Paris weather
 

I know this has been asked frequently but we will be in Paris in one week for 3 days. I am trying to pack and figure out what to take based on the weather. I am coming from the East Coast so it looks much like our weather--hadn't planned on a "winter coat" but certainly do not want to freeze! I guess layers would be the most sensible--? Shall I bring sweaters as well? Any thoughts. Thanks,

Check Méteo Paris the day before you leave and plan accordingly. No one in Paris or anywhere else in France can plan more than a few hours ahead normally. Pack layers and sturdy walking shoes and something for rain showers. Do you really think anyone here in France knows more than you do? Not a chance, LOL!

There are many websites that give historical weather patterns for cities all over the world, and these same sites usually give you today's weather there as well. The one I use is www.weatherbase.com but there are many others. It makes more sense to use a weather website than to ask here what the weather will be like next week in Paris.

Kathie I am all ready doing this using weather.com I have it plugged in--of course that makes more sense. I am inquiring about what to wear and bring! No one knows what the weather is like including the weather service half thet time--thanks for your input.

Late May is usually warm, though it can be cool at times. But it's never cold. I would pack spring clothes and one jacket that matches all your outtfits and which you can wear in the evenings.

The odds of freezing in Paris in late May are 0.00001%

In fact, the weather is very similar to Washington DC/NYC, so figure out what it is like there at the same time. Historical weather average are all you can go on, but you should know what you like to wear in such weather based on the average temps, etc. Why is this difficult.

weather.com gives forecasts out that far anyway, and since it is only a week away, you have a pretty good idea of weather possibilities.

I can't even imagine going to Paris in mid-May without a sweater. I always take a couple even in July. No, don't take a winter coat. Weather will likely be mid to upper 60s in daytime, possibly down to 50 at night. It rains a lot in May. Take some kind of rain jacket, at least a waterproof shell or something, that's what I would do. At this time of year, I would take a thiner-weight down-filled puffer jackets, one of those ones that scrunch up for travel down to nothing. Could be useful at night. I've taken one of those to Paris at end of Sept or early October, and was very glad I did for night.

Yes, late May can be cool. It can be anything. It was 5 C in Paris last week, 17 C here today. Nobody can be sure. It poured for two days straight here last week, then was crystal clear for 3 days. You just cannot know. Be prepared. and I agree I would never go to Paris in mid-May without a sweater, a warm one, and a scarf. You don't need a winter coat, though. My "scientific approach" before I moved here was to pack a little bit of everything. Even now that I live here I pack a bit of everything into the car before we take off on a daytrip because weather can change from beautiful in the morning to cold and horrendous and hail in the afternoon to chilly in the morning to hot as hell in the afternoon.

Got it? No one can say, and watch, but don't rely on, the météo.

I got it StCirq it is the same as here for sure. East coast, New York just not exactly as I would dress here.

Christina I have a puffer jacket the kind you speak of--hardly wear it as it is purple. Not black. I have a nice sharp black leather jacket, but it is not warm at all. We did not see the sun here for nearly 10 days in a row. Seriously gloom and doom. I do not recall May being so cool as this year. Well thanks I have decided the only way to lick this thing, is to bring it all. We are in London first then onto Paris.

I just returned last night. I had expected much cooler temps based on the reports. It was wet and generally mild during my stay. Have a grand time.

Thanks you. How long did you stay in Paris? I am so excited. I cannot wait to see such a fabulous gorgeous city.

You're not bringing the right weight jacket because it is purple? Really?

IMHO any heavy weight clothing is just going to be a PIA. Layers is the way to go. If you feel the cold a lot perhaps a lightweight jacket - but definitely no more than that. But do bring long and short sleeve tops, a couple of sweaters, maybe a thin cotton turtleneck and a tissue weight hooded rain jacket (the kind that folds into a tiny pouch). Also TWO pair of broken in walking shoes - since if one gets wet it will likely still be damp the next AM.

I would not bring shorts, tank tops, sundresses or flip flops. (One young woman wanted to bring these to NYC now - only it's 55 at night - not 75.)

We were two weeks in France, just ended up in Paris. Have a glorious time, it will be so much fun.

Jubilada, very sensitive to what in rome to like the romans do" you r funny--you got it purple is Barney!

No shorts for me, no way it needs to be a 100 for the short scene for me. I got the walking shoes I am a walker, I did 6.5 miles today so I am use to that so is DH. We are active although seniors. Thanks for all your help and input! I do appreciate your kind thoughts. Ny traveler PIA? Pain in A--? Did I guess correctly?

