What to Pack for Paris in September
What to Pack for Paris in September
Paris in September is a beautiful time to visit the city of light. The city is full of energy as Parisians return from summer back to work and school called la rentrée. Weather in Paris is transitioning from summer to fall as October approaches. It isn’t entirely fall weather, and it can be challenging to pack for Paris in September if you don’t know what to expect.
Paris Weather in September
One of my favorite parts about the fall months in Paris is the golden light. It is magical and happens this time of year. It is the perfect golden autumn magical light that only happens this time of year. You will also see more colorful sunsets, just like fall colors. Paris in September is one of the best times to visit the city. The high average temperature is 71 degrees, and the low is 55 degrees.
Expect rainy days in Paris. I like to pack a travel umbrella with me in my Cuyana tote when I am out and about. You never know when it will rain, even when the weather forecast doesn’t call for it. Pack for warmer days at the start of the month and expect transitional weather in late September.
Layers are key. Wear a tank top or T-shirt under a light sweater. As cooler weather sets in, wear a leather jacket or trench coat, my two favorite coats for Paris.
Neutral Color Palette for Paris in September
I love packing neutral colors for Paris. It makes it so much easier to mix and match multiple outfits. Plus, as I have had my photo taken in Paris for many years, I prefer the neutral palate of my clothes against the autumn colors in the city. A pop of red would be my one color choice because it has become my signature color over the years. You will also see a lot of French women around the city wearing a lot of neutral colors. Black, brown, grey, and navy blue were some of the most popular colors I saw Parisian women wearing.
The Best Shoes for Paris in the Fall
Comfortable walking shoes are essential. It is not unusual for me to walk up to ten miles a day as I cross the streets of Paris from one neighborhood to the next. I rarely wear high heels unless I need them for a specific outfit. The cobblestone streets of Paris make it a challenge to walk with high heels. Flats are a much more suitable choice for Paris.
September weather is a great time to break out the boots. Ankle boots, sneakers, and ballet flats are all great choices for shoes. I love Blondo boots because they are comfortable, stylish, and waterproof.
You can also do a Chelsea boot. This style has been trending in Paris for a few years, and I expect it to continue. I have worn brown Chelsea boots in Paris, but you will see black way more often amongst the Parisians.
Coats for Paris in September: What to Pack
My two favorite coats to pack for Paris in September are a trench coat and a leather jacket. The trench coat is perfect for wet weather, too, which is a bonus. If I am packing two coats, I typically wear one on the plane and fold the other in my suitcase.
A blazer is a great addition to your wardrobe for warmer days when you don’t need a jacket. Pair it over a button-down shirt, t-shirt, or tank.
I love the look of a button-down shirt, trousers or jeans, and a pair of flats.
Sweaters to Pack for Paris in September
Sweaters are lovely for layering. September in Paris is the start of sweater weather, and is that magic crisp in the air. I typically go for stripes or neutrals with a pair of denim or trousers.
Little Black Dress For Paris
You can never go wrong with a little black dress. I love this one from Tuckernuck paired with flats. You can throw a sweater over your shoulders or a light jacket.
The Best Accessories for Paris in September
I love a good crossbody bag with a solid clasp for evenings out. It is essential to keep belongings such as wallets and phones secure. I will put my computer and camera in the hotel room safe when I am out for the evening.
When I am out during the day in Paris, I keep a zippered tote with me. Either a Longchamp or Cuyana bag.
Surprisingly, the modern take on the fanny pack is back in style with what the French call a banana bag that looks like a banana and is worn across the chest. Rive Droite is popular, and you can buy it at department stores in Paris. A crossbody bag is a perfect accessory for Paris in September. You can keep all your essentials in here and have your hands free.
You can use this PDF Paris packing list to help you prepare for your upcoming trip.
Travel Essentials for Paris
My home base is Chicago, and Paris is roughly an 8-hour flight. To prepare for the long flight, I stay hydrated the days before leaving to help with jet lag. These melatonin gummies are essential to help you fall asleep on the plane. A sleep mask, cashmere wrap or blanket, and noise-canceling airpods are essentials.
You can see more of my long-haul flight essentials in this post.
Packing cubes are a great option to help you stay organized while you travel. I have been using them for years. My AWAY luggage fits multiple packing cubes.
For the flight to Paris, I use the AWAY Everywhere bag. It has many pockets to keep my essential items, such as my passport and wallet, close to me. The bag slides right on top of the luggage so I can move through the airport quickly. I have the larger carry-on bag from AWAY, which fits in the overhead compartment. Yes, you have to be smart with packing, but getting up and going as soon as you land is so much easier. You don’t have to worry about lost bags or delays.
I travel to Paris a few times a year and find packing in a carry-on bag is the best way for me. You may prefer to pack in a larger bag and check your luggage based on your own needs.
A Few Reminders Before Flying
Having a copy of your passport on your phone (save it in your photos) and email is a good idea. I also like to ensure a family member has a copy in case something happens. Send your travel itinerary to a friend or loved one, including hotel or rental address details.
Charge your phone before flying, and keep a charger in your carry-on bag. Typically, airline seats have a charger available, but a backup battery or portable charger is always a good idea as you navigate to the city from the airport.
Delays and lost bags happen. Consider travel insurance for your trip. I use World Nomads, but there are other great options available.
If this is your first time traveling abroad in a few years, check in with your cell phone provider to ensure you have an international phone plan. Wifi is easily found at different cafés and department stores while you are out and about in Paris. Your hotel or rental apartment should have all those details when you check in to get connected. An electronic SIM card is also available at carriers in France. At the airport, you will find a kiosk with an affordable option.
For more packing tips, you can check out What to Pack for Paris in the autumn. Also, you may enjoy what to do in Paris in the Fall.
This post includes affiliate links. I earn a small commission on items purchased from my links. Merci!
Bonjour, I’m Rebecca!
I’m a photographer, blogger, croissant-lover, and world traveler. I hope that Everyday Parisian inspires you by bringing a bit of France into your daily life and helps you plan the best trip to Paris with personalized recommendations for places to stay, explore, and eat.
Subscribe
Subscribe to get a taste of Paris delivered
straight to your inbox every week.
Shop
Currently Loving
Favorites
Hi! I’m so grateful for all of your thoughtful and thorough content. I’m traveling to Paris end of September for 5 days with my husband. I’ve been a few times, but I’m struggling a bit with wardrobe since September can be so unpredictable! I live in Boston and it can “feel like fall” or be in the 80s. ANYWAY I have two questions: 1. Do women in Paris wear white denim in September? and 2. What about heeled (low/comfortable) sandals? In Boston it feels so strange to break out my Chelsea boots when it’s still so warm. Thank you in advance and thanks again for your helpful site.
Hello Christine! Paris and Boston weather can both be unpredictable 🙂 You can wear white denim in September if styled correctly with a button up and the right shoes. I would opt for a pair of ballet flats over sandals if your sandals are open toed.
If the weather is unseasonably hot in September, Parisians will be dressed more for summer than the season. I would keep an eye on the weather as your trip approaches to make your final packing decisions.
Bonjour! What are the dimensions of the Claude & large Milo bags? I couldn’t find on the Sezanne website. Merci!
Hi Laura,
I am writing a blog post on Sézane bags now! Great question.
The Claude is: Dimensions: 6.1 x 7.9 x 2.6 in
The Milo is slightly larger: Dimensions :6.7 x 9.4 x 1.8 in
Please let me know if you have any other questions! xo