Paris in October: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2026) 

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Considering a Parisian getaway in October? It’s a great time to go – here’s what you can expect. 

October is one of my favorite times to travel in Europe because it’s the tail end of the shoulder season and the weather is typically starting to cool off without being cold. Despite the chill in the air, most shops and restaurants are open and there are typically a few gloriously sunny and pleasant days. 

Of course, the lower prices are also a great perk of October travel – and this is certainly true for Paris. In exchange for the break in hotel costs, you may have a few rainy days. Truthfully, I don’t mind Paris in the rain, so long as I have an umbrella. It might cut into your sightseeing, sure, but you can still go to a cafe, a museum, or boutique, so there’s really no reason to let it get you down. 

Whether you’re planning for crisp fall walks, cozy café afternoons, or a budget-friendly escape, here’s everything you need to know before visiting Paris in October.

Paris in October: Is It a Good Time to Visit?

October is the shoulder season in most of Europe, meaning that it’s in between the summer “high” season and the winter “low” season for travel. There are some pros and cons to consider if planning a fall trip to Paris, and I’d suggest you weigh them for yourself if you’re still deciding when to visit. 

The pros of October travel are numerous: smaller crowds, no extreme temperatures, and lower prices (typically) for flights and accommodations. In exchange, you’re likely to have some rainy days, cooler temperatures, and you might not be able to enjoy the outdoor activities like lounging along the Seine River at sunset. 

I’d argue that the tradeoffs are worth it, especially if you’re able to visit in early October. Paris is still wonderful in the rain, and most every monument and activity (aside from enjoying warm weather!) can be done year round. The later into October you get, the predictably chillier and rainy the weather will be. 

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a more affordable, atmospheric Paris trip, October strikes the perfect balance between pleasant weather and smaller crowds. For budget-minded travelers or anyone who loves crisp fall days, October is often the sweet spot.

Paris Weather in October

October in Paris is crisp and cozy; fall at its finest (cue Taylor Swift’s “Red” album!). The average low temperature is around 50°F (10°C), while daytime highs hover near 61°F (16°C). Early in the month can feel pleasantly mild. However, by Halloween, the weather is noticeably chillier, with longer stretches of grey skies and light rain showers.

During the day, stylish jeans or trousers with a wool sweater are usually perfect when paired with a light rain jacket or overcoat. In the evenings, you’ll definitely want an extra layer, like long underwear, wool socks, a scarf, or a warm coat – especially if you’re planning to be out late. Shoes that can handle a bit of drizzle are a must since wet sidewalks are a guarantee at some point in your trip.

Does It Rain in Paris in October?

Chances are good that you’ll experience some rain if you visit in October. Most of the time, Paris doesn’t see large thunderstorms with torrential rain. It’s far more likely that you’ll experience days with on and off rain and grey skies; a bit gloomy, but usually not rainy enough to really get you down. 

That’s not to say torrential rain is impossible – it’s just not as likely. Luckily, the best way to be prepared is to carry an umbrella, sport some water resistant shoes, and wear a raincoat. I’d recommend taking a few extra breaks in the day for a warm drink, like hot chocolate or coffee, so that you can keep from getting too chilly while exploring. 

Is It Cold in Paris in October?

I’d describe October in Paris as a chilly time of year. A warm sweater and a rain jacket are usually sufficient to stay comfortable, but it’s a good idea to have a few extra layers in case you start to get cold. Expect average highs around 61°F (16°C) early in the month, dipping to about 54°F (12°C) by Halloween.

Nights can feel brisk, so layers (including a scarf) are essential.

Things To Do in Paris in October

Don’t worry if you visit Paris after the summer sun; there’s still plenty to do and enjoy in the city. I recommend choosing a mix of indoor and outdoor activities so that you can retreat if the weather is cold and rainy (or make the best of a nice day!). 

Stroll the Public Gardens and Parks

Not every day in October is made for walking the public parks and gardens, but when you get a nice day (or just dress warmly), you’ll want to take advantage. Early in the month, you can still catch some fall foliage in parks like the Jardin du Luxembourg, Parc Monceau, or even on a day trip to Versailles Palace and Gardens. 

At any point in the month, you can warm up with a hot chocolate from Angelina Paris before strolling through the Jardin des Tuileries or take a brisk walk through Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. 

Try Some French Restaurants

France is famous for its cuisine, and October is as good a time as any to explore the restaurant scene. Most restaurants in Paris don’t close for the winter, but instead for the August holidays. So, you should be able to try that iconic crepe spot or chic bistro when you visit in the fall.

