Paris in July Guide: Weather, What to Wear, Things to Do & More!

Planning a visit to Paris in July? Thankfully, it’s still a great time to visit!

On my third trip to Paris, I happened to be here in July. My husband and I took advantage of the long 4th of July weekend at home and flew over there to see my friend, enjoy the city, and take a day trip to the Loire Valley.

But before that, I was nervous to go during peak tourist season. Would it be unbearable in the heat and crowds?

Despite the concerns, we went anyway, and it was great! We also came back during the Paris Olympics and had a lovely time.

It may be when Paris sizzles, but it still shines. And there are many ways to avoid the crowds in the summer!

So here is your ultimate guide to spending July in Paris including weather, what to wear, things to do, events, where to stay, and more!

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Paris in July Weather

I will be the first to admit that Paris weather can be unpredictable no matter the month or season. I will give you historical averages below, but know that in 2025, they had a day reach 100ºF (38ºC) but also a day with a high of only 67ºF (19ºC). THAT WAS IN A WEEK TIMEFRAME!

As you can imagine, it is super important to check the forecast ahead of time, as temperature swings can and do happen. The Weather Channel works just fine.

July in Paris Weather Averages:

• Average high: 77-79ºF (25-26ºC)
• Average low: 61-65ºF (16-18ºC)
• Number of days with precipitation: 5 days
• Hours of daylight: 16 hours, 6 minutes-15 hours, 8 minutes

Yes, the days have hit their peak length in June, and the days are getting slightly shorter, although the days are still nice and long throughout the month! 

Sunrise is at 5:51 am and sunset is at 9:57 pm on July 1 and then sunrise is at 6:22 am and sets at 9:30 pm on July 31. 

It may be a good idea to get a hotel that has blackout curtains (more details on hotels below)!

In my experience with weather this time of year, on my 3rd visit, we got caught in a heat wave and it was hot throughout. 

On my second July here, it was a mix of mild temperatures and rain as well as some hot days. So basically, I got a good taste of Paris weather in July overall!

Also, even though temperatures may not look that high, between being in a city and the humidity, it does feel warmer at times.

What to Wear in Paris in July

Okay, knowing the weather at this time of year, it is overall pretty warm. I usually don’t even bring a coat. But here are things you’ll want to pack for your trip:

• Sneakers. Yes, these are essential for walking around all day. I love my Adidas Sambas, and they’ve served me well.
• Socks. You’ll need socks for your sneakers! I am a short sock person, but you do you! 
• Comfortable sandals. This isn’t what I’d bring, but some people also don’t love wearing sneakers this time of year. I will say that your feet may get kind of dirty, but wear what works for you. Men’s sandals. 
• Jeans/trousers: If it is a cooler day, this is a great option. Men’s jeans here. Men’s trousers here.
• Skirts. A cute longer skirt is so fun to wear!
• Shorts. Yes, Parisians wear shorts these days! Not booty shorts, but cute medium length dressy or jean shorts work well. Yes, you can also wear longer shorts, which are very popular these days. Personally, thanks to my short, muscular legs, I look ridiculous in those shorts (pretty sure those only look good on really skinny people). Men’s shorts here.
• Short-sleeve tops/tanks. Some basics you can mix and match is always a good thing, especially if you’re trying to pack light! Men’s shirts here.
• Dresses/Jumpsuits. It’s sundress season, so enjoy wearing cute dresses! I also love a good jumpsuit. 
• Cotton overshirt. This is a great compromise between no jacket but not completely having that extra layer. A white casual cotton button up can be layered over so many things on a chilly evening!
• Light jacket. If you get chilly easily, this is a good idea. It’s also good if it looks like it’ll be slightly cool when you’re there, especially in the mornings. Men’s jacket here. I didn’t need one when I was there, but again, you do you.
• Umbrella. As always, bring an umbrella as it can rain!

And as always, check the weather before going and pack accordingly! 

Need help planning your trip to Paris? I have an entire guide with EVERYTHING you need to know including itinerary ideas, hidden gems, restaurants, and more! Get it here!

Paris Events in July

Paris in the summer is FULL of fun events and activities for both visitors and locals alike! 

