I love Paris in October. In fact, it is one of my favorite times to visit.
Yes, she’s a little moody and rainy at times. But honestly, I think it adds to the Paris charm. The weather starts to feel crisp, the autumn leaves start making their appearances in parks around the city, and there are SO many fun events happening!
What’s not to love?
If you’re planning an October visit to Paris, I’ve got all the details you need including weather, what to wear, events, things to do, and whether I think you should visit!
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Paris in October Weather
Paris this time of year blessedly cools down and starts to feel mild and even slightly chilly.
However, you’re also likely to encounter some autumn rain. Yes, there can be plenty of sunny days too, but Paris in October can be a bit moody in terms of clouds and rainfall, so it helps to be prepared.
To help you prepare, I’m going to give you some estimated averages below, but know that Paris weather these days can be unpredictable. So it is ALWAYS a good idea to check the weather forecast before your visit. The Weather Channel works just fine!
- Average high: 57-66ºF / 14-19ºC
- Average low: 47-53ºF / 8-12ºC
- Average number of days with significant precipitation: 8 days
- Hours of daylight: 9 hours 56 minutes-11 hours 40 minutes
Yes, days of significant precipitation looks low, but keep in mind that there are plenty of days where you’ll still get rain and clouds.
And yes, days are getting shorter. Sunrise is at 7:49 am and sunset is at 7:29 pm on October 1, whereas sunrise is at 7:35 am and sets at 5:31 pm by the end of the month.
Note: It is important to know that the time changes in October. France falls back earlier than the US. In 2026, the time changes on October 25, which is why the sunset time is dramatically earlier than the beginning of the month.
Overall, expect mild days with chillier mornings/evenings. Having a coat is a good idea!
When I’ve been to Paris in October, it has been a little nippy at times, but otherwise perfect with a trench coat!
Paris in October What to Wear
We’ve talked about the weather, now let’s discuss what to wear in October!
- Sneakers. Yes, these are essential for walking around all day. I love my Adidas Sambas, and they’ve served me well.
- Boots. This is the month for breaking out the boots again! With some chill in the air, it’s nice to have boots that are also water resistant for the rain! You don’t necessarily need these, but they’re nice to have. Men’s boots here!
- Socks. You’ll need socks for your sneakers/boots! Wool socks are good for boots too!
- Jeans/trousers. Jeans and trousers are always popular in Paris. Men’s jeans/trousers here!
- Skirts. A cute skirt with tights is always a fun autumn outfit idea!
- Tights. This is great to wear under skirts.
- Long-sleeve tops. With the autumn chill, long-sleeve tops work great with jeans, trousers, skirts, and more! Men’s tops here.
- Jacket. You’re definitely going to want to consider bringing a jacket, like a trench coat or even a cropped trench as the temps cool down this month. Men’s jacket here.
- Umbrella. Autumn brings in more rain typically, so having an umbrella is key!
- Scarf. For chillier mornings/evenings, a scarf can be useful to have!
Layers are key in the autumn months! In my experience, a long-sleeve top, jeans, boots or sneakers, and a trench have worked perfectly! A scarf is nice too in the mornings/evenings.
Typically, you won’t have hot days in October, but again, Paris weather can be unpredictable, so check the weather forecast prior to your visit!
Helpful things for your trip to Paris!
- Airalo for an on-the-go eSIM!
- Skyscanner for searching the best flight deals
- Get Your Guide for tours
- Booking.com for hotels
- World Nomads for travel insurance
October in Paris Events
One of the reasons Paris in October is iconic is that there are a lot of great events happening around the city! So buckle up because here are some to check out!
- Festival de l’Automne (September 11, 2026-January 10, 2027): This festival celebrates the arts like music, dancing, theatre, and more! It happens in various venues around Paris, and it is a great way to take in some culture with the locals!
- Disney Halloween Festival (September 26-November 1, 2026): Enjoy a spooky visit to Disneyland Paris during their Halloween festival complete with fun autumn decor, Disney Villains, and a fun parade!
- Paris Fashion Week (September 28-October 6, 2026): Womenswear for spring/summer 2027 is happening at the beginning of the month!
- Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (October 3-4, 2026): If you love horse racing, this is a great Paris October event to attend! This is at the ParisLongchamp Racecourse.
- Salon de la Photo (October 8-11, 2026): If you love photography and videography, this event is a great one to attend to enjoy exhibitions, a workshop, and more!
- Jazz sur Seine (October 9-24, 2026): If you love jazz, October is an amazing month to be in Paris. This large festival includes over 200 concerts in 30 venues around Paris and the Ile de France region.
