Paris in Summer: Everything You Need to Know About Visiting in July and August
Summer is Paris’s busiest tourist season, and for good reason — the weather is warm, the days are long, the city is in festive mode, and many of the year’s best events take place between June and August.
What to Expect in July
July is arguably the most exciting month in Paris’s calendar. The Fête de la Musique at the month’s start gives way to Bastille Day on July 14 — the national holiday that fills the city with parades, picnics, and one of the world’s best fireworks displays. Paris Plages, the initiative that transforms the banks of the Seine into temporary urban beaches, runs throughout July and August.
The weather in July averages 24–26°C, though heat waves can push temperatures above 35°C. The city now has more than 900 public water fountains and a network of cooling centers in public buildings.
Bastille Day: A National Celebration
Bastille Day (July 14) is not to be missed if you’re in Paris in summer. The military parade on the Champs-Élysées begins at 10am. The evening fireworks from the Champ de Mars last 35 minutes. Arrive at the Champ de Mars by 8pm to secure a good position.
August: Paris Belongs to Tourists (and a Few Locals)
Many Parisians leave Paris in August for their annual vacations. However, tourist Paris is fully operational — all major attractions, museums, and tourist restaurants are open. Seek out neighborhoods like Belleville, the 13th arrondissement, and the Canal Saint-Martin area, where local life continues regardless of the season.
Paris Plages: The Urban Beach
Paris Plages runs from mid-July to mid-August, transforming several sections of the Seine’s banks and the Bassin de la Villette into beach areas with sand, lounge chairs, parasols, outdoor concerts, sports activities, and food vendors.
Beating the Heat and Crowds
Book museum tickets in advance and visit early in the morning or late in the evening. Avoid the Eiffel Tower queues by booking online at least two weeks ahead. Stay in air-conditioned accommodation — not all Paris hotels have air conditioning, so check before booking.
Summer Evening Culture
The Festival de Cinema en Plein Air at the Parc de la Villette runs throughout July and August — free open-air film screenings on a giant screen. The Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes hosts free outdoor jazz concerts on weekends.
