What to Pack for Paris in Every Season (Carry-On Only)
A carry-on packing list for Paris based on its real monthly weather, with what to wear for long days of walking and the cabin bag rules of the airlines that fly there.
Paris is a walking city. You'll do 20,000 steps a day, climb up and down Metro stairs, and go in and out of museums, cafes and shops. A small bag on wheels and a few clothes that go with each other make all of that easier. Here's what to pack, season by season.
Paris weather by month
Paris is mild for most of the year, but it rains a little in every month. The warmest months are July and August, with highs around 78°F (26°C). In January the average high is only 45°F (7°C) and nights drop to about 35°F (2°C).
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 45°F (7°C) | 35°F (2°C) | 2.5 in (64 mm) |
| February | 49°F (10°C) | 36°F (2°C) | 2.1 in (54 mm) |
| March | 54°F (12°C) | 39°F (4°C) | 2.8 in (72 mm) |
| April | 60°F (16°C) | 42°F (6°C) | 2.0 in (51 mm) |
| May | 66°F (19°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 3.0 in (76 mm) |
| June | 74°F (23°C) | 56°F (13°C) | 2.7 in (69 mm) |
| July | 78°F (26°C) | 60°F (15°C) | 1.8 in (45 mm) |
| August | 78°F (26°C) | 59°F (15°C) | 2.6 in (66 mm) |
| September | 71°F (22°C) | 54°F (12°C) | 2.4 in (60 mm) |
| October | 63°F (17°C) | 49°F (9°C) | 2.8 in (72 mm) |
| November | 52°F (11°C) | 42°F (5°C) | 2.5 in (63 mm) |
| December | 48°F (9°C) | 38°F (3°C) | 3.0 in (76 mm) |
Monthly averages near central Paris, from Open-Meteo historical weather API (ERA5 reanalysis), 2015-2024. Model averages: real weather varies by town and height.
What that means for packing:
- Spring (April and May): highs of 60°F (16°C) to 66°F (19°C), cool evenings. A trench coat or light jacket and a sweater are the key pieces.
- Summer (June to August): warm, sometimes hot. Light clothes, and one layer for cool museums and evenings.
- Autumn (September and October): like spring in reverse. Layers again, and an umbrella.
- Winter (November to March): cold and grey. A warm coat, scarf and waterproof shoes.
The carry-on packing list
For 5 to 7 days in spring or autumn, all of this fits in a carry-on and a small under-seat bag.
Clothes
- 1 jacket you're happy to wear every day (a trench coat is the classic choice)
- 1 warm sweater
- 4 to 5 tops in colors that go together
- 2 pairs of trousers or jeans
- 1 dress or smart outfit for a nice dinner
- Scarf (it doubles as a layer and a cover-up in churches)
- Underwear and socks
Shoes
- Comfortable sneakers or walking shoes you have already broken in
- One smarter pair, only if you really need it
Day bag
- A crossbody bag that zips shut. Pickpockets work the busy spots around the big sights and on the Metro.
- Compact umbrella
- Refillable water bottle (Paris has free public drinking fountains)
- Phone power bank and a plug adapter for France (type C / E)
What to wear at the famous spots
- Eiffel Tower: it's windy at the top, even in summer. Bring your layer.
- Louvre and Musée d'Orsay: you'll walk for hours inside. Comfortable shoes matter more than anything else.
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur: steep hills and many stairs. Again, good shoes.
- Churches: there's no strict dress code, but covered shoulders are respectful. Your scarf works.
Will your bag fit the flight?
From the US: Delta, United and Air France usually include a full-size carry-on across the Atlantic, but the cheapest fares can come with extra rules, so check yours when you book. Air France also has a weight limit on cabin bags, so don't pack heavy shoes in yours.
Within Europe: if you add Paris to a longer trip, low-cost airlines like easyJet and Ryanair only include a small under-seat bag. A carry-on costs extra.
A bag of **55 x 35 x 20 cm (21.7 x 13.8 x 7.9 in)** fits every European airline we track. For the US, the standard size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches.
Type your bag's size into the bag size checker to see every airline it fits, or compare all carry-on sizes by airline.
Quick tips
- Stick to 3 or 4 colors. Every top then works with every pair of trousers.
- Wear your bulkiest things on the plane. Coat and walking shoes don't need to be in the bag.
- Leave space for shopping. Paris is hard to leave empty-handed.
