Paris in July: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2025) 

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Thinking about visiting Paris in July? Here’s everything you need to know!

When picturing a visit to Europe in the summer, it’s hard not to at least consider visiting Paris – a city known for its incredible architecture, food, and iconic landmarks. July is the peak of summer in Paris, when the days are long, the weather is hot, and the city is in full European Summer mode. 

Is July the best time to visit Paris? It really depends on what you enjoy and how ready you are to deal with the enormous crowds and high prices. If you want to take advantage of the long days, warm weather, and buzzing excitement, a July trip might be perfect for you. If just reading about long lines, no air conditioning, and crowded sidewalks makes you anxious, you might rethink a visit in July. 

Truthfully, summer is my favorite season and I love being in Paris during July – but that doesn’t mean it’s right for you. In this post, I’ll share my honest opinions about visiting Paris in July, both as someone who has done it and as a local living in the city. 

Table of Contents
Paris in July: Is It a Good Time to visit?
Weather
Things To Do in Paris in July
What to Pack
Where to Stay in Paris in July
FAQs
Conclusion

Paris in July: Is It a Good Time to visit?

The peak season in Paris lasts from June to August, like most of Europe. During this time, you’ll typically find hot weather, enormous crowds, and high prices because of the near constant demand. Be prepared to wait in long lines anywhere popular, from cafes to museums to public toilets. 

If you ask me, sometimes things are popular for a reason, and that’s definitely the case in Paris. The long summer days bring gorgeous weather, fresh produce in all of the restaurants.

For those who tend to feel overwhelmed by crowds, are traveling on a tight budget, or who simply need their air conditioning to have a good time, I would choose another time to visit Paris. April and May are both significantly cheaper and less crowded times to visit Paris, and you can sometimes catch beautiful late spring/early summer weather. 

Weather 

July is typically a time with warm, sunny days in Paris and minimal precipitation. The highs average around 76°F (24°C) and lows are around 60°F (16°C). Most days will feel hot, slightly humid, and sunny during the day with slightly cooler and more comfortable temperatures in the evenings. 

Late July and early August tend to be the hottest weeks in Paris, with average highs around 77/78°F (25°C). The humidity levels in Paris tend to range from dry to muggy, with an average 4% chance of a muggy day if you visit in July. Unlike the temperatures, which vary throughout the day, humidity levels change more slowly – meaning that you could have a muggy day and night in Paris. 

The summer days in Paris are gloriously long and beautiful. The longest summer day in July is the first of the month, when the sun rises a little before 6am and sets just before 10pm. The twilight can linger in the evenings until almost 11pm some nights – perfect for running around, late evenings in parks, or just exploring the city. 

Does It Rain in Paris in July?

It can rain anytime of year in Paris, but in July you have about a 21 to 24% chance of rain on any given day. That doesn’t mean it will rain all day, but you may see some afternoon showers during your trip. 

In my experience, weather apps do a poor job of predicting whether it will rain on a given day. If I look outside and the weather is very gray and cloudy, I like to pack an umbrella in my bag just in case. 

On days when it starts raining suddenly, it can be hard to find an umbrella. Often, umbrellas are subject to surge pricing by vendors taking advantage of the sudden increase in demand. 

Is It Hot in Paris in July?

Although there’s no guarantee that the weather will be hot or mild in July, the temperatures tend to be quite warm. For those visiting from North America, you might be surprised to learn that many hotels, restaurants, and other buildings in Paris don’t have air conditioning. It’s just not common. 

Take care to read the description for your hotel (and, ideally, some reviews) before you go so that you know if you’ll have a/c during your trip. 

Restaurants and cafes also tend not to serve ice, be it in iced coffees or water. For those who are used to cooling down with an icy glass of water (including yours truly), it can take a bit to adjust to the unrelenting summer heat in Paris. 

Things To Do in Paris in July

Paris is a wonderful city to visit year round, with activities to keep you busy for a weekend or a full week – depending on how much time you have to spend. Here are some of the top things to do in Paris in July, from exploring public spaces to picnicking to one of the most famous holidays in France. 

Explore the Public Gardens and Parks

With all of the things to do in Paris, it can be easy to pack an itinerary with activity after activity. It makes sense – there’s a lot to see! – but it can be overwhelming and leave you feeling exhausted, oversaturated, and a little underwhelmed. The antidote is to spend some time really relaxing during your visit to Paris in July. 

I recommend that you set aside at least a few hours to post up at a public park and have a little picnic, read a book, or just relax in the grass. My favorite park to just sit for a while is the Jardin du Luxembourg, but the Jardin des Tuileries is also a fabulous choice. Really, in Paris, you can just look on Google Maps for the nearest green space and it will probably be a pleasant place to sit down for a while in July. 

See Some Museum Exhibits 

From the enormous (but air conditioned!) halls of the Louvre Museum to the slightly less crowded Rodin Museum and Musée de l’Orangerie, you could spend your entire trip visiting museums in Paris. 

