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Paris vs Rome: which is better, and when to go
Paris is at its best in May and Rome in May. Below, the two cities side by side: weather, crowds and prices in every month, and what each does better across the year.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Paris and Rome
At a glance
| Paris | Rome | |
|---|---|---|
| Best month | May (9/10) | May (10/10) |
| Warmest month | July, 26°C | July, 33°C |
| Coolest month | January, 8°C | January, 13°C |
| Quietest month | November (Very Low) | January (Low) |
| Busiest month | July (Very High) | July (Very High) |
| Cheapest month | November (€€) | January (€€) |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Paris for
- a gentler warmest month (July highs around 26°C, against 33°C)
- lower prices across the year on average
- more going on through the year (events and festivals)
Little difference between them in: crowds across the year, how busy the peak month gets.
Month by month
Average high, crowds and prices for each month, and which city comes out ahead overall. Open a month for the full comparison.
| Month | Paris | Rome | Ahead |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C · Low · €€ | 13°C · Low · €€ | Close |
| February | 10°C · Low · €€ | 14°C · Low · €€ | Rome |
| March | 14°C · Low-Moderate · €€€ | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | Rome |
| April | 18°C · Moderate · €€€ | 20°C · High · €€€€ | Rome |
| May | 21°C · Moderate · €€€ | 25°C · High · €€€€€ | Rome |
| June | 24°C · Moderate-High · €€€€ | 30°C · High · €€€€€ | Close |
| July | 26°C · Very High · €€€€€ | 33°C · Very High · €€€€€ | Rome |
| August | 26°C · High · €€€€ | 33°C · High · €€€€ | Paris |
| September | 23°C · Moderate · €€€ | 28°C · High · €€€€€ | Close |
| October | 18°C · Low-Moderate · €€€ | 23°C · Moderate-High · €€€€ | Rome |
| November | 12°C · Very Low · €€ | 17°C · Moderate · €€€ | Rome |
| December | 8°C · Moderate · €€€ | 13°C · Moderate · €€€ | Close |
FAQ
Paris or Rome?
Is Paris or Rome better?
Both are at their best in May, so the choice comes down to what you want from the trip. See which city suits you in the table below.
When is the best time to visit Paris and Rome?
Paris: May. Rome: May.
Which is cheaper, Paris or Rome?
Paris is cheaper on average across the year.
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