When to Visit Paris?
By July, summer is here and in full swing. The sun beats down on Paris, and most days are hot. The parks are packed with picnickers, the cafés are lively late into the night, and the city feels like one big festival. July brings with it Bastille Day, outdoor cinema, and several festivals. Along the Seine river, Paris Plages begins to set up. Bring your sunscreen & water bottle, and don’t expect air conditioning in the country's capital. We’re sweaty and we’re here to have fun.
Pais in July is particularly great for families - the parks are open and usually hold special events. Bois de Vincennes in the 12th arrondissement is bustling with families checking out the gardens or the paddle boats. Museums have extra on the agenda for children; it is summer vacation after all. It’s also a great time to visit with friends, thanks to all of the amazing things to do - outdoor cinema, festivals, and more. Visiting Paris in July risks to be a bit sweaty, but totally worth it.
Weather in Paris for July 2026
Looking to visit Paris in the summer, but unsure what to expect?
The weather in Paris in July is typically sunny, hot, and beautiful. With lows of 60° and highs of 80°, you’ll be able to pack light and get by on tee shirts and shorts. When it rains, it’ll typically come in light and scattered showers, unlike later in the summer where showers might be quick but typically much heavier. That said, the weather is becoming more unpredictable, so if you do get a hailstorm mid-July, just roll with it - they usually pass fairly quickly.
Pro tip!
When it gets hot, cool off in Galeries Lafayette, or other large, air conditionned department stores. Or catch a movie, as cinemas are typically cool as well.
What to Pack for Paris in July
As you can imagine, based on the above, you won’t have much need for warm jackets or sweaters in Paris in July!
• One very light jacket or cardigan
Keep it light fibers, certainly no wool needed! This is in case you end up somewhere air conditioned… rare, but possible!
• Comfortable walking shoes
You'll rack up miles. Plenty of socks, because if you walk a lot, you’ll surely sweat. If you have comfortable sandals, definitely bring those along.
• Shorts and skirts.
Bring a light pair of trousers for the evening or to dress up, but trust us when we say, you’ll want your legs to breathe in the heat of July!
• Tee shirts and tank tops
Just be aware that some churches may ask you to cover your shoulders. Because of this we recommend…
• A very light scarf
• Sunglasses
An absolute must!
• Sunscreen
Paris is basically a basin that heats up and fries you. Protect your skin.
Things to do in Paris in July
We’ve gathered some of our top events to attend and exhibitions to check out for this coming July. It’s a great month, filled with music, art, and sports - there’s truly something for everyone!
1. Bastille Day Fireworks
July 14, 2025
Bastille Day (or le 14 juillet) is France’s national holiday and it’s celebrated in full style in Paris. Expect military planes flying over the city, a huge parade, and a massive fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower in the evening.
We’re not into huge crowds, so for the fireworks, one of our favorite lesser-known vantage points is at the top of Parc de Belleville. From there you’ll have a clear view of the sparkles above the rooftops. Get there early with snacks and drinks, as it fills up fast. The military parade itself is a hassle to get into, crammed, and unless you get there really early so you’re in the front row, you won’t see much. Unless the President invited you to sit in the bleachers, we’d say skip it.
Bonus for those looking to woo a firefighter: the city also hosts the Bal des Pompiers from the 12th to 14th of July. Party hop from fire station to fire station across the city. It’s exactly as steamy as it sounds. These are completely free events, and open to anyone.
2. Festival Paris l'Été
From July 11th - August 4th
This citywide festival turns Paris into a stage. From circus acts and dance performances to concerts and experimental theatre, the Festival Paris l’Été brings both free and ticketed performances to parks, squares, rooftops, and museums across the city. It’s a great way to discover new artists, but also to see familiar places in a whole new light. Their program changes every year, often including pop ups at unexpected places, so keep an eye out for exciting events. Check out what’s on the agenda for the 36th edition here.
3. Dolcevita-sur-Seine Festival
July 2 - 6, 2025
If you’re a festival lover, chances are you already know that Paris is a great place to be for summer festivals, but we want to point out a particularly unique one: the Dolcevita-sur-Seine festival. This festival is all about celebrating the friendship between Paris and Rome, and yes, there is a sister festival happening in Rome at the exact same time!
One of the reasons we’re recommending it is because it takes place in one of our favorite hidden gems of the 5e arrondissement - The Arènes de Lutèce, and neighboring Square Capitan. There will be coffee tastings (si per favore!), open air events, a popup bar, and an Italian ball on the 5th?
But this is the real kicker for cinema lovers: Paris Cinema club will be screening restored Italian films. Open air events are free, and screenings are ticketed. This is a great opportunity to see the Arènes and experience some of that festival energy that the French do so well!
Tip!
Did you even know that there are remnants of an old Roman amphitheatre in the centre of town? The Arènes de Lutèce serves as a great event space in the summer, but it’s worth a visit any time of year. It’s one of the hidden gems that you can find recommended in our guide to Paris, Paris in My Pocket. Our guide is stuffed with local recommendations in Paris, articles on how best to approach travel and hotels, and, with the Guide+, even full-day itineraries! It’s access for life, and we’re constantly updating it to make sure your information is never out of date.
4. La Villette Open-Air Cinema
July 22 - August 16
Every summer, Parc de la Villette becomes one of the best places in the city to watch a movie. The lineup is always a range: French classics, movies for kids, international favorites, and a few offbeat picks. All moves are screened for free on a giant outdoor screen. Bring a blanket, pack a picnic, and settle in. Be aware - they’re likely to confiscate cork screws, so open those bottles of wine before you arrive. Deck chairs are also available for rent if you want to upgrade your setup. Keep an eye out for out the full agenda here.
5. Fashion in the 18th Century - A Fantasized Legacy at Palais Galliera
Ends July 12th
You have a few more weeks to catch the colorful and unique exhibition at the Palais Galliera - fashion lovers, this one’s for you. This exhibit delves into women’s fashion in the 18th century, specifically during the Age of Enlightenment… at least, as as start. It then continues on to explore how we have used techniques and drawn inspiration from 18th century fashion in the years that have followed, all the way until today. Learn more here.
BONUS: Tour de France Finish
July 26th
As usual, the Men’s Tour de France will wrap up its final stage in Paris, and even if you’re not a huge cycling fan, it’s a fun event to witness. And man, Paris celebrates the tour! The riders do laps along the Champs-Élysées (talk about a bumpy ride!) and the atmosphere is sweaty and electric. Streets will be blocked off and the area will be packed, so plan accordingly. If you’d like a better chance of seeing them, scope out a spot along the route entering the city and keep your eyes peeled - they whizz by fast. Unfortunately, the Women’s Tour de France (August 1st - August 8th) doesn’t travel through Paris this year, you can catch them in the Southeast, and even in Switzerland!
Otherwise, don’t forget to grab our Paris Guide+ if you’re planning a trip to the city this summer, or at any point. It’s packed with restaurant tips, itineraries, and walking audio tours to make your summer visit unforgettable.
And if you’re not quite ready for that, no worries! We’re happy to have you here exploring our blog. If you aren’t yet, be sure to follow along on Instagram for more insider picks and real-time recs.
