October in Paris: The Ultimate Guide to Events, Weather & Attractions

Paris in October is a dream for travelers who appreciate fewer crowds, crisp autumn air, and a city bathed in golden hues. As summer fades and winter approaches, Paris takes on a romantic and cozy atmosphere, perfect for strolls along the Seine, museum visits, and enjoying the city’s legendary cafés. If you’re planning a trip to Paris in October, here’s everything you need to know—from the weather and how to dress to special events and unique things to do.

Why Visit Paris in October?

October is an underrated yet fantastic time to visit Paris. The summer tourists are gone, making popular attractions much more enjoyable, and the city’s parks transform into breathtaking autumn landscapes.

Here’s why October is a great month to explore Paris:

Fewer tourists: You can enjoy major sights like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, and Musée d’Orsay without the long summer queues.
Autumn colors: The trees in places like Jardin des Tuileries and Parc Monceau turn stunning shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Pleasant weather: Crisp but comfortable temperatures make it ideal for walking tours and sightseeing.
Cultural events: October is full of festivals, art exhibitions, and seasonal delights like wine tastings and food markets.
Paris Fashion Week: If you’re a fashion lover, you might catch some events or stylish crowds in the city.

Paris Weather in October: What to Expect

October is a transitional month, shifting from mild early autumn to the cooler days of late fall. Here’s what you can expect:

Average temperature: 10°C to 17°C (50°F to 63°F)
Rainfall: Around 10-12 days of light to moderate rain
Daylight: About 11 hours of daylight

Mornings and evenings can be chilly, while afternoons are often mild. Rain showers are common but usually brief, so having an umbrella or raincoat handy is a good idea.

How to Dress for Paris in October

Packing the right clothes will help you stay comfortable while looking effortlessly stylish, just like the Parisians.

Essentials for Daytime:

Lightweight sweaters and long-sleeve tops
A trench coat or stylish wool coat
Comfortable ankle boots or sneakers
A scarf for extra warmth and a Parisian touch

Evening Wear:

A chic blazer or leather jacket
Dress pants or a stylish dress with tights
Elegant boots or loafers

Other Essentials:

An umbrella or a small, packable raincoat
A crossbody bag to keep your belongings safe

Layering is key in October since temperatures can vary throughout the day.

Special Events & Holidays in Paris in October

Paris in October offers a mix of cultural, artistic, and gastronomic events. Here are some highlights:

Nuit Blanche (First Saturday of October)

This is a one-night-only art festival where museums, galleries, and public spaces stay open all night, showcasing modern art installations, performances, and exhibits across the city. It’s a must for art lovers!

We’ve tried to take advantage of this event before, but we never managed to do so successfully. There’s always a queue everywhere, even at 1 AM! It’s still fun to see Paris at midnight with such large crowds, but I’d recommend not expecting too much.

Montmartre Grape Harvest Festival (Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre)

Montmartre, the historic artist district, has a small vineyard that produces local Parisian wine. Each October, a lively festival celebrates the harvest with wine tastings, parades, concerts, and fireworks. It’s a fun and unexpected experience in the heart of Paris.

Salon du Chocolat (Late October – Early November)

Chocolate lovers, rejoice! This world-famous chocolate festival brings together top chocolatiers, pastry chefs, and cocoa producers for tastings, workshops, and live demonstrations. A must-visit for anyone with a sweet tooth.

Halloween in Paris (October 31st)

Halloween is not as widely celebrated in France as in the U.S., but you’ll find themed decorations in Disneyland Paris, haunted house events, and some bars or nightclubs hosting costume parties. Père Lachaise Cemetery, home to famous graves like Jim Morrison and Oscar Wilde, is an atmospheric place to visit during this time.

Unique Things to Do in Paris in October

Aside from visiting the classic landmarks, here are some unique activities to make your October trip special:

1. Enjoy the Fall Foliage in Parisian Parks

Paris is incredibly scenic in autumn, and the parks are the perfect place to admire the season’s colors. Some of the best spots include:

Jardin des Tuileries (near the Louvre)
Parc Monceau (a hidden gem in the 8th arrondissement)

2. Take a Seine River Cruise at Sunset

With the earlier sunsets in October, you can enjoy a golden-hour cruise on the Seine, watching the Eiffel Tower light up while sipping a glass of wine.

3. Visit the Catacombs of Paris

October is the perfect month for a slightly eerie adventure. The Paris Catacombs, with their underground tunnels filled with human bones, are both fascinating and chilling—great for a Halloween-inspired outing.

4. Experience a Cozy Café Culture Moment

Cooler temperatures make café-hopping even more enjoyable. Warm up with a chocolat chaud (hot chocolate) at places like:

Café de Flore (a historic literary café in Saint-Germain-des-Prés)
Angelina (famous for its rich, velvety hot chocolate)
Le Consulat (a charming Montmartre café perfect for people-watching)

5. Explore the Covered Passages of Paris

These hidden 19th-century shopping arcades offer a magical, old-world charm. Perfect for a rainy day, some of the best ones include:

Galerie Vivienne (elegant and historic)
Passage des Panoramas (ideal for vintage finds and restaurants)
Passage Jouffroy (home to a charming old bookshop and wax museum)

Final Tips for Visiting Paris in October

Book accommodations in advance. October is a popular month, especially with events like Fashion Week and Montmartre’s wine festival.
Bring a small umbrella or raincoat. Showers can happen unexpectedly, and it’s best to be prepared.
Visit museums early or late in the day. With fewer tourists, you can enjoy places like the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay without the long summer lines.
Use public transport. The metro is the easiest way to get around, especially when the weather turns chilly.
Learn basic French phrases. A simple “Bonjour” (hello) and “Merci” (thank you) go a long way in making your trip smoother.

Conclusion

Paris in October is an enchanting mix of cultural events, golden autumn colors, and a cozy atmosphere. Whether you’re exploring Montmartre’s vineyards, warming up with a rich hot chocolate, or strolling through the city’s historic streets, October offers a wonderful balance between sightseeing and seasonal charm. If you love Paris in spring, you’ll adore it in autumn.

Bon voyage!