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Packing Essentials for a Spring Trip to Paris
Packing Essentials for Spring in Paris is a very tricky endeavor. The weather forecast can be anywhere from rainy, gray, and cold, to bright, sunny, and warm. Luckily for you, I’ve put together a handy list of everything you need to pack for a trip to Paris in the spring to ensure you’re ready for any kind of weather that comes your way!
What’s the Weather Like in Paris in the Spring?
Climate change has thrown certainty out the window. While firmly in the thick of winter, I’ve sipped margaritas on a patio in Nebraska while riding the heat waves on a sunny February day. Conversely, I’ve played in the snow on an April afternoon in Minnesota.
And while neither of these places is even remotely close to Paris, they illustrate that the weather is wildly unpredictable. That being said, the typical weather for Paris in the spring can flux between cool and mild, with temperatures ranging from 45°F (7°C) to 65°F (18°C) from late March to May.
Be Prepared for Anything: Rain or Shine
My travels took me to Paris in mid-May. Luckily, I got the full gamut of weather (55°F to 78°F; wind, rain, and sun) and felt entirely prepared for all the possible weather outcomes. All because of these packing essentials for Spring in Paris.
As someone who is usually cold, it’s important to pack enough layers for your trip. Stores will be displaying summer attire, so it’s harder to find layers to purchase there if you chill easily. Plus, you’ll be able to anticipate the kind of space you’ll need in your suitcase if you have already accounted for your heaviest pieces before you depart!
If you’re lucky enough to miss the chillier end of spring, remember that air conditioning is not guaranteed in Europe, so it’s important to note what kind of cooling system (if any) your hotel room has as you approach the summer months.
If you’re like me and prefer to sleep with your windows open in the warmer months, I’ve found that screens are less common in Europe, so while it may be a great option to let in a cool breeze, it may also let in a few extra bugs, so proceed with caution.
That being said, here’s what you need to pack to feel ready for anything on your next trip to Paris in the spring.
- A Classic trench coat
- A Simple Scarf
- An Umbrella
- A Leather Jacket
- A Denim Jacket
- Black Wide-Leg Pants
- A Classic T-Shirt
- Classic Fitted Tank Top or Bodysuit
- Low Open Heels
- Rainproof Boots
A Classic Trench Coat
A trench coat is a classic piece in everyone’s closet for a reason. It’s versatile, stylish, and practical. A quality trench coat will offer some water resistance and protection from the wind.
I have this trench coat, and it was definitely an investment, but it’s been worth every penny! I used to own a trench coat that easily wrinkled, which made it difficult to wear, but my Sézane trench is made of a material that travels well and has held up well over the last few years.
A Simple Scarf
I have a simple black scarf made of a synthetic wool blend I got in Paris in 2019. I love this scarf because it’s lightweight and easy to toss in my bag whenever I’m unsure if the weather will hold or not. I use it on the plane as an eye mask or ball it up as a pillow in a pinch. It’s also a little wider than the average scarf so it can be worn over the shoulders on a night out!
An Umbrella
This isn’t technically something you wear, but an umbrella is always a good idea in Paris if rain is a remote possibility in the forecast. I would be remiss to recommend this! A small portable umbrella you aren’t attached to will suffice (in case you leave it somewhere by accident while you’re out exploring).
Remember, Paris is beautiful, especially/even on rainy days, so set yourself up to enjoy the sprinkles if you can!
A Leather Jacket
Listen, I told you I run cold, so coats absolutely will feature prominently on my packing list!
But I truly think a black leather jacket can be one of the most clutch pieces you travel with because it can lift a casual outfit to a slightly more elevated look with an over-the-shoulder, cool French-girl look placement.
Or it can remain casual with a pair of jeans and a classic tee. It’s up to you to dress it up or down, but your leather jacket will be there to support your vibe!
A Denim Jacket
This is the most American accessory ever, I know. But on a chilly morning that promises to turn into a lovely afternoon and then back to a slightly chilled evening, a denim jacket will be your best friend. It’s easy to throw on and, if needed, will function as your light jacket; you can tie it around your body as you wander the Bois de Boulogne, meander through the Louvre, or shop the Samaritaine.
Black Wide-Leg Pants
Whether you have an itinerary planned within an inch of its life or you don’t have a single reservation made, it’s good to leave room for spontaneous events. While a little black dress might do the trick, I offer the option of the black wide-leg pants!
