What to Pack for Summer in Paris: Your Ultimate Guide

Patricia Themakeup Magazine
By Patricia Rios
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How wonderful it is to travel to Paris in Summer!

What to pack for Summer in ParisPin

Now you need to decide what you are going to bring.

In this guide, I want to help you find all you need to feel confident In your trip.

To get you started, here a basic list of essentials, for comfort and practicality:

Travel Must HavesPin

Carry-On Suitcase / Travel Bag Duffle / Portable Steamer / Packing cubes / Luggage scale / Wireless Noise-Cancelling Headphones / Speaker / Portable Charger / Universal Travel adapter / Compact Hair Dryer / Eye Mask / Waterproof Toiletry Bag Hanging  / Zipper Pouch / Water BOTTLE / Liquid I.V. Hydration Vegan 


What’s the Weather Like in Paris During Summer?

Summer in Paris (June–August) is warm, with occasional rain and the possibility of heatwaves.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Average temperatures: 17°C–27°C (63°F–81°F), with some days exceeding 30°C (86°F).
  • Rainfall: Light, scattered showers occur occasionally, so prepare for both sun and rain.

Tip: Pack for warm days, cool evenings, and a few unexpected showers.

Luggage & Packing Tools

Luggage & Packing ToolsPin

It is very important to carefully think about luggage, to ensure comfort while traveling and avoid spending hours looking for your items.

Carry-on suitcase

Go with the Samsonite Freeform Spinner — it’s light, compact, and rolls smoothly over cobblestones.
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BagPin

Checked luggage

The Travelpro Maxlite is Compact, wheeled underseat carry-on bag is designed for organization, mobility and convenience.
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Personal Item Bag

I pack the Nomad Lane Bento Bag — it fits under the seat and keeps things organized.
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Packing cubes

Veken cubes make outfits easy to sort and repack. It comes with various bags, including underwear and shoe bags.
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Makeup bag

I use the Relavel Travel Case — the dividers keep everything in place, and it’s easy to clean if anything spills.
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Toiletry bag

The BAGSMART hanging toiletry bag is perfect for tiny sinks — it unfolds and hangs up so everything’s visible and off the counter.
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Clothes

  • T-shirts (3) – Lightweight, neutral
  • Casual tops (3) – Linen or cotton
  • Dress shirts / blouses (2) – For dinners
  • Light jacket or blazer (1) – Parisian evenings get breezy
  • Jeans (1) – Slim cut, dark wash
  • Dresses / jumpsuits (3) – Midi or wrap dresses
  • Skirts (1–2) – Flowy and flirt-friendly
  • Shorts (1) – Tailored, never sporty
  • Activewear (1 set) – For morning jogs
  • Pajamas / sleepwear (1–2) – Cotton is key in summer
  • Swimsuits (2) – For hotel pools or a trip to the Riviera
  • Swimsuit cover-ups (1) – A stylish kimono or maxi wrap
  • Underwear (7)
  • Bras (3) – beige, strapless, and black
  • Socks (3) – For sneakers or train rides
  • Scarf (1) – Optional but oh-so Parisian

Skincare

▢ 🧬 Cleanser: I always bring the CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser—gentle but effective after a day of metro grime and city air.

▢ 🌊 Toner: The Thayers Witch Hazel Toner hydrates without stripping—perfect when your skin needs a reset post-flight.

▢ 💧 Moisturizer: I pack the Neutrogena Hydro Boost Gel-Cream—lightweight, non-greasy, and keeps my skin soft even after long walking days.

▢ ☀️ Sunscreen (face + body): The La Roche-Posay Anthelios SPF 60 is my go-to—no white cast, ultra-light, and a must for café terraces.

▢ 🧽 Makeup remover: A bottle of Bioderma Micellar Water is essential—it’s gentle, effective, and a classic French pharmacy find.

▢ ✨ Exfoliator (optional): I bring a mini of the Paula’s Choice BHA Liquid Exfoliant for that subtle Paris glow.

▢ 👀 Eye cream: The CeraVe Eye Repair Cream helps with puffiness after red wine nights or long flights.

▢ 🌬️ Facial mist: A spritz of Evian Facial Spray mid-day keeps me cool and feeling fresh on the go.

▢ 💋 Lip balm: I always carry Laneige Lip Glowy Balm—Paris air can be dry and this keeps my lips soft all day.

▢ 🧴 Spot treatment: The Mario Badescu Drying Lotion is tiny but mighty—just in case something unwelcome pops up.

