Paris Weather in September: What to Expect

Although the weather in Paris in September can sometimes be warmer than you might expect and occasionally unpredictable, it can also feel just about perfect with blue skies, balmy temperatures, and the first hints of fall crispness, especially toward the end of the month.

September is also famously the time of "la rentrée" when Parisians return to the city, refreshed and energized after a relaxing vacation. 

If you're visiting this month, you'll feel a buzz in the air as museums mount new exhibitions, Palais Garnier and Opera Bastille get ready for their new season of opera and ballet, and boutiques showcase their new fall collections to tempt you as you stroll past their windows. 

In the city's parks and gardens, the brilliant colors of autumn flowers and a second flush of rose blossoms put on a show that lasts through most of the fall. 

Toward the end of the month, you'll even begin to see hints of changing foliage colors, especially on the many linden trees and European beeches dotting Paris parks.  If you look hard enough, you may even spot flashes of crimson here and there. 

(We've recently become obsessed with the Great Trees of Paris Map featuring the city's oldest, rarest, and most historical trees - a fun item to tuck into your bag this month as fall foliage transforms the cityscape.)

September temperatures in Paris generally stay firmly in a moderate range, with the only real surprises coming on days when the thermostat soars into the upper 80s and even the mid-90s (31°-35°C). 

If you're planning a visit during September, do yourself a favor and throw one or two sleeveless tops or summer clothing items into your bag.  Nights can get chilly, so also add a couple of sweaters and perhaps a jacket to your packing list.

This is the perfect month to take advantage of the beautiful weather by planning outdoor activities while exploring the city.  Consider a bike tour of the city's iconic neighborhoods or even Versailles, or perhaps a cheese, wine, and pastry tour of artistic Montmartre.

This article covers everything you need to know about September weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

• Paris weather temperature ranges for September - Plus What to Really Expect
• How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during September
• What to pack for your September visit to Paris
• Should you visit Paris during September?
• Activities for all types of September weather in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris during September

Top photo: Flowers blooming in Tuileries Garden on a spectacular September day, (c) Paris Discovery Guide

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What Is Paris Weather in September Really Like?

Paris September weather can be summed up in one word:  "Glorious." 

By this month, summer humidity has mostly disappeared, so you'll have a good chance of experiencing plenty of days  with temperatures squarely in the "comfortable" zone.

Paris Temperatures in September:  Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what September weather in Paris looks like on Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) degree scales for average daily high and low temperatures, which have increased by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit during the past decade:

• Average September highest temperature for past 10 years:  67°F to 83°F (19°C to 24°C)
• Average September lowest temperature for past 10 years:  50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C)

Remember, these are September averages for the past decade, and and definitely not a September weather forecast.  They give you a general idea about what to expect.

To better understand what actual temperatures might occur during your visit, take a close look at the highest and lowest temperature ranges for September and the record-breaking temps in the following section.

Weather Statistics for September in Paris: Highest & Lowest Temperatures Ranges, Plus Record-Breakers

To see what September weather in Paris might really be like, looking at the average temperature ranges will give you a better idea than just checking the monthly averages. 

You'll also get a much better sense of what to pack - because Paris weather seldom hits the "average" mark for more than a day or two.

Here's the range of daily highs and lows throughout September during the past 10 years:

• Range of monthly highest temperatures during September:   56°F to 96°F (13°C to 35°C)
• Range of monthly lowest temperatures during September:  39°F to 69° F (4°C to 21°C)

Do note that high of 96°F (35°C) - obviously not quite a scalding as the triple-digit high temperatures in July and August, but certainly hot enough to wear loose-fitting clothing and perhaps a sleeveless top.  

Likewise, the low of 39°F (4°C) means bringing a warm jacket for evenings will be wise.

In case you're wondering why the lowest temperature on some September days doesn't drop below 69° F / 21°C, those are the nights (or, more likely, early morning hours) that just don't cool off - a reminder that September can still be quite a warm period. 

If you prefer lower temperatures for sleeping well at night, consider booking a hotel with air conditioning.

Here are the record-breaking extreme high and low temperatures during the past 30 years:

• Highest September temperature (1991-present):  96°F (35°C) in 2023 (worth noting: the previous high of 94°F / 34°C was set just two years earlier in 2021)
• Lowest September temperature (1991-present):  38°F (3°C) in 2012

Remember, Paris's climate is unpredictable from one year to the next (and on a daily basis) so you need to be prepared for a range of September weather conditions.

Sun and Clouds during September:  What to Expect

Although this September, like every month in Paris, typically offers a mix of cloudless, cloudy, and overcast skis, there's something about the September weather patterns that seems to produce an unusually high number of days with bright blue skies with few or no clouds.*

That's why September is considered perhaps the most beautiful month of the year in Paris, and also why so many visitors arrive this month.

Days begin do begin to feel shorter, especially toward the end of the month (when the temperature also usually cools down a bit) - so enjoy the spectacular weather while it lasts!

Here's what you can expect:

• Average hours of daylight:  12 hours, 30 minutes

*Of course, exceptions do occur - and that's what happened during September 2024, when what felt like non-ending rain (more about that in the next section) and gray clouds dominated for three-quarters of the month, leaving only 7 rain-free days.  But fortunately, this doesn't happen very often.

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How Much Rain Does Paris Get in September?

Paris records about 2.2 inches (about 55 mm) of precipitation on average during September, similar to August and October (as well as other months).

However, that's just an average. 