If planning a visit to the Louvre Museum, home to the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci, plan ahead. I recommend purchasing your tickets well in advance, choosing the earliest slot of the day, and then bee lining for the Mona Lisa as soon as you get there. Be sure to also see the Napoléan Apartments while you’re there – they’re just as memorable, if not more so. 

Experience Paris’ Nightlife 

Paris has a bit of a reputation for its nightlife, with the flashy costumes of Moulin Rouge and exquisite fine dining restaurants. You can absolutely find these things in Paris, but the city also has a lot more to offer at night. 

Consider stopping at a Parisian speakeasy, listening to live music in a jazz bar, or just sipping wine on a terrace. There are tons of unique (and many affordable) things to do in Paris at night – you’re unlikely to get bored. 

Have a Picnic by the Water

One of the best ways to take advantage of Paris’ warm weather is to have a picnic outside, preferably by the water. Your picnic menu doesn’t need to be expensive or complicated; some fresh fruit, bread, cheese, wine, and meat (if desired) is perfect. 

Any large Parisian grocery store should have everything you need, but be aware that the stores very close to major tourist areas can be run down and understocked. If you run into this, just look on Google Maps for another grocery store a few blocks from the attraction. 

As for the best place to have your picnic, I have two favorite spots: along the Seine on the lower level (specifically by Pont Neuf) and along Canal Saint Martin. 

Walk Around

No matter how busy your itinerary may be, you should make some time to just walk around Paris and enjoy the ambiance. Most parts of Paris are walkable and pleasant, but my favorite place to walk is just along the River Seine – either above or below. Even as someone who lives in Paris, I try to walk for an hour or so a few times a week because it’s just so lovely. 

A few streets that are particularly nice for a walk are Rue Cler, along the Canal Saint Martin (especially the southern portion starting at Square Jules-Ferry and heading north), and along the Coulée Verte René-Dumont elevated walkway. I’ll rarely say no to a walk through the Jardin des Tuileries or the Jardin du Luxembourg, either. 

Celebrate Bastille Day on July 14

July 14 is Bastille Day in France, also known as the Fête nationale française or le 14 juillet in French. It’s essentially France’s national holiday, commemorating the Storming of Bastille, which was a major event during the French Revolution in 1789. 

Today, the holiday is celebrated throughout France starting the night before on July 13. You’ll find picnics, an open air block party at Place de la Bastille, and parties throughout the streets, especially around fire stations. On July 14, the mood becomes a bit more somber and the city celebrates with a military parade down the Champs-Elysées starting at the Arc de Triomphe. 

What to Pack for Paris in July

Parisians are known for being well dressed and put together throughout the year, but in a chic and almost effortless way. This is the sense of style they carry into the summer, so you’ll want to pack stylish basics that will keep you comfortable in the long, hot days. 

Here are a few essential items to pack for Paris in July.

Sturdy Shoes

Many Parisians don’t wear sandals out in the city for a few reasons: first, the sidewalks are very dirty. Second, rain storms are common, which lead to large puddles of gross water that you’d really rather not step into with only a sandal to protect you. 

Instead, I like to opt for a sturdy white sneaker, personally – I have and love the unisex Birkenstock Bend Sneakers in white. You can also wear boots, loafers, or closed toed heels (I’d stick to small heels, though) when walking around the city. 

Lightweight, Loose Clothing 

You won’t catch a Parisian walking around in leggings on a hot summer day, unless they’re headed straight to yoga class. Although I’m not here to tell you that you cannot wear leggings or athleisure, you’ll probably feel more comfortable if you instead opt for lighter, looser fabrics in summer-friendly cuts. 

Loose linen pants, sun dresses, skirts, and jeans are all normal summer attire in Paris. To best blend in, choose neutral colors or tasteful patterns. I love to grab a dress or basic clothes from H&M, Zara, or Uniqlo while I’m in Paris – they’re pretty reasonably priced and tend to reflect the current style in the city. 

Outer Layer

Unlike Ireland, where I would suggest a rain jacket for everyone, I’d say you simply need some sort of outer layer for your trip to Paris in July. It could be a thick denim jacket, a stylish rain jacket, or some other type of outerwear in case you run into a dreary, rainy day or a chilly evening.

Umbrella

I say that a rain jacket is optional because I would suggest buying or borrowing an umbrella while in Paris. Personally, I’d just buy the cheapest one you can find from a Monoprix. If you happen to be checking a bag, you can pack an umbrella in your luggage (umbrellas are not typically allowed in carry-on luggage). 

Sunscreen

The summer sun in Paris might not be as strong as where I’m from in Colorado, but you can still get a sunburn while out and about. Sunscreen is one of my top travel accessories, and you’ll almost always find a bottle in my bag. I especially love the Daily Facial Sunscreen from Trader Joe’s because it’s not greasy, is easy to rub in, and comes in bottles that are small enough to fly with in your carry on baggage. 

