Best Time To Visit Paris And London In 2023
The best time to visit Paris and London is from late spring to early summer, from May to June, and again as summer closes down and autumn begins in September and October.
Author:James PierceReviewer:Iram MartinsOct 05, 202322 Shares21.6K Views
The best time to visit Paris and Londonis from late spring to early summer, from May to June, and again as summer closes down and autumn begins in September and October.
These two cities are a perfect match due to their captivating history, modern ambiance, and overall convoluted, stylish atmosphere.
Ensure that you take advantage of the weather, have the option to avoid throngs, and allow yourself ample time to visit iconic monuments, from the Tower of London and Big Ben to the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, in order to experience the marvels of the cities.
Embrace the majesty and splendor of London and Paris when you plan your travels to ensure that you take advantage of the optimal time to experience both for a custom-tailored excursion.
10 Days London And Paris Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrival In London
- Arrive in London, check into your hotel, and get settled.
- Consider staying awake to adjust to the time change, or take a short nap.
- Explore London with a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to get an overview of the city.
- Experience the iconic London Eye for panoramic views.
- Have an early dinner and get some rest.
Day 2 - Westminster Abbey, Buckingham Palace, And More
- Visit Westminster Abbey, the site of royal coronations and weddings.
- Walk through St. James Park to Buckingham Palace and witness the Changing of the Guard.
- Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant or pub.
- Explore the Churchill War Rooms, an underground bunker used during World War II.
- Continue to Big Ben and Parliament.
- Stroll along Whitehall and see #10 Downing Street.
- Visit Horse Guards Parade and Trafalgar Square.
- Spend the evening in Covent Garden.
Day 3 - Tower Of London, Tower Bridge, And More
- Start your day at the Tower of London, with its rich history and the Crown Jewels.
- Cross Tower Bridge and enjoy the view.
- Explore the Shard for a bird's-eye view of the city.
- Have lunch at Borough Market, sampling global cuisines.
- Visit Shakespeare's Globe Theater and Tate Modern.
- Walk across Millennium Bridge to St. Paul's Cathedral.
- Climb to the top for panoramic views.
- Explore the Monument to the Great Fire of London.
- End the day at Sky Garden, enjoying the skyline views.
Day 4 - British Museum And Greenwich
- Spend the morning at the British Museum, home to a vast collection of historical artifacts.
- Take a day trip to Greenwich to visit the Old Royal Navy College and Royal Observatory.
- Stand on the Prime Meridian and explore the planetarium.
- Visit the Cutty Sark and consider climbing Up at the O2 for more views.
- Have dinner and return to your hotel.
Day 5 - Day Trip To Windsor Castle, Stonehenge, And Bath
- Take a day trip to Windsor Castle, a royal residence.
- Explore Stonehenge, an ancient and mysterious site.
- Visit the charming city of Bath, known for its Roman-style Baths.
- Return to London for dinner and relaxation.
Day 6 - Travel To Paris
- Travel to Paris by Eurostar train, arriving at Gare du Nord.
- Check into your Paris hotel, have lunch nearby, and settle in.
- Begin your Paris adventure with a visit to the Eiffel Tower.
- Enjoy dinner at a French restaurant or take a dinner cruise on the Seine.
- Explore the Champs-Elysees and the Arc de Triomphe.
- End the day with drinks at the Buddha Bar.
Day 7 - The Historic Center Of Paris, Musee D'Orsay, And Montmartre
- Start your day with a visit to Sainte-Chapelle, known for its stunning stained glass.
- Explore the Conciergerie and Notre Dame Cathedral (Note: As of the content's last update, Notre Dame may be closed due to fire damage).
- Lunch at a charming café or restaurant.
- Walk along the Seine and visit Musee d'Orsay to admire Impressionist art.
- Spend the evening in Montmartre, visiting Sacre-Coeur Basilica and Place du Tertre.
- Have dinner and enjoy the nightlife.
Day 8 - The Catacombs, Montparnasse Tower, And The Louvre
- Descend into the Catacombs, a unique underground experience.
- Visit Montparnasse Tower for panoramic views of Paris.
- Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
- Spend your afternoon at the Louvre, exploring world-famous artworks.
- Have dinner and go shopping in the Place de la Madeleine area.
Day 9 - Versailles
- Take a day trip to the Palace of Versailles, a royal chateau.
- Tour the palace and stroll through the beautiful gardens.
- Return to Paris in the afternoon for more sightseeing or relaxation.
- Have dinner in Le Marais, a vibrant neighborhood.
Day 10 - Departure From Paris
- Check out of your hotel and prepare for departure.
- Fly home or continue your journey to your next destination.
Best Time For Sightseeing
It's ideal to go sightseeing in London and Paris around September or October, when the seasons are changing and the air is crisp but not too cold, and when the days are becoming shorter.
Whether you're enjoying the sights from atop an open-top bus, cruising down the Thames or the Seine in a private car, or relaxing on a gorgeous boat tour, timing your visit to the city's many attractions is crucial.
On mild days, it's possible to see everything clearly or take a leisurely stroll by local landmarks like Big Ben and Notre Dame. Check see the Parliament Building and the Champs-Elysees while the weather is fine.
Best Time To Visit London
The ideal time to visit London is between March and May, when the weather is moderate and the city's parks are in full blossom. However, along with summer, late spring is also peak tourist season, and hotel and flight prices reflect the increase.
In the autumn and winter, you're more likely to find airfare and lodging discounts, but you'll also encounter cold weather. Expect the streets to be congested with English and international visitors during the holiday season in London in December.
And regardless of when you travel, you should always bring an umbrella: London is notorious for experiencing misty days and rain throughout the entire year. If you are concerned about weather, congestion, or other uncontrollable factors, you may want to consider purchasing international travel insurance or a rescind for any reason plan for more comprehensive coverage.
