Architecture & Art, Food & Drink, Paris, Travel

Paris in the Fall: Events, Weather & What to Pack

September 4, 2025

Fall is one of the best times to visit Paris. The summer crowds fade, the weather is cooler, and the cultural calendar is packed with world-class events. From European Heritage Days (Journées de la Patrimoine) to Paris Design Week and Fashion Week, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Paris in September & October. I have also included packing tips, weather and where to stay!

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Paris Events in September & October

I found September in Paris to be especially invigorating, because everyone is back from a long vacation and the city is full of energy. This is when some really exciting cultural happenings are taking place:

European Heritage Days – Journées du Patriomoine

The Pont Alexandre III and Grand Palais, Paris, France (copyright, gscinparis, LLC)

This year the Journées du Patrimoine will take place around Paris (and all around France) from September 19-21, 2025. Just a search of what will be offered in Paris came up with over 1300 events! Wow. Basically, this is a nationwide celebration when historic landmarks and private buildings normally closed to the public open their doors for free. In Paris, this includes treasures like the Élysée Palace, the Hôtel de Ville, the French Senate at the Luxembourg Palace, and countless private mansions and chapels.

How to Visit:

Entry is free, but lines form quickly so you should plan on going early. If your French is decent, the Ministere de la Culture website is probably the best place to find what looks the most interesting. For information in English, the Paris Je t’aime site has information and a map.

View from Invalides toward the Eiffel Tower, Paris (copyright, gscinparis, LLC)

Some sites require pre-registration, especially government buildings. Check the official program online in early September. Plan your day around one or two neighborhoods to avoid wasting time crisscrossing the city.

Paris Design Week

Paris Design Week takes place early to mid September with events all over Paris. Events include gallery openings, art installations and the Maison & Objet design fair. A very exciting event for anyone who loves interior design, architecture or design.

Paris Fashion Week (Women’s Ready-to-Wear)

Paris Fashion Week takes place late September to early October in several locations depending on the designer. Runway shows are invitation only but there is some great people watching if you know where the show venues are.

Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre (Montmartre Wine Harvest Festival)

Did you know Paris has its own vineyard? The Clos Montmartre vineyard, just near the Sacré Coeur Basilica, celebrates its wine harvest each year with an epic neighborhood party. Although they only produce a few hundred bottles a year, they throw quite the celebration, with parades, concerts, food and wine stalls, exhibitions and even fireworks over the Sacré-Coeur. Typically taking place the second week of October, Montmartre (up on the hill in the 18th) gets very busy during the festival, so be sure to arrive early and explore on foot.

Outside of Paris: Les Vendanges (Wine Harvest)

All over France, the hard work of harvesting grapes and making wine will be celebrated. The Champagne region is about a 1-2 hour drive from Paris (depending on where you go). Bordeaux is easily accessible from Paris by a 2 hour TGV ride. The Saint Émilion region, for example, is excellent for enjoying the Fall harvest.

Paris Weather in September

The weather in September might be the best weather of the year! After a scorching summer in July and August, temperatures typically settle and it can still be fairly sunny, with just a hint of crisp Fall air and the leaves changing ever so slightly. Average temperatures range in the highs of 22–25°C (72–77°F) early in the month, cooling to 16–18°C (60–65°F) by the end. The evenings definitely are cooler than those hot summer nights, around 10–12°C (50s°F), so plan for a jacket. As to rain, it’s Paris after all and rain is just a part of life there, so expect some showers in September. It stays light out about 13 hours early in the month, down to 11 by the end — perfect for sightseeing without late sunsets.

Paris Weather in October

October is one of Paris’ wetter months with light showers or drizzly weather rather than heavy downpours. Europe shifts to standard time at the end of October, so clocks go back one hour. Expect crisp mornings, cool evenings and pretty, golden afternoons, perfect for strolling the gardens or enjoying hot chocolate at a café.

View of the Notre Dame spire in Paris July 2025

What to Pack for Paris in September & October

Packing for Paris in the Fall means preparing for warm afternoons and chilly evenings. Think of layers like a trench coat or light jacket and don’t forget your scarf!