Paris in summer, what they call ‘l’été’ is a dream for many — long sunny days, outdoor cafés and iconic landmarks bathed in golden light.
Picture yourself walking by the Eiffel Tower, enjoying a buttery croissant — then suddenly, it’s scorching hot and you’re squeezed between sweaty tourists everywhere.
The charm is still there, but now you’re melting in line for overpriced ice cream!
So, summertime in Paris the best time for your family trip?
The answer depends on what you’re looking for. While summer brings excitement, it also comes with heatwaves, crowds and higher prices.
Is Summer the Best Time for Your Family?
Paris in Summer Weather
To begin with, what months are summer in Paris? The summer months in Paris are June, July and August.
What are the hottest months in Paris? That would be July and August! Paris in July weather reaches average highs of 25°C (77oF), with August Paris summer weather also seeing average highs of 25°C (77°F), but recent years have seen heatwaves pushing temperatures above 36°C (97°F).
The bigger issue? Most places don’t have air conditioning. Apartments, hotels, shops and even some restaurants rely on fans or open windows to stay cool. If your family struggles with heat, this can make sightseeing exhausting.
June and September offer milder weather: June averages 22°C (72°F), while September is still warm but less extreme (21°C/70°F). These months are far more comfortable for walking around the city.
Crowds & Tourist Chaos
What is Paris like in summer? Summer is peak tourist season, meaning:
- Long lines at the Eiffel Tower, Louvre and other attractions (book tickets in advance!).
- Higher prices for flights and hotels.
- Packed metro trains and busy streets.
August is a strange mix — many Parisians leave the city for vacation, so some local businesses (bakeries, cafés, shops) shut down. Yet, the city remains crowded with tourists. If you visit in August, check if your must-visit spots are open.
- June: Great weather, lively atmosphere (thanks to events like Fête de la Musique and the Paris Jazz Festival), but still crowded.
- July: Hot, busy and sometimes polluted, but Bastille Day (July 14th) brings incredible fireworks and celebrations.
- August: Quieter in terms of locals, but some businesses close. The heat peaks and it’s still tourist-heavy.
Safety: Watch Out for Scams & Pickpockets
Summertime in Paris attracts tourists — and pickpockets. With a Crime Index of 58.07 and a Safety Index of 41.93, common scams include:
- The ‘gold ring’ trick (someone ‘finds’ a ring and distracts you while their partner steals from you).
- Petty theft on bridges and metros (keep phones/cameras secure).
- Bag snatching in crowded areas (wear crossbody bags with zippers).
Stay alert, especially in tourist hubs like the Eiffel Tower, Montmartre and the Louvre.
You can learn more about Tourism in Paris Statistics here.
Alternative: Consider Early Autumn
If you have flexibility, try to skip the summer in Paris months. September and early October offer:
Fewer crowds (kids are back in school, Parisians return from vacation).
Milder weather (warm but not scorching).
Lower prices (hotel rates drop after peak season).
Many locals (including families) actually leave Paris in July and August to escape the heat and crowds. If you prefer a more relaxed trip, autumn might be a better fit.
So, Should You Visit Paris in Summer?
Yes, if:
- You don’t mind the heat and plan indoor activities (museums, early morning sightseeing).
- You book tickets in advance to skip long lines.
- You’re excited for summer events like Bastille Day or open-air concerts.
No, if:
- Your family struggles with extreme heat.
- You want a quieter, more local experience (try spring or autumn instead).
- You’re on a tight budget (prices are highest in summer).
Beating the crowds and heat tips
- Go Early or Stay Late: Popular spots like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower and Montmartre are much quieter right at opening (8–9pm) or in the evening (after 7pm).
- Book Skip-the-Line Tickets: Buy timed-entry tickets online for major attractions (Louvre, Versailles, Musée d’Orsay) to avoid queues.
- Explore Lesser-Known Museums: Try Musée Rodin, Musée Jacquemart-André, or Musée de l’Orangerie instead of just the Louvre.
- Visit Popular Areas on Weekdays: Places like the Marais, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame are busiest on weekends.
