Autumn in the French capital has always been one of my favorite times of year– especially at the beginning of the season, before the days wane into early darkness and the trees are stripped bare. Paris in October is a lively, energizing month that offers plenty to see and do. With the added benefit of crisp air and the opportunity for a little quiet reflection, what’s not to love?
Like September, the de facto New Year in the city, October brings a plethora of events: some of the most important exhibits of the year, free “happenings” for all ages and a bunch of (genuinely) interesting fairs and trade shows.
There’s an undeniable and contagious energy in the air. And while low season doesn’t technically start until the end of the month, October offers a certain balance between excitement and contemplative calm.
Intrigued? Read on to decide whether an October trip to Paris might be ideal for you. In what follows, I offer in-depth tips on what to see, where to go, and how to pack your suitcase in light of general weather conditions.
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Some Pros and Cons of Planning an October Trip to Paris
I’ve already mentioned some of the benefits of an October sojourn– namely, a city that still feels vibrant and full of energy, while moving into its ebb season.
On a related note, October tends to be a bit less crowded than April through September, so you’ll likely have a bit more of the city to yourself.
I’m not suggesting that lines will be nonexistent, nor that getting tables at trendy restaurants or tickets at popular exhibits will be easier. It may just be a tad easier than in peak months.
{Why to Visit Paris in the Fall (and How to Tap its Subtle Magic)
The other thing that can make this time of year especially pleasant and memorable is the focus on autumnal activities and celebrations.
From wine tasting in Montmartre to all-night art shows and strolls through markets overflowing with bounty, October offers numerous ways to enjoy harvest season– even in the middle of the city. See more on these and other events by scrolling down.
And the cons?
Naturally, every month has its downsides. Technically, high season continues through around mid-October, so flights and rail fares tend to remain high until month’s end or early November. This is why it’s crucial that you begin research early into travel packages and make some decisions that will hopefully save you money.
I always recommend booking several months ahead of time– unless you’re traveling from within Europe, which might mean you can get last-minute deals on flights and trains.
To get the ball rolling, you can compare prices and offers on flights and hotels over at Skyscanner, or book train tickets and passes (via Rail Europe).
Another potential pitfall? Especially in the second half of the month, the weather can be a bit discouraging if you want to spend a lot of time outside or go on day trips that involve lots of time in the open air.
Some won’t be deterred by the cooler temperatures– see more on weather below– but when cold rain adds itself to the mix, it can really dampen (quite literally) your adventurous plans.
Weather in Paris: October Trends & Tips for Packing
Temperatures in October tend to be on the cooler side, although, as I’ve remarked in my other monthly guides, unusually high readings have been noted in past years. In general, you should plan for mild to somewhat cold conditions.
The French capital gets a fair amount of rainfall year-round, and October is no exception. At month’s end, chilly and rather abundant showers are common– offering the perfect excuse to duck into a cafe or tearoom for a warming treat.
Minimum Temperature: 10 degrees C/50 degrees F
Maximum Temperature: 16 degrees C/60.8 degrees F (please note that warmer max temps have occasionally been registered in recent years)
Average temp: 13 degrees C/55.4 degrees F
Average monthly precipitation: 57 mm/2.2 inches (totaling around eight days per month)
Average Daylight hours: 11.5
How to Pack Your Suitcase?
While there’s the occasional, disturbingly sunny and warm day in October, in general you can expect cooler conditions to reign.
Bring a couple of short-sleeved blouses and t-shirts as well as one pair of lighter trousers, but mainly line your suitcase with warm sweaters and trousers, woolen dresses, warm socks and a waterproof jacket.
{Cozy Things to Do in Paris During the Winter}
Shoes that keep out the wet and cold are also essential– large puddles are common around the city. I also recommend a strong, sturdy umbrella– just be careful not to leave it behind at the cafe table where you take refuge from the rain.
Best Things to Do in Paris in October
In terms of what to do in the 10th month, we’ve tried to balance our suggestions below between lively events and activities that are a bit more laid-back and meditative. I consider such a mix to be ideal at this time of year, when the waning days are likely to make you a bit sleepy and lethargic at times, or desiring of cozy places to retreat to for a little relaxation. Peruse our suggestions in what follows, and then perhaps take a look at the tourist office website for a more complete monthly calendar.
1. Read, think and dream in a cafe somewhere
With autumn descending, it can feel like a relief (at least for me) to not have to rush around everywhere and “take advantage” of the daylight. The convention that says “you must enjoy scorching heat and sun, and spend all day outdoors wearing minimal clothing while you roast your skin like a rotisserie chicken” is one that I generally find tiresome.
So when fall rolls around and it’s once again socially “acceptable” to huddle inside, wrapped up in ample clothing and sipping coffee with a good book in hand, I’m a happy camper.