Makeup

▢ 🧴 Foundation or BB cream: I pack the Missha M Perfect Cover BB Cream — it’s got light, blendable coverage with SPF 42, perfect for wandering sunlit streets without feeling cakey.

▢ 💁 Concealer: The NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer is my go-to for tired eyes after a red-eye flight — it blends smoothly and actually stays put.

▢ 🛑 Powder: I always bring the Innisfree No-Sebum Mineral Powder — keeps my T-zone matte, even after a warm afternoon in the Tuileries.

▢ 🌸 Blush: A swipe of Milani Baked Blush in “Luminoso” gives that soft Parisian glow — it’s warm, peachy, and never overdone.

▢ ✨ Highlighter: I use the Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector when I want that candlelit glow at dinner — a little goes a long way.

▢ ☕ Bronzer: Physicians Formula Butter Bronzer adds a subtle sun-kissed look (no actual sun damage required).

▢ 🎨 Eyeshadow palette: The e.l.f. Bite-Size Eyeshadow in “Cream & Sugar” is tiny, neutral, and ideal for packing light without losing options.

▢ ✒️ Eyeliner: I like the NYX Epic Wear Liner in Brown — soft enough for day but doesn’t smudge if you’re out late at a jazz bar.

▢ 👁️ Mascara: I always take L’Oréal Telescopic Mascara — it lengthens without clumps and survives a full museum day.

▢ 🪄 Eyebrow gel: The Benefit Gimme Brow+ keeps my brows defined but natural-looking — key when everything else is minimal.

▢ 💄 Lipstick / gloss: A Paris trip calls for MAC’s Ruby Woo — that bold red works for morning croissants or rooftop cocktails.

▢ 🖍️ Lip liner: I pair it with the Charlotte Tilbury Lip Cheat in “Pillow Talk” — glides on smooth and keeps everything in place.

▢ 💋 Lip primer: e.l.f. Lip Primer & Plumper keeps lipstick from feathering (especially post-wine).

▢ 🧴 Setting spray: I use Urban Decay All Nighter so my makeup stays fresh from breakfast to boat ride.

▢ 🖌️ Brushes / sponge: The Real Techniques Travel Sponge + Mini Brush Kit is compact and keeps things clean in my makeup bag.


Hair

▢ 💇 Hairbrush / comb: I bring the Wet Brush Pro Detangler — it’s gentle, anti-frizz, and handles Paris humidity without tugging.

▢ 🔗 Hair ties, clips, bobby pins: I toss in a mix from the Kitsch Essentials Set — the wind off the Seine is no joke, and these keep flyaways in check.

▢ 🧴 Travel shampoo & conditioner: I use the Love Beauty and Planet Coconut Water Minis — they’re sulfate-free, lightweight, and perfect for France’s hard water.

▢ 🌬️ Dry shampoo: Batiste Dry Shampoo (Travel Size) is a lifesaver for those mornings when I’d rather hit a boulangerie than a blow dryer.

▢ 🔥 Heat protectant spray: The Tresemmé Thermal Creations Spray protects my hair when I use a curling wand — compact and effective.

▢ 💁 Styling cream: I always bring Ouai Finishing Crème — it smooths, adds shine, and keeps my ends from looking frazzled.

▢ 🧳 Mini blow dryer: Only if I’m staying somewhere that doesn’t provide one — I use the Conair MiniPRO when needed, and it fits easily in my case.

▢ 🌡️ Mini flat iron: The HSI Professional Glider Mini keeps my hair sleek and tidy, especially after a long travel day or when I skip a wash.

▢ 💫 Hair serum: A drop of Moroccanoil Treatment Light goes a long way for frizz control and a polished finish.

▢ 🎀 Hair accessories: I always pack a silk scarf — tie it around your ponytail or wear it as a headband and voilà: effortless French chic.

