The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Paris in Spring
Paris in spring is a soft launch into summer — the city shakes off its winter gloom, café terraces fill with locals basking in the first hints of sunshine, and Parisians engage in their annual ritual of dramatically shedding their coats at the slightest rise in temperature (too soon, but can you blame them?). If you’re dreaming of strolling down cherry blossom-lined streets, sipping wine at a sun-drenched café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, or picnicking with an Eiffel Tower view, you’re in for a treat.
Between March and May, Paris in springtime is nothing short of enchanting. Parks burst into bloom, the Seine shimmers under longer daylight hours, and the city finds a perfect balance between its renewed post-winter energy and the calm before peak summer crowds arrive. But don’t be fooled — spring in Paris can also bring moody skies, a few surprise rain showers, and the eternal “do I need a coat or not?” dilemma.
This guide covers everything you need to know: what to wear in Paris in spring, where to see cherry blossoms, how to enjoy the city like a local, and how to avoid tourist traps—so you can live out your Parisian spring fantasy without a single regret (or an ill-timed downpour).
Weather & Packing Essentials for Paris in Spring
March: The First Signs of Spring
Paris in March still holds onto its winter chill, but longer daylight hours and the first signs of spring flowers give the city a fresh burst of energy.
Average temperatures: 3°C – 14°C (38°F – 57°F)
Weather: Expect overcast skies, crisp mornings, and occasional rain showers. While afternoons can be mild, evenings may still feel like winter. During March, it’s usually ideal to plan outdoor activities between 11am and 4pm, while mornings and evenings may be better spent at a cozy café, interesting museum, or chic restaurant.
Packing tips:
A warm coat is still essential, but opt for layers — you might need to shed them by midday.
A scarf, gloves, and a compact umbrella will help you navigate Paris’s unpredictable weather.
Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are a must, especially if you’re exploring Montmartre’s cobblestone streets or spending time in Paris’s best parks.
Get a full breakdown of Paris weather in March by clicking here!
April: Warmer Days & Blooming Flowers
April is when Paris starts to feel alive again. The cherry blossoms in Parc de Sceaux, Square Jean XXIII near Notre-Dame, and Jardin des Plantes make for stunning photo ops, while the city’s café culture kicks back into full gear.
Average temperatures: 6°C – 18°C (43°F – 64°F)
Weather: Milder, with a mix of sunshine and spring showers. Cherry blossoms peak this month, making it one of the most picturesque times to visit Paris. Daylight savings time also starts in Europe on the last Sunday in March, meaning you’ll benefit from longer evenings, later sunsets, and the vibrant Parisian atmosphere that comes with it.
Packing tips:
A trench coat or a light wool coat is perfect for classic Parisian style.
Layers are key — light sweaters, breathable long-sleeve tops, and a stylish blazer or lightweight jacket will keep you comfortable.
A small, packable umbrella is non-negotiable. Parisian rain can be sneaky.
Neutral colors and effortlessly chic outfits will help you blend in — think straight-leg jeans, ankle boots, and a well-tailored coat.
May: The Start of Outdoor Season
By May, Paris is officially in its golden phase — longer days, sunlit terraces, and picnics in Jardin du Luxembourg or along the Seine. Locals emerge in full force, and the city finds a perfect balance before summer crowds take over.
Average temperatures: 10°C – 21°C (50°F – 70°F)
Weather: Weather: Pleasant and warm, with plenty of sunshine. Rain showers are still possible, but they’re less frequent. Long daylight hours and comfortable temperatures make it the perfect time for leisurely walks, outdoor dining, and soaking in the city’s vibrant spring charm.
Packing tips:
Light layers, breezy dresses, and breathable fabrics are ideal for daytime exploring.
Sunglasses are essential for enjoying golden-hour views.
A blazer or leather jacket is perfect for cooler, breezy evenings.
Comfortable walking shoes are still a must — whether you’re strolling through the Louvre courtyard or tackling the hills of Montmartre.
With the right wardrobe, you’ll be ready to embrace the magic of Paris in spring, whether you’re basking in the sun at a café terrace or dashing for cover during a quick rain shower.
Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms & Spring Flowers in Paris
Spring in Paris is the city at its most photogenic: longer days, sunnier afternoons, and a full-on floral spectacle that turns the city into a pastel dream. The cherry blossoms steal the show, but Paris in spring isn’t just about pink petals — wisteria drapes over charming alleyways, tulips brighten up formal gardens, and the city’s parks practically beg you to curl up in the rich green grass with a book, a baguette and a bottle of wine.
Whether you’re here for the perfect Eiffel Tower-and-cherry-blossom shot or just want to bask in the seasonal glow, these are the best spots to soak up springtime in Paris:
Where to See Cherry Blossoms in Paris
Although exact timing can depend on the weather conditions, cherry blossoms are usually in bloom in Paris between mid-March and mid to late April. Here’s where to catch them:
Square René Viviani – Cute little park with a stunning Notre Dame view.
Jardin des Plantes – Rows of cherry trees, plus a whole botanical garden.
Trocadéro Gardens – Eiffel Tower and cherry blossoms? Très magnifique!
Square Jean XXIII – Right behind Notre Dame, one of the city’s best hidden-in-plain-sight spots.
Parc de Sceaux – If you’re willing to venture a bit outside the city – a little under an hour from the center of Paris on public transportation – this cherry blossom wonderland is worth it.
Other Scenic Green Spaces
Paris in spring isn’t just about cherry blossoms — wisteria, tulips, and roses all have their moment. Here are of the best places to soak up the spring season in Paris:
Jardin du Luxembourg (6th arr. – Odéon) – Classic Paris. Grab a green chair, sip a café crème, and pretend you’re a local.
Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (19th arr. – Belleville) – Dramatic hills overlooking the city, waterfalls, and way fewer tourists.
Jardin des Tuileries (1st arr. – Concorde) – Perfect for a post-Louvre stroll. Bonus: fountains.
Bois de Vincennes (12th arr. – Vincennes) & Bois de Boulogne (16th arr. – Boulogne) – Massive green spaces perfect for long walks and pretending you’re in a French period drama.
Outdoor & Café Culture in Paris: Sip, Stroll, and Picnic Like a Local
By mid-April, Parisians are reclaiming café terraces — so why not follow suit? The best way to experience spring in Paris is to grab a seat at an outdoor café, sip a glass of wine, and people-watch like a pro.
Where to Enjoy a Drink Outdoors in Paris
Le Nemours (1st arr. – Palais Royal) – Quintessentially Parisian, with elegant architecture and prime people-watching. Perfect for a morning espresso or an early evening apéro.
Bisou (3rd arr. – Temple) – No set menu here — just tell the bartender your favorite flavors and preferred alcohol, and they’ll craft a cocktail just for you. It’s a stylish, intimate spot with a fun twist.
KB Coffee Roasters (9th arr. – Pigalle) – A favorite among local coffee lovers, serving expertly brewed coffee drinks and fresh pastries with a laid-back, local vibe.
La Brasserie Italienne (16th arr. – Trocadéro) – A charming spot for pizza and apéro, especially if you’re in the area visiting Trocadéro for the Eiffel Tower views and work up an appetite. The terrace and indoor seating (turned open-air on nice days) make it a great warm-weather pick.
LRosa Bonheur & Le Flow (7th arr. – Invalides) – If you’re up for a little bar hopping, these two neighboring riverside bars offer completely different vibes: Rosa Bonheur is a more casual, grab-a-drink-and-relax kind of place, while Le Flow has a club-like atmosphere. Why not start at one, then hop to the other?
Le Perchoir (11th arr. – Oberkampf) – A rooftop bar with stunning views, a trendy crowd, and excellent cocktails. One of the best places to sip a drink while taking in the Parisian skyline at sunset.
Petit Bain (13th arr. – Bibliothèque François Mitterrand) – A floating bar and concert venue on the Seine, perfect for enjoying a laid-back drink while you vibe to a DJ set with a view of the water.
Café Oz Austerlitz (13th arr. – Gare d’Austerlitz) – A lively spot that attracts a younger crowd, with an Aussie-inspired atmosphere. On weekends, it leans into a club-like vibe, especially since it’s attached to Wanderlust, where DJs perform.
Honorable Mention: Café de Flore (6th arr. – Saint-Germain-des-Prés) – A Parisian icon, but expect long waits and overpriced, mediocre food and coffee. If you’re here for the history and ambiance, it’s worth a visit — but if you’re after quality, you’ll find better options elsewhere.
Picnicking in Paris: A Spring Essential
A picnic in Paris? Non-negotiable! In fact, it’s my personal favorite warm weather activity because there are so many picturesque places to roll out a picnic blanket in Paris, and tons of indulgent treats at your disposal to enjoy while you soak up the sun.
To plan the perfect picnic, first pick up cheese, charcuterie, fresh baguettes, and a bottle of wine from:
La Cave du Gourmet (Right Bank, near Galeries Lafayette) – A gourmet grocery store packed with specialty treats and an amazing wine selection.
Le Grand Épicerie de Paris (Left Bank, near the border of the 6th & 7th arrs.) – A foodie’s paradise, with everything from cheese to pastries to types of gourmet butter that you didn’t even know existed (but definitely need to try).
