Checked October 2026: Temperatures below are Météo-France’s official 1991–2020 averages. Entry-document and train-luggage rules were checked against official EU and French government sources in October 2026.

France Packing Checklist by Season

Packing for France means matching three things: the season, the region and what you plan to do. Paris in December and Nice in July call for very different bags, and long train journeys reward travelling light. This checklist covers year-round essentials, the documents to carry, season-by-season additions and the luggage rules on French trains, so you arrive prepared without overpacking.

What the Weather Is Actually Like

Average daily temperatures (°C) for 1991–2020, from Météo-France’s official climate records:

Month	Paris: average low / high	Nice: average low / high
January	3.2 / 7.6	5.8 / 13.3
April	7.9 / 16.6	10.8 / 17.4
July	16.2 / 25.7	20.8 / 27.5
October	9.9 / 16.5	14.0 / 21.0

These are averages: heatwaves can push summer temperatures well above them, and cold snaps can bring frost to Paris in winter. Rain is spread through the year in Paris, while Nice is dry in summer and gets its heaviest rain in October and November. Before you leave, check Météo-France’s forecast and its weather warnings (vigilance), which flag heatwaves, storms and floods by département.

Year-Round Essentials

Clothing

Comfortable walking shoes, broken in before the trip (cobbled streets are hard on feet)
A second pair of shoes so you can alternate
A light scarf or layer for cool evenings, air-conditioned trains and churches, where covering your shoulders is respectful
Neutral basics that mix and match
One smart-casual outfit for a nicer dinner

Gear

Plug adapter for French sockets (Type C/E, two round pins; 230 V, 50 Hz)
Power bank for long sightseeing days
Reusable water bottle: tap water is drinkable, and many towns have public drinking fountains
A crossbody bag or daypack with zips, to deter pickpockets
Paper and digital copies of your passport, insurance and bookings

Toiletries and Health

Sunscreen, even in spring and autumn in the south
Lip balm with SPF
Any prescription medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of the prescription. Some medicines sold over the counter elsewhere need a prescription in France, though French pharmacists can advise on alternatives.
Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to it (mountain and coastal roads wind a lot)

Documents (as of October 2026)

Passport: non-EU visitors need a passport issued within the previous 10 years and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. EU citizens can travel with a national ID card.
ETIAS: not needed yet. As of October 2026, the EU’s ETIAS travel authorisation is not in operation and no applications are being accepted. Ignore websites that offer to sell you one.
Allow time for the Entry/Exit System (EES): since April 2026, non-EU visitors give fingerprints and a photo at the Schengen border instead of getting a passport stamp. There is nothing to pack for it, but allow extra time at the airport.
Travel insurance documents and, for EU or UK residents, your EHIC or GHIC
Driving licence: a non-EU licence that is not written in French must be accompanied by an international driving permit or an official translation (UK licences are exempt). That means carrying an IDP if you plan to rent a car with a US, Canadian or Australian licence.
Bank cards: tell your bank you are travelling. Contactless and chip-and-PIN cards are widely accepted.
A small amount of cash in euros for markets, small cafés and tips

For entry rules in more detail, see our France travel guide 2026.

Spring (March to May)

Spring is mild but changeable. In Paris, average highs climb from about 13°C in March to about 20°C in May, while mornings stay cool, with average lows of 6–11°C, and showers are common. On the Riviera, nights are noticeably milder.

Spring Additions

Light waterproof jacket or trench coat
Compact umbrella
Layers: a light sweater, cardigan or blazer for cool mornings and evenings
Lightweight trousers or jeans
Water-resistant shoes

Tip: March can still feel wintry in Paris and the north. Pack for a wide temperature range within the same week.

Summer (June to August)

Warm to hot across most of France. In July, Paris averages highs of about 26°C and Nice about 28°C, but heatwaves, which bring red or orange heat warnings, can push temperatures far higher, especially in the south and the Rhône valley.

