Summer in Paris: What To Do, The Weather, Where to Stay + What to Pack

Planning to visit Paris in the summer? This guide will show you all the unique things to do in summer in Paris plus practical tips for an amazing trip!

From sipping on French wine as your loved ones surround you at a picnic with a view of the Eiffel Tower, taking an evening stroll by the Seine as you pick up a bouquet of blush-colored peonies, to visiting the Louvre at sunset for an art museum date, every moment in Paris in the summer will make you feel like you’re in a movie!

So many music festivals, parades, and other celebrations make this time of the year the most popular among tourists.

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With several exciting activities paired with pleasantly warm weather and all that the city has to offer, your summer in Paris is sure to be an experience that you’ll remember dearly.

And to help you better plan your trip, here is the ultimate guide to Paris in the summertime with practical tips on what to expect when it comes to the weather, what to pack and wear, where to stay, and all the best things to do in Paris in summer.

Before You Go, Here’s How to Plan Your Visit To Paris: Practical Quick Tips

MUST-DO EXPERIENCES HAPPENING NOW IN PARIS
Luminiscence at Saint-Eustache Church: A music and lighting show in one of Paris’s most beautiful churches: (4.7/10)
Candlelight show: Perfect if you want to be treated to a candlelit music show in a beautiful Parisian venue: (4.8/10)
Cabaret at Moulin Rouge: A cabaret in the iconic Moulin Rouge is a must: (4.7/10)

Psst… Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.

Practical Tips for Visiting Paris in Summer

Book your tickets to landmarks and hotels in Advance

Summer in Paris is the high season which means that you can expect lots of crowds! Restaurants get fully reserved, hotels book out, and queues become longer than any other time of the year.

So to avoid queuing for hours or missing out on eating at fancy restaurants with Eiffel Tower views, I recommend booking your entry tickets or making reservations at restaurants and hotels way in advance. You could even book 2 to 3 months in advance to be on the safe side.

Some of the skip-the-line tickets you can buy in advance to avoid the long queues include tickets for the Louvre museum, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Catacombs, and so many others.

You can also check out my summary list of all the skip-the-line tickets you’ll need while enjoying summer in Paris.

For accommodation, you can book your stay with Booking.com since it has free cancellation for some properties should your travel plans change.

Plan to pay a bit more in summer compared to Other seasons

Summer is Paris’ high season so you can expect everything to be a bit pricey compared to either Paris spring, winter, or even fall.

The economic law of demand and supply applies here as well! The more crowds, the higher the rates for accommodation, some attractions, and restaurants! So be ready to dig deeper in your wallet.

Brace yourself for the crowds

As I mentioned earlier, summer is the high season in Paris so you can expect swarms of tourists, especially at popular tourist attractions.

If you don’t do well with crowds, you may want to visit during another time of the year but if you don’t mind the crowds or just want to experience the long summer days in Paris, your best bet is to learn how to skip the long lines! (I’ll share tips on how to do so below.)

Consider buying either the Paris pass or the museum pass

One of the best ways to make the most of your summer in Paris is to buy either a Paris pass or a museum pass.

Of course, this may not be ideal for everyone depending on the attractions you want to visit or how much time you have in the city.

But if you plan on visiting a number of attractions in the shortest time possible and don’t want to waste time in queues or time buying individual tickets, you’re better off buying this Paris pass.

For museum lovers, this museum pass is well worth the price! With these passes, you will get free entry to over 60 Paris attractions and access to public transportation for free. You also have the option to select the pass for 2, 4, or 6 days.

>>> Buy the Paris Pass from here <<<

>>> Buy the Paris Museum Pass from here <<<

Learn how to skip the long lines

No season in Paris is as crowded as the summertime which means that you can expect lots of people at the famous Parisian landmarks.

However, if you know some of the ways to skip the long lines in Paris, you’ll be set! Some of these include waking up early and arriving at the attractions when they’re just opening up or visiting at night when most people are leaving.

You can also choose to visit famous landmarks on weekdays instead of weekends when most Parisians are also out exploring. You can read more tips on how to skip the longs line in Paris here.

Summer Weather in Paris

Paris summer weather is delightful and loved by people from across the world (which is why the city is so crowded between June and August).

If you’re used to primarily colder climates with many windy and rainy days, Paris will definitely be a change of pace. With the summer average temperatures being around 25° C (77 °F), the warm weather is pretty enjoyable (if there is no heatwave)!

In summer, the days are long, so you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the sun while also enjoying various attractions when it’s still bright!

