What To Pack For Paris In The Summer: A Complete Guide
Heading to Paris this summer? Ensure you have everything you need with this comprehensive packing guide, which includes tips on what to wear, what to bring, and what to leave behind.
Overview Of Paris In The Summer
Paris in the summer can be a mixed range of cool mornings in the early part of summer, unexpected rain showers, and longer days. Knowing how to pack for Paris in summer will help you plan your trip and ensure the best time in the city of light.
There is never a bad time to visit Paris, but visiting Paris in the summer has a distinctly different vibe compared to other times of the year. Summer is bustling with tourists and quite crowded, children are out of school, and locals have started to leave the city for Provence and the French Riviera.
You want to ensure that you pack comfortable, lightweight, and stylish outfits to blend in with the well-dressed locals. Today, I’m sharing a roundup of essential items to pack so you can enjoy the best of Paris in the summertime.
What Is The Weather Like In Paris During Summer
The months of June, July, and August are the hottest in the city of light, with temperatures ranging anywhere between the low 60s and high 70s. You can expect little rain, although you should always be prepared with an umbrella or rain jacket, just in case.
The weather in Paris is always unpredictable, and the summer is no exception. You should always check the weather forecast about 14 days before you go, and even 5 days before you depart. There have been times when I packed for one season and arrived in Paris to find a different season.
Also, keep in mind when traveling to Paris during the summer, a lot of apartments, VRBO, and Airbnb are not equipped with air conditioners, like we are used to in the States. Most hotels will have air conditioning, but it’s worth noting.
With the warmer weather in Paris in summer, comes longer days. The sunset isn’t until close to 10 PM as you get into July. This means more time to enjoy those beautiful Parisian summer days.
What Do Parisians Wear In Summer
As with any season, Parisians are well-dressed, wearing chic, classic, and timeless pieces during the summer months in Paris. Parisian women tend to stick with floral dresses, linen trousers and lightweight tops, and even a longer Bermuda short here and there.
What Not To Wear In Paris During Summer
When visiting Paris in the summer, it’s best to avoid clothing that screams tourist. Items like gym wear—think leggings, athletic tank tops, and running shoes—are typically reserved for actual workouts, not sightseeing or dining out.
Similarly, very short shorts can draw unwanted attention and are generally considered too casual for the city’s stylish streets. Instead, opt for tailored pieces and classic silhouettes that blend comfort with understated elegance.
While Paris is certainly relaxed in the summer, maintaining a sense of refinement in your wardrobe will help you feel more at home among the locals and their timeless fashion sense.
Wear And Pack Neutral Colors For Maxium Versatility
If you want to look like a local, stick with a neutral color palette. Parisians don’t necessarily wear bright colors or crazy patterns.
Instead stick with colors like navy (a Parisian favorite), black, white, beige, and even shades of camel. Parisians also don’t wear trends, so stick with classic pieces which will be easy to mix and match.
Packing a limited color palette will help to simplify your packing, especially if you’re packing in a carry-on.
Choose Comfortable Fabrics
Since the weather will be much warmer in the summer months, it’s essential to wear fabrics that are suitable for the warmer temperatures.
Stick with linen, lightweight poplin, or even silk. Don’t worry about the linen getting wrinkled, that’s how it’s supposed to look. You will have that effortless, Parisian vibe, we all admire.
Pack Versatile Layers
When packing for Paris in the summer, layering is key to navigating the city’s unpredictable weather with ease and style. Mornings and evenings can be surprisingly cool, even in July or August, while midday temperatures often rise sharply.
Bringing versatile layers like a lightweight trench coat, a classic cardigan, or a stylish denim jacket will help you stay comfortable throughout the day. These pieces not only provide warmth when needed but also elevate a simple outfit, giving you that effortlessly chic Parisian look.
It’s also a good idea to choose breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or light knits that keep you cool during warmer spells while being easy to layer when temperatures dip.
A few blouses in different cuts and sleeve lengths, paired with jeans or lightweight pants, can be mixed and matched with your outer layers to create several outfits without overpacking.
Parisian style values both practicality and elegance, so packing layers that transition seamlessly from day to night will keep you feeling confident and prepared, no matter what the weather brings.
SHOP LAYERS
Clothing And Accessories To Pack For Paris
Creating the perfect Paris packing list for a summer visit means balancing style and comfort. Parisian fashion leans classic and chic, so it’s best to aim for a versatile capsule wardrobe that allows you to mix and match pieces effortlessly. Start with several stylish blouses in neutral or soft tones, a pair of well-fitted jeans, and lightweight pants for variety. Add a trench coat or a cozy cardigan for those cooler evenings—summer in Paris can still bring a breeze, especially near the Seine.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must, and a pair of sleek sneakers will keep you on-trend while exploring cobblestone streets and charming neighborhoods. Don’t forget to include a few thoughtfully chosen handbags—perhaps a crossbody for day trips and a small clutch for evening outings. With the right capsule wardrobe, your Paris packing list will not only save space in your suitcase but ensure you look effortlessly elegant as you sip espresso at a café or stroll through the Tuileries Garden.
Denim | White Button Up | Stripe Button Up | White Blouse | Navy Dress
Black Silk Pants | Silk Cami | Blazer | White Linen Pants | Navy Vest | Short Sweater
Market Tote | Sunglasses | Leather Bag | Black Sandals | Brown Sandals | Sneakers | Dress
Pieces To Pack For Paris In Summer
Tops
You will want to pack some lightweight, linen, cotton, and silk tops for Paris in summer. Also, a mix of good basics like t-shirts and camis to go under jackets, or wear by themselves.
Think about classic tops like button-downs and eyelets. A few of my favorite button-downs are by Frank & Eileen and SoldOutNYC. Also love these eyelet tops from Sézane and Frame. All of these are tops you can wear for years and seasons to come.
Silk tops are a great option in summer as they help regulate your body temperature, just be aware they aren’t as sweat absorbent as cotton. Parisian women love to wear silk all year round, it’s elegant, chic, and classic.
Some of my favorite silk tops are from Sézane, Everlane, and Vince. You can wear your silk tops with jeans or trousers for a casual or dressed-up Parisian summer look.
If you are wanting to pack a few short sleeve tops, go with a striped one for the ultimate Parisian look. Or even a cashmere tee, which is a bit more elevated than a regular t-shirt.
SHOP THE PIECES
Bottoms
Jeans and trousers are your best option for packing for Paris in summer, to fit in like a local. Parisians tend to choose styles like wide-leg, flare, and straight-leg denim. You can opt for lighter shades of blue or even white, especially since it’s summer, or choose a darker pair for an elevated look.
White jeans, like those from Frame or MOTHER, will also be in style and a great option to pack.
One or two pairs of trousers will look stylish with T-shirts, a belt, sandals, and a market tote. You can also wear lightweight sweaters and button-downs with linen pants. Some of my favorites are from Reformation, and J.Crew.
For lighter fabrics, opt for a pair of linen pants or silk, such as these from Jenni Kayne or Cuyana. You can wear the trousers with either sandals or sneakers.
SHOP THE PIECES
Dresses and skirts
Since the weather is on the warmer side, it’s always a good idea to pack several casual summer dresses for your daily outings. Parisians love to wear dresses and skirts in the summer with either polka dot or floral patterns.
Sézane has some beautiful dresses and skirts for the summer months like this polka dot, this floral dress, or this eyelet.
Another way to dress like a Parisian is to wear a dress and belt the waist for a chic and elevated look. For the evenings, choose a little black dress to wear.
This VINCE dress or Quince dress are both options to wear during the day with a denim jacket for a casual look and at night for a more dressed-up look with heels and a clutch.
Skip the super short dresses and instead go for a midi or knee length to look classic and timeless.
For linen options, go with this beautiful option from J.Crew or Veronica Beard.
SHOP THE PIECES
COMFORTABLE WALKING Shoes FOR PARIS
The most important thing when it comes to packing for Paris in summer is what kind of shoes to take. Paris is a walking city so you want to make sure you are packing ones that you are comfortable with and you can walk miles around in.
Paris also has many cobblestone streets which are very old so you want to take this into consideration as well. You don’t want to be walking around Paris in high heels or flip-flops, so leave them both at home.
If there’s one item you are going to invest in for your trip, make it a pair of comfortable shoes.
Sneakers are everywhere in Paris these days, try ones like New Balance, VEJA, Stan Smith, or Adidas Sambas, if they are comfortable for you. You can wear sneakers with jeans, trousers, even dresses.
Sandals are also a great option for the summer months. My favorite brands of sandals to wear in Paris are Sézane, VINCE, Everlane, and Madewell. You will see lots of Parisians wearing ballet flats and even espadrilles during the summer months with skirts and dresses. Loafers are also a smart option as well.
For evening shoes you can certainly take something a bit more dressy like a pair of slingbacks or heeled sandals. These Vaneli are a great Chanel dupe.
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Accessories
Some accessories to think about for the summer season would be lightweight scarves. Scarves are an easy way to instantly elevate a very basic outfit. I always pack a few silk scarves for Paris and then I also buy a few when I am there.
For sunny days, don’t forget a hat and sunglasses. If you want to look, Parisian, go for a cat eye, tortoiseshell, or one of my favorites.
Want to know which handbags to pack for Paris in summer? Go the French way with a market tote of course. I always pack my Longchamp, it’s lightweight, carries a lot, and I don’t worry if it gets dirty.
If you want to take along a crossbody, this is a great option as well as my favorite Milo from Sezane.
SHOP THE PIECES
OUTERWEAR
Depending on the month you are going in summer, you might want to consider packing a few light jacket options. Especially, if you are someone who gets chilly easily on the plane, in your hotel room, or even in restaurants.
Paris can still be a bit cool in June in the early mornings and late nights. A few options would be a lightweight cardigan, leather jacket, linen sweater, denim jacket, or even a blazer.
If you are concerned about the rain in Paris, maybe a light rain jacket would be a good option for you as well. One piece I never leave home without for Paris is a great wrap, which can be worn on the plane or used as a shawl for dinner.
You can also pack a trench coat if you’re going in June if you want to look very Parisian.
SHOP THE PIECES
Travel Essentials To Pack For Paris
When packing for Paris, it’s essential to start with the basics: those critical items that can make or break your trip. Your passport, travel documents, boarding passes (digital or printed), and any necessary visa paperwork should be kept in a secure, easy-to-access travel wallet.
It’s also a good idea to carry copies of your itinerary, hotel reservations, and emergency contacts, just in case your phone battery dies or you lose internet access.
Don’t forget your credit cards, some euros in cash for small purchases, and any necessary medications you may need during your stay.
Beyond the essentials, there are a few smart items that can make your time in Paris more comfortable and stress-free.
A portable phone charger is a must for long days of sightseeing, ensuring your phone stays powered for navigation, photos, or last-minute Metro searches.
A reusable water bottle is also a great addition because Paris has public fountains where you can refill and stay hydrated throughout the day.
Other handy extras include a universal adapter for charging electronics, a compact umbrella for surprise showers, and a small crossbody bag or anti-theft backpack to keep your belongings secure while blending in with the locals.
Another items I like to pack for my hotel room or apartment is a BOSE speaker. While not necessary, it’s nice to have music in the room or take to a picnic in Paris.
You can find my other favorite Paris packing essentials here or in my Amazon shop here.
Suitcase Packing Essentials
When preparing your suitcase for Paris, organizing your belongings efficiently can make a huge difference, especially in compact hotel rooms.
Packing cubes are a true game-changer, keeping your clothing sorted by category and making unpacking a breeze, while helping to maximize space in your luggage.
They’re especially useful if you’re building a capsule wardrobe for your trip, allowing you to see all your outfit options at a glance.
A luggage scale is another smart addition, particularly if you plan on doing some shopping while in Paris. It helps you avoid overweight baggage fees on your return flight and gives peace of mind when heading to the airport.
While not necessary, a travel steamer or this option, can be incredibly helpful if you want to keep your outfits crisp and wrinkle-free—especially important when trying to maintain that polished Parisian look. Hotel irons are often unreliable or unavailable, so bringing your own compact steamer can be a worthwhile choice.
When it comes to toiletries, space-saving and efficiency matter. A hanging toiletry bag is especially handy for small hotel bathrooms, keeping everything visible and off the counter. Look for one with multiple compartments to keep your skincare, makeup, and essentials organized and easily accessible.
These thoughtful suitcase essentials can elevate your travel experience and keep you feeling prepared and stylish throughout your Paris adventure.
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Can’t wait to read your Paris Guide! Do you have a release date?
-Diane
Bonjour Diane! It will be released in the next 2 weeks! Stay tuned, I can’t wait to share it with you!
I’m a fairly new follower. I was reading your post on wearing navy blue and black together. I recently bought a navy blue sheath dress. I want to wear pantyhose with it to look more elegant. My heels are black and I thought sheer black pantyhose would look ok. Thoughts?
Hi Joanna! Thank you for reading. I love navy and black together and I think your combination would be beautiful together!
Have a great day,
Noelani