October is also when many bistros start leaning into hearty fall menus: think pumpkin soups, roasted vegetables, and warm breads that make you forget the drizzle outside. Oysters are also in season, and my favorite place to try them is at L’Avant Comptoir de la Mer – a seafood-focused tapas bar near the Jardin du Luxembourg. 

Keep in mind that many French restaurants are closed on Mondays. You’ll also occasionally see closures on Sundays, Tuesdays and even Wednesdays, depending on the establishment and neighborhood. Oh, and be sure to say bonjour when you greet people!

Explore Paris’ Museums

The best way to spend a rainy and chilly day in Paris is to visit a museum, where you can spend a few hours out of the cold. Even if you’re not a “museum person,” I strongly recommend that you visit at least one Parisian collection. 

The Louvre Museum is one of the largest museums in the world and arguably Paris’ most famous collections. For a more curated collection that’s beloved by Parisians, check out the Musée d’Orsay, which houses many of the most famous Impressionist and Post-Impressionist works in the world. 

Starting in October and continuing through the winter, many Parisian museums offer free entry on the first Sunday of the month. Register for a ticket on the respective museum’s website, as each manages its own free Sunday entries. 

Experience Paris’ Nightlife 

Paris is absolutely a city with great nightlife. From cozy wine bars to exciting night clubs and just about everything in between, you can find it in Paris. There are tons of wine bars in the city to choose from, but here are a few of my favorites:

• For an accessible and affordable wine and charcuterie spot, try Les flacons in the 5th arrondissement. This little wine bar is famous for its natural wines, great charcuterie boards, and other assorted snacks. 
• The very adorable (but small) Septieme La Cave in the 11th arrondissement is cozy with an almost academic vibe. Go early for the best chance at nabbing a table. 
• Build your own affordable charcuterie board at Le 17.45, a spot that is focused solely on this French classic. Of these three wine bars, only Le 17.45 takes reservations.

If wine and cheese aren’t your thing, you can see a burlesque show like the iconic Moulin Rouge or the comparatively artisan cabaret show at Crazy Horse. 

Go For a Stroll

If you ask me, there’s not much that beats just walking around Paris on a nice day. It doesn’t matter too much where you walk, there are usually plenty of incredible sights wherever you go. I recommend walking without too much of a direction or a timeline, which will give you lots of time to duck into spots that catch your eye and discover Paris for yourself. 

My absolute favorite place to walk is along the River Seine on the lower track near the water. Cars are not permitted, so it’s exceptionally pedestrian and cyclist friendly. 

Celebrate Halloween 

Halloween isn’t as big of a deal in Paris as it is in the United States, but you can still celebrate if you seek out a party. There are Halloween parties throughout the city, typically the weekend before the holiday unless it happens to fall on a Friday or Saturday. 

The American Library in Paris often throws a Halloween party, complete with drinks, food, and a costume contest. Check their website to see if tickets are still available for the upcoming holiday. It’s set in a library so it’s obviously on the tamer side, but I went in 2024 and had a great time!

A few costume stores pop up in October – the best one I found was So Fête Paris, near Galeries Lafayette Haussmann/Palais Garnier in the 9th arrondissement. 

What to Pack for Paris in October

Packing for October in Paris comes down to two things: layers and rain gear.

October can be a somewhat challenging month to pack for in Europe because it’s a transition season. You could have rather chilly temperatures with lots of rain, or it could be beautiful and crisp every day. Plan for both by packing smart layers so you’re ready for anything.  

If you need more things when you get here, just go to a local store I like Decathlon for basics/outerwear, UNIQLO for slightly nicer basics, and there are lots of other brands you might be familiar with like H&M and Zara.

Sturdy, Water Resistant Shoes

It’s hard to have fun when your feet are wet, so some decent shoes are going to be essential. Unless it’s a rare day of truly torrential rain, you should be OK with shoes that are merely water resistant and an umbrella.

I’m partial to Cariumas, but any shoes that feel comfortable and durable will suffice. 

Layers

The fall weather in Paris typically features some warmer and cooler days, with predictably cool nights. So, the key to staying comfortable is having layers! I suggest bringing long underwear (I’m partial to the Uniqlo HEATTECH layers), a warm sweater, wool socks, gloves, and a scarf just in case. Finish the look with a waterproof or water resistant outer layer.

You might not need all of these layers, but if you have them you’ll be able to stay comfortable whatever the weather throws your way. 

Rain Jacket

A rain jacket is an absolute must in Paris in October. It’s possible you’ll get lucky and have only sunny days on your trip, but more likely than not you’ll experience at least one wet day.

