Forget the Caribbean, forget Hawaii, forget the drab coastline of England. If you’re looking for a summer vacation that checks off every item on your summer adventure checklist, then you won’t do better than summer vacations in Paris. Whether you’re an urban explorer looking to make new friends, a couple going on a honeymoon, or a family traveling with kids looking to plan a culturally rich summer getaway, there’s a reason Paris has become an international destination for all of the above.
The city is rife with options, from youth hostels to luxury vacation rentals perfect for visiting Paris in style. This article won’t cover top travel tips or summer vacation rentals reviews, but will rather answer a very simple but important question: what is the best summer month to visit the City of Light? I’ll draw on three sources: U.S. News and World Report, Tripadvisor users, and my own personal experience.
The Summer is the Best Time To Visit Paris, But When Should You Book Your Trip?
Personally, I’ve been to Paris twice, once as a couple in August, and once on a backpacking trip that spanned spring and early summer. Both were grand adventures in their own way, but I preferred traveling in the springtime, although looking back I missed the superior accommodations of summer vacation rentals. If you want to really get a feel for the city in its natural state, this is absolutely the best time to go. Many Parisians clear out of the city for vacation in August, which means some shops and restaurants will be closed.
According to U.S. News and World Report, “The best time to visit Paris is from June to August, when the weather is just about parfait (perfect). Average highs are in the mid 70s and there are long days of sunshine. Unfortunately, summer is also the most crowded time ? and the most expensive.”
July is the peak of tourist season in Paris, and it’s also when the annual Tour de France is held. Some people prefer to travel in June and August to beat the crowds, but there’s never really a bad time to book summer vacation rentals. Luxury Paris apartment rentals are an increasingly popular option for people with the money to spend, especially those traveling with kids.
Finally, there’s this Tripadvisor debate on this very subject, which is worth a read. One user posted, “June is still part of the French school year, so the city is alive with families going about their daily routines. August the locals leave en masse, making for a very quiet, somewhat easier city to visit.”
For those going as a family, another user suggested August for its sparser crowds.
“And remember that in August many smaller restaurants and shops will be closed for all or part of the month. But if you have two kids in tow, you might not be choosing the small bistros. The chain restaurants (read: more kid friendly) are all open in August.”