Mother Nature is not behaving the way she used to.

mlprcarr

Hello, Manouche, thanks for sharing your input. If we book first week of May, would that make a difference if we book in April? Weather wise?

apersuader65

If you look at the historical weather, from week to week there isn't usually much difference, but early April vs. late May can be significant. We were there the last week of March and the first week of April this year. While it wasn't strictly cold, it was rainy and windy in April. DW and I both just wore layers and a jacket, with a backpack each day out. On the few days where it was warm, we simply peeled a layer off and put it in the back pack.

If it isn't too forward, is there a specific reason you're debating the exact time of April vs. the first week of May? If you're concerned with airfares, I can attest that we paid $200.00 less each for our tickets for next May/June than we did this March/April. If it is vacation day/work related, then I suggest that you take the latest dates you can. Averages will say the weather will be warmer.

I also agree with the comment above to simply check the weather forecast for the time you are there starting a week or so in advance. Packing should be based upon the forecast, but I'd have some form of rain gear in any event.

pariswat

May 11-13 is the period that is considered as the period of no frost guarantee. We call it the Saints of Ice.

https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saints_de_glace

manouche

Saint Urbain's Feast day is 25 May and is observed by us serious gardeners because there still might be frost until then. We never uncover our plants until then.

I would go as late in May as possible and just forget about April unless you want to stay indoors all the time. The weather can be pretty violent when it changes from late winter to early spring. You don't want to deal with sudden hailstorms and downpours if you don't have to - la giboulee comes later every year now.

You can decide on a picnic when you are in Paris and see what the weather's like on any given day. No need to plan ahead for that or make a big deal out of getting supplies. Most decent grocery stores or specialty shops close by noon or aren't open on Sunday and some are closed Monday though.