Summer in Paris
Summer in Paris is both beautiful and intense. The city comes alive with sunshine, picnics, and festivals—but it also brings intense heat, thick crowds, and very little air conditioning.
If you’re planning to visit between June and August, this post will help you set realistic expectations so you can enjoy your trip without being caught off guard.
Whether you’re staying in a luxury hotel, a small Airbnb, or something in between, these tips apply across the board. Let’s get into what you need to know.
*this post contains affiliate links*
Paris This Summer
Paris in July and August is crowded—very crowded. Not only do international tourists pour in, but many Parisians also take their vacations during this time, which means you’ll find some shops and restaurants closed while popular sites are absolutely packed.
Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Expect long lines at nearly every major attraction. Buying your tickets in advance for places like the Louvre, Musée d’Orsay, Eiffel Tower, and even the newly reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral will save you hours of time and a lot of stress. (I’ll include links to book these directly.)
- The Notre-Dame Cathedral is now open and free to enter, no reservations required. But attendance will be extremely high for months.
- If you don’t have a reservation, arrive early and be prepared to wait. For best results, try visiting on a weekday.
- June 21st is Fête de la Musique, a citywide music festival. Music will fill the streets, stages, Seine, and metro platforms. It’s magical—but it’s also crowded. Tourist attractions may operate on different schedules that day, so plan ahead.
- Metro fares have changed. A single, one-way trip now costs €2.50 and is valid for two hours of travel on the entire metro network. Bus and tram fares are €2. Airport fares are now a flat €13 from both Charles de Gaulle and Orly.
- Paper metro tickets are being phased out, so you’ll want to download the RATP app or purchase a Navigo Easy Card (€2). If you’re staying a full week and using transit daily, consider a weekly Navigo pass for better value.
The last train of the night at every metro station will blow their horn. Why? To let you know that is the last available train of the line.
- Not all metro stations have elevators or escalators, so if you have mobility concerns, do your research. Buses and trams are a better option—they’re more accessible and come with the bonus of window views.
- Taxis, Ubers, buses, and trams are all plentiful alternatives if you’re avoiding the metro or just need a break from walking.
What to Wear in Paris in Summer
There’s no getting around it—Paris gets hot in summer, and many hotels, cafés, and apartments aren’t air-conditioned to the standard that you may be accustomed to, or they may not be air conditioned at all.
What does this mean for you? Plan your outfits accordingly. If you click on the highlighted text, you’ll be taken to Amazon to see my recommendations:
- Choose breathable fabrics like linen and cotton. Synthetic blends will trap heat and leave you sticky.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes. Paris is a walking city with a lot of cobblestones. Trying to be cute in cheap sandals will ruin your day. I love Vivaia. This isn’t an affiliate link, I just love their shoes so much, and they are so comfy!
- A crossbody bag is ideal for both convenience and safety.
- Bring a handheld rechargeable one—you’ll thank yourself.
- Don’t worry about fitting in with Parisian fashion. The city will be filled with tourists in every outfit imaginable. Just avoid looking slovenly—be comfortable, not careless.
Paris Summer Outfits
You don’t need to overthink this—just be smart and intentional. Here’s what I recommend packing:
- 2–3 lightweight dresses or flowy skirts. I have purchased several of these and love them. I also have several of this style.
- Linen shorts or pants
- Tank tops or light tees (bonus points for quick-dry)
- A sun hat or scarf for extra shade (You can also buy scarves in Paris, they have beautiful selections).
- Sunglasses and reef-safe sunscreen
- 1 pair of stylish but sturdy walking shoes
- 1 pair of sandals or slides
- A lightweight jacket or scarf for cooler evenings
And yes, you can wear sneakers in Paris. Mostly teenagers and Gen Z wear them, you don’t usually see Parisian women wearing them.
Bonus Tips for a Better Summer Trip
Skip the viral restaurants. You don’t need to wait an hour in line for mediocre food with a trending interior. Paris is full of incredible food on every corner.
Restaurant reservations aren’t essential, unless there’s a specific place you’ve been dreaming about. Most cafés and bistros can seat you quickly.
Always carry some cash. Cards are widely accepted, but if the internet is down (it happens), you’ll want cash for peace of mind.
Stay further out to save money. Accommodations are pricier in the central arrondissements.
The 12th–20th arrondissements or nearby suburbs can offer great places to stay at a fraction of the price—as long as you’re close to a metro or tram line.
Book museum and attraction tickets ahead of time. It can’t be overstated. Don’t waste your trip standing in lines you could’ve avoided.
Paris in Summer conclusion
Let Paris wow you this summer, not wear you out. With a little planning—and the right expectations—you can enjoy everything the City of Light has to offer while staying cool, comfortable, and one step ahead of the crowds.
Need more tips for your Paris trip? This post has 50 helpful Paris tips and this one gives you what you need to know if you have 2 days in Paris.
If parks are your thing, and they should be in Paris, you’ll want to read this post of the 20 best parks to visit in Paris.