Another point to bear in mind: it's virtually impossible to escape throngs in London. London is not only one of the largest cities in Europe, but also one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, so regardless of the season, you're likely to encounter many travelers.
Best Time To Visit Paris To Avoid Crowds
Approximately 35 million tourists visit Paris each year. The majority of travelers visit between May and September, with July being the busiest month (followed by June and August).
There are significant disadvantages to visiting Paris during its peak season: Popular attractions such as the Eiffel Tower and Louvre are more time-consuming to explore due to large crowds, and you may need a reservation at some of the fashionable restaurants. Similarly, hotel prices will inevitably increase during the summer months.
If avoiding throngs is your primary objective, we recommend traveling between October and April and avoiding the holiday season in December. Visit at the beginning or conclusion of this window, in October or April, when the weather is still pleasant enough to linger outside at one of the iconic Parisian café tables.
Visit on weekday mornings to see the city's main tourist attractions with fewer people present. Avoid booking with large tour operators, purchase tickets that allow you to avoid the line, and opt for walking over crowded public transportation. Paris is best experienced on foot.
Best Time To Visit Paris On A Budget
The cheapest time to visit Paris is during the off-season, which is early December, January, and February, before and after the holiday surge. The average temperature during these months is between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you're willing to endure the chill, you'll likely save on flights, public transportation, attractions, and accommodations. In addition, the Eiffel Tower in winter is an enchanting site.
Does snow fall in Paris? No, not really. The city occasionally receives a light sprinkling of snow, but winter visitors do not need to bring extreme weather clothing.
Visiting Paris during the off-season is special, not least because restaurants are less congested and attractions are less busy, in addition to being simple and inexpensive. Cons include fewer tour options and fewer tour frequency, as well as a reduced schedule for Seine excursions.
Is Winter A Good Time To Visit Paris?
Paris is a city that retains its romantic charm all year long, with winter offering its own unique appeal. The city's weather averages a high of around 46 degrees Fahrenheit and a low of 37 degrees Farenheit from December through February, with some sunny days. However, it rarely snows in Paris, and it's typically only a dusting when it does.
To make the most of your trip to Paris in winter, be sure to check the latest requirements on the France Diplomacy site as of Aug. 1, 2023. Masks are recommended indoors, but no longer required.
Paris has a variety of festive activities to fill up your holiday itinerary, including ice skating at the Hotel de Ville ice rink, visiting Christmas markets in Paris, and shopping at department stores like Galeries Lafayette, Printemps Haussmann, and Le Bon Marché.
Winter sales in Paris take place twice a year, with prices slashed on everything from designer clothes to home goods. Winter sales run from January to February, with markdowns majorly increasing as the weeks go by. Museums in Paris offer excellent museums and exhibits to pop into if the weather gets too gloomy for a stroll along the Seine.
Some eye-catching expos this winter include the "Claude Monet - Joan Mitchell" exhibit at the Louis Vuitton Foundation, "Shocking! The Surreal World of Elsa Schiaparelli" at the Decorative Arts Museum, "Edvard Munch: A Poem of Life, Love, and Death" at the Musée d'Orsay, Ukrainian photographer Boris Mikhailov's "At Dusk" at the Bourse de Commerce's Pinault Collection, and the immersive digital shows "Cezanne, the Lights of Provence" and "Kandinsky, the Odyssey of Abstraction" at the Atelier des Lumières.
A variety of cakes and pastries can be found on boulangerie or patisserie market stalls, and some of the best are found at the Ritz Paris, Hôtel Lutetia, and Pierre Hermé.
When To Visit Paris For Eiffel Tower Views
The Eiffel Tower provides visitors with stunning vistas throughout the year. Springtime, on the other hand, is the season in which you have the best chance of getting a clean shot.
This is due to the fact that there are less tourists during the winter months to obstruct your view. At the same time, the humidity levels are much lower compared to October. Therefore, the odds of it not raining on you are higher.
Make sure you verify the opening times of the Eiffel Tower well in advance of your trip. Every year, maintenance requires a short closure of the Tower for a few weeks.
On the other hand, this kind of thing happens during the off-season most of the time . However, the hours that are in effect throughout certain months may vary. For example, this will be the case in November of 2023.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Is The Ideal Time To Visit Paris For Lower Hotel Rates?
Paris, known for its charm, sees lower hotel rates during the winter months of December to February. Travelers can enjoy the city's beauty without the crowds, but be prepared for colder weather.
What Are The Peak Tourist Seasons In London?
London experiences peak tourist seasons during spring (April to June) and summer (June to August). These months offer pleasant weather, longer daylight hours, and various outdoor events.
Is There A Specific Month To Avoid The Crowds In Paris?
To avoid large crowds in Paris, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of September to November and March to May when the weather is still pleasant, and tourist attractions are less crowded.
When Is The Best Time To Explore London's Parks And Gardens?
London's parks and gardens are at their most beautiful during the late spring and early summer months of May and June when flowers are in full bloom, and the weather is usually mild.
Are There Any Special Events Worth Visiting Paris For?
Paris hosts numerous special events, but the Fête de la Musique on June 21st is a highlight. This free music festival celebrates the summer solstice with live performances throughout the city.
Final Words
Determining the best time to visit Paris and London depends on your preferences and what you aim to experience during your trip. Each season offers unique advantages, whether you prefer mild weather, fewer crowds, or specific events.
Paris and London, both magnificent cities, have something to offer year-round, so choose the timing that aligns with your interests and priorities to make the most of your visit.
James Pierce
Author
Iram Martins
Reviewer
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