Will be in Paris (first time) for one week starting April 1st. Any tips on weather, what to wear, and what to expect given the present day unrest?

It will most likely be very cold. When we went one April the weather was windy, cold, and rainy. On the other hand some days were sunny but still cold.

Anticipate rain! April is hard to judge. It can be lovely (we were there last year the last week in April) or it can be cold and grey. Nevertheless, Paris is wonderful either way. Take a raincoat with a zip-out lining. Wear layers. I doubt you will notice anything more unsettling than you would see at home related to &quot;the present day unrest.&quot; (Probably even less.)<BR>

With all due respect to Francophile3, who was in Paris &quot;one time&quot; in April, it isn't likely to be very cold at all. I'm in Paris almost every April, and the weather ranges from balmy to brisk. I've been in Paris in February when the temperature almost reached 70 Fahrenheit and people were sitting at sidewalk caf&eacute;s in sleeveless shirts. I've also been there in March when it snowed. MOST of the time in April it is in the low 60s during the day, dropping to 50s or 40s at night, with scattered showers and some gusty days. That said, no one can predict the weather. Just check the weather a few days before you leave and figure out what you need at that point. It always pays to be prepared for rain in Paris, any time of year.

Well,thanks, I suppose I am not fortunate enough to visit Paris numerous times as others to judge what the weather is like in April.<BR><BR>I do agree that Paris has changeable weather throughout the year.

April in Paris....Chestnuts in blossom....<BR><BR> When we were there last (midApril 2000) weather changed from chilly and rainy to warm and sunny about every other day.

I don't think it matters much if you've been in Paris once in April or 10 times in April, Paris weather is fickle, especially in the shoulder seasons.<BR>I went once over Memorial Day weekend<BR>(end of May US holiday) and we had steady rain and temps in the 50sF every day.<BR><BR>All of which goes to show, check the forecast before you go (and check more than one place, they differ) and nevertheless take some layers, rain gear, and either extra shoes or waterproof ones.

Yes, layer... (so you can keep warm when cold and take one off when it gets warm). One of my layers is one of those tuck away hooded pullover water proof jackets. Very nice for my trip to Paris. Loved it. Umbrella is always handy, too.<BR><BR>April 1st in Paris... April Fools = Poisson d'avril (fish of April). The big joke is to stick a paper fish on someone's back without them noticing. I saw this done between a waiter and waitress in a Pizza restaurant near the Tour Eiffel. They were so nonchalant about it. Also, the French news will state something that is untrue and everyone will try to figure out what it is... until it is revealed the following day. Watch for displays of chocolate fish.<BR><BR>Happy Travels!