• Fête Nationale (July 14): This is the only public holiday in France in July, but it’s a big one. In English, we call it Bastille Day. This is France’s national holiday commemorating the storming of the Bastille on July 14, 1789 and then the Fête de la Federation the following year. Paris has plenty of events this day, including a military parade on the Champs-Elysees and dancing and fireworks! Although fireworks will be held this year (2026) on July 13. 
• Bal des Pompiers (July 12-13): Before the Fête Nationale, firehouses all over the city throw gigantic parties with music and dancing! The proceeds go to the firehouse and/or charity. For a night of dancing, this is the place to be!
• Paris Plages (early July-August): This varies by year, but sometime in early July through August, Paris creates beaches along the Seine, the Bassin de la Villette, and Canal Saint-Martin for locals and tourists to sunbathe and enjoy! There are even swimming pools…and swimming in the Seine if you’re brave! 
• Cinema en Plein Air (July 22-August 16, 2026): This is an event each summer in Parc de la Villette where they screen movies outside. Typically, there is a movie for children earlier in the evening and one for adults later on!
• Ending of the Tour de France (July 26, 2026): The famed Tour de France occurs in July, and it wraps up in Paris on the Champs-Elysees! Go watch the riders cross the finish line!
• Festival Paris l’Été (July 11-August 4, 2026): This is a gigantic music and arts festival happening all over Paris with tons of great events!
• Carnaval Tropical de Paris (July 5, 2026): This event shows traditional music and dancing from throughout the French territories including Reunion, Guadeloupe, French Guiana, and other places. It is a parade down the Champs-Elysees!
• Peacock Society Festival (July 10-11, 2026): This is located at the Hippodrome Paris-Vincennes and is an electronic music festival.
• Soldes (June 24-July 21, 2026): One of my favorite times to be in France is during Soldes. It is when the whole country has giant sales, and it only happens twice a year (winter and summer). This is the BEST time for shopping!

Best Things to Do in Paris in July

It’s warm, maybe sunny, and so much fun. Paris when it sizzles is an exciting time to be here before the locals leave for les vacances at the end of the month/in August! Here is what to do in Paris this time of year.

1. Enjoy the Paris Plages.

Starting from early July through August, you’ve got beaches popping up along the Seine, Canal Saint-Martin, and the Bassin de la Villette to enjoy. Here you can relax in a sun lounger, play petanque, have a drink at a bar, or even go for a swim!

Yes, the Bassin de la Villette has swimming pools to enjoy, and you can go for a swim in Canal Saint-Martin at 116 Quai de Jammapes, but there are even places to swim in the Seine. You can go for a swim here:

• 4th arrondissement at Louis-Phillippe
• 12th arrondissement in Bercy
• 15th arrondissement at Bras de Grenelle near the Statue of Liberty

I’m still skeptical about the safety, but after 2025’s success, it seems to be great for cooling off on a hot day. 

2. Go to a Waterpark.

Embrace your inner-child and head to Aquaboulevard for a day of swimming, waterslides, and fun! This is the largest water park in the region! 

3. Visit the Catacombs.

Yes, this seems like an odd thing to do during the summer in Paris, but the catacombs are open again and it is a nice and cool 57ºF/14ºC year-round…which is kind of perfect on those brutally hot and sunny days during a heatwave. Just be sure to book in advance, or better yet, go on an exclusive tour!

4. Head to the Department Stores in the 9th.

By department stores, I mean Galeries Lafayette and Printemps in the 9th. These places are both 1) air conditioned and 2) have fabulous city views from their rooftops!

Get a lovely AC break, go shopping, and see some great views of Paris!

5. Have a Picnic.

Long days + warm weather = perfect Paris picnic conditions.

Grab a bottle of wine, some goodies from a local farmers market (or the store too!), and enjoy a picnic.

One of the best things to do is go to Barthelmy for cheese, then go to La Grand Epicerie for all the other snacks, goodies, wine, and bread, and have a picnic in Jardin du Luxembourg!

Here are other fabulous places to picnic in Paris:

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (my fave park!)
• Bois de Vincennes (Paris’s largest park with the most charming lake at Lac Daumesnil)
• Place des Vosges
• Champ des Mars
• Parc Monceau
• Square des Batignolles
• Jardin des Tuileries 
• Along the Seine
• Canal Saint-Martin

6. Go Up the Eiffel Tower at Sunset.

I FINALLY went up the Eiffel Tower on my 18th visit to Paris in April, and now my bucket list is to go up the Eiffel Tower for sunset/when it sparkles.

