Wondering what to wear in Paris in October? Cooling weather conditions place things squarely in the middle of late summer and early winter – which is exactly where this mid-fall month stands.
October in Paris can be damp and overcast, particularly around the middle of the month. The first few weeks can have the occasional stretch of summery days whereas the final weeks draw colder but drier.
High season ebbs away at the end of September, making October a calmer option for travel in France. It’s a great time to visit Paris for museums and cultural attractions but don’t discount a mindful stroll through Tuileries Garden.
It’s too early to dig out your woolies but bare legs are a thing of the past as the air turns crisp. This Paris in autumn packing list will help you avoid a faux pas.
What’s the Weather Like in Paris in October?
Daytime temperatures in October usually range between 9°C and 16°C (50-60°F). It’s not especially cold but mornings and evenings will feel brisk especially on overcast or drizzly days.
Rainfall can be moderate, with precipitation averaging between 11 to 15 days. It’s unlikely to rain consistently but worth keeping a close eye on the forecast on the days leading up to departure.
October is one of the best months to visit Paris. The weather is pleasant for indoor/outdoor sightseeing, crowds are depleted, and hotels are usually cheaper before the Christmas season starts.
What to Wear in Paris in October
It’s true what they say about Parisians: they always look put together. Parisians are fashion-forward without being overly fussy or formal. They tend to favor classic designs – tailored clothing and silhouettes – but aren’t afraid to add a twist to communicate their personality.
When choosing where to eat in Paris, it’s wise to do a quick reconnaissance in case there is a dress code. These aren’t always specified at restaurants but on the whole Parisians will dress quite smartly in public and avoid athleisure (outside the gym) or oversized clothing (outside the home).
When choosing what to wear in France, the trick is to source clothing that looks stylish yet prioritizes comfort. The last thing you want to do is spend a day readjusting ill-fitting clothes or scratching at itchy fabrics.
Here’s what to wear in Paris in October for comfort, style, and warmth.
Bring a few outfits for the insanely Instagrammable streets of Paris.
1. Blazer or trench coat
Choose your coat wisely when packing for Paris in October. You’ll probably need to wear a jacket or coat every day but you’ll be slipping it off for museums, boutiques, and cafe stops.
If you’re visiting earlier in the month or the forecast is looking especially mild, pick out a sharp blazer. A black blazer will pair with most kinds of trousers and help you feel dressier. This frost gray wool blazer is more of a splurge but every cent is justified by how warm it will keep you on your Parisian adventures.
For chillier forecasts or trips towards the end of the month, a trench coat will buffer you from the elements and keep you looking polished. This high-neck wool trench spares the need for a scarf. A longer trench might work better with a packing list based on dresses and skirts.
If you’re packing clothes in neutral hues, a brightly coloured coat is a fun way to lift your Paris fall outfits (and photos) on an overcast day.
2. Tailored trousers
Tailored-style trousers are perfect for what to wear in Paris in October. Slim-fit designs tend to offer more warmth while wide-leg fits work for milder fall days.
These wool-flannel trousers are lovely and lightweight yet provide insulation. Back home, you could wear them in the office. In Paris, they look great for a day of gallery hopping and window shopping on Champs-Élysées.
These plaid ankle pants are a great option for this transitional month. They have a slightly retro look and are comfortable to wear for sightseeing and dining.
Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes, because you’ll be doing plenty of walking in Paris.
3. Well-fitting jeans
You absolutely can wear jeans in the City of Lights. Jeans are ideal for what to wear in Paris in the fall during the day and at night.
Parisians typically wear straight-legged jeans with medium to high waistbands. These are more classic and pair well with a button-down shirt or a knitted sweater. Available in black and indigo, these straight-legged jeans work with ankle boots, loafers, and sneakers. Add a buckle belt to complete the Parisian look.
Excessively baggy, ripped, and skinny jeans aren’t as common in Paris. By all means, wear what you feel comfortable with but traditional cuts will help you blend in.
4. Waterproof boots
As rain is possible, water resistant boots are the most reliable choice for what to wear in Paris in October during the day. They’ll coordinate with trousers, jeans, skirts, and dresses and get you through all kinds of weather. You can wear them at night, too.
These leather Chelsea boots have a block platform and block heel to protect your feet from puddles. They coordinate perfectly with all the pants and jeans suggested so far, as well as any dresses or skirts you might pack.
A pair of leather riding boots might be a better fit towards the end of the month when the weather is colder. The most important thing is that your daily footwear can sustain lots of walking.
If you buy a new pair of boots (or any other footwear) make sure you wear them in before hitting the boulevards of Paris.
5. Change of shoes for evenings
Sneakers and other types of footwear are fine for sightseeing in Paris. It’s best to avoid overly sporty or scuffed sneakers as your sole pair of footwear.
If you’d prefer to wear your favorite pair of Nike or Adidas sneakers for sightseeing, have something to switch into for restaurants or bars such as ballet pumps or loafers.
Flat footwear is best for getting around Paris at night. If you fancy packing a pair of heels for evenings, block heels are the way to go for blending in with Parisian women.
You may experience some rain during your trip to Paris, so be sure to pack some things that will keep you dry.
6. Turtlenecks and other long-sleeved sweaters
Your October in Paris packing list should include light sweaters and cardigans. It’s a little early for chunky knits – save those for what to wear in Paris in winter.
Parisians tend to favor black, gray, cream, and beige sweaters. Autumnal colors – pumpkin and burgundy – also work a charm in October. Take the same approach used for trousers and opt for simple designs.
