The Best Time to Visit Paris with Kids (Month by Month Guide)

If you’re planning a family trip to Paris with the kids, one of the biggest questions is when’s the best time to visit? The good news is that Paris is a year-round destination but the experience can feel very different depending on the time of year. From hot, busy summer holidays to quieter, budget-friendly winter trips, here’s a month-by-month guide to help you decide the best time to visit Paris with the kids. I’ve included what the weather’s like, how busy it gets and how prices tend to change.

January

Average temperature: High 7°C, Low 2°C

January is one of the quietest times to visit Paris, which can be a big plus if you want to avoid crowds. You’ll find shorter queues at major attractions and a more relaxed atmosphere overall. It’s cold, and often grey, so you’ll need to wrap up well, especially with younger children. However, this is one of the cheapest times to visit with lower hotel prices and better availability. If you’re combining your break with Disneyland Paris it’ll be much quieter in January but some refurbishments might happen during this period.

February

Average temperature: High 8°C, Low 2°C

February is still cold but Paris starts to feel a little livelier, especially around the school half-term week. If you travel during UK half-term, expect a noticeable increase in crowds and prices. Outside of that week, the city remains relatively quiet and affordable so it could be a good time for city break if you don’t mind the colder weather.

March

Average temperature: High 12°C, Low 4°C

March might just the best time to visit Paris with the kids over the cooler months if you’d like slightly higher temperatures. The weather begins to improve and the first signs of spring will start to appear. Crowds are still fairly low, especially early in the month, and prices are reasonable compared to peak season which can make family travel much more affordable. If you’re combing your trip with Disneyland Paris, it’s a good time to visit before the Easter crowds arrive.

April

Average temperature: High 16°C, Low 7°C

April is a popular time to visit Paris, particularly during the Easter holidays. The weather is generally pleasant, making it ideal for walking around the city and sightseeing with kids before it gets too hot. However, the school holidays (and the long Easter bank holiday weekend in particular) bring higher prices and bigger crowds, both in Paris and at Disneyland Paris. If you can travel outside of the Easter break, you’ll get the benefit of good weather and fewer people but otherwise it might not be the best time to visit with the kids.

May

Average temperature: High 20°C, Low 10°C

May is one of the best months to visit Paris with kids, as long as you time your visit carefully. The weather is usually warm, but not too hot, and the city feels lively without being overwhelming. However, just like in the UK, there are a few public holidays in France during May which can make certain weekends busier and slightly more expensive. If you’re hopping over to France for a weekend getaway outside of those times it can be a lovely time to visit but May half-term week in particular will definitely bring bigger crowds – especially at Disneyland Paris.

June

Average temperature: High 24°C, Low 13°C

June is probably the best time to visit Paris if you’re opting to stay outside of the city to combine a full family holiday with sightseeing with the kids. There are some fabulous holiday parks in Paris with waterslides, outdoor pools and kids’ activities – plus you’ll get long days, warm weather and a great atmosphere across the city. Crowds start to build towards the end of the month as the schools begin to break up in parts of Europe, and prices gradually increase, but it’s still more manageable than the peak summer months.

July

Average temperature: High 26°C, Low 15°C

July marks the start of the peak summer season. Paris is at its busiest, especially once the UK school holidays begin. The weather can be hot, sometimes reaching into the high 20s or even 30s, which can make long days of sightseeing tiring for children. Prices for accommodation are at their highest and attractions can be very crowded. Weather wise, it’s another great month if you’re opting for a holiday park stay with outdoor pools, but the higher temperatures can be less fun for city adventures. Disneyland Paris will also extremely busy, with long queues and higher demand.

August

Average temperature: High 26°C, Low 15°C

August is similar to July in terms of heat and crowds, although many Parisians leave the city for their own holidays, which can give certain areas a slightly quieter feel. Tourist hotspots remain very busy and prices stay high. It can also be very warm, which isn’t always ideal with younger children and Disneyland Paris continues to be at peak capacity, so you’d need to expect long wait times. It’s a lovely time for waterslides and swimming pools but typically not the best time for sightseeing in Paris, or a theme park visit, with the kids.

September

Average temperature: High 22°C, Low 12°C

September is one of the best months to visit Paris with kids – the weather is still warm but the summer crowds begin to ease once the schools return so it can be a great time for a visit if you can travel term-time or escape for a long weekend. Prices start to drop slightly, and the overall experience is much more relaxed compared to July and August. Disneyland Paris becomes noticeably quieter, which makes things more fun for the kids, though when we visited a September heat wave gave us highs of 33°C!

October

Average temperature: High 17°C, Low 9°C

October is another great option, particularly early in the month. The weather is still mild and the autumn colours can make the city feel especially scenic. The UK half term can bring a spike in crowds and prices, so it’s worth planning around those dates if possible. Disneyland Paris is popular during October due to Halloween celebrations, which can be a fun bonus for families, but it may not be the best time to visit if you’re hoping to avoid the crowds.

November

Average temperature: High 11°C, Low 5°C

November is quieter and more affordable but the weather can be grey and unpredictable so that’s certainly something to consider – it’s a good time for museums and indoor attractions. Crowds are low, making it easier to get around with kids, but shorter daylight hours can limit how much you fit into each day and towards the end of the month things will start to pick up for the Christmas season.

December

Average temperature: High 8°C, Low 3°C

December is a magical time to visit Paris, especially in the lead-up to Christmas. The city is beautifully decorated and there’s a festive atmosphere throughout with Christmas markets popping up all over the city. It does get busy and more expensive as Christmas approaches, particularly during school holidays, and you’ll need to consider the low temperatures too. December can be a popular for visits to both Paris and Disneyland Paris, thanks to the Christmas celebrations, but it’s also one of the busiest times to visit.

Visiting Disneyland Paris – does timing matter?

If you’re planning to combine city sightseeing in Paris with a trip to Disneyland Paris, timing can make a big difference. School holidays and summer months are the busiest, with longer queues and higher prices, while quieter months like January, March and September can be much more manageable with kids. Though I’ve touched on this above check out my separate guide as I’ve covered the best time to visit Disneyland Paris in detail including crowd levels, events and the cheapest times to go.

So, when’s the best time to visit Paris with kids?

For the best balance of weather, crowds and price the ideal time to visit Paris with kids is likely May, June or September. You’ll get pleasant temperatures, manageable crowds and a much more relaxed experience overall – excluding the holidays in May of course. If you’re looking to save money, March and November can be great options as long as you’re prepared for colder weather – though at least it won’t be as cold as January! For a more lively, summery atmosphere – combined with a fun stay at holiday parks like La Croix du Vieux Pont or Center Parcs ‘Villages Nature Paris’ – July and August are popular but you’ll need to be ready for higher prices, bigger crowds and hotter temperatures.

There’s no single ‘best’ time to visit Paris with kids, it really depends on what matters most to you. Whether you’re looking for sunshine, smaller crowds or the best value, each season offers something different. If you’re planning to include Disneyland Paris in your trip, it’s worth thinking carefully about timing, as this can make a big difference to your experience. I have some useful articles to help with your trip planning so check out: