What to Wear in Paris in the Summer: Tips for Packing for Paris in the Summer (+ Packing List!)

Paris in the summer has a bad reputation, and it's no surprise; it's a very popular time for tourists to visit. Meanwhile, Parisians themselves fly off to their second homes in Provence, the beaches of the Riviera, or their own exotic adventures abroad.

The result is a strange mix of effervescence in tourist hot spots and sleepy, deserted streets in the rest of the city. Paris has a very different atmosphere in summer than any other time of year, and yet the City of Light has plenty to offer, even if you need to fight the crowds at the main sights.

You'll also experience leisurely afternoons lounging in shaded parks in full bloom, picnics along the Seine as long sunsets light up the sky, and evening strolls through streets where Parisians all seem to be out, dead set on having a good time.

To fully enjoy your summer trip, pack for the weather. For the general packing rules I follow year-round: neutral colors, a capsule wardrobe, dressing for the occasion, see my full guide to what to wear in Paris.

Here's what's specific to summer. Plus, I have a free printable summer packing list for Paris.

Summer Weather in Brief

June, July, and August are the hottest months of the year in Paris, with average temperatures ranging from the low 60s to high 70s (°F), though recent heat waves have pushed temperatures into the 90s for days at a time, and most older buildings still lack air conditioning. Rain is less frequent from May to September than the rest of the year, but expect the occasional freak thunderstorm. For the exact averages and month-by-month outlook, see Paris in June, Paris in July, and Paris in August. Here are tips for staying cool in Paris if you find yourself there during a heat wave.

4 Tips for Packing for Paris in Summer

So how do you pack for summer in Paris? As in any season, you'll want clothes that are both comfortable and stylish enough not to stand out among well-dressed locals. My general packing rules still apply. Here's what you'll find in my suitcase when I travel to Paris between May and September.

Bring the right shoes!

This has been my mantra for fall, winter, and spring too, but it bears repeating: the right pair of shoes will make or break your trip. You'll likely spend hours on your feet exploring the streets of Paris (or waiting in line at the Louvre), so bring comfortable walking shoes, and skip the flip-flops or trusted running shoes.

Just because it's hot doesn't mean Parisians go sloppy: if you'd wear it to the beach or the gym, it will look out of place in the city. You'll never see Parisian women in short shorts, flip-flops, or gym wear.

Instead, choose leather flat sandals that can take you from day to night. Lightweight canvas fashion sneakers (think Converse or Keds) are comfortable for long days of exploring. Espadrilles, which originated in Spain and the south of France, are another comfortable, versatile option that won't look out of place in Paris.

Whichever shoes you bring, make sure they're waterproof enough to withstand a rain shower (spray them ahead of time if needed) and broken in before your trip. You don't want to nurse a blister on vacation.

Don't skip on accessories

Accessories are an easy way to spruce up an outfit, a great asset with a limited travel wardrobe. My lifelong passion for scarves doesn't take a summer break just because temperatures warm up. They're probably the most useful accessory you can bring: chilly morning? Need to cover your shoulders to visit a church on a hot afternoon? Your scarf saves the day. Find a lightweight one in silk, cotton, or linen.

Besides scarves, add a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to your summer packing list. Shade can be limited, especially in line to enter a major monument, and a painful sunburn will put a damper on your day.

Again, anything too sporty screams tourist. Leave the baseball cap at home and bring a more elegant wide-brimmed straw hat, like a Panama. Some pack flat, so you can tuck them into your suitcase if you don't want to wear them on the plane.

If you carry a purse, a fashionable crossbody bag is a great idea. Here are the best bags for walking around Paris.

Finally, bring a refillable water bottle. Bottled water is heftily priced in touristy spots, but Paris is home to over 700 public fountains — including some with sparkling water — where you can refill for free.

Dress it up

Just because it's hot doesn't mean French women let go of their legendary style. The same rules that apply the rest of the year hold in summer. Anything too short, sporty, or beachy will look out of place and get you noticed for the wrong reasons.

Leave technical fabrics and loud sportswear at home. Instead, choose tailored outfits in natural fabrics like cotton or linen, in neutral tones such as beige, white, navy, or black.

Summer dresses are the outfit of choice for Parisiennes. If you want a touch of fantasy with flower prints and color, this is the place, though remember Parisians tend to dress conservatively even in summer. Avoid anything too short (knee-length is best, though midi and maxi dresses are trendy too) or too low-cut. Cotton T-shirt dresses are comfortable and travel well.

You'll also see plenty of skirts following the same rules, and if you're going out at night, you can never go wrong with a little black dress.

Shorts are acceptable, but the ones you'll find in Paris are a far cry from American cut-off jeans, closer to a shorter version of tailored pants. Well-cut linen pants in neutral colors are also very chic. Pair either with a cotton blouse, a button-down shirt, or a linen T-shirt.

Be ready for all eventualities

Summer weather in Paris is as temperamental as the rest of the year. Keep an eye on the forecast, and pack clothes that keep you comfortable no matter what comes your way; thunderstorms are frequent and violent, especially at the end of a scorching day.

Bring a packable lightweight rain jacket and a travel umbrella for your handbag. Mornings and evenings can also be chilly; besides the scarf mentioned above, a cardigan and light jacket work well as a cover-up. A well-cut denim jacket is easy to pack and versatile. Even if the forecast is hot the whole stay, bring your favorite pair of jeans just in case.

What NOT To Wear in Paris in Summer

I mentioned this above, but it bears repeating: Paris summer fashion isn't much different from Parisian fashion the rest of the year. Even in the heat, you'll find French people fashionably dressed and accessorized.

For those of us in the US, that may be a bit different from our usual summer style. You don't need to change your personal style entirely, but it's worth not standing out too much. In Paris, that means no flip-flops (they won't be comfortable on cobblestones after a lot of walking anyway), no athletic wear or workout clothes, and no clunky tennis shoes. Short shorts are a no-go, though other shorts are fine.

Paris Packing List for Summer

• Comfortable shoes: espadrilles, leather sandals, and/or canvas sneakers
• Lightweight scarf
• Summer accessories: straw hat, sunglasses
• Summer cotton dresses (above-the-knee, midi, or maxi)
• Skirts
• Tailored shorts
• Button-down shirts
• Cotton blouses
• Linen T-shirts
• Lightweight cardigans
• Denim jacket
• Jeans
• Packable rain jacket
• Travel umbrella

Frequently Asked Questions

By Month: Where to Go for More Detail

Summer covers three distinct months. For the exact weather, events, and a fuller local packing breakdown for each, use the dedicated guides:

• What to wear in Paris in June → The gentlest of the summer months: warm days, still-cool evenings, and a good window before peak heat.
• What to wear in Paris in July → Peak tourist season and peak heat: lean into breathable fabrics and sun protection.
• What to wear in Paris in August → Many locals leave the city; expect the hottest stretch of the year and quieter neighborhood streets.

Illustration commissioned from Linden Eller.

How about you? Have you ever been to Paris in the summer before? What is one thing you are glad to have brought? Is there anything you wish you had with you? Do share!

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