- Fête des Vendanges Montmartre (October 7-11, 2026): This may be the most popular event in Paris during October. This is the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival where there are concerts, shows, and more to celebrate this neighborhood. You also get to tour the Vignes du Clos Montmartre!
- Harmonie Mutuelle 20km de Paris (October 11, 2026): While the Paris marathon is large and takes place in April, for those of us who prefer to run less than that, there is a 20 km (12.4 mile) race in October!
- Belleville Craft Days (October 11-12, 2026): Explore the Belleville neighborhood in Paris and admire crafts from local artisans! Enjoy demonstrations and workshops here too!
- Food & Wine Festival (October 13-17, 2026): October is truly a month for gourmets between the Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival and this. Enjoy classes, tastings, workshops, and other entertainment!
- Steelers vs. Saints NFL Game (October 25, 2026): The first-ever NFL France game is being played in Paris at Stade de France!
- Salon du Chocolat et de la Pâtisserie (October 28-November 1, 2026): Dessert lovers rejoice! This is the world’s largest chocolate celebration! This even features chocolate tastings, pastry workshops, classes, and more!
- French School Holidays (October 18-November 1, 2026): If you’ve shown up in Paris in late October and wondered why it was busy, this is probably why. All schoolchildren in France have their Toussaint holidays this time of year. This means you’ll find many families visiting Paris during this time, and things get busy. So book things well in advance!
Things to Do in Paris in October
It’s autumn in one of the most romantic and fun cities in the world. Let’s talk about what to do!
1. Visit the Catacombs.
Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that Halloween isn’t a big deal in France. It’s not nearly as popular or as celebrated as in the US. That being said, there are still many “spooky season” activities that just make way more sense in the month of October in Paris than other times of the year!
The Catacombs are no exception. It’s the City of Bones underneath the City of Lights. I highly recommend taking a tour to learn more!
I’ve done this twice, and both visits are fascinating! Discover why the Catacombs were necessary and how these tunnels came to be.
And book well in advance- this is a popular activity!
2. Explore Pere Lachaise.
Similar to the Catacombs, it’s nice to explore spooky Paris this time of year. This is Paris’s most famous cemetery with loads of famous residents including Edith Piaf, Jim Morrison, Frederic Chopin, Oscar Wilde, and more!
There are a few tours here you can take, including a spooky tour or one that shares its most famous residents.
I did a famous residents tour, and we learned a ton! I particularly enjoyed learning about Antoine-Augustin Parmentier– the man who convinced France that potatoes were safe to eat! Now, people leave potatoes on his grave!
3. Ghost Tour of Paris.
Yes, you can do a ghost tour anytime in Paris, but again, it hits different in October. Discover ghosts, legends, and the dark history of Paris on a ghost tour at night.
4. Enjoy Soul Warming Food And Drink.
It’s not quite cold yet, but the moodiness of October in Paris combined with some crispiness in the air make for the perfect excuse to sip delectable hot chocolate and eat fondue.
I personally love Le Vieux Bistro in Paris for fondue, tartiflette, and more! Les Deux Magots is my favorite hot chocolate spot, but I have a whole guide on the best hot chocolates in Paris here!
And for a taste of the southwest, definitely try aligot (it’s very cheesy and stretchy mashed potatoes). I love La Petite Périgourdine for this! I came here in October and it was SO delectable! Also, check out my favorite restaurants in Paris here.
Head to a cozy cafe or restaurant for hearty food!
PS- Check out this iconic chocolate and pastry tour of Paris!
5. Enjoy Museums On a Rainy Day.
Paris is the perfect city for a rainy day because this city is FULL of amazing museums.
Yes, while the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, and Musée de l’Orangerie are popular and worth visiting (just book them ahead of time!), here are some of my other favorites to check out:
- CLUNY Museum (Museum of the Middle Ages): Great art and artifacts from Medieval times. It also has Roman bathhouse ruins in the basement and the famed The Lady and the Unicorn tapestries.
- Museum of Fairground Arts: Turn-of-the-century fairrides and games! Tours are required, and most are in French, though.
- Musée Marmottan Monet: This holds the largest collection of Monet’s works in the world! It even has the painting that started the whole movement! It also has an impressive collection of Berthe Morisot (one of the few female impressionists).
- Musée Gustave Moreau: Former home and studio of this French Symbolism painter with an iconic spiral staircase and paintings covering the walls.
- Musée National Eugene Delacroix: Enjoy the art of this famed French Romantic painter in his former apartment.
- La Galerie Dior: For the fashion lovers, discover more about Christian Dior and the fashion house here.
- Carnavalet Museum (Paris History Museum): This is a free museum to visit to learn all about Paris’s history!
- Petit Palais: This is a great art museum to explore and is free to visit!
