Spending summer in Paris is an unforgettable experience, but a little planning goes a long way. Whether you’re wondering what to pack, what the weather’s like, or which special events you won’t want to miss, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of Paris in summer!
- When should I go to Paris in summer?
- How crowded is Paris in summer?
- What’s the weather like in Paris in summer?
- What should I pack for summer in Paris?
- What things are there to do in Paris in summer?
When should I go to Paris in the summer?
Trying to decide when to visit Paris in summer? June is your best bet! The weather is warm but not too hot, and there are far fewer tourists compared to July and August.
If you’re hoping for a more local experience, avoid spending August in Paris — that’s when Parisians head off on vacation, businesses shut down, and the city is packed with visitors.
But if you don’t mind the crowds and want to soak up peak summer energy, July and August still have plenty to offer!
How crowded is Paris in summer?
Paris gets very crowded in the summer, with August being the height of the tourist season. In both July and August, anticipate long lines at most of the main attractions and make sure to book a few months ahead if there are any museums or monuments you really don’t want to miss.
A lot fewer people visit Paris in June, but since most locals are still in town at that time (schools in France don’t let out until the first week of July), the city remains far from empty.
What’s the weather like in Paris in the summer?
July and August are typically the warmest months in Paris, with average highs around 28°C (82°F). June offers milder temperatures, with highs near 23°C (73°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
The past several years, Paris has experienced periods of extreme heat, or canicule, during July and August, with temperatures soaring above 39°C (100°F).
Keep in mind, air conditioning isn’t widespread in Paris; many apartments, shops, bars, restaurants, and even hotels lack AC. This can make it tough to stay cool, but these tips for beating the heat in Paris can help.
We’ve also made a list of our favorite places in Paris with air conditioning if you really need to cool off.
What should I pack for summer in Paris?
Wondering what to pack for summer in Paris? Comfort is key!
Since you’ll be walking a lot, opt for sandals, flats, or stylish sneakers — Parisians rarely wear flip-flops, unless they’re at the beach.
One must-have? Sunscreen! It can be pricey in France, so it’s best to bring your own. And with all the time you’ll spend outdoors, a good pair of sunglasses is essential.
As for clothing, think light and breezy — sundresses, skirts, shorts, and linen tops are perfect for warm days. Just a heads-up: Parisians don’t usually wear spaghetti strap shirts, so if you want to blend in, go for wider straps or layer with a light jacket.
And ladies, if you’re planning to visit churches and cathedrals like Notre Dame, be sure to bring a scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders.
Have more questions about preparing for a summer trip to Paris? Our local concierge Karina would be happy to have a call with you to help!
What things are there to do in Paris in summer?
There’s loads happening in Paris in summer, especially for families and fans of music. And the good news is a lot of the events and activities are free!
All summer long: Paris summer music festivals
Every summer the City of Light becomes a city of sounds, with concerts and music festivals happening nearly every weekend (and sometimes even during the week). From the free Festivals du Parc Floral bringing classical music, jazz, and kid-friendly tunes to the Botanical Gardens June through September, to the must-see Fête de l’Humanité which takes place at the end of summer, there are plenty of festivals for fans of all types of music.
Learn more about the different summer music festivals in Paris.
July – September: Pop-up rooftop restaurants and bars
Cool new bars and restaurants set up shop on rooftops around the city. The most buzz surrounds the trendy new pop-up restaurant atop the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann. In past years there have also been bars in the 15th Arrondissement at the convention center and in the La Défense district on top of the Grande Arche.
We also have a few favorite rooftop bars in Paris that are open every summer.
June 21: Fête de la Musique
If you’re lucky enough to be in France on June 21st, prepare for a night full of music! The Fête de la Musique, known internationally as World Music Day, is especially fun in Paris, where the city streets host concerts and dance parties as the whole country celebrates musicians and music fans alike.
Learn more about the Fête de la Musique.
End of June – End of July: Summer Sales
The summer sales season in France runs from the end of June until the end of July. During this four-week period, stores all around Paris offer discounts on everything from clothing to home décor.
See our recommendations for where to shop the sales in Paris.
July-August: Fête des Tuileries
In the summer, the pretty Jardin des Tuileries transforms into a fairground. Each July and August, you’ll find slides, swings, food stands, and of course a Grande Roue, a giant Ferris wheel that gives you amazing views of Paris. It’s free to enter the fair.
Mid-July through Mid-August: Movies Under the Stars
In the summer, several outdoor movie festivals and special screenings happen all around Paris including on top of the Moulin Rouge and at the Parc de la Villette. Most movies are shown in V.O. (Version originale) with French subtitles, so your best bet is to check the program and find an English-language movie if you don’t speak French.
July – September: Paris Plages
Something that locals look forward to each year is the Paris Plages, when the banks of the Seine River become a true beach, with sand, lounge chairs, and pop-up restaurants, bars, and activities for the whole family. You can also swim in the Bassin de la Villette.
For more fun things to do in Paris in the summer, reserve one of these unique experiences which include everything from guided street art tours and wine tastings to food market shopping trips and bag painting workshops.
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