In actuality, the range of precipitation falling in September has varied between less than half an inch to almost 5 inches during the past decade. 

One year, rain fell for only seven days, but three others (including 2017, with nearly 5 inches) experienced 18 or 19 days with precipitation. 

And in 2024, a rather shocking number of days - 23 - featured at least some rain, including a couple of perionds when it felt as though the rain fell non-stop.

Despite these statistics, September typically doesn't have the kind of weather patterns when heavy rain can fall for days at a time, and there's usually not strong wind this month either - although of course, exceptions can happen.  Showers tend to be brief, and often at night rather than during the day.

If you get caught in a shower and don't have an umbrella, just duck into the nearest cafe for an espresso or glass of wine until it stops. 

But when you're planning activities, do include a few such as museum visits, Seine River dinner cruises (the cosiest way to see the Eiffel Tower while enjoying a wonderful meal when rain is falling), and explorations of the 19th century covered passages.

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What to Pack for September Weather in Paris

The photos in this article will give you a general idea of the types of clothing to pack for September, at least for daytime in ground-level or above locations. 

With possible night-time lows in the upper 30s/lower 40s (4-6°C), you'll want to add a sweater or two and perhaps a jacket to your packing list. 

Layer your sweaters and jacket to stay warm if you're out late for a performance at the Paris Opera, a Champagne and a show at Moulin Rouge, or if you visit underground attractions such as wine cellars (which must stay at around 45°F/7°C) for a wine-tasting tour or tour the Paris Catacombs where you'll encounter similarly chilly conditions.  

In addition to your core wardrobe of tops, bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, and under garments, here are essentials and options to consider for September:

• A sweater or two and a warm jacket. 
• Sun screen.  Or, you can wait until you get to Paris and buy high-quality brands such as La Roche Posay and Vichy at almost any Paris pharmacie (look for a green fluorescent cross outside the building).  Most keep at least a minimal supply throughout the year.
• Short-sleeved tops and lightweight pants and/or skirts.  Considering the possibility of cooler evenings, you might throw in a long-sleeved shirt; for hot days, add one sleeveless top.
• One or two sweaters for chilly evenings, especially on a Seine River sightseeing cruise or the open-top hop-on hop-off bus where the temperature will feel at least 10 degrees colder.  An inexpensive light-weight puffer jacket will compress well and take up almost no room in your luggage while keeping you toasty on the chilliest nights.
• If you anticipate being out a lot in the evenings, on Seine River cruises or even the hop on hop off bus, or in underground locations such as the Catacombs, you might consider bringing a warm scarf and even gloves. 
• Optional: small, collapsible lightweight umbrella.  Alternately, you can always buy one in Paris if you need it - you'll see them everywhere from small convenience stores and souvenir shops where they cost 5-10€ to pricey boutiques and department stores where you'll pay much, much more. 

Pro Tip:  Right before you start packing for your trip, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast in case of any surprises.  Here's the forecast in both Fahrenheit and Celsius:

PARIS WEATHER
PARIS WEATHER

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Is Visiting Paris in September a Good Idea?

Absolutely yes!  You'll love the bright, sunny weather and possible a few hints of fall color (although don't be disappointed if you don't see any, as Paris is not known for its fall foliage).

Here are more benefits to visiting Paris in September:

• Somewhat fewer tourists than during June and July at popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, and Musée d'Orsay, although plane fares and hotel rates will still be high this month.
• Cheap flights and low-season hotel rates, which start to go up next month as the "shoulder" travel season begins 
• An exciting lineup of classical concerts in the city's historical churches
• Fantastic exhibitions at many Paris museums
• And of course, the gorgeous (usually) September weather!

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Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in September

Recommended activities for staying dry while sightseeing in Paris during September weather, just in case you happen to be there during a rainy period:

• Moulin Rouge - Enjoy an evening of entertainment and champagne in this famous Paris cabaret - or choose the gourmet dinner option
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus - Stay dry while you ride on the covered upper deck or enclosed lower deck
• Seine River dinner cruise - Savor a gourmet meal in a cozy glass-enclosed boat while seeing famous sights along the river
• Day Trip from Paris to Giverny & Versailles Palace - Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned coach as you visit these top two attractions near Paris
• Paris Museums - You won't care what the weather outside is like when you use a Paris Museum pass for free admission to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and almost 60 other famous Paris museums and attractions

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in September

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Where to Stay in Paris during September

As you know by now, September weather in Paris can be fantastic, so this is a good time to stay in Paris neighborhoods where interesting streets and magnificent parks offer endless strolling possibilities.  Our choices also put you close to top attractions.

Here are some suggestions:

• Hotels in Le Marais - The Marais is one of our favorite neighborhoods, with numerous small parks and gardens, including Place des Vosges, created in the early 1600s and surrounded with vaulted arcades lined with appealing restaurants and boutiques
• Saint Germain neighborhood - Choose the popular Saint Germain neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine River, and you'll be close to famous bistros such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, designer boutiques, the Orsay Museum, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
• Hotels near the Louvre Museum and Tuileries Garden - Stay in the heart of historic Paris, close to the Louvre and gorgeous Palais Royal Garden, Jardin des Tuileries, as well as other top attractions, the Seine River, and too many wonderful restaurants and bistros to count!

Use this hotel booking map to find more hotels and apartments for your travel dates: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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Current Paris Weather Prediction Resource

Want current Paris weather predictions?  This is our favorite French source:  Meteoblue

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