Ah, June in Paris.
One of the very best times of year to be here. The weather is warm, sometimes even hot in the afternoons, but the mornings are still fresh. The sun is mostly shining, and the parks are crowded with people enjoying a cold drink or a melty block of cheese. Oh, and did we mention how much there is to do? Depending on when you’re here, you can experience a late night museum, music on every street, or pride flags flying - there is an energy of exuberance and life in Paris in June.
If you’re not traveling in Paris in June, be sure to check back for updates on the upcoming months.
Until then, you can prepare for your trip by grabbing our guide. Our base Guide has literally hundreds of foodie recommendations to Paris. And if you’re looking for even more, our Guide+ has three full-day itineraries, and access to a growing number walking audio tours. All fantastic options for a summer’s day in the city.
Fun Things to Do in Paris in June
June is one of the best months in Paris, by far. Locals generally stick around, there are so many things to do. And if you’re visiting Paris? You’ve chosen a fantastic time! Without any further ado, here are a few of our favorite things to do in Paris this June. While it might be a little crowded (as usually avoid the busy and hot Champs-Elysées), the sheer amount of things to do can easily make up for that. From open air events to free concerts and jazz festivals, to tail end of Roland Garros, June has something for everyone. And if you’re a flâneur, someone who perfers to wander and see what happens, then you’re in luck. The long days of June are the best days to maximize meandering the city.
Is Paris Crowded in June
Yes. Paris will be crowded in June. It might feel overwhelming in the busy areas of town, around the tourist centers and the monuments. We’re not going to sugar coat it - you do risk sweating in long lines to get into various attractions. That said, it’s not worth cancelling your trip off of that one fact. As you’ll see from this article, there is so much to do off the beaten path in this city, and events that locals love. If you’re able to plan a good mix of on and off the beaten path, you’re going to have a great time.
What is the Weather Like in Paris in June
Expect pretty beautiful, warm to hot weather. The highs hover around 72°F, lows around 55°F. Unlike April and May, it’ll be less likely rain (pack an umbrella anyway)
One of the best things about June is its long days. In fact, the longest day of the year falls on June 21st, the summer solstice, which just so happens to be the date of Fête de la Musique; every year, Parisians ring in the solstice by pulling all nighter filled with music. The sun will set at 10pm. It’s fun.
What to Pack for Paris in June
Pack for warm weather, sun, and long lines. Here's what we like to pack:
The essentials:
- Light jacket or cardigan (as a just in cast)
- Comfortable walking shoes - you'll rack up miles, and probably stand still in a far few lines.
- Light pants, like linens, and skirts. Throw in a few nice shorts, but don’t expect to see many Parisians wearing shorts unless it’s particularly hot.
- Breathable tops and t-shirts; short sleeves and loose fitting. Be aware, if you want to go into certain churches, you may need your shoulder’s covered.
- Compact umbrella, because it can’t hurt.
Pro tip: A light satin scarf goes a long day for Paris fashion! And they love a good comfy walking shoe, so don’t think you need to pack tons of fancy uncomfortable shoes to fit it.
Is June a Good Time to Go to Paris
As a general rule, our answer here is yes. But perhaps it’s best on your third or fourth time - when you can avoid the tourist attractions and really explore Paris off the beaten path. Perhaps you’ll make out for a walk in the Bois de Vincennes, or the neighboring botanical garden, Parc Florale. We prefer heading this way then up to La Défense for example, but that’s pretty off the beaten path as well! Or set your sights on the Fondation Louis Vuitton or the super cool Jardin d’Acclimatation next door, especially if you have kids.
The Atelier des Lumières
ALL MONTH
We’ve recommended the Atelier des Lumières before, and we’ll do it again. Think bright colors, moving images on the ceiling, walls, and floors, and open space to wander. It’s a wonderfully immersive experience to take a break from the regular museums and especially the heat of Paris in the summer. We’re recommending it this month especially because the theme is Renaissance art. Think, da Vinci, Raphael, Michelangelo… heck, maybe even come here instead of the bustling Louvre!
Nuit Blanche
SATURDAY JUNE 6
Nuit Blanche is an annual event in Paris. It’s the night where tons of museums, art galleries, artist ateliers, and more are open and free to visit until midnight or later. Our best advice? Wander and let yourself be drawn in. For a full list of events, click here. The full program isn’t yet online, but keep an eye out!
Fête de la Musique
SUNDAY JUNE 21st
One of the best and possibly our founder, Jay’s, absolute favorite nights of the year. He was caught recently saying, “I would never leave Paris in June, and I wouldn’t let Cooper leave either.” Okay, maybe we added that last part, but the first holds true. If you live here, don’t leave. If you don’t, come hang out.
Fête de la Musique is a national event in France. And, as you might expect from the name, it’s a rager of a night where the streets are filled with live music. Bars, cafés, galleries...places that don’t normally have live music? They will. The canal? Filled with beats. That random neighbor that plays the washboard? Yeah, they’ll be hanging out on their balcony scrubbing all night long.
Perhaps you’ll wander into a church for some organ music or classical delights. Or maybe you dance the night away to drums in the park. Wherever you are, you can’t escape the fête - so grab your drink to go and get out there to dance! We don’t even have any specific recommendations, just get outside and stay outside!
Check out Jay's vlog from fête de la musique from 2017:
Paris Pride Parade
SATURDAY JUNE 27th
There’s a whole week devoted to pride this year, but we want to zoom in on the Pride Parade, known as the marche de fiertés in France. A massive gathering to celebrate diversity and love, Pride is a blast every year and, when the crowd thins, it’s because everyone has dissipated to various clubs and bars to party the night away. This year, the exact time and kick off point have yet to be confirmed, but you can count on it being central. Keep an eye on the details here.
Festival Solidays
JUNE 26th to JUNE 28th
Festival Solidays is a major annual music festival that raises awareness about HIV prevention and funds programs that support people living with HIV/AIDS around the world. The organization behind Solidays, Solidarité Sida, works on prevention, education, support, and access to treatment for those affected.
Solidays is a powerful blend of live music and activism, and draws nearly 200,000 attendees each year with artists often performing for free or at reduced fees to support the cause. You can expect a diverse lineup spanning rock, pop, hip-hop, and electronic genres. The festival also features art installations, talks, and a village of associations highlighting global humanitarian issues. Learn more here.
Even if the Pompidou is closed for your next visit or two to Paris, you won’t be without things to do. Perhaps you’d enjoy the Rodin Museum, or the Military Museum at Les Invalides. Or maybe you’d rather just eat and drink. You can find answers to all of your questions in our guide to Paris. Grab it now, and you’ll be prepped to have the best possible time in Paris. And if not? It’s your money back, guaranteed.
Not so sure you’re ready to grab the guide, and need more convincing we know what we’re talking about? No worries. Keep reading our blog below, or check out our instagram page for tons more tips.
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