Shoes & Accessories

  • 👟 Sneakers (1) – White, sleek, and made for walking
  • 👡 Sandals (1) – Flat or low block heels = all-day cute
  • 👠 Dress shoes (1) – Dinner at Le Jules Verne? Pack heels
  • ☂️ Foldable umbrella – Stylish + practical
  • 🧢 Hat – Straw or beret (yes, cliché—but adorable)
  • 🕶️ Sunglasses + case – Oversized or cat-eye? Oui.
  • 💍 Jewelry – Think dainty gold, not blingy
  • 👜 Day purse – Crossbody, secure, très elegant
  • 🎒 Night bag – Small clutch or mini bag
  • 👗 Belts – For waist-cinching perfection

Documents & Essentials

  • 🛂 Passport + copy – You won’t get far without it
  • 📎 Visa (if needed) – Check your country’s requirements
  • 🪪 Driver’s license / photo ID – For ID checks or car rentals
  • 📋 Travel insurance info – Just in case
  • 💉 Vaccination card – Required for some museums/events
  • 🛬 Boarding passes – Paper + digital
  • 🏨 Hotel bookings – Keep digital & printed
  • 🚗 Car rental details – Even if just for a Champagne day trip
  • 🗺️ Travel itinerary – Restaurants, museums, boutiques
  • 💳 Credit/debit cards – Chip-enabled recommended
  • 💶 Emergency cash – Euros only, small bills
  • 📝 Emergency contact list – Store offline too
  • ✒️ Pen & small notebook – For café sketches or scribbles
  • 📔 Pocket phrasebook – Bonjour, merci, l’addition s’il vous plaît
  • 🔑 House keys – So you’re not stranded after vacation
  • 💼 Valuables – Keep in your carry-on

First Aid

  • 🩹 Bandaids – Blisters are real
  • 🧴 Antibiotic ointment – Small but mighty
  • 🧽 Antiseptic wipes – Clean hands = clean face
  • 🩺 Gauze pads – Optional
  • 🦶 Blister pads – You will walk a lot
  • 🔍 Tweezers – Also for stray brow hairs
  • 🎀 First aid tape – Optional
  • 🌡️ Thermometer – Travel-size
  • ✂️ Travel scissors – Nail snags, loose threads
  • 🧼 Cotton balls / Q-tips – Multipurpose

Health & Hygiene

  • 💊 Prescription meds – Labelled + packed in carry-on
  • 🩹 Pain relievers – Ibuprofen or paracetamol
  • 🌸 Allergy meds – Paris = pollen city
  • 🌊 Motion sickness pills – Optional
  • 🍽️ Stomach meds – Because cheese & wine
  • 💪 Vitamins / supplements – Keep your immune system chic
  • 🩲 Feminine hygiene – Bring what works for you
  • 🧼 Hand sanitizer – Always
  • 🧽 Disinfecting wipes – Hotel remotes = yikes
  • 🦟 Bug spray – Parks & gardens = mozzie central
  • 💊 Birth control – Bring enough for trip length
  • 👁️ Eye drops – For dry air or allergies
  • 👓 Contact lenses + solution – Backup pair, too
  • 💄 Travel mirror – Makeup touch-ups, anywhere
  • 🪥 Toothbrush + toothpaste – Paris cafés aren’t garlic-free
  • 🪡 Dental floss / mouthwash – Optional
  • 🧼 Body wash / soap – Travel-size
  • 🧴 Deodorant – Solid, not spray
  • 🪒 Razor + shaving cream – Compact versions
  • ✂️ Nail file + clippers – Airport-legal
  • 👃 Tweezers – Dual-use
  • 🌸 Perfume – A Parisian must
  • 🧻 Cotton rounds / tissues – Metro restrooms can lack both

Tech & Electronics

  • 📱 Phone + charger – Bonjour, Instagram
  • 💻 Laptop / tablet + charger – For remote working
  • 📷 Camera + memory card – Every corner = photo op
  • 🔋 Power bank – Never miss a café geotag
  • 🔌 Charging cords – All device types
  • 🎵 Bluetooth speaker – Optional
  • 🌍 Universal travel adapter – Type C & E for France
  • 💽 External hard drive / USB – Back up those memories
  • 🗺️ Offline maps & apps – Google Maps, Citymapper
  • 📶 SIM card or eSIM – Cheaper data plans
  • 📚 E-reader – Lightweight literary chic
  • 🎧 Headphones – Noise-cancelling = jetlag help
  • 📱 Waterproof phone case – Seine cruises, anyone?

Entertainment

  • 📖 Book / e-books – Paris memoirs or romance?
  • 🎬 Downloaded shows – For chill hotel nights
  • 🎧 Podcasts – Paris history on the go
  • 📓 Journal – Document those dreamy patisserie finds
  • 🃏 Card games – Park picnics + play
  • 📺 Streaming subscriptions – Pre-download everything
  • 🗞️ Magazines – Vogue Paris, of course

Extras

  • 🍫 