Any Monoprix, Carrefour, or Franprix – These are Paris’ major grocery store chains, one of which can be found on practically every corner. Although their selection of picnic items may be more refined, these stores are more affordable than specialty stores and most still have a solid selection of treats.
Next, head to one of the best picnic spots in Paris:
Jardins du Trocadéro (16th arr. – Trocadero) – If you want a front-row seat to the Eiffel Tower, this is the spot. It’s one of the most iconic picnic locations in Paris, but be prepared for heavier crowds as tourist season picks up.
Champs de Mars (7th arr. – Gros-Caillou) – Another prime Eiffel Tower view, but with a larger green space for spreading out. It’s ideal for sunset picnics, though it gets packed on warm evenings.
Parc Monceau (8th arr. – Europe) – A charming, less touristy alternative with elegant walking paths, picturesque bridges, and a more relaxed vibe. Perfect for a peaceful afternoon with a bottle of wine.
Along the Seine River (Various arrondissements) – A quintessentially Parisian picnic spot, especially as the weather warms up. The best areas include the Île de la Cité, Île Saint-Louis, and the stretch near the Pont des Arts. Sunset here is pure magic, and you’ll be surrounded by locals enjoying apéro along the water.
Along the Canal Saint-Martin (10th arr. – Porte-Saint-Martin) – A trendy, laid-back alternative to the Seine, this canal is a favorite among locals for picnicking and people-watching. The tree-lined banks offer plenty of space to sit, and the relaxed, artsy vibe makes it a perfect spot for an afternoon with a baguette and a bottle of wine.
The green spaces mentioned earlier in the blog can also be great Paris picnic spots! It’s recommended to do a quick Google search on each park before heading there, as many of them close to the public after a certain time of day, and some may have guidelines around which activities are permitted there. For example, visitors can’t sit on the grass at Jardin du Luxembourg, but there are tons of chairs available!
Best Spring Events & Festivals in Paris
Spring in Paris isn’t just about blooming cherry blossoms and café terraces — it’s also when the City of Light comes alive with events that celebrate art, culture, music, and, of course, food. Whether you’re into sipping wine at a spring fair, exploring museums after dark, or catching live jazz in historic venues, there’s something happening almost every week. Here are some of the best spring festivals and events in Paris:
Easter (April 25th, 2025) – Easter in Paris is a mix of religious tradition, indulgent treats, and festive vibes. Expect special services at Notre Dame and Sacré-Cœur, chocolatiers and pâtisseries offering Easter-themed sweets and bakery items, and if you’re here with kids, there are egg hunts at places like Jardin du Luxembourg and Parc André Citroën.
Foire de Paris (April-May) – Held at Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, the Foire de Paris is a massive lifestyle expo that’s been running annually for over 120 years, featuring everything from French gastronomy and wine to home innovations and fashion. If you love discovering unique French products, regional delicacies, or sipping your way through a wine tasting, this is an event worth checking out.
La Nuit des Musées (May 17th, 2025) – One night a year, museums across Paris stay open late (some all night!) and offer free entry, making this the perfect chance to experience places like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Petit Palais without the daytime crowds.
Printemps des Rues (May 24th & 25th, 2025) – This lively street arts festival brings performances, theater, and acrobatics to the banks of Canal Saint-Martin and other neighborhoods across the city. Think circus acts, open-air performances, and live street music, all free to enjoy. It’s a great way to experience Parisian creativity outside the usual museum walls.
Jazz Festival at Saint-Germain-des-Prés (May-June) – Set in the historic jazz district of Paris, this festival brings together world-class musicians for intimate concerts in legendary venues, including churches, historic theaters, and underground jazz clubs. If you love jazz (or just a classy evening out in Paris), this is one of the best music events of the season.
Paris in Spring: The Perfect Time to Visit
Spring in Paris is a season of transformation — one where the city wakes up from its winter slumber, café terraces hum with life, and every park and garden seems to be in full bloom. The longer daylight hours, mild temperatures, and lively atmosphere make it one of the most magical times to visit, offering all the romance and charm of Paris without the full intensity of peak summer crowds.
Of course, spring in Paris isn’t without its quirks. One minute, the sun is shining, and the next, you’re dodging a sudden rain shower. But that’s all part of the experience! A little planning, some strategic layering, and a well-timed café stop will help you make the most of the season like a true Parisian.
So whether you’re picnicking by the Eiffel Tower, strolling through cherry blossom-lined streets, or sipping wine at a sun-drenched café, Paris in spring offers an unforgettable mix of beauty, energy, and just the right amount of unpredictability to keep things exciting.
Bon voyage, and may your croissants always be fresh & flaky!