Thankfully, the Eiffel Tower is open later in the summer months and sparkles later in the evening (it closes at 12:45 am and the final sparkle is at 1 am). So go before sunset to catch sunset and try to see it potentially sparkle at night. This will take some planning, especially as you’ll likely have to wait in lines, but wow, wouldn’t it be amazing to see?!

Book it here!

And if you can’t go up it, it’s still fun to watch sparkle late at night. And if you watch it’s last showing at 1 am, they shut off the lights and it just sparkles. It’s a really cool sight. 

7. Go to a Rooftop Bar.

I mentioned this in my Paris in June guide, but a rooftop bar is always a good idea! Here are places to go to enjoy a rooftop cocktail with views of Paris:

• Maggie Rooftop Paris
• Perruche
• ROOF Paris
• Le Rechoir
• The Rooftop at Hôtel Dame des Arts

8. Visit Smaller Museums.

One way to escape the crowds this time of year (which happens to be peak tourist season), is to visit some of Paris’s best smaller museums. Here are great ones to check out that are usually less crowded:

• CLUNY Museum (AKA Museum of the Middle Ages)
• National Archives
• Musée Marmottan Monet
• Musée Rodin
• Carnavalet Museum (Paris History Museum)
• Musée de la Vie Romantique (fabulous tea room!)
• Petit Palais

9. Go to the Market.

Paris is SO lucky to have markets galore. You’ve got giant flea markets like Marché aux Puces de Saint-Ouen. You have fun covered markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges (better for getting a meal) and Marché Saint-Quentin.

But there are larger farmers markets that pop up too. Here are some to check out: 

• Raspail Market: Tuesday & Friday from 7 am-1:30 pm.
• Rue Mouffetard Market Street: Everyday except Monday from around 8 am-1 pm. However, weekends are the best time to go.
• Rue Cler Market Street: There are many shops and things that have varying opening times. Many are closed on Monday all day and Sunday afternoons. But it is typically open all day until around 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
• Place Monge Market: Wednesday & Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Maubert Market: Tuesday & Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Saturday from 7 am-3 pm.
• March d’Aligre: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm. The covered market is open from Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm, Saturday is from 9 am-1 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday is from 9 am-1:30 pm.
• Bastille Market: Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.

10. Best Day Trips From Paris in July.

If you’ve got more time in Paris, a day trip is a really fun idea! Here are some fabulous day trip spots during the month of July!

• Deauville. I highly recommend this one if you need a nice, beachy getaway from the city. This is in Normandy and is about a 2 hour and 17 minute train ride away. Known lovingly as “Paris’s 21st arrondissement,” it’s quite popular amongst Parisians for a quick escape along the coast. Think of it like Paris’s answer to the Hamptons. It’s charming with a sandy beach!
• Loire Valley. Sometimes you just need to get away from the city and frolic amongst castles. My husband and I did a tour here on our visit together in July (the first go around), and it was a lot of fun! This tour includes visits to 2 famous chateaux and a stop in Blois. Book it here!
• Reims. Yes, you can easily go to Reims via the train and explore Champagne houses- just make reservations in advance! On hot days, it’s nice to tour the Champagne cellars which are at a cooler temperature… oh and then sip crisp Champagne afterward. You can also book a guided tour here from Paris!
• Giverny. Another easy day trip you can take on your own or on a guided tour, enjoy the vibrant garden and water lily pond at Monet’s House and Gardens on a day trip to Giverny. Book a tour here!

Check out more things to do in Paris in the summer here!

Where to Stay in Paris in Summer

I will highlight the importance of having a hotel with AC in the summertime in Paris. With frequent heat waves, rooms can feel warm and stuffy really quickly. I’ve stayed in an Airbnb without working AC once during a heatwave, and thankfully it does cool down outside at night (and I had a strong fan and could keep the windows open), but it can be uncomfortable at times. 

