Ultimate Paris Summer Packing List: 28 Must-Have Items

Summer in Paris is glorious, with long, sunny days and warm temperatures. Expect average daytime temperatures of 70-80°F (21-27°C), sometimes higher in July and August. The city can feel quite warm, especially in afternoons and less green areas. Evenings are pleasantly mild, often staying above 60°F (15°C).

While generally drier than spring, occasional showers or thunderstorms are possible. Sunshine is abundant, perfect for enjoying outdoor spaces. Summer is peak season, buzzing with tourists and locals enjoying long days. Summer activities include relaxing in parks like Tuileries and Jardin du Luxembourg, outdoor cafes and terraces, Seine River cruises, open-air markets, and summer festivals.

Parisian summer style is effortlessly chic, focused on staying cool and comfortable while stylish. Think light, breathable fabrics, elegant sunglasses, sun hats, and comfortable yet fashionable walking shoes. Prioritize light layers and sun protection for enjoyable city exploration.

Clothing & Footwear

Paris Summer calls for cool and comfortable clothing with Parisian chic style. Breathable fabrics are essential and footwear must be comfortable for extensive city walking in potentially hot conditions.

• Lightweight, Breathable Tops (Linen, Cotton, Silk, Rayon): Pack a variety of tops in ultra-lightweight, breathable fabrics like linen, cotton, silk, or rayon. Tank tops, t-shirts, short-sleeved blouses, and flowy camisoles are ideal for summer heat. Choose light colors to reflect sun and stay cooler.
• Lightweight Dresses and Skirts (Cotton, Linen, Flowy Fabrics): Lightweight dresses and skirts in cotton, linen, or other flowy, breathable fabrics are perfect for summer style and comfort. Maxi, midi, and knee-length dresses are chic and practical for daytime sightseeing and evenings.
• Lightweight Cardigan or Wrap (for Evenings or Air Conditioning): Even in summer, evenings can cool slightly, and air conditioning can be chilly indoors. A lightweight cardigan, linen wrap, or light jacket is useful for layering in evenings or air-conditioned spaces like museums and shops.
• Lightweight Trousers or Culottes (Linen, Cotton, Flowy): For trouser preference or cooler days, pack lightweight trousers or culottes in breathable linen or cotton. They offer more coverage than shorts while keeping you cool.
• Comfortable and Stylish Walking Sandals or Espadrilles (Leather or Breathable Materials): Essential footwear. Choose sandals with good support and cushioning for extensive city walking. Elegant leather or breathable fabric espadrilles are fashionable and practical for warm weather. Ensure they are broken-in.
• Elegant Evening Sandals or Low Heels (Versatile for Dinners and Events): Pack more elegant sandals or low heels for evening restaurants or events. Choose comfortable yet stylish options that can be dressed up but remain practical for short walks. Avoid very high heels if planning to walk much.

Toiletries & Personal Care

Paris summer heat and sunshine require toiletries focused on sun protection, freshness in humidity, and a polished look. Travel-friendly sizes are convenient; prioritize effective, high-quality products.

• Very High SPF, Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen (Lightweight, Non-Greasy, SPF 50+): Absolutely essential for summer’s strong sun. Choose SPF 50+ broad-spectrum, lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen, comfortable for daily wear under makeup, effectively protecting from intense UV rays during long outdoor days. Reapply frequently, especially if sweating.
• Deodorant or Antiperspirant (High-Strength, Long-Lasting): With summer heat and walking, high-strength, long-lasting deodorant or antiperspirant is a must for day-long freshness and confidence. Choose a reliable product for warm, humid conditions.
• Facial Blotting Papers (For Shine Control in Heat and Humidity): Invaluable for controlling shine and oil caused by heat and humidity. Carry in your handbag for a fresh, matte complexion, especially for oily skin in warm weather.
• Cooling Facial Mist (Hydrating and Refreshing, Travel Size): Wonderfully refreshing. Keep a travel-sized mist in your bag and spritz throughout the day to hydrate, cool, and revitalize skin, particularly when walking in the sun or after the metro. Choose one with hydrating ingredients like aloe vera or thermal water.
• Dry Shampoo (Travel Size, Hair Refreshing): Humidity and heat can make hair feel limp. Travel-sized dry shampoo refreshes hair between washes, especially if active or wanting to freshen up after sightseeing. It adds volume and absorbs oil.
• Light, Citrus or Floral Perfume or Eau de Toilette (Summer Fragrance, Rollerball or Travel Spray): Choose a light, fresh summer fragrance – citrusy, floral, or aquatic scents are ideal. Opt for rollerball or travel spray for easy touch-ups without overpowering in the heat. French perfume houses offer many classic light summer scents.