Summer Additions

Breathable fabrics such as linen and cotton
Shorts for casual wear; city dress tends to be a little smarter
Light dresses or shirts
Sandals for daytime, and something smarter for restaurants
Swimsuit for the Riviera, the Atlantic coast, Lake Annecy or a hotel pool
Sun hat and sunglasses with proper UV protection
A light layer for air-conditioned trains, museums and churches, which can be much cooler than outside

Tip: during a heatwave, plan outdoor sightseeing for early morning and evening, carry water, and spend the hottest hours somewhere cool.

For beach trips, see our Nice beach guide.

Autumn (September to November)

September is often still summery, especially in the south, and it is harvest time in many wine regions. By November, Paris is close to winter, with average highs of about 11°C. On the Riviera, October and November are the wettest months of the year.

Autumn Additions

Medium-weight jacket (a leather jacket or structured blazer suits city wear)
A warm scarf
Long trousers for cooler days
Closed shoes with good grip, since wet cobbles are slippery
Light gloves and a hat for late October and November in the north

Tip: September in Provence can feel like summer while November in Paris feels like winter, so check the forecast for each stop on your route.

For wine travel at this time of year, see our best French wine regions guide.

Winter (December to February)

Winters in the north are cold and often grey: in January, Paris averages lows of about 3°C and highs of about 8°C. The Riviera is milder, with January highs of around 13°C in Nice, though nights are cool. The Alps and Pyrenees are much colder and snowy.

Winter Additions

Ski Trip Additions (Alps and Pyrenees)

Ski jacket and trousers (or rent at the resort)
Wool or synthetic base layers, not cotton
Goggles and helmet (both can be rented)
Neck gaiter
High-SPF sunscreen, since mountain sun is strong even in winter

Tip: for the Christmas markets in Strasbourg or Colmar, dress for long periods outdoors in the cold, in layers you can open up in heated shops and restaurants.

Train Luggage Rules

If you are travelling by train, the rules affect what you can bring. According to service-public.gouv.fr (July 2026):

TGV INOUI and Intercités: up to 2 bags per person, each no larger than 70 × 90 × 50 cm, plus 1 hand bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Every bag must carry a label with your name, and you must be able to carry all your luggage yourself in one go. Conductors can fine passengers €50 per non-compliant or extra bag, or €150 for a bag that blocks the aisle.
OUIGO (SNCF’s low-cost high-speed trains): 1 hand bag up to 40 × 30 × 15 cm and 1 cabin bag up to 55 × 35 × 25 cm. Extra luggage depends on the fare option you buy.
TER regional trains: the rules are more flexible, but space is limited at busy times.

On airlines, the allowance depends on your carrier and fare, so check before you pack.

What Not to Pack

Formal wear: smart-casual covers almost everything except the most formal restaurants and events.
Too much clothing: laundrettes and hotel laundry services are easy to find in cities.
A voltage converter: most phone, laptop and camera chargers are dual-voltage (check for “100–240 V” on the label) and only need a plug adapter.
Large amounts of cash: cards are widely accepted.
Flip-flops as your only shoes: fine on the beach, out of place in many city restaurants.
Flashy jewellery or designer bags: they attract pickpockets in crowded tourist areas.

Luggage Suggestions

Up to a week: one carry-on-sized bag plus a daypack.
10 to 14 days: one medium suitcase plus a daypack.
Multi-region by train: choose a bag you can lift onto a luggage rack on your own, within the SNCF size limits above.

For transport details, see our French train system guide. For trip planning, see the France travel guide 2026.

Sources

Météo-France: Paris-Montsouris climate sheet, 1991–2020
Météo-France: Nice climate sheet, 1991–2020
Météo-France: weather warnings (vigilance)
Service-Public.gouv.fr: Train luggage rules (TGV INOUI, Intercités, OUIGO, TER) (July 2026)
European Union: What is ETIAS? (not yet in operation)
UK Foreign Office: France entry requirements (passport validity and EES)
Service-Public.gouv.fr: Driving in France with a foreign licence