- Walk Along the Seine at Night: Fewer crowds, beautiful lights and a cool breeze make this a perfect evening activity.:
- Seek Shade & AC: Many old buildings lack AC, so cool off in department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché), churches (Sainte-Chapelle), or underground catacombs.
- Eat Like a Local: Many restaurants close mid-afternoon; enjoy a long, air-conditioned lunch instead of rushing.
A Stress-Free Itinerary
If summer is your only travel window, don’t worry, you can still have an amazing time without the meltdowns (literal and figurative). The trick is mixing iconic sights with relaxed, local experiences — and always having a plan to beat the heat.
Here's exactly how to do it, hour by hour, with options for families, couples, and solo travelers.
Day 1: Ease Into Paris Like a Local
(Perfect for jet-lagged travelers)
Morning (8–11am): Market Breakfast
- Head to Marché Bastille (Thurs/Sun) or Marché d'Aligre (closed on Mondays)
- What to try:
- Fresh strawberries from the farmer's stalls
- A warm baguette (ask for ‘bien cuite’ if you like it crispy)
- Goat cheese from the fromagerie (say ‘un petit morceau’ for a small piece)
Tip: Bring cash (many vendors don't take cards) and reusable bags
Late Morning (11am–1pm): Seine Picnic Prep
- Stop at a fromagerie (cheese shop) for:
- Brie
- Comté (like fancy Swiss cheese)
- Some saucisson (dried sausage) if you eat meat
- Grab a bottle of wine (or sparkling water) at any grocery store
Optional: If you’re not in the mood for food and it’s your first time in Paris, do a Seine River cruise to see the different landmarks around the city!
Splurge on your picnic with these top 6 most popular foods in Paris!
Afternoon (2–5pm): Picnic & Nap Time
- Best picnic spots:
- Square du Vert-Galant (tiny park at tip of Île de la Cité)
- Port des Saints-Pères (less crowded than Pont des Arts)
- Let kids run around while adults relax
Optional: Nap at your hotel/Airbnb afterward
Evening (6pm+): Ice Cream & Early Dinner
- Berthillon (Île Saint-Louis): Try the salted caramel!
- Glace Bachir: Lebanese ice cream with pistachios
- Simple dinner at Chez Janou (great Provençal food) or L'As du Fallafel
Day 2: Iconic Sights Without the Crowds
Sunrise Option (6–8am):
- Eiffel Tower photos at sunrise (no crowds!)
- Walk along Trocadéro Gardens when it's empty
Morning (9 AM–12pm): Smart Museum Visit
- Musée d'Orsay (opens at 9:30am)
- Buy tickets online for 9:30 entry
- Must-see: 5th floor Impressionist galleries — my absolute fave!
- OR Louvre strategy:
- Enter through Carrousel du Louvre mall entrance
- Head straight to Mona Lisa, then other highlights
Afternoon (1–4pm): Cool Off in Tuileries
- Lunch at Café Renard (shaded terrace)
- Activities:
- Kids: Playground & carousel (€3 per ride)
- Adults: Relax in green chairs by fountains
- Everyone: People-watching (best free show in Paris)
Evening (5pm+): Sunset Cruise
- Batobus (cheap hop-on/hop-off) last ride at 7:30pm
- OR Vedettes du Pont Neuf (great live commentary)
Tip: Bring a light sweater as it gets chilly on water
Day 3: Hidden Paris & Beating the Heat
Morning Option 1 (for families):
- Jardin du Luxembourg pony rides (weekends)
- Sail toy boats (€4 for 30 minutes)
- Shakespeare & Company nearby for book lovers
Morning Option 2 (for adults):
- Piscine Molitor (book 9am swim slot)
- Brunch at their art deco restaurant
Afternoon (All Ages):
- Marché aux Puces (flea market) treasure hunt for vintage posters, old books and jewelry
Evening Cool-Down:
- Paris Plages (July–August only):
- Free beach chairs by the Seine
- Kids' water misters to play in
- OR Josephine Baker Pool (floating pool!)