Check out more smaller museums of Paris here!
6. Head to Parks Around Paris.
Paris is full of parks, and that is one of the things I love most about it!
And being the autumn months, you can check out fall foliage in the parks as you enjoy the last fleeting moments of mild weather before the winter chill comes in.
Here are some parks to check out:
- Jardin des Tuileries
- Jardin du Luxembourg
- Parc des Buttes-Chaumont
- Bois de Vincennes
- Parc Monceau
- Place des Vosges
- Square des Batignolles
7. Enjoy a Seine Cruise.
With earlier sunsets, you’ve got more chances to catch the Eiffel Tower sparkle!
And because Parisians eat later (8-8:30 pm typically), there are several nights where you can take a cruise and see it sparkle prior to your dinner reservation!
8. Head to the Market.
Yes, markets are always a good idea in Paris! Check out the latest of the season as well as old faves like cheeses, takeaway food, and more!
And if you’re staying at a place with a kitchen, it’s fun to get supplies here and make a meal one night!
In October, you’ll likely see pumpkins, apples, mushrooms, chestnuts, pears, and more!
Here are markets to check out:
- Raspail Market: Tuesday & Friday from 7 am-1:30 pm.
- Rue Mouffetard Market Street: Everyday except Monday from around 8 am-1 pm. However, weekends are the best time to go.
- Rue Cler Market Street: There are many shops and things that have varying opening times. Many are closed on Monday all day and Sunday afternoons. But it is typically open all day until around 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
- Place Monge Market: Wednesday & Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
- Maubert Market: Tuesday & Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Saturday from 7 am-3 pm.
- Marche d’Aligre: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm. The covered market is open from Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm, Saturday is from 9 am-1 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday is from 9 am-1:30 pm.
- Bastille Market: Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
9. Day Trips From Paris in October.
If you’re spending several days in Paris, why not take a day trip? Here are some great ideas for October!
- Disneyland Paris. You can go check out the Halloween Festival. This is great if you have kids or are just a kid at heart!
- Giverny. This is your final month to admire Monet’s House and Gardens before they close up for the year! Explore the lily pond, walk through the gardens, and admire his home full of replicas of his famous works! You can do this on your own via the train and shuttle or book a day trip here!
- Champagne. I spent several days in Champagne in October a couple of years ago and it was nothing short of stunning. Reims and Epernay are gorgeous, and the vineyards are full of color! I recommend checking out a tour to see more, but you can also just take the train to Reims or Epernay and explore too. Just be sure to book tastings and Champagne tours in advance!
- Versailles. October is a lovely time to explore the Palace of Versailles. Yes, it may be crowded, but it shouldn’t be nearly as bad as peak summer. Plus, you may catch some fall foliage in the gardens! This is also the last month of the year for the Musical Gardens and Musical Fountains shows! You can again do this on your own, or you can book a tour. I loved going on a bike tour to see most of the estate including the palace, Petit Trianon, Grand Trianon, the Grand Canal, gardens, Marie Antoinette’s Hamlet, and even the market in the town. Book it here! And if you’re shorter on time, you could just take a tour of the palace and explore the gardens on a tour here!
- Mont Saint Michel. I actually visited Mont Saint Michel on a moody and cloudy day in September and the stone really popped amongst the grey. It was still beautiful! I do recommend doing this with a tour, though, so you don’t have to stress over logistics as this is a further day trip from Paris. Book it here!
- Rouen. This Norman city is less than a 2-hour train ride from Paris and is full of history and charm. Admire the half-timber buildings, eat hearty food, learn more about Joan of Arc (she was burned at the stake here), and admire the Gros Horloge and cathedral. It’s a fun little day trip from Paris in the fall.
- Chateau de Fontainebleau. Explore this gorgeous chateau and gardens to admire the fall foliage and wander the palace with fewer crowds than Versailles.
Where to Stay in Paris in October
Hotel prices in October are better than in September, but it isn’t the low season yet. Also, with more visitors coming thanks to French school holidays, prices may increase the last half of the month.
Here are some hotels to check out for your stay:
Hotel Le Clement: I stayed here recently, and it’s a great little hotel that is close to many great restaurants in Saint-Germain-des-Pres!
Hotel Joyce: This 3-star hotel tends to be on the budget-friendly side! It’s in the 9th arrondissement, and I stayed here in April and loved it! It’s super cute!
Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais Paris Marais: Located in Le Marais, this is a great, central spot for exploring! This is also a more budget-friendly hotel!
Is Paris in October Worth Visiting?
October is one of my favorite months to visit Paris, so I definitely think it is worth visiting! If you don’t mind some rain and moody days, you’ll love it too!
