Exploring Paris in June: Best Things to Do and Seasonal Highlights

June is one of the best times to visit Paris. The city is buzzing with life, the weather is warm but not scorching, and the days are long, allowing you to explore from morning to late evening. With summer just around the corner, Paris in June offers a perfect mix of cultural events, open-air activities, and lively streets filled with both Parisians and visitors soaking in the atmosphere.

If you’re planning a trip to Paris in June, here’s everything you need to know—from the weather and how to dress to special events and unique things to do.

Why Visit Paris in June?

June is the gateway to summer in Paris, offering pleasant temperatures, extended daylight hours, and a vibrant atmosphere. The city comes alive with music festivals, outdoor dining, and cultural events. Unlike July and August, when the summer crowds peak, June strikes the perfect balance between good weather and manageable tourist numbers.

Parisian terraces and rooftops are bustling, the Seine is dotted with open-air bars and pop-up events, and locals are out enjoying the sun. If you love the idea of experiencing Paris in a lively but not overwhelming setting, June is the ideal month to visit.

Paris Weather in June: What to Expect

June brings warm days and mild evenings, making it one of the most comfortable months for sightseeing.

Average temperature: 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
Rainfall: Around 7-8 days of light rain
Daylight: About 16 hours of daylight

While most days are sunny, occasional showers can still occur, so it’s best to be prepared with light rain protection. Evenings are pleasant, and outdoor dining is at its best in June.

How to Dress for Paris in June

Packing for Paris in June is relatively easy, as the weather is warm but not extreme. Here’s what to bring:

Essentials for Daytime:

Light and breathable clothing (t-shirts, blouses, summer dresses, or linen shirts)
Comfortable walking shoes (sneakers, sandals, or flats)
A light sweater or jacket for cooler mornings and evenings
Sunglasses and sunscreen for sunny days

Evening Wear:

A stylish dress, smart-casual shirt, or chic outfit for dinner
Light blazer or cardigan
Comfortable yet elegant shoes (dressy flats, loafers, or ankle boots)

Other Essentials:

A small umbrella or packable raincoat (just in case of rain)
A crossbody bag for safety and convenience

Parisian style is effortlessly chic, so aim for comfortable yet stylish outfits.

Special Events & Holidays in Paris in June

June is filled with exciting events, from world-class music festivals to historic celebrations. Here are some highlights:

June 6th: D-Day Commemorations

While not a Parisian event specifically, D-Day (Journée du Débarquement) is an important historical date in France. If you have time, you might consider a day trip to Normandy, where ceremonies and reenactments take place at the historic landing beaches.

Fête de la Musique (June 21st)

One of the biggest events in Paris in June, the Fête de la Musique is a city-wide music festival celebrating the summer solstice. It takes places everywhere in France, in every city and even in small villages. Expect free concerts, street performances, and live music of all genres in every corner of the city—from the grand avenues to tiny alleyways. The atmosphere is electric, and the event lasts well into the night.

We have amazing memories from Fête de la Musique, but it also means walking a lot to find the best venues. I remember it like it was yesterday—a wonderful night on Sainte-Marthe Square, with an incredible festive atmosphere in Paris.

Roland-Garros (French Open) – Late May to Early June

If you’re a tennis fan, Roland-Garros is a must-see. The French Open finals take place in early June, bringing world-class tennis to Paris. Even if you don’t have match tickets, you can soak up the atmosphere in sports bars and fan zones across the city.

Paris Pride (Marche des Fiertés) – Late June

Paris hosts one of the biggest Pride parades in Europe. The Marche des Fiertés is a lively and colorful event that takes place in late June, featuring parades, music, and parties across the city, with a vibrant march typically ending at Place de la République.

If you don’t plan to participate, we recommend avoiding it. It can be chaotic, and the crowd is very large. All nearby streets and metro stations are closed, making it hard to find a way out. There are also many drunk people—or worse—especially later in the evening. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding it while visiting Paris.

Open-Air Cinema at Parc de la Villette (Late June Onward)

While it officially starts in July, some years the Open-Air Cinema Festival at Parc de la Villette begins in late June. Watching a film under the stars in one of Paris’s largest parks is a magical experience.

We went many times while living in Paris, but we don’t recommend it for visitors. It is very far from the city center and takes forever to reach by metro. The movie starts at night, quite late—after 10 PM—which means it can end after the metro closes. In that case, your only option to get back to the hotel would be a taxi. Lastly, while the park itself is safe, the surrounding area is not, with many hard dr*g-related activities. For these reasons, we recommend avoiding it, especially on a first trip to Paris.

Unique Things to Do in Paris in June

Aside from the classic must-sees, here are some unique ways to experience Paris in June:

1. Picnic by the Seine or in the Parks

Parisian picnics reach peak popularity in June. Grab a baguette, cheese, fresh fruit, and a bottle of wine and head to:

Île de la Cité (Square du Vert-Galant) for a romantic riverside spot
Jardin des Tuileries for a classic Parisian park setting
Canal Saint-Martin for a trendy, local vibe

2. Take a Rooftop Drink with a View

June’s warm evenings make it the perfect time for rooftop bars. Some great spots include:

Terrass” Hotel in Montmartre (panoramic city views)
Le Perchoir (trendy with great cocktails)
Printemps Haussmann Rooftop (stunning Eiffel Tower views)

3. Visit Monet’s Garden in Giverny

June is an ideal time for a day trip to Giverny, where Claude Monet’s gardens are in full bloom. The famous water lilies and Japanese bridge make for picture-perfect scenery.

4. Explore the Night Markets

Paris has a few night markets and evening flea markets in summer. Check out the Marché des Enfants Rouges or some smaller street markets for a mix of food, antiques, and local crafts.

5. Enjoy a Seine River Cruise at Twilight

With June’s long daylight hours, a twilight cruise on the Seine is one of the most magical experiences. Seeing the city’s landmarks light up as night falls is unforgettable.

Final Tips for Visiting Paris in June

Book in advance. June is a busy month, so secure your accommodations and tickets early.
Make restaurant reservations. Popular terraces and bistros fill up quickly.
Be prepared for long days. Take advantage of the long daylight hours to explore more!
Stay hydrated. While not as hot as July, June can still get warm, especially in the afternoons.
Use public transport. Walking is great, but the Paris Métro will save you time.

Conclusion

Paris in June is an unbeatable mix of warm weather, exciting cultural events, and vibrant city life. Whether you’re picnicking by the Seine, enjoying live music at Fête de la Musique, or sipping cocktails on a rooftop, June offers something for everyone. With a little planning and an adventurous spirit, your trip to Paris in June is sure to be an unforgettable experience. Bon voyage!