Personally, black pants used to trigger memories of choir concerts, band concerts, and hostess uniform requirements from my youth. But black pants have made great strides since the early aughts, and I’ve found that they offer a way to dress up quickly with minimal effort.
These linen-blend pants from Old Navy are just lightweight enough to stay casual during the day. But they’re also long and flowy enough that with a pair of low heels, they can certainly step up your look in a pinch.
Plus, while they have a button front to keep them looking slightly less casual than beach-side linen trousers, they have an elastic band in the back! So no worries about discomfort after a particularly tasty meal!
A Classic T-Shirt
One of the most timeless classics is a crisp white T-shirt, some comfortable jeans, and a leather jacket. Just picturing that outfit brings me joy, and the simplicity really channels the quintessential spirit of French fashion.
On warmer days, you can wear the tee on its own, and at night you can add a jacket or a light sweater, and some jewelry to give it that je ne sais quoi. I love these tees from Cuts.
I picked up another white tee on my last trip to New York because I love them so much, and I find it’s easy to pack lightweight layers like this in a neutral color palette to create plenty of different outfits I can mix and match.
Classic Fitted Tank Top or Bodysuit
I pack at least one black and one white classic, fitted bodysuit tank top every time I travel. Mine are either v-neck or square-necked, and they never let me down.
They work great as layers under other shirts if the weather is chilly. They work as standalone tops on warm days. They work as bases for jacket-focused outfits on any occasion. Plus, they take up almost no space at all. These tops really do it all!
Bonus points if you can find breathable fabrics and neutral colors that will carry you through the longer days (remember, sunset in May can be as late as 9:45 pm during the back half of the month!).
Low Open Heels
I know kitten heels are controversial, but I love them. As someone who is short, even the smallest heel helps and brings a feeling of femininity that ballet flats can’t replicate. There’s no science behind this, I just like them, babe!
Anyway, when it comes down to it, a pair of low heels takes up relatively little space, and having a pair of casual heels as an option is better than needing a pair of heels in a pinch. Nobody wants to break in new shoes on vacation! I often opt for a pair of black, low, open-toed heels because they can be considered casual or finish off an otherwise dressy outfit.
In the instance you *need* to wear closed-toe shoes for a last-minute occasion, I think your wardrobe may need other pieces, and you’ll probably find yourself shopping anyway.
Rainproof Boots
This is a trickier item to choose and will definitely take up more space in your suitcase, but walking around with wet feet is the absolute worst, so better safe than sorry! These deserve a spot on your packing essentials list for Spring in Paris. Here’s why:
While we were in New York this spring, it was an absolute deluge, and I brought these boots instead. The idea was I could wear them out at night since they were slightly bedazzled and had a tiny heel on them.
They are higher on the ankle, so my feet didn’t get as wet from a casual sprinkle, but they aren’t sealed where the seams meet, so during the downpour, they did get soaked. These are a stylish option if you expect light rain!
In the event you do have the possibility of a deluge, go with some proper rain boots like these or some Chelsea boots or a more fashion-forward pair like these. Ultimately, whatever will keep your feet dry on the streets of Paris will be the best shoes to wear on those famous cobblestone streets!
What Not to Wear
We’ve already talked about packing essentials for Spring in Paris, but let’s discuss what NOT to wear. Parisian style is practically mythological in its lore of French women and their effortless look. And while Paris is the fashion capital of the world, it is still, at the end of the day, just another city.
However, while I firmly believe that following your own personal style is always the best choice, there is absolutely a faux pas that will make you stand out like a sore thumb.
Athleisure (i.e., leggings, workout tanks, running short shorts, etc.) will be rarely seen (if at all) outside of, well, the gym or a workout (e.g., a run or bike ride along the Seine). It’s more of a cultural norm than an outright rule, but it’s the quickest way to identify yourself as an American.
While you don’t have to adhere to a strict Coco Chanel-inspired wardrobe, it is better not to draw attention to yourself as a tourist—it will only make you more vulnerable to pick-pockets.
Final Thoughts
Packing for any trip requires a bit of forethought and flexibility. By layering and choosing versatile pieces and packing these essentials for Spring in Paris, you’ll be ready for whatever weather comes your way. So, pack smart, enjoy the City of Lights, and don’t let the weather rain on your parade!
Be sure to check out my other Parisian blog posts!