The sun rises between 5: 44 am – 6 am and sets between 9 pm- 10 pm (depending on the specific summer month), so if you hope to capture some perfect photos of the pink-orange hued sky in the early hours of the day or sip on champagne as you watch the sun go down, Paris summer weather is perfect for that and more!

You can check out some of my favorite Paris sunrise spots here!

Temperatures in Paris in Summer

To give you a better idea of how hot it can get and how you can be prepared, let’s get into specifics about the temperature in each summer month.

• Paris summer temperatures in June: 14° C ( 57°F) low and 24° C (75 °F) high.
• Paris summer temperature in July: 16° C (61 °F) low and 26° C (79 °F) high.
• Paris summer temperature in August: 16° C (61 °F) low and 25° C (77 °F) high.

Now that you know the average temperatures in summer in Paris, let’s look at where to stay for an amazing summer vacation in Paris.

Where to Stay in Paris in Summer

If you’re looking for suggestions on where to stay (budget-friendly, mid-range, or even luxurious accommodation) during the summer months in Paris, below are my recommendations!

Budget Accommodation

ATN Hôtel: Located within a two-minute walk of Opera Garnier and Saint-Lazare (Train Station), you’ll be staying in a beautiful part of Paris in the 9th arrondissement. This hotel has a modern lounge bar, breakfast buffet with fresh fruits, and comfortable rooms, all at a reasonable cost!

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

Mid-range Accommodation

Hôtel 31 – Paris Tour Eiffel: Situated in the 15th Arrondissement, Hôtel 31 – Paris Tour Eiffel is close to significant landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Luxembourg Gardens, and so many more. Known for their chic decor and impeccable service, you’re sure to have a delightful stay here!

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

Luxury Accommodation

Hôtel San Régis: An ideal amalgamation of modern and historical, this hotel is located in a 19th-century private mansion and is minutes away from the Seine, Champs Élyées, and the Grand Palais. With a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower, especially during Summer in Paris, at San Régis, you’re sure to feel like a royal!

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

Apartment Rental

Citadines Trocadéro Paris: If you prefer homestays and apartments over hotels, here is an excellent option for you. A well-equipped and fully furnished service apartment, Citadines Trocadéro Paris is right by the Trocadéro Metro Station (where you can easily reach anywhere). It comes with a fully-equipped kitchen and a dishwasher in larger apartments, ideal for people looking to stay for longer and feel a sense of home.

>>> Check rates and availability on Booking.com <<<

However, if you can’t find what suits your needs among the recommendations above, then you can check out my complete list of hotels with Eiffel Tower views or this list of hotels near the Louvre if you want to stay near the famous museum.

But if you prefer an apartment, then check out this post on the best Airbnb with Eiffel Tower views, this list of budget-friendly Paris apartments, or these Luxury Paris rental apartments if you prefer a touch of luxury.

Now that you know some practical tips for visiting Paris in summer, let’s look at some of the best things to do in summer in Paris.

Things to do in Summer in Paris

Picnic in a Parisian Park

You can’t visit Paris in Summer and not go on a picnic! Luckily, Paris is blessed with lots of beautiful parks to picnic at.

From Parc du Champs de Mars which boasts a spectacular view of the Eiffel Tower, Jardin du Luxembourg, Buttes-Chaumont which offers beautiful Paris views from the top of Temple de la Sibylle, Jardin des Plantes which is my personal favorite, the banks of the Seine to so many others.

Be sure to carry your favorite beverages, pastries that you can purchase from a local brassiere, some fresh fruits, and a blanket to have a wonderful afternoon under the sun.

And if you don’t know how to plan a Parisian picnic, I have a full post dedicated to that which you can read here.

Celebrate Bastille Day with the locals

A tradition that began back in 1880, Fête Nationale du 14 Juillet or Bastille Day (as known by English-speaking countries) is celebrated on July 14 to mark the day of the commencement of the French Revolution.

The day is celebrated with a marvelous military parade, a symbol of French power, on Champs-Élyées and an airplane show as planes and helicopters fly over Paris while leaving a beautiful display of smoke that forms the French flag.

It’s a day of pride for the country and as the day goes on, you’ll witness a spectacular display of fireworks at night at the Eiffel Tower, Bal des Pompiers (the Firemen’s Ball), which is a French dance, and take in the culture as a local.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also find typical French desserts adorned in the colors of the French flag (like macarons) to make your meal even more festive!

Relax on a Paris Plage

One of the top things to do in Paris in Summer is to relax on a Paris plage! Though it began as a simple plan in 2007, it has been running successfully since then.

Every summer, the office of the Mayor of Paris sets up artificial beaches by the banks of the Seine to let all those who can’t travel to the beaches near Paris enjoy the feeling of being on a beach in Paris itself!