Remember: Parisians slow down in summer, so you should too! Build in café breaks, don't over-schedule and embrace the slower pace. The best Paris moments often happen when you least expect them.
What's On in Paris in the Summer
Music Everywhere!
- Fête de la Musique (June 21): Free concerts citywide
- Parc Floral Festivals (June–Sept): Jazz, classical & kids' shows
- Fête de l’Humanité (Sept): Huge music festival
Fun & Games
- Fête des Tuileries (July–Aug): Carnival rides & giant Ferris wheel
- Paris Plages (July–Sept): Beaches along the Seine with swimming & lounging
Outdoor Movies (Mid-July–Aug)
- Screenings at Parc de la Villette & Moulin Rouge
- Many films in English (check schedules)
Bastille Day (July 14)
- Fireworks at the Eiffel Tower
- Military parade on Champs-Élysées
Cool Off At
- Rooftop bars
- Pop-up beach bars
Day Trips from Paris: Where to Escape the Summer Crowds
As a fourth day in the city, consider doing a day trip away from the city!
Summer in Paris can get hot, crowded and overwhelming, but luckily, some of France’s most beautiful destinations are just a short trip away — and you’ll find locals doing the same thing! Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, or solo, these easy day trips offer fresh air, stunning scenery and a break from the city hustle.
Here’s where to go and things to do in France in the summer:
Giverny - 1h15 by train + shuttle
- Walk through Monet’s famous gardens, where he painted his Water Lilies series.
- Visit his pink stucco house, which is still filled with his original furniture.
- April–October is the best time to go, but the lilies bloom in July & August!
- Since this is a popular spot, arrive early to avoid crowds.
Versailles - 45 min by train
- Tour the Palace of Versailles, home of Louis XIV (book tickets in advance).
- Rent a rowboat or bike through the massive gardens.
- In the summer, musical fountain shows play on weekends, but just know that weekends in July and August can get packed.
Deauville - 2h by train
- Walk along the famous boardwalk (look for celebrity-named beach cabins!).
- Try mini-golf or relax on the sandy beaches.
- This are is much cooler than Paris in the summer!
Fontainebleau - 45 min by train
- Explore Château de Fontainebleau, Napoleon’s favorite palace, which is less crowded than Versailles.
- Hike or picnic in the forest (a favorite local escape).
Mont Saint-Michel - 4h by car/tour bus
- Walk the medieval abbey at high tide (looks like it’s floating!).
- Try famous omelets at La Mère Poulard.
Quick Tips for Day Tripping in Summer
- Book train tickets early: Prices go up in summer!
- Pack light but smart: Sunscreen, water, comfy shoes.
- Check return times: Last trains can be early.
- Avoid Sundays: Many places close or get crowded.
Where else can you go from city? Here are 6 day trips from Paris.
Practical Tips for Visiting Paris in Summer: A Guide for All Travelers
Summer in Paris can be magical, but it also comes with challenges — heatwaves, crowds and high prices. Whether you're traveling with family, as a couple, solo or as an older traveler, these practical tips will help you stay comfortable, safe and savvy while exploring the City of Light.
Tips for Families
- Visit parks early (Luxembourg Gardens, Tuileries) before the midday sun.
- Cool off at fountains: kids love the Stravinsky Fountain near Pompidou.
- Book skip-the-line tickets for Disneyland Paris, Louvre and Eiffel Tower.
- Many cafés offer kids’ menus (look for ‘menu enfant’).
- Picnic in park: grab sandwiches from a boulangerie (bakery).
- Metro with strollers? Use stations with elevators (not all have them!).
- Batobus (hop-on-hop-off boat) is a fun way to sightsee without walking.
Kid Friendly Locations
- Seine boat cruise – keeps kids on the move
- Luxembourg gardens – fenced playground
- Jardin des Tuileries – playground, trampoline park, carousel and gelato
- A Paris kids’ cooking class!