Pick out a versatile turtleneck (or two) and wool or cashmere sweaters that you can pair with your pants and skirts. This should be enough at this time of year although it can be useful to pack a couple of base-layer tanks.
A cap-sleeved sweater is a nice option for a warmer forecast. Perhaps with the option to chuck an autumnal cardigan over it!
7. Shirts and blouses
A button-up shirt is a quintessentially Parisian garment. These look awesome with jeans and other trouser styles and never fail to leave you feeling well put together.
Opt for a crisp white button-up shirt or a striped design that you can slip a sweater or cardigan over as needed.
A satin shirt in a warm hue is a sound choice for what to wear in Paris in October at night. This one works with trousers and skirts.
Alternatively, this cotton poplin shirt feels slightly more casual and is easy to layer over a vest or even a thermal if the weather takes a turn.
8. Dresses and skirts
Paris is the kind of place where you can wear dresses and skirts for day and night. The same sentiment applies as with trousers: opt for classic cuts and be mindful of natural or moisture-wicking materials to handle unstable weather patterns.
This wool and cashmere blend dress comes in Parisian-approved colors and would work great under a bright autumnal coat.
A buttoned midi skirt or check mini skirt are two equally practical options when packing for Paris in October. Both will pair with most kinds of tops and boots.
Remember to pack a couple of pairs of tights if you take skirts and dresses.
What you wear in Paris in October is important because you want to be able to sit outside in the mornings with a coffee and a croissant alongside the locals without getting cold.
9. Tailored shorts
Shorts can be a fun option for what to pack for Paris in October. You’ll want to wear these over tights, and they can be an interesting alternative to skirts and trousers.
Tailored shorts worn with a turtleneck sweater, smart pair of boots, and a fall-friendly coat will keep you warm and in adherence with Parisian fashion. Pick out a wine-colored pair or stick to the neutrals and avoid shorts that scream tropical vacation.
10. Hat, scarf, and mittens
These accessories aren’t strictly necessary for a Paris in autumn packing list so base this decision on the weather forecast. Having at least one accessory is handy for evenings or cooler days.
By all means, wear a beret in Paris! These are a practical choice for this time of year and they’re not just a tourist gimmick. If you prefer, a wool bucket hat looks très chic as you take in the views from Sacré-Cœur or clink sidewalk Kir Royales.
A merino wool scarf is cozy for sipping café au lait en plein air or throwing on for evenings out. Just make sure any accessories are coordinated and avoid packing heavy knitwear at this time of year.
11. Sleepwear
As the evenings draw cooler, a warm pair of pajamas is another must when packing for Paris in October.
Hotels will start turning their heating on this month but properties in beautiful old Haussmann buildings might feel a little drafty. Pack some long-sleeved pajamas to keep you warm.
A pair of travel slippers might not go amiss if you’re renting an apartment in Paris or staying at a budget hotel.
Towards the end of October, it could begin to be chilly enough for a light coat.
12. Warm socks
Invest in a few pairs of merino wool socks (or equivalent). These’ll keep your feet more comfortable during cold, damp days and feel fuzzy and cozy back at your digs. You can wash them in the machine at home or in the sink with travel-friendly laundry sheets.
For even more warmth at the end of the month, you can add a pair of boot cuffs to the top of your boots. These tuck into ankle boots and longer styles and are a minimal-space addition to an October in Paris packing list.
Paris in Autumn Packing List
In addition to choosing what to wear in Paris in October, you’ll want to make space for these fall travel essentials.
13. Day bag
Carry a bag just large enough for your daily essentials. Paris is known for its stealthy pickpockets which means a crossbody design is best, especially when using the metro or cruising flea markets.
This zip satchel has both a rolled leather handle and an adjustable crossbody strap. It’ll fit your purse, phone, water bottle, and a pair of gloves comfortably.
If you’re planning on shopping in Paris, pop a foldable tote bag in your day bag.
14. Cell phone bag
Either use the same bag for evenings or downsize to a tiny cell phone pouch for nights out. This is so small you can wear it under your coat or tucked behind your scarf.
15. Moisturizer with SPF
As the weather can veer from sunny to windy in a flash, a quality face cream is an essential when packing for Paris in October.
This cruelty-free weightless moisturizer will protect your skin from the elements and not clog your pores. Better yet, pack something small and then hit up a French pharmacy once you arrive.
French pharmacies are the best place to buy skincare products and you’ll find a ton of fantastic options with SPF once you arrive at a fraction of the cost of what you pay in the US or UK.
Taking the metro is an easy and affordable way to get around Paris, especially when it gets too cold or rainy to walk.
16. Packing cubes
Keep your Paris fall outfits wrinkle-free with packing cubes. They’re inexpensive and make it easy to avoid overpacking.
They also make repacking a whole lot easier. I don’t know about you, but I always find packing up my bag at the end of the trip to be so much harder. Stick all of your dirty clothes back into packing cubes and you’ll have a much easier time repacking.
17. Umbrella
Rain can’t be ruled out in Paris in the autumn. An umbrella should definitely be added to your October in Paris packing list. This windproof umbrella is nice and small so it won’t take up valuable packing space.
18. Cosmetics and jewelry
Packing your own makeup and jewelry is one way to avoid falling to temptation to the fashionable boutiques of Paris.
Parisians are quite minimal with cosmetics and accessories but if there’s one place you can experiment with red lipstick, it’s Paris.
Secure your favorite charms and lockets in a foldable jewelry case.
19. Sunglasses
It’s still sunny in the fall in Paris. When deciding what to pack for Paris in October, you’ll benefit from a pair of sunglasses. Continue the clothing theme and choose a classic design, such as aviator or vintage-style cat eye.