Small Bag

I recommend bringing some sort of small bag that zips closed and can be worn in front of you for your visit to Paris. This could be a fanny pack, a small purse, or a cross body bag; the style isn’t as important as the ability to zip it completely closed. Even better if it has two closing mechanisms, like a zipper and a clasp. 

Keep the bag zipped closed and in front of you with a hand over the zipper when in big crowds, on the Metro, or while visiting tourist attractions. This will help protect you from pickpockets and thieves in Paris (and other parts of Europe). 

Travel Adapter

If you’re visiting Paris from outside of the European Union, you’ll want to bring a travel adapter so that you can charge and use your electronics. Keep in mind that France uses a different style of plugs than the UK and Ireland. For that reason, I recommend that you buy a universal  travel adapter before your trip so that you can be prepared for both London and Paris. 

Where to Stay in Paris in July

One of the great things about Paris is that the city doesn’t have a single center, like you might find in Dublin (Temple Bar) or Florence (Historic Center). Instead, there are monuments and bustling neighborhoods spread throughout the city. You could feel just as “in the middle of everything” in the Latin Quarter as you might feel in Montmartre or Le Marais. 

That said, I wanted to recommend a few hotels that I think are great places to stay in Paris on a budget. From the pleasant and budget-friendly (though less central) The People Bercy to the beautiful Hôtel des Arts Montmartre, here are my top picks for places to stay in Paris in July. 

Note to Travelers: Air conditioning is not a given in Paris. Many hotels, restaurants, and bars do not have air conditioning and can be very, very warm in the summer months. If booking an Airbnb, check the listing for both the floor and air conditioning – a higher up floor (4 or above) without air conditioning will be a very intense experience in July. 

📍 Top Budget Pick: The People Bercy is a hostel that’s a bit outside of the very center of Paris, but it offers pretty solid amenities for a hostel within the city. This hostel does have air conditioning and a rooftop terrace, neither of which are givens in Paris.
📍 Top Mid Range Pick: The Hotel Joyce-Astotel is a charming little boutique hotel in Pigalle, just steps from all of the area’s nightlife. The rooms are small but well appointed, with little perks like free snacks and a great breakfast buffet every morning. Rooms have air conditioning. 
📍 Top Luxury Pick: The Hôtel des Arts Montmartre is a beautiful, artfully decorated hotel in Montmartre with friendly staff and rooms with everything you’ll need. This hotel feels like a little oasis in the middle of the bustling city of life of Paris. Rooms have air conditioning and are soundproofed. 

FAQs: Paris in July

Planning your Parisian vacation and still have questions about when to visit? Here are the answers to some common queries from other travelers. 

Is July a Good Time to Go to Paris?

July is a very, very popular time to visit Paris, but it’s not the best choice for every traveler. While the days are long, there are events throughout the city, and everything is open in July, you’ll also have to contend with high prices and huge crowds. Budget travelers, those who prefer a more local-feeling atmosphere, and anyone who is extra sensitive to the heat might consider a visit during the shoulder season (April/May or September/October) instead. 

What is Happening in Paris in July?

July is a happening month in Paris most years, but in 2024 there’s going to be a laser focus on the Olympic Games. Another annual holiday in July is Bastille Day, which is celebrated on the 14th of July every year. The holiday starts the night before with parties and festivals throughout the city and Bastille Day is marked with a military parade along the Champs-Elysées.  

Is July 2024 a Good Time to Visit Paris?

Unless you’re planning to attend the Olympic Games, I wouldn’t recommend that you visit Paris during July of 2024. Major parts of the city will be closed, it’s going to be incredibly crowded, and hotel prices are absolutely surging ahead of the games. Instead, I would wait until at least September 2024 or try again for next summer. 

If you’ll be in Paris around the Olympics anyway, I would try to get tickets to at least one event. You can search for tickets on the official Paris 2024 website.

When is the Cheapest Time to Go to Paris?

The cheapest time of year to visit Paris is during the winter months from November to March. Although the weather tends to be colder and the sun sets early, you can still have a great visit and enjoy most of the best parts of Paris – but without the expense and huge crowds.

Conclusion: Paris in July

July is the peak season in Paris, so it’s a very popular time to visit the city. It’s also a time when Parisians love to spend the long summer days outside, enjoying evening picnics by the Seine, drinking wine with friends until the early morning hours, and generally just appreciating the nice weather. 

If you plan to visit Paris in July, be prepared for hot days, little a/c, and big crowds. For all of the extra hassle, you’ll be rewarded with glorious warm evenings where the daylight stretches past 11pm. Plus, the long days mean that Paris feels safe to explore alone even into the evenings because of the abundance of light. 

For those who are on strict budgets or who really don’t enjoy being part of a crowd, I’d suggest that you visit between September and May – either during the shoulder or off season in Paris. Outside of the summer months, you can find great deals, smaller crowds, and a more local-feeling Paris.