Documents & Travel Essentials

Document security and easy access are always essential, particularly in busy tourist areas like Paris. Organization is key, and consider items aiding city navigation and transactions.

• Passport or National ID: Essential for international travel. Ensure passport validity and check visa requirements. EU citizens can use National ID. Keep secure and accessible, especially in crowds.
• Flight and Accommodation Confirmations (Digital & Printed Copies - Organized Travel Wallet): Have digital copies readily available on your phone. Print backups and keep all essential documents organized in a travel wallet for protection and easy access at airports or hotels.
• Travel Insurance Information (Emergency Details and European Coverage): Ensure comprehensive European travel insurance and keep policy details readily accessible, digitally and in print. Note policy number and 24/7 emergency contacts for quick access.
• Copies of Important Documents (Secure Digital Storage and Separate Physical Copies): Store secure digital copies of vital travel documents online in encrypted cloud storage. Also, prepare separate physical photocopies as backup, stored separately from originals in luggage.
• Paris Metro/Bus Pass or Navigo Découverte Information (For Easy City Transport): Research and decide on the best public transport pass (e.g., Paris Visite Pass, Navigo Découverte). Have information about your chosen pass readily available (printed or digital), including purchase/activation and a Metro map for easy navigation.

Tech & Gadgets

Tech gadgets for Paris summer should be practical for city exploration, photos in good light, and staying connected, while discreet and not cumbersome in summer heat.

• Smartphone and Charger (European Plug Adapter, Citymapper App, Photo Ready): Indispensable for Paris navigation (Citymapper excellent for public transport, Google Maps also good), communication, restaurant reviews, museum apps, and summer photos. Don’t forget a European plug adapter.
• Portable Power Bank (Slim, Lightweight, for Full Day Outings): Essential for keeping your phone charged during long exploration days, especially with GPS, translation apps, and cameras. Choose a compact, lightweight model for handbag or small day bag.
• Noise-Canceling Earbuds or Headphones (Travel and Museum Comfort, Discreet): Excellent for travel comfort and museum audio guides, allowing discreet enjoyment of music or podcasts in parks. Choose a comfortable, portable, and discreet model.
• Camera or Smartphone with Excellent Daytime Photography Capabilities (Capture Parisian Summer Light): Paris summer light is beautiful, so ensure excellent daytime photo capabilities. A good zoom is useful. A lightweight camera or smartphone with a high-quality camera is ideal.
• Portable Mini Fan (Battery Operated or USB - Personal Cooling in Heatwaves): During heatwaves, a portable mini fan can be a lifesaver for personal cooling, especially on crowded metros, in queues, or when walking in heat. Choose a very compact, lightweight model.

Accessories

Accessories should enhance style, comfort, and sun protection for city exploration and outdoor activities. Parisian chic with practical summer needs is key.

• Wide-Brimmed Sun Hat or Chic Panama Hat (UV Protection and Parisian Style): Protect your face and neck from strong summer sun. Choose a hat with UV protection, breathable, and complementing Parisian summer style. Straw or light-colored fabric hats are ideal.
• High-Quality UV Protective Sunglasses (Polarized Lenses, Fashionable Frames): Essential for shielding eyes from bright sun and glare, especially outdoors at cafes, parks, or by the Seine. Choose high-quality sunglasses with 100% UVA/UVB protection and polarized lenses. Select stylish frames for your Parisian look.
• Reusable Water Bottle (Stylish, Refillable, Stay Hydrated Chicly): Crucial for hydration in summer heat. Carry a stylish, reusable water bottle for refills throughout the day. Choose a chic, lightweight design fitting Parisian aesthetics and helping reduce plastic waste.
• Large, Lightweight Tote Bag or Woven Basket Bag (Market Visits, Picnics, Shopping Chic): Perfect for summer. Ideal for essentials, market finds, picnic supplies, or shopping, adding Parisian summer style. Choose a spacious yet lightweight bag in canvas, straw, or linen.
• Lightweight Silk Scarf or Bandana (Sun Protection, Style, Versatility): Versatile for summer. Wear as neck scarf for sun protection/style, tie on handbag, or use as headband. Choose silk or light fabric for comfort and breathability.
• Foldable Hand Fan (Elegant and Practical for Hot Days): Elegant and practical for summer heat. Carry in your handbag for a gentle breeze on hot days, adding vintage Parisian charm while staying cool.