Heading to Paris this October and wondering what you should be packing? I’m here to help!
As a French woman, if there is something I know very well it’s what the weather is like in France and what to wear.
When visiting Paris, the last thing you want to do is to pack the wrong things.
If you forget some things, it’s not really an issue because there are many shops around and honestly, there is no better place to go shopping!
Having said that, it’s still important to not overpack and avoid loading your suitcase with unnecessary items.
In this article, I tell you exactly what you should be wearing in Paris in October.
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What is the weather like in Paris in October
October truly marks the beginning of the autumn season in Paris. Temperatures average between 9°C and 16°C (48°F and 61°F) with 4 hours of sunshine per day.
If you are visiting at the beginning of the month, you might still catch some of our Indian summer and it can be quite warm.
If you are coming at the end of the month though, you should prepare for autumn weather because it gets a lot cooler.
We also get a few days of rain in October in Paris so make sure to plan for this as well.
Essential Packing List for Paris in October
Clothes
- T-shirts or shirts with short and long sleeves. If you are going at the beginning of October, take short sleeves but if you are going at the end of the month, long sleeves are preferable.
- Autumn dresses with tights. Pack a few dresses that are appropriate for autumn weather (so not too light but not too warm either) that you can wear with tights. You don’t need thick tights at this time of the year but black ones are preferable.
- Skirts. Again, make sure it’s appropriate for autumn weather. I also don’t recommend skirts that are too tights or long because it’s less practical to walk with these.
- Trousers and jeans. These are essential items to pack since the temperatures are a bit cool and there is a risk of rain.
- Cardigans or light jumpers. These will come in handy during the day as well as in the evening. Again, temperatures are quite cool so you need some layers.
- Jacket(s). I would recommend a jean jacket or light jacket for the day and a thicker one (ideally waterproof) for the evening.
- Leggings for the plane journey. Don’t wear them in Paris though, French people don’t wear activewear outside of the gym so it would make you look like a tourist.
- Underwear / Bras
- Socks
- Pyjamas
Shoes
- Comfortable sneakers. You will be walking a lot in Paris and a lot of the streets have cobblestones so make sure your shoes are comfortable.
- Flat leather boots. These are a more stylish option that will give you a bit of a Parisian look. I recommend flat-ish ones since they are more comfortable and you’ll be able to walk longer with them.
Bags
- 1 suitcase or travel backpack.
- 1 hand bag for the day or stylish backpack
- 1 money belt – I admit that this is not the most stylish item on this list but unfortunately, since there are a lot of pickpockets in Paris, it can be helpful to keep your money and passport safe.
Accessories
- A small umbrella
- A light scarf or pashmina
- Jewellery – don’t take anything too valuable since unfortunately there are a lot of pickpockets in Paris.
Electronics
- International adapter (France uses type C and E sockets)
- Phone charger
- Headphones
- Power bank
- Camera
Paperwork
- Passport
- Travel Insurance
- Cash and/or Revolut / Transferwise card
- Bank card
Things To Leave At Home
- Shorts
- Summer dresses
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