Layers, layers. Always take a wrap for chilly restaurants and airplanes.

Hi Diann24,

I was in your shoes over a week ago. I packed both long and short sleeves pullover type tops to go with my jeans and pencil skirts. It was warm the first couple of days, and it has been in the mid sixties for the last week, so pack clothes accordingly. I have not used my spring coat. The skirt I wear to dinner and I still don't need a coat. The weather has been great,

Have a great time in Paris! My husband and I are so in love with this city.

<i> Paris weather
Posted by: diann24 on May 15, 16 at 5:33pm</i>

Here is a good weather site https://www.wunderground.com/q/zmw:00000.37.07156. Looks like a parapluie is in order. And do not forget your scarf, http://www.enjoy-europe.com/hte/chap05/clothes.htm.

I have had to change clothes at least twice a day, during the last 2 weeks. This will likely continue - welcome to Springtime in Paris.

In the morning and late evening, it's very chilly and sometimes raining - heavy waterproof jacket.
During the day, it may - or may not - warm up enough to wear only a light windbreaker, if that. Sometimes rain, sometimes not.

Even with reliable weather reports on French TV, systems can blow through Paris at a moment's notice and everything changes overnight.

The best advice is to bring a light waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella, think about thin-to-medium layers - better to peel than schlep a heavy coat/sweater you won't need more than once - and pack the day before you leave for Paris.

Yes PIA is Pain in Ass.

What I use most is the tissue weight rain jacket. Mine is reversible tan and black so can even be worn as a jacket/warp out in the evening. And if you throw it in the washer it's easily all fresh and clean and dries in about 3 hours.

spaarne: What a great site!! He really nails it--so true it is disgraceful the way some people dress in these countries like they just had dinner at the dumpster. Too funny.

We have been to Italy, Rome Vienna Prague, so I get the scarf thing and I am very observant as to how the people dress when traveling to these great cities. I love scarfs and I have many so not a worry on that note.

Cafegoddess (cute name) I do not wear pencil skirts not for me, but I have 2 dress black slacks with nice tops. I hope that will be ok for dining in the p.m. On vacation I often change clothes 3 times a day anywhere I go--thanks again folks. You are the best.

http://www.meteofrance.com says no rain for the coming days but high temperatures will remain well below 20°C.

I have one more question if anyone cares to take a stab at it--My husband has had a skin cancer removal on his high forehead. I always insist he wear a baseball cap wherever we go I see that is totally not welcomes in Paris in his case what would he wear that would be appropriate? (aside from sunscreen) I am adamant about head covering he says well what will I wear? a turban? lol

He should continue to wear his baseball cap, especially since it is vital for his health, because no one will care what he is wearing. Or if he feels more comfortable in some other kind of hat that is fine but if he prefers the baseball cap then he should continue wearing it. I assure you, no one will notice nor will anyone care.

"I was in your shoes over a week ago."



I hope you brought them back so she can pack them for her trip.

His baseball cap will be fine as long as he takes it off indoors. Everyone will know you aren't French - there's no hiding it.

Well, while most French people don't wear baseball hats no one will care if he wears it inside or outside. Really, they aren't having a fashion contest here (btw, not trying to pick on you nytraveler). Yes, you'll see many fashionably dressed people but you'll also see many people (locals, not tourist) who are far from fashionably dressed. As soon as you start speaking they'll know you're not French anyway but they really don't care if you're French or not. There are non-French people from all over the world in Paris.

And to put a personal note on this in regards to baseball hats, well, I've just been diagnosed with a rare form of rosacea that affects my forehead and nose. The medication I need to take requires that I try to avoid the sun. This is problematic for me as I have an outdoor job so I need to wear a baseball hat to protect my forehead and nose from sunlight on those days I work outdoors. The visor on the baseball hat provides better protection against the sun than other kinds of hats so for me, a baseball hat it is. Anyone who wears a baseball hat, or any kind of hat, knows that when you take the hat off your hair has weird "hathead". So I just keep the baseball hat on to avoid the awkward hathead. Certainly if you're going to someplace (upscale restaurant, opera or otherwise fancy place) where people will be all dressed up then you, or I, would feel awkward wearing a baseball hat. Luckily, most places you'll go (most restaurants included) won't be super fancy places so wear your baseball hat without shame. It's not a problem.

