Summer in Paris brings long days, mild to warm temperatures, and lots of chances to enjoy the city outside. Average daytime highs usually sit in the low 70s °F (about 23–26 °C), so it feels comfortable for sightseeing, eating outdoors, or just wandering along the Seine.
Nights cool off, so you get a nice balance between warm days and breezy evenings.
Weather shifts from late-spring coolness in June to warmer, sunnier days in July and August. Sometimes heat waves hit, but those happen less often than in southern France.
Rain pops up here and there, usually as short showers that pass quickly, leaving you plenty of time for outdoor plans.
Since summer brings both sun and clouds, you’ll get a mix of bright afternoons and softer, gray skies. This variety shapes the season, from festivals and open-air events to relaxing in shaded gardens when the sun gets strong.
Paris in summer really lets you enjoy both relaxed wandering and lively gatherings outside.
Overview of Summer Climate in Paris
Summer in Paris means mild to warm temperatures, moderate humidity, and long stretches of daylight. You’ll find comfortable conditions for sightseeing, though rain showers and changing cloud cover are pretty normal.
Typical Temperature Ranges
In summer, Paris usually sees daytime highs between 21°C and 25°C (69°F to 77°F). July tends to be the hottest month, with some days spiking up to 30°C (86°F) during brief heatwaves.
Nights stay cooler, often between 13°C and 17°C (55°F to 63°F). This makes evenings nice for walking along the Seine or eating outdoors.
The city’s oceanic climate keeps temperature swings from getting too wild. Hot spells come and go, but cooler air usually returns soon after.
It’s smart to pack layers so you can adjust for changing weather.
Humidity and Air Quality
Humidity in Paris during summer usually feels moderate. Relative humidity often hovers around 60–70%, which can make warm days feel a bit heavier, but it’s rarely overwhelming.
Rain falls pretty evenly throughout the summer. You’ll probably see 7–9 rainy days a month, but the showers are usually light and don’t last long.
A small umbrella or light rain jacket comes in handy.
Air quality can be hit or miss. On still, hot days, pollution sometimes builds up, especially downtown where traffic is heavy.
Breezier days help clear the air. If you’re sensitive to air quality, checking the daily forecast is a good idea before heading out.
Daylight Hours and Sunlight
One of the best things about Paris in summer is the long daylight. In June, the sun rises around 5:45 AM and doesn’t set until close to 10:00 PM, so you get more than 15 hours of light.
Even in August, sunsets happen after 9:00 PM.
Clouds thin out a bit as summer moves along. Early summer can feel more overcast, but July and August usually bring clearer skies.
You’ll get about 6–8 hours of sunshine per day on average.
These long days make it easy to plan outdoor activities well into the evening. Whether you’re exploring parks, hanging out at cafés, or seeing the sights, extended daylight makes everything more convenient.
Month-by-Month Summer Weather Breakdown
Summer in Paris stretches out with long days, temperatures from mild to hot, and the occasional rain shower. Early June starts with cooler evenings, but by July and August, things get warmer and sometimes a bit stormy.
June Weather Patterns
June kicks off summer in Paris. Daytime temperatures usually range from 57°F to 77°F (14°C to 25°C), and evenings can be cool enough for a light jacket.
Rain happens, but showers don’t usually last long or mess up your plans.
You’ll get about 16 hours of daylight—it’s one of the sunniest months. Parks and gardens look their best, and locals spend more time outdoors.
The air feels fresher now than it does later in the season.
If you want to walk along the Seine or join outdoor festivals, pack light clothes and some layers. A small umbrella is smart to have.
June feels comfortable for sightseeing, since heat waves rarely show up this early.
July Weather Trends
July is Paris’s hottest month. Highs usually reach 79°F (26°C), though heat waves can push things into the mid to upper 90s (35°C–37°C).
Nights are milder, often around 61°F (16°C).
The city feels busier, and the heat stands out more in narrow streets and on public transit. After a hot day, afternoon thunderstorms sometimes roll in, bringing quick relief.
Wear breathable fabrics like cotton or linen, and remember to carry water if you’ll be out walking.
July is packed with outdoor events, especially music festivals, so evenings along the river can get lively.
Shade is hard to find in some tourist spots, so bring a hat and sunscreen. July is great if you like busy street life, but be ready for higher temps and bigger crowds.