I recommend aimlessly wandering wherever you happen to be staying and simply settling into a cafe that draws you in. This is how I’ve generally found the places that ended up stealing my heart (and much of my disposable income in the form of coffee).
If you don’t like to leave things to chance, though, this is a good list of some of the city’s iconic and seductive traditional cafe-brasseries. This one directs you to some of the better new places for decent coffee in the city, while this feature on cafes coveted by today’s writers in Paris shows you where the creative energy lies in the present day.
Feel like a quick nosh on something warm, but don’t feel like paying for expensive restaurant fare? See our guide to the best creperies in Paris. They’re cheap, cheerful and full of choices that are ideal for warming up.
And if you’re more of a tea person, our picks for afternoon tea and cake in the capital will direct you to warming spots for a good cuppa with pastries or cake.
2. Taste wine and enjoy traditional harvest festivities
October is the beginning of harvest season, and even though Paris is no longer a wine-making or agricultural center, it’s still a place where traditions are carried out with elaborate, ritualistic joy. The annual Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre is one such occasion: a curious, noisy, colorful party in and around Paris’ only remaining vineyard, Le Clos Montmartre.
Taste the rare local wine and varieties from other regions of France. Enjoy live music and bizarre processions led by wine “confreries” (brotherhoods/associations) dressed in elaborate costumes.
In 2023, the Vendanges take over hilly Montmartre from October 11th through October 15th. This year, the celebration is themed around the Olympics, anticipating the Summer Games slated to take over Paris next summer.
3. Enjoy an all-night art extravaganza at Nuit Blanche.
This dusk-’till dawn event is another entirely free one, and it’s a wonderful occasion to acquaint yourself with contemporary art and artists. Open-air installations (many playing on light in interesting ways, as shown above), performances, concerts and interactive “happenings” pop up in the hundreds around the city for two nights a week each October.
In 2023, Nuit Blanche fell in September rather than in October, which was rather unusual. To get a sense of what future editions might look like, see our full guide here.
4. Shows & Exhibits: My Picks in October 2023
The tenth month of the year is generally one of the best for catching excellent exhibitions around town. See this page for a nearly complete list of shows around town this month — and consider my suggestions below.
Amedeo Modigliani: A Painter and His Retailer (at the Musée de l’Orangerie)
This was one of the most-anticipated shows of the year in Paris: a retrospective on the Expressionist master Amedeo Modigliani, most famous for his abstract portraits inspired by traditional African sculptural practices.
The exhibition at the Musée de l’Orangerie explores the enduring collaboration and friendship between Modigliani and Paul Guillaume, the art dealer and gallerist who would fiercely advocate for Modigliani throughout his life, and exhibit many of his masterpieces.
Paintings, sculpture, drawings, and personal correspondence are featured in the show, which runs through the beginning of the year.
- Location: Musée de l’Orangerie, Jardin des Tuileries, 75001 Paris
- When: September 20, 2023 through January 15, 2024
Naples in Paris: The Louvre Invites the Capodimonte Museum
The Musée du Louvre has partnered with the Capodimonte Museum in Naples for a spectacular show highlighting some of the great Italian artists and paintings of the Renaissance, from Raphael to Michaelangelo. Some 60 masterpieces from the Bourbon and Farnese collections await visitors.
As part of the exhibit, which runs through early January, the Louvre itself has been transformed to resemble a Neapolitan palace.
- Location: Musée du Louvre, 75001 Paris
- When: Through January 8, 2024
Salon du Chocolat (Chocolate Salon)
Chocolate fanatics, unite! The annual Salon du Chocolat is a massive trade show dedicated to all things chocolate and cocoa– from dark to milk and white, and in forms from bars to truffles and pralines, beautifully designed pastries, sauces, savory dishes and even fashion!
Chocolate makers, buyers and pastry chefs from around the globe throng on Paris’ Porte de Versailles convention center to share samples of their latest delicious creations, and there are workshops, cooking demonstrations, pastry competitions and more.
Don’t miss the chocolate runway show, which features couture creations that incorporate chocolate straight into the clothes.
- Where: Porte de Versailles Convention Centre
- Dates: October 28th, 2023 to November 1st, 2023
See more and book tickets at the official website
Thinking About Booking Your Trip?
Before you hit the “book” button, I encourage you to consider your options for travel insurance.
You can get a quote on and compare travel insurance policies at World Nomads. And for a limited time only, Paris Unlocked readers get 5% off the purchase of international travel insurance policies (via Heymondo).
*Disclaimer: This post contains some affiliate links. If you book products or services though these, it comes at no cost to you, but will fund more free, in-depth features and travel tips at Paris Unlocked. Thank you!
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