<i>diann24 on May 16, 16 at 6:48pm
I have one more question if anyone cares to take a stab at it--My husband has had a skin cancer removal on his high forehead. I always insist he wear a baseball cap wherever we go I see that is totally not welcomes in Paris in his case what would he wear that would be appropriate? (aside from sunscreen) I am adamant about head covering he says well what will I wear? a turban? lol</i>

I have a similar situation. A dermatologist said that I had a spot of pre-cancer 25 years ago. He proceeded to cut off a piece of my nose, with my OK. Now I wear a hat almost always because I hate that sun blocker goo.

I bought my first Fedora at a souvenir shop in the Montmartre area. It is a black wool Italian job, circa &euro;30. See the photo in my profile. I think the shop is on Rue de Steinkerque (maybe #18), running downhill from Sacr&eacute; C&oelig;ur. A Fedora gives you more protection than a baseball cap and is more presentable wherever you go. Not only did I wear it all over Paris, but throughout Britain, Ireland, Nederland, and here in Michigan. True, very few Europeans wear hats. So what?

BTW, the funicular ride at Sacr&eacute; C&oelig;ur is included if you have a Metro pass.

No we aren't trying to "look French" when we are not,nor am I trying to hide it we just don't want to stick out like sore thumbs either.

I found an English hat for him it is perfect. It will be fine. "ivy" I think it was and I love the idea of the Fedora. I might wear one too.

FrenchMystiqueTour,

As always, you are a sweetheart!

Diann24, I hope the packing is going well. The black slacks sounds good.
As FMT mentioned, the French don't care what you are wearing. Just bring comfortable shoes for walking. My husband and I walked over 8 miles today. It was a very beautiful day in Paris. Luxembourg Garden was full of people enjoying the day.

Have a beautiful time n Paris with your husband.

Regarding the purple puffy coat: I'm in Italy now and because it's been rainy and chilly, I've seen any number of puffy coats in all sorts of bright colors. I'd suggest bringing yours if the weather warrants it. I brought only a light weight rain coat and have wanted something warmer at times.

I concur with Spaarne. I wear a fedora type hat too, not at a doctors urging, but DW, and that's even more important. I have a heavy wool one for fall, winter and early spring and a lightweight one for the rest of the time.

I never have "hat head" like FMT. No hair means no problem! Except cold. No hair means cold.

Just a short comment on hats and hat hair. I am also sun sensitive, no cancer but fair- skinned and have used sunblock long before it became popular. To avoid hat hair and still keep sun off my face, I use a visor. Works well and looks lot better on me than a baseball cap. Most hats are just too warm for summer temperatures.

Visors are not protective of the scalp, a common place for melanoma to grow.
I have several incredibly lightweight hats, suitable for Arizona, which is very very warn.

I have a couple of Panama hats in fedora style and a couple of broad brimmed ones. They are super light, your head breathes and you don't get hat head. I can fold them once down the middle, put them into a large ziplock bag and press all the air out, and into my suitcase and they pop back into shape when I unpack.

I have worn them in super hot and humid places like Sydney, Australia and Cancun and they were perfect.

Thanks cafegoddess. Nice of you to say. :)

apersuader - I have an abundance of hair if you need to borrow some. ;)

In regards to fedora hats, I'm sure those look good on some people but not me. I look better in a baseball hat and they don't have as large a visor as a baseball hat. Though I must admit, I don't like wearing any kind of a hat. I have gorgeous adonis like hair that chicks dig and hats ruin that. I hope Mrs FMT isn't reading this thread. ;)

FMT: I'm sorry to hear about your rosacea - sounds like the baseball cap is the way to go for you. I'll be in Paris in Nov - will be in touch with you before then to see about a bike tour if the weather cooperates!

Thanks powhatangal. :)

Any kind of hat that won't blow off in the wind will be fine. Just remove your hat when you're indoors, leave it on if seated on a sunny terrasse.

Everyone will know you're tourists because you're not dressed for work and running to catch a train. Don't worry about this at all. Just make sure to protect your valuables at all times, since the only people who will be looking at you are the pickpockets.

Fuzzbucket I have a special handbag that I purchased from a travel safety site used it in Rome and DH has wallets that can be hidden. (he doesn't like them)

cafegoddess thanks for checking up on me. Packing and repacking has begun and nearly ended. I did end up with the Barney purple puffer jacket it has its own little pouch. (it is a plum really!) One thing I hate is to be cold, truly I do, so better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it. We are on the East Coast and it is probably exactly the same cool, 60's damp sprinkles at times. No different. I am getting really excited. Tomorrow p.m. we leave---thanks all you are so kind.