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Cheapest Time to Fly to Paris (and the Most Expensive)

The cheapest time to fly to Paris is usually winter and select shoulder-season weeks—while summer, late December, and spring peak weeks are the priciest.

Paris flight prices can jump around a lot by season—mostly because transatlantic demand spikes during summer vacations, spring travel season, and year-end holidays.

If you can be flexible by even a few days, you’ll often save the most by targeting winter and calmer shoulder-season stretches—then avoiding the “everybody’s going” weeks.

Quick Take

Cheapest time to fly to Paris: mid-January–early March, late April (some weeks), September (after Labor Day), and mid-November–early December
Most expensive time to fly to Paris: June–August, late December–early January, late March–April (spring peak weeks), and late May (holiday/event weeks)

Cheapest Time to Fly to Paris

The cheapest flights to Paris usually show up when fewer people are crossing the Atlantic, airlines have more open seats to fill, and you’re outside the big school-break windows.

Mid-January to Early March (Post–New Year Dip)

Once the holiday rush ends, fares often drop fast. This is one of the most consistent windows for lower prices from the US—especially if you’re not locked into weekend-only travel.

Money-saving tip: Tuesday–Thursday departures tend to price better than Friday/Saturday.
Exception: If a big conference week hits your exact dates, nonstop seats can tighten and prices can jump.

Late April (Select Shoulder Weeks)

Some late-April weeks can price well—especially if you’re between spring-break travel and the early-summer ramp. It’s not always “cheap,” but it’s often more deal-friendly than May or June.

Money-saving tip: Compare a couple nearby departure airports—one routing change can knock real money off the fare.
Exception: If your dates drift into early May, pricing can climb quickly.

September (After Labor Day)

September is a classic “deal-friendly” month for Paris airfare once US summer travel fades. You’ll still see demand, but prices often loosen compared to July and August.

Money-saving tip: If you can leave right after Labor Day week, you’ll usually see better options.
Exception: Late September can bump up if your dates overlap major event weeks.

Mid-November to Early December (Pre-Holiday Lull)

This is a quiet stretch before Christmas and New Year travel kicks off. It’s one of the best times to find lower fares while still getting a solid selection of flights.

Money-saving tip: Keep your return flexible—prices often jump as you get closer to mid-December.
Exception: The minute school breaks start, airfare starts acting like peak season.

Most Expensive Time to Fly to Paris

The most expensive time to fly to Paris is when US vacation demand stacks up—summer, spring peak weeks, and year-end travel are the big drivers.

June to August (Summer Peak)

This is the toughest stretch for deals. Demand is high, nonstop flights fill quickly, and the “good” itineraries tend to disappear first.

Peak within peak: Late June through early August is often the most expensive run.

Late December to Early January (Holiday Rush)

Christmas and New Year travel pushes fares up across the board. If you want this window, you’re usually better off booking earlier instead of hoping for a drop.

Peak within peak: Late-December departures and early-January returns are usually the highest-priced combos.

Late March to April (Spring Peak Weeks)

Spring is popular for Paris, and airfare often rises during the weeks that line up with US spring breaks—especially if you’re traveling Friday to Sunday.

Peak within peak: Weekend-heavy trips during spring break weeks tend to price the highest.

Late May (Holiday/Event Weeks)

Late May can spike when long weekends and major events stack up. It’s not always as pricey as July, but it’s a common “why is this so expensive?” time.

Peak within peak: Departures around long weekends can jump fast.

💡Use this Paris Seasonal Activities Guide to see the top activities for the season you’ll be visiting the city. It let's you know the best things to do based on seasonal travel demand, weather and more.

On a Budget But Want Good Weather in Paris?

If you want comfortable conditions without peak-season airfare, these windows are usually your best bet:

Late April (select weeks): Spring feel without summer-level pricing—if you avoid the busiest weeks
September (after Labor Day): Comfortable weather with better deal odds than midsummer
Early December: Cooler, festive vibe starting up, and often cheaper than late-December holiday travel

Wondering what you will spend visiting Paris? Check out our Paris Travel Cost Guide to help you with your vacation budget.

Best Booking Window for Cheap Flights to Paris

If you’re aiming for the cheapest time to fly to Paris, start watching early and grab a solid fare when it appears—transatlantic pricing can move fast.

Low/shoulder seasons: start tracking 2–5 months ahead
Popular seasons: start tracking 4–7+ months ahead

Extra tip: If you can avoid Friday departures and Sunday returns, you’ll usually see better pricing and better flight options.

Seasonal Flight Demand Chart for Paris

Use this chart as a quick guide to the cheapest vs. priciest months to fly.

Month	Demand Level	Price Level	Notes
Jan	Low → Medium	Low → Medium	Best deals after New Year travel ends
Feb	Low	Low	One of the best months for airfare
Mar	Medium	Medium	Spring demand starts building—some price jumps
Apr	Medium → High	Medium → High	Spring peak weeks can get pricey
May	Medium → High	Medium → High	Late May can spike around holiday/event weeks
Jun	High	High	Summer demand ramps up fast
Jul	High	High	Peak summer pricing
Aug	High	High	Peak season continues—often pricey until late month
Sep	Medium → Low	Medium → Low	Post-summer dip—great deal window after Labor Day
Oct	Medium	Medium	Steadier pricing—often better than summer
Nov	Low → Medium	Low → Medium	Strong value before December climbs
Dec	Medium → Very High	Medium → Very High	Early deals, then holiday surge later in the month

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