Here is where to stay:

Hotel du Printemps: I include this as it is a great budget-friendly hotel in Paris that has AC. And staying in a budget-friendly spot can be helpful this time of year because it is peak tourist season and prices for most hotels are usually pretty high most of the month. I stayed here recently and it’s a great value hotel! It’s a 2-star hotel so it’s basic, but you’ve got a comfy bed, ensuite bathroom, and a nice, clean room. I’d definitely stay here again!

Book it here!

Hotel Joyce-Astotel: This is another great value hotel in the 9th arrondissement. I stayed here recently, and it was lovely! I lucked out and somehow got a balcony room, but it’s in a great location for exploring, and prices are reasonable even in peak season.

Book it here!

Hotel Artemesia Montmartre: Remember how I said I was in an Airbnb without working AC? Well, that’s because it broke before we got there and the owner was in zero rush to get it fixed. Eventually, one of my friends jumped ship for a hotel with AC and this was the one she stayed in. She enjoyed it, and it had great AC. So that’s nice for a stay during a heatwave!

Book it here!

Here are other hotel ideas in Paris:

• Where to Stay in Paris Based on Your Travel Style
• Where to Stay in Paris For First Timers
• My Favorite Hotels in Paris
• Best Budget Hotels in Paris
• Best Hotels in Paris With Eiffel Tower Views

Is Paris in July Worth It?

There really isn’t a bad time to come to Paris, and July is a great time!

Now, if you only plan to do the big touristy things, I will admit that you’ll likely be frustrated by the large crowds, higher hotel prices, and heat while waiting outside.

But, if you’re willing to mix in some local spots, smaller museums, and enjoy more time wandering, you’re going to have a great time! I’ve enjoyed both my visits to Paris in July, and have found it to be so much fun, even on the hot days!

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you pack your bags, here are some final answers to your questions in regards to spending time in Paris in July.

1. Is July a good time to visit Paris?

There isn’t a “bad” time to visit Paris. This time of year is perfect for those who love enjoying a city full of life (although people do start leaving at the end of the month), doesn’t mind the crowds/willing to do less popular things to avoid crowds, and doesn’t mind some heat.

However, if you don’t like heat/sweating, cannot handle crowds and want to only see the big tourist sights, you may struggle. 

2. How hot is Paris in July?

Compared to the Deep South in the US, it’s not bad at all. In general, summer in Paris is typically mild to hot. They do experience heat waves where it can be really hot, though. So it is best to be prepared. 

3. Is Paris crowded in July?

In short, very. However, this depends on where you’re visiting. I can say that most of the big hot spots like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, and Palace of Versailles will be busy. It doesn’t help that a lot of these places don’t have great AC. 

However, I’ve been in July and found the parks to be enjoyable, the smaller, lesser visited museums delightful, and walks along the Seine charming. There are ways to escape the crowds, and do a mix of both so you’re not absolutely overwhelmed. 

4. What should I pack for Paris in July?

I list a nice list of what to wear above. Layers and lightweight fabrics are key. But here are a few other things to bring:

• Portable fan. This is so great for when you’re getting hot, whether it’s a stuffy museum or you’re outside and it’s humid. 
• Water bottle. I mostly just buy a big bottle of water at the airport and use that my whole trip, but you can also bring you own. Paris is full of water fountains to fill up (pictured below). Also, every park as spigots with fresh drinking water to fill your water bottle. Drinking water is key! 
• Sunscreen. You can also purchase this here at any pharmacy! But you can also bring your own! 

5. What are the biggest events in Paris in July?

The most notable event has to be the Fête Nationale on July 14! Also, the Bal des Pompiers (Fireman’s Balls) are popular parties that take place on the evenings of the 12-13. Paris Plages and the end of the Tour de France are other fun events! 

6. Is Paris expensive in July?

Sadly, yes. You’ve hit peak tourist season. While museum fees and things largely remain the same, hotel prices do increase. Sometimes double or more than it would be in the wintertime/low season. 

7. Do locals stay in Paris in July?

Yes, for the most part! However, toward the end of July/August, that is when a lot of locals clear out for their “les vacances” or their big vacation period. But most of July, the majority of locals stick around. 

That wraps up this guide to Paris during peak summertime! Between exciting events like the Paris Plages and Fête Nationale, warm days, and great things to do, you can’t go wrong with a visit here in July!

Would you visit in July?