It also extends to the La Villette Canal Basin, where you can take a dip in one of the swimming pools.

Free for locals and tourists, Paris Plages take place from early July to early September and they’re a great activity to indulge in during summertime in Paris!

Attend music festivals

Summers in Paris are known for their vibrant, colorful events, most of which are music festivals!

Lollapalooza Paris in July, Fête de la Musique (World music day), on June 21st, and Rock en Seine in August, are some of the summer festivals in Paris you can attend depending on the kind of music that moves you!

Since Paris is a popular destination in the summer, several A-List musicians perform at music festivals or their own independent tours, so who knows, maybe you’ll get a chance to meet your favorite artists!

Watch a cabaret show

If you’re looking to dine like a local, devour French delicacies, and be entertained by a fun show, then you must attend a cabaret show!

Cabaret shows became famous in the 19th century and have increasingly become a great way to explore Paris’ thriving nightlife.

Four main venues put on cabaret shows; Moulin Rouge, Lido, Crazy Horse, and Paradis Latin with each famous in its own right.

At Crazy Horse, your experience will be highly passionate, while Moulin Rouge incorporates traditional French Cancan dance in its experiences but whichever choose to go to, it’ll be an unforgettable night!

However, remember to book in advance because seats fill up fast! You can book the show at Moulin Rouge from here (or this one that comes with dinner), or book the one at Crazy Horse from here but if you’d rather go at Paradis Latin, book it from here.

But in case you’re not sure where to go after looking through all options, this show at Moulin Rouge is quite a spectacle and the most popular.

Have an alfresco brunch at a Parisian café

Nothing beats an excellent alfresco brunch, and in the summer, you can take advantage of the fantastic weather to grab a bite at one of Paris’ terraces.

You can sit outside, people-watch, soak in Vitamin D, and gorge on French delicacies like pain au chocolats or even tzatziki which you can find in one of the city’s Mediterranean joints like Le Valmy.

It’ll be perfect for sleeping in, rolling out of bed, changing into your brunch outfit, and beginning your day with a meal that goes on for a couple of hours! There is no better way to enjoy a Parisian summer than this. You can check out some of the best brunch spots in Paris here.

Watch a movie in an open-air cinema

Cinema en Plein Air is a month-long ongoing tradition where a free open-air cinema is set up in the northeast of Paris in La Villette between July and August.

During this period, you’ll be able to attend screenings of classics and new releases, and with the weather being ideal, it’s the perfect place to lounge and watch a movie!

You can sip on wine, gorge on your snacks, and have a romantic movie night under the stars.

With a different theme every year, this is truly one of the best open-air cinemas out there.

There’s also a short film festival that happens annually called Festival Silhouette if short films are more your pace!

Go on a Seine River cruise

Declared a UNESCO world heritage site, the banks of the Seine are picturesque for a romantic stroll.

But you know what’s even better? Going on a river cruise on the Seine! You can swim into the sunset and get a chance to explore many Parisian landmarks from a unique point of view.

If you fancy a meal, this particular Seine river cruise includes an authentic 3-course French meal as part of the package, which you can gorge on while you soak in the beauty of the summers in Paris.

But if you prefer focusing on the views while keeping your budget in check, then you can opt for this 1-hour Seine river cruise that doesn’t include dinner.

Enjoy the Les Invalides light show (La Nuit aux Invalides)

In homage to its nickname, the City of lights, you’ll be able to witness an event like no other!

The Les Invalides light show known as Night at Les Invalides (or La Nuit aux Invalides in French) transforms the ancient monument into a stage for a spectacular light show that you should watch if you have the chance!

An expansive complex of museums, monuments, and memorials, the Les Invalides is a Parisian landmark that will charm you even without a display of lights but it gets better with all those beautiful lights bouncing off it.

You’ll be able to watch and learn the history of Napoleon against the stunning architecture of the monument with a light and sound experience that will surround you.

Held six nights a week in July and August, your time spent here will far exceed your expectations!

The show is conducted in both French and English so you won’t miss a thing.

Take a day trip

If you’re not a crowd-lover, Paris in Summer can undoubtedly be a lot! However, you could take advantage of the great weather and take a day trip from Paris to castles outside of Paris, or visit some of the cities near Paris.

You can visit the Palace of Versailles, which was the royal residence of France for over a hundred years (which you’ll thoroughly enjoy if you’re a history geek, and actually in summer, they organize a water fountain show worth watching), enjoy the magic of Disneyland Paris, or visit Mont Saint-Michel, which is just a train ride away and a true marvel to behold.

