Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Paris?

Accepted Answer

Paris enjoys its sunniest weather during the summer months, with August 2024 recording the most sunshine at 292.6 hours. The French capital received a total of 1,697 hours of sunshine throughout 2024, with the summer season (June to August) accounting for 771 hours—nearly half of the annual total.

The warmest months offer dramatically more daylight than winter. August 2024 saw an average of 9.4 hours of daily sunshine, while July followed closely with 254.1 hours for the month. June rounded out the summer with 224.3 hours of sunshine. By contrast, December and February were the least sunny periods in Paris, with just 37.8 and 37.9 hours respectively—nearly 8 times less sunshine than August.

For visitors planning outdoor activities in Paris, the period from May through September offers the best conditions. May and September both recorded over 170 hours of sunshine in 2024, providing pleasant weather for exploring the city's gardens and outdoor cafés. The winter months from November through February averaged just 47.1 hours of sunshine per month, making this period better suited for museum visits and indoor attractions.

Spring sunshine increases steadily in Paris, with March 2024 recording 117.4 hours and April reaching 153.9 hours as the days lengthened toward summer.

Question 2

How cold does Paris get in January?

Accepted Answer

Paris experiences cold winter weather in January, with average temperatures around 3.9°C (39.1°F) and frequent dips below freezing during 2024.

In January 2024, daily high temperatures in Paris averaged 7.1°C (44.8°F), while overnight lows dropped to an average of 0.6°C (33.2°F). The coldest night recorded was January 20, when temperatures plunged to -7.7°C (18.1°F). Out of 31 days, 17 days saw below-freezing temperatures overnight, meaning frost was common throughout the month.

Despite the cold, Paris also experienced milder periods. The warmest January day in 2024 reached 14.2°C (57.6°F) on January 22, showing the variability typical of Parisian winters. January 2024 also brought 72.2mm (2.8 inches) of precipitation spread across 14 days, contributing to the damp, chilly conditions.

For visitors planning a January trip to Paris, warm layers are essential. Expect temperatures that fluctuate between mild days in the 7-10°C range and genuinely cold nights that require winter coats, hats, and gloves. The combination of cold temperatures and high humidity averaging 83% can make the air feel even colder than the thermometer suggests.

Question 3

How much rain does Paris get in autumn?

Accepted Answer

Paris received 343.9mm (13.5 inches) of rainfall during autumn 2024, making it a notably wet season for the French capital. October was the wettest month with 165.2mm (6.5 inches), followed by September with 120.5mm (4.7 inches), while November was comparatively drier with just 58.2mm (2.3 inches).

Throughout autumn 2024, Paris experienced 32 rainy days in total across the three-month period. October alone had 14 days with measurable rainfall of 1mm or more, while September recorded 11 rainy days and November only 7. The wettest single day occurred on October 9th, when 73.0mm of rain fell in a 24-hour period.

For visitors planning a trip to Paris in autumn, an umbrella is essential. Despite the frequent showers, temperatures remain mild with an average of 12.2°C (54.0°F) across the season. September offers the most pleasant combination of warmer weather and fewer rainy days, while October tends to bring the heaviest precipitation. The autumn rainfall contributes to the lush appearance of Paris's many parks and gardens, making it a scenic time to explore the city despite the wet conditions.

Question 4

How windy is Paris throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Paris experiences moderate wind conditions year-round, with an average wind speed of 10.6 km/h (6.6 mph) based on 2024 data.

Wind patterns in Paris vary noticeably by season. Winter months bring the strongest winds, averaging 11.7 km/h (7.3 mph), followed closely by spring at 11.1 km/h (6.9 mph). Summer offers the calmest conditions for outdoor activities, with average winds dropping to just 9.3 km/h (5.8 mph). Fall sits in between at 10.3 km/h (6.4 mph).

Looking at individual months in 2024, April was the windiest month in Paris with average speeds of 12.9 km/h (8.0 mph). The calmest months were July and August, both averaging only 8.9 km/h (5.5 mph). This makes the summer months particularly pleasant for strolling along the Seine or enjoying outdoor cafes without dealing with gusty conditions.

The variation between the windiest and calmest periods in Paris is relatively modest at 4.0 km/h, meaning the city rarely experiences extreme wind events. These gentle to moderate wind conditions throughout the year make Paris comfortable for walking tours and outdoor sightseeing in any season, though visitors in late winter and early spring should expect slightly breezier conditions.

Question 5

What are the humidity levels like in Paris throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Paris maintains relatively high humidity throughout the year, with an annual average of 79.8% in 2024. The city's humidity levels fluctuate significantly by season, ranging from a low of 68.9% in July to a peak of 88.7% in October.

Summer offers the most comfortable humidity conditions in Paris. From June through August 2024, average humidity dropped to 70.9%, with July recording the driest air at 68.9%. This drier period coincides with warmer temperatures, making summer the most pleasant time for outdoor activities in the city.

Autumn and winter bring noticeably higher moisture levels to Paris. The autumn months of September through November 2024 averaged 85.3% humidity, with October reaching the year's highest at 88.7%. Winter humidity remained similarly elevated at 84.7% from December through February. Six months of 2024 recorded humidity levels at or above 80%.

Spring provides a transitional period in Paris, with humidity averaging 78.3% from March through May. The nearly 20 percentage point difference between the driest summer month and the most humid autumn month means visitors should prepare for varied conditions depending on their travel timing. Those sensitive to humid weather will find July and August most comfortable, while autumn visitors should expect damper conditions throughout their stay.

Paris 14 Observatoire

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FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Paris?

How cold does Paris get in January?

How much rain does Paris get in autumn?

How windy is Paris throughout the year?

What are the humidity levels like in Paris throughout the year?