This article originally appeared in Travel+Leisure.
First, let's be clear: There is no bad time to visit Paris. I've lived in the French capital city during every month of the year, so I can say on good authority that you can't go wrong when booking a trip to the City of Light. January, February, and March are the chilliest months, but this is also the quietest time in Paris. You can bundle up in a chic coat and walk across the snow-dusted Pont Neuf to the Latin Quarter, tuck into a cafe for a warming glass of red wine, and experience Paris as the locals do.
The spring (April and May) brings blossoms to Jardin des Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg. And June, July, and August, while quite warm and crowded, have exceptionally long days (the sun doesn't set until after 10 p.m.), making it a great time to sip cocktails at one of the outdoor brasserie tables lining the sidewalk. September and October are arguably the best months to be in Paris — a brisk breeze seeps into the air, Paris Fashion Week is in full force, and turning leaves line the city's most scenic jardins. Finally, November and December bring seasonal cheer, French delicacies, and galette des rois in shop windows.
While every season in Paris has its perks, we've made a quick guide to the very best times to visit this exquisite French city.