Packing Tip: If you’ll be carrying an umbrella anyhow, you can definitely get away with a stylish overcoat instead of a full on rain jacket. Here’s a men’s overcoat that would work well when paired with a sweater and an umbrella. 

Umbrella

Given the high likelihood of a few rainy days, I recommend having an umbrella on hand if there’s rain or even clouds in the forecast. 

I own and love this travel umbrella, but you have to pack your umbrellas in checked luggage so you may be better off just buying one when you get to Paris. I recommend picking up an umbrella from a grocery store instead of the street vendors/street stands because the vendors hike up the prices once it starts to rain. 

Sunscreen

Never skip the SPF, especially if the sun is out. If you don’t have a favorite sunscreen from home, French skincare products are famously high quality and make fabulous gifts. My favorite brand of sunscreen is Avène, and you can find it at most any pharmacy in Paris.

Small Bag

One of the best defenses against pickpockets is a secure bag. Opt for something that securely closes, you can wear in front of you, and is sturdy enough to hold onto if someone tries to grab it. 

I love the round mini shoulder bag from Uniqlo, which has been quite popular in Europe for a few years. Most Parisian pickpockets go for easy targets, so a bag that zips securely is your best defense.

Travel Adapter and Power Bank

Don’t leave home without a travel adapter, otherwise you won’t be able to charge your phone or other electronics. You can buy specific adapters for US to Europe, but I prefer the universal adapter blocks because they have several USB connections and can work in both France and the UK/Ireland.

These little blocks are one of my favorite travel accessories, along with a power bank with built-in cords for easy use.  

Where to Stay in Paris in October

Truthfully, I’d give you roughly the same “where to stay in Paris” advice no matter when you’re visiting. Paris is an all season travel destination, and it’s a wonderful place to walk and see the monuments, rain or shine. 

One small caveat is that you won’t see people lounging outside in cooler weather, so areas like Canal Saint-Martin and the Jardin du Luxembourg might be slightly less charming than during the warmer months. Still, they’re hot spots for great restaurants and fun bars, so you won’t be wandering around looking for the action if you stay in these neighborhoods.

No matter the season, where you stay in Paris can make a big difference in how easily you get around. Here are my favorite tried-and-true options for fall.

📍 Top Budget Pick: Hotel Joyce Astotel (9th arrondissement) is a charming little hotel that’s not far from the hustle and bustle of Pigalle and the iconic Montmartre neighborhood. The rooms are nice, if small, and the hotel offers a delicious breakfast each morning. 

📍 Top Mid Range Pick: Hôtel de La Motte Picquet (7th arrondissement) is set in a quiet and safe neighborhood, not far from the Eiffel Tower. You’ll be steps from the adorable Rue Cler street and the Metro Line 8, which makes getting around the city a breeze. I’ve had family members stay here and they swear by it – so it’s a solid mid range choice for your trip. 

📍 Top High End Pick: Hotel des Artes Montmartre (18th arrondissement). This beautiful hotel is remarkably quiet and peaceful, despite being in the very popular Montmartre neighborhood. The rooms are tastefully (and artfully) appointed, with staff that will go above and beyond to ensure that you have a great trip to Paris. 

FAQs: Paris in October

Considering visiting Paris in October and still have questions? Here are the answers to some of the most common queries from other travelers. 

Is October a Good Time to Go to Paris?

Yes, October is a pretty good time to go to Paris. You might encounter some chillier weather and rain, but the overall costs of accommodations will be lower. Paris is also busy throughout the year, but visitors drop off noticeably in October so you’ll have smaller crowds to contend with than you would during the summer months. 

Perhaps best of all, you’ll have the chance to experience the city more like a Parisian!

When is the Cheapest Time to Go to Paris?

The off season from November to February are the cheapest times to visit Paris, with the lowest prices typically in January and February. Still, you can absolutely find deals on your Parisian trip during the shoulder seasons, which include April, May, September, and October. 

What to Wear in Paris in October?

October in Paris is the time to dress in layers: sweaters, a rain jacket, waterproof shoes, and accessories like a scarf will help you stay comfortable in all weather. A small umbrella is a must, as rain showers are likely. Gloves, a warm hat, and long underwear are also great to have for chilly evenings. 

Conclusion: Paris in October

Paris in October has its quirks – chillier evenings and the occasional grey sky among them – but that’s part of the charm. With smaller crowds, better hotel deals, and a city that feels more local than touristy, October is one of the best months to experience the real Paris. Pack layers, bring an umbrella, and get ready for leafy garden strolls and cozy museum afternoons. 

Paris in October is for exploring like a local.