August Weather Characteristics
August stays warm, with highs around 77°F (25°C) and lows near 61°F (16°C). Sometimes, hot spells still push things into the upper 90s (35°C+).
The city quiets down as many Parisians head out for vacation. Tourist spots stay open, and you’ll find shorter lines at museums.
Rain is light, though sudden showers can happen. Evenings are nice for eating outside or strolling along the river.
Pack light summer clothes, but toss in a sweater for cooler nights.
August feels calmer, so it’s easier to explore landmarks and enjoy the city’s summer charm without as much local hustle.
Rainfall and Precipitation in Paris Summers
Rain in Paris during summer stays steady but never gets extreme. You’ll see moderate amounts of rain, with some months a bit wetter than others and the occasional short, intense shower.
Average Rainfall by Month
Paris gets about 746 mm of rain a year, and summer adds its share. June, July, and August each bring in 50–60 mm of rain, which lines up with what you’d see in spring or fall.
Rainfall stays pretty balanced across these months. June usually gets around 55 mm, July about 58 mm, and August close to 54 mm.
So, summer isn’t the wettest or driest season, but you should plan for some rain whenever you visit.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Temperature Range (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~55 | 14–23 |
| July | ~58 | 16–25 |
| August | ~54 | 16–25 |
Rain comes in short bursts, so you probably won’t get stuck in long stretches of wet weather.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Paris gets rain on about 8 to 10 days a month during summer, but most of those days only see light or quick showers.
You won’t find the heavy, all-day rain that tropical places get.
July usually has a little fewer rainy days than June or August, but the difference is small. Even when it rains, you’ll likely have dry spells for sightseeing.
A compact umbrella or light rain jacket should be enough. With moderate rain frequency, you don’t need to plan your whole trip around the weather, but keeping plans flexible helps.
Thunderstorms and Sudden Showers
Sometimes, Paris summers bring short thunderstorms, especially late in the day after things heat up.
These storms can pop up fast, with sudden downpours followed by clear skies.
Thunderstorms show up most in June and July, when the air is warmer and more unstable. They don’t last long, but rain can be heavy for 15–30 minutes.
You’ll usually see localized showers instead of big storms. Streets dry quickly, and your outdoor plans only get interrupted for a short time.
It’s easy to duck into a café or find a covered spot and wait it out.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine During Summer
Paris summers mix bright skies with frequent cloud cover. You’ll get moderate sunshine, with conditions switching between clear and cloudy throughout the season.
Clear and Cloudy Days
Summer skies in Paris swing between sunny breaks and stretches of cloud. On average, about 40–50% of the time the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy.
So, don’t expect endless blue skies.
Clouds like cumulus and stratus often make mornings gray before things clear up. July and August usually see more clear skies than June, which still hangs onto some springtime cloudiness.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, know you’ll probably get both sunshine and clouds in the same day. This mix makes the light feel softer, which a lot of visitors actually like for walking around.
Sunniest Periods
Sunshine peaks in midsummer. July brings the longest days, with 15–16 hours of daylight at its height.
That doesn’t mean the sun is out all day, but it does give you more chances for bright weather.
Paris averages about 7–8 hours of sunshine per day in July. June and August are a bit lower, closer to 6–7 hours.
Clouds thin out as the season goes on, so late July often feels brighter than early June.
UV levels hit their highest now, usually around index 5 to 6—that’s moderate to high. Sunscreen and sunglasses are a must if you’ll be outside for long.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The mix of sun and clouds shapes how you plan your Paris days. Long daylight hours make it easy to enjoy landmarks, gardens, and river walks, even if clouds show up.
Cloudier days can actually feel nicer for walking, since it’s cooler without direct sun. On really sunny days, you might want to stick to shaded parks like Luxembourg Gardens or riverside spots along the Seine.
If you’re into photography, changing skies give you different lighting. Bright sun makes monuments pop, while cloud cover softens the light and cuts harsh shadows.
This balance makes summer in Paris great for both sightseeing and photos.
Summer Events and Outdoor Activities
Warm days and long evenings give you plenty of ways to enjoy music, festivals, and outdoor spaces in Paris. You’ll find activities that mix culture and relaxation, from live performances to shaded gardens.
Paris Jazz Festival and Cultural Events
The Paris Jazz Festival happens every summer in the Parc Floral, out in the Bois de Vincennes. You can catch jazz musicians from France and around the world in a big open-air setting surrounded by trees and flowers.