Depending on your interests and time, several places lie on the outskirts of Paris which are certainly worth visiting if you want to take a break from the bustles of the city.

Take Advantage of the summer sales

As the capital of Haute-couture (Fashion capital), Paris is home to several designer stores, and shopping in the summer becomes a tad bit more fun and cheaper with a plethora of summer sales.

Between June – July, stores have deals that range between 20%, and 60% discounted prices which you must take advantage of, especially if you’re a fan of designer bags (take your pick out of Louis Vuitton, Yves-Saint Laurent, Prada, and so many more) and apparel.

Take advantage of the discounts, and treat yourself, because a Summer in Paris is an unforgettable experience!

All you have to do is to enter a store with the word “Soldes” written on it and you’ll be able to shop discounted goodies until you drop.

Discover The typical Parisian Fresh Produce and Flea markets

On top of heading to designer boutiques and high-end fashion stores, discover local markets like Marche d’Aligre, Marche Bourse, and Marche Bastille to get a taste of fresh summer produce like strawberries, peaches, plums, pears, and many more.

You can also explore Paris’ flea markets to pick out handmade goods (since Paris is such a hub for artists and artisans), antiques, or even pick up some Parisian souvenirs to carry back home.

What to Pack for Summer in Paris + What to Wear

With high temperatures and so many unique activities in the Summer in Paris, you ought to pack the right clothes and the right travel essentials.

So to make sure that you prepare for your Paris summer vacation well, here are a few things you should pack.

Cute summer dresses: To slay like a Parisian in summer, you can’t leave behind some cute summer dresses. You can choose between this maxi floral dress for those Instagram photos, a cute short summer dress like this one, or a chic romper like this one. Alternatively, you can check out my complete post on what to wear in Paris in the summer.

Swimsuit: To take a dip in the hotel pool or at the Paris plage, make sure you take a swimsuit like this one.

Sun hat: To protect yourself from the heat of Paris’ summer and harsh sun, I recommend taking this sun hat.

Sunscreen: This sunscreen will help you spend endless hours under the sun without worrying about your skin getting burnt.

International travel adapter: In order to charge all your devices and keep them ready for whenever you want to take photos, I recommend taking this International travel adapter to avoid switching one every time you travel to a new country.

Daypack: This Osprey daypack will help you keep all your day’s essentials safe and close to you! You can take this one if you prefer a cuter version. (And don’t forget to beware of pickpockets in Paris.)

Re-usable travel water bottle: Summer in Paris can get really hot and it’s easy to get dehydrated without realizing it so take this reusable travel water bottle that you can just re-fill every time you run out of water. (Paris has a number of water fountains scattered around the city, so you won’t even need to buy plastic bottled water.)

Camera: To capture all the memories of your Paris summer that you’ll remember for years to come.

Comfortable Walking shoes: Paris is best explored on foot so I recommend taking comfortable walking shoes.

Portable charger: To charge your phone and other devices on the go, you’ll need to have a portable charger like this one.

Passport/ID: Duh! Obviously, you need your passport/ID. Don’t forget to take it with you when visiting some attractions to take advantage of discounts offered to some people of a certain age group or profession.

Windproof Travel umbrella: Yes, it does rain sometimes in Paris during summer so take this travel umbrella with you.

You can also check out my complete list of what to pack for Paris in summer to know exactly what to take.

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Final thoughts on the Best Things to do in Paris in Summertime

Spending Summer in Paris can be a blissful experience because you can immerse yourself in many activities, shop till you drop with the crazy sales that happen (especially at the end of summer), and soak up the sun.

Your time in the city of Paris will be magical, no matter what time of year you visit, but if you happen to take your trip in the summer, you’ll thoroughly enjoy it!

NEVER TRAVEL TO PARIS WITHOUT TRAVEL INSURANCE

One of the biggest mistakes you’ll ever make when planning a trip to Paris is to forego Travel Insurance!

You might think that it’s expensive, but when you think of how much it will save you when you lose your valuables or even get sick, then you’ll know that it’s NOT that expensive!

Unfortunately, things can and do go wrong when you travel. World Nomads offers coverage for
more than 150 activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more. If you’re considering travel insurance for your trip, check out World Nomads.

Check out these posts to help you plan your trip to Paris

• What to do in Paris at night
• Best things to do in Paris in January
• How to spend Christmas in Paris
• Fun facts about Paris
• Best things to do in Paris in Spring
• Where to find the best views of Paris
• Big mistakes to avoid in Paris
• What to Pack for Paris
• Skip the line tickets for Paris’ popular attractions
• Interesting jokes about Paris
• Paris captions for Instagram
• Famous quotes on Paris

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