Weather or not in off-season?

First trip to France (focusing in large part on Paris). We don%26#39;t want to go in the expensive and crowded season, but don%26#39;t want to be stuck in the rain for our entire trip. What time of year do you feel is the best time to go to France (we don%26#39;t mind having to wear jackets, just don%26#39;t want to do the umbrella and soaking wet routine if we can avoid it!).

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You can never rely on consistency with weather in NW Europe. This site will give you a clue, and would seem to suggest Sept Oct as the best time to go.

wordtravels.com/Cities/France/Paris/Climate

But, like the Boy Scout %26quot;Be prepared%26quot;

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Well, you could study temperature/rainfall charts

bbc.co.uk/weather/…

But, you may also want to take into consideration hours of daylight

climate-charts.com/Locations/u/US72000001166…

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Over the last 28 years or so I have been to Paris in every month of the year.

I have experienced glorious sunshine in December and torrential rain in June. Last June the temperature hit the mid 30s which was a bit too much as air con is the exception rather than the rule.

I agree Sept/Oct or April/May are the best options but be prepared for anything (except snow). Bring waterproof jackets as well as layers for underneath. Coming from CA you may find spring and autumn quite cold.

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I agree with all of the above comments. The weather is not predictible and it would be best to pack raincoats and as someone else mentioned, layers. For instance, in summertime expect rain-sudden rain then clearing. And for sure, in off season, such as late wintertime, for example, it definitely will have rain more often than not.

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We always travel in November... London, Edinburgh, Paris, Normandy, Madrid, etc... I like it because the crowds are down, prices slightly cheaper... caught some rain in London now and then, but bought a lovely umbrella on the strand, which is now my favorite should I ever need it... lol

I would love to buy a great umbrella in Normandy....

http://www.h2oparapluies.fr/pages.php?page=8

Can%26#39;t predict the rain. It happens. But I can%26#39;t imagine fighting the hordes of crowds during the summer....

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Most of our Paris trips have been the first week in November. Only a few inclement days, and very few cold ones. That%26#39;s my favorite time.