Concerts usually run on weekends, and your park admission covers the shows.
People love this event because it’s relaxed—you can bring food, sit on the grass, and listen to music without any stuffy concert hall rules.
Paris also hosts other cultural events in summer. Fête de la Musique in June fills the streets with free live music of all kinds.
In July, Bastille Day brings parades, fireworks, and dancing. These celebrations attract both locals and visitors, giving you a lively way to experience the city outside.
Exploring Jardin des Tuileries
The Jardin des Tuileries sits between the Louvre and Place de la Concorde. In summer, this historic garden turns into a favorite spot for walking, relaxing, and enjoying outdoor art.
Wide gravel paths, fountains, and rows of trees give you shade and open views.
You can rent a green metal chair and sit by the ponds, which is a classic Parisian thing to do. The garden sometimes hosts temporary art displays or small fairs, so you might catch something extra during your visit.
Kids like the carousel and playgrounds, while adults can check out sculptures scattered around the grounds.
Its central location makes it easy to pair with a museum visit or a stroll along the Seine.
Best Parks and Gardens in Summer
Paris has plenty of green spaces where you can escape the busy streets. Take Luxembourg Gardens for example—locals and tourists flock there for its big lawns, blooming flowerbeds, and that lovely Medici Fountain.
You’ll probably spot people playing chess, tennis, or pétanque, and honestly, it’s a great place to just relax and soak up the atmosphere.
The Bois de Boulogne and Bois de Vincennes give you even more room to roam. People go cycling, rent boats, or just wander along shaded paths.
On hot days, these parks feel cooler and offer a bit of breathing space.
If you’re looking for something quieter, you might want to check out Parc des Buttes-Chaumont. Its hills, winding bridges, and small lake make it feel less formal than the classic gardens.
Every park has its own vibe, so you can pick one depending on whether you’re craving activity, a touch of culture, or just a peaceful spot to rest.
Comparing Summer Weather to Other Seasons
Paris summers feel warmer and sunnier, which makes outdoor activities way more appealing than at other times of the year.
In the cooler seasons, you’ll notice shorter days and more frequent rainfall. That changes what you’ll want to pack and how you plan your days.
Differences from Winter in Paris
Winter in Paris gets pretty chilly, with average highs around 7–8 °C (45–46 °F) in January and February.
At night, the temperature often drops close to freezing, and you’ll see frost more often than not.
Snow sometimes falls, but it’s usually light and doesn’t stick around for long.
When summer rolls in, daytime highs usually reach 25–26 °C (77–79 °F). Nights stay mild, hovering around 15 °C (59 °F).
People spend way more time outside in summer, while winter pushes most folks indoors.
Daylight hours shift a lot too. In winter, Paris only gets about 8–9 hours of daylight. By June and July, that jumps to 15–16 hours.
This extra sunshine really changes how much you can see and do outside.
Rain comes in both seasons, but it feels pretty different. Winter rain tends to drag on and comes with chilly winds. Summer showers, on the other hand, don’t last as long and sometimes end in a quick thunderstorm.
| Season | Avg High | Avg Low | Daylight | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Winter (Jan) | 7 °C | 2 °C | 8–9 hrs | ~50 mm |
| Summer (Jul) | 26 °C | 15 °C | 15–16 hrs | ~60 mm |
Spring and Autumn Transitions
Spring and autumn in Paris feel like in-between times. The weather flips fast, honestly, sometimes from one week to the next. In March, highs usually reach around 12–13 °C (53–55 °F). Nights still get chilly, sometimes almost freezing.
By May, the days warm up to about 20 °C (68 °F). Rain shows up a lot, though, so don’t get too comfortable.
Autumn cools off right after September. Early fall can surprise you with days hitting 20–22 °C (68–72 °F). By November, highs drop closer to 11 °C (52 °F), and nights hover just above 4 °C (39 °F).
Spring and autumn both bring unpredictable weather compared to summer. One day might be bright and sunny, then suddenly you’re stuck under a gray sky or a quick shower. Layers and a light jacket? Always a good idea.
Daylight changes fast, too. In April and May, you get those longer days that almost feel like summer. By October, though, daylight shrinks to 11 hours or less. You’ll notice it if you like being outside without lights.
Rain falls pretty evenly most of the time. Still, May and October tend to be a bit wetter. So, you might want to expect more rainy days than you’d see in July or August.