I stand firm that there is no bad month to visit Paris in general, but I really enjoy October for its fall foliage in parks, fun energy, and cozy vibes.
It’s not off season, and between Paris Fashion Week and French School holidays, those times can be busier. However, it’s still a fun time to be in Paris!
Frequently Asked Questions
Before you visit Paris in the fall, here are some answers to your frequently asked questions.
1. Is October a good time to visit Paris?
Of course! It can be rainier and chillier, but it is still a fun time to be in Paris!
2. Does it rain a lot in Paris in October?
It does rain in Paris in October. However, it doesn’t rain all day every day. There are sunny and beautiful days too! So while October typically sees more rain than the summer months, it isn’t even the rainiest month of the year!
That being said, it is wise to be prepared with an umbrella and jacket for the rain.
3. How many days do you need in Paris in October?
More days are always better in Paris! However, 3 days is a good amount of time to really get to know the city and see the highlights.
However, with more time, you can dive deeper into the city and take a day trip! Check out my other Paris itineraries:
And if you’re short on time, I have 1 day in Paris and 2 days in Paris too.
4. Is Paris crowded in October?
While it isn’t peak season like June and July, it can be crowded in October at times. There are areas during Paris Fashion Week that can see crowds.
But the biggest thing to consider are French School Holidays. It is Toussaint holidays in October, so around the middle of the month onwards things tend to get busier as French families visit Paris.
It is crucial to book tours and popular attractions in advance! I mean it–the last time we were there in October, we saw friends who were there at the same time and couldn’t get tickets to the Louvre because it sold out. I helped her find a way to get tickets so they could see it.
Don’t assume that just because you’re not there during peak season that things don’t sell out!
5. Do I need to book reservations in Paris in advance in October?
Absolutely! While lesser visited museums aren’t crowded and likely do not need advance bookings, big attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Musée de l’Orangerie, the Catacombs, etc., you’ll want to book well in advance.
It’s important to book dinner reservations in advance too! Yes, there are places where you can just walk in, but it’s a good idea to book ahead if it’s a restaurant you really want to try.
6. What time does the sun set in October in Paris?
The sun sets at 7:29 pm at the beginning of the month and gets earlier. Right before daylight savings ends, the sun sets at 6:44 pm. Then, after daylight savings time ends, the sun sets as early as 5:31 pm on October 31.
Remember: Daylight savings time ends in France earlier than the US! In 2026, it ends on October 25.
7. Is Paris expensive in October?
It isn’t as expensive as peak summer or September where hotels see another peak, but it isn’t super cheap either. Some hotels that are really inexpensive in the winter are still a bit pricier in October.
8. What is Paris like during Halloween?
France doesn’t do Halloween nearly like the US. It’s not as big of a deal at all. That being said, there are a few Halloween things like Disneyland’s Halloween Festival and even the Grand Rex cinema does a special Halloween movie night.
There may be a Halloween party or two. But overall, Halloween isn’t as big of a deal in France.
But you can still do spooky season activities like a ghost tour, visit cemeteries, or head to the Catacombs!
9. What are the best things to do in Paris on a rainy day in October?
Paris has plenty to do on a rainy day from visiting museums, sitting in cafes, shopping, and more!
10. Can you sit outside at cafes in Paris in October?
Yes you can! I love sitting outside at cafes in Paris, and you can still definitely do that in October! The weather is fairly mild with some cooler mornings/evenings. Some cafes even have heat lamps. And many have awnings to protect you from the rain.
But wear a jacket and enjoy!
This is everything you need to know about visiting Paris in October! I love a Paris autumn visit, and October is a fabulous time to be there! Whether you want to see a spookier side of Paris or you want to enjoy the last bits of warmth before winter, you can’t go wrong with a visit to Paris in October!
Deciding on when to visit Paris? Check out all my guides!
Want more Paris travel tips? Check out these guides!
- 25 Paris Travel Tips For First Timers
- Solo Travel Guide to Paris
- Hidden Gems of Paris
- Romantic Things to Do in Paris
- How to Visit the Louvre Consultation Room
- Alcohol Free Guide to Paris
- Paris Bucket List
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Kat is the France travel expert behind France Voyager. After studying abroad in Grenoble, she fell head over heels for the country. She has since visited many times since 2012 (including visits to 11 of the 13 regions in Metropolitan France) and is sharing all the tips for visiting France in this blog, which she has run for 5 years. Kat shares places she has traveled to and provides tips based on her own personal experiences of traveling and living in France. Aside from France Voyager, Kat also has a couple’s travel blog called World Wide Honeymoon and a podcast that she co-hosts with her husband, Chris, called the World Wide Honeymoon Travel Podcast.