- Jardin D’Acclimation – amusement rides, train, playground, water park, puppet theatre & more
- Disneyland Paris – enough said
- Cite des Sciences – science museum with exhibits, planetarium and old submarine
- Parc de la Villette – dragon slide, obstacle course, flying foxes
- Parc Des Buttes-Chaumont – waterfall/cave, playground, space to play
- Versailles – kids love the grandness
Tips for Couples
- Sunset at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (locals’ favorite).
- Evening Seine cruise: less crowded than daytime.
- Hidden cafés in Le Marais (avoid touristy Saint-Germain).
- Ask for ‘une carafe d'eau’ (free tap water) at restaurants.
- Book dinner late (8:30pm or later) for a true Parisian experience.
- Skip overpriced cafés near major sights (Eiffel Tower, Louvre).
- Wine bars > touristy restaurants: try Le Baron Rouge for affordable wine.
Tips for Older Travelers
- Museums have benches: take breaks in the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay.
- Use taxis/Vélib’ e-bikes if walking long distances is tough.
- Musée Carnavalet (free, air-conditioned, all about Paris history).
- Shakespeare & Company bookstore: great for a peaceful retreat.
- Wear comfy shoes (cobblestones can be tricky!).
- Avoid rush hour metro (too crowded, so travel mornings or late afternoon).
Ways to keep seniors comfortable
- Have a pick-up service from Arrivals to your accommodation
- Book a centrally located hotel that has elevators
- Hire an English-speaking driver for an air-conditioned tour of the city highlights
- Schedule breaks, either for a coffee/wine or a nap back at your accommodation
- Some museums offer wheelchairs
- Do an evening cruise
- Buses are designed for those with mobility issues (the metro is not)
- Use the bathrooms in museums, as many cafes/restaurants require going up/down stairs
- Take a walking cane with a seat
- Many tourist attractions have ‘hidden’ elevators — just ask
Sometimes, less is more!
Tips for Solo Travelers
- Watch drinks in bars (drink spiking can happen).
- Avoid empty metro cars late at night.
- Stick to well-lit areas: skip Pigalle (red-light district) after dark.
- Free walking tours (great way to meet other travelers).
- Coffee shops with communal tables (like Boot Café) can help you meet people.
- Paris Museum Pass (saves money if visiting multiple museums).
- Picnics > restaurants (shop at markets like Rue Mouffetard).
General Summer Survival Tips
- Carry a refillable bottle: Paris has free water fountains (look for ‘fontaine’).
- Cool off in department stores (Galeries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché).
- Visit major sights early (8am) or late (after 5pm).
- Museums open late on Fridays: Louvre stays open until 9:45pm!
- Rent an apartment (cheaper than hotels, with kitchen access).
- Take metros/buses: single tickets cost €2.10 (Ubers add up!).
What to Wear in Summer in Paris
- Shoes
- Stylish sneakers or flats
- No flip-flops (unless at the beach!)
- Layers
- Light trench coat (rain showers happen!)
- Scarf for churches & cool evenings
- Sun Protection
- Sunscreen (pricey in Paris!)
- Sunglasses
- Clothing
- Breezy dresses & linen tops
- Avoid spaghetti straps (locals layer up)
- Tips
- Pack mix-and-match outfits
- Bring a reusable water bottle
- Comfort > fashion (you'll walk miles!)
Conclusion
So, is summer in Paris worth it? Absolutely, if you plan wisely! The heat and crowds can be intense, but with smart timing, shaded pit stops and activities that appeal to all ages, you’ll still fall in love with the city’s magic. Pack light, book ahead and embrace the lively atmosphere — Paris in summer is an experience you won’t forget, especially if that’s the only time you can visit!
A private GoWithGuide tour takes the stress out of summer travel, tailoring your itinerary to your family’s interests and pacing — whether it’s kid-friendly museum visits, skip-the-line access or hidden shady gems. Your personal guide handles the logistics, so you can focus on savoring Paris without the hassle.
Ready for a seamless summer adventure? Book your private Paris tour today!
Feel free to also read our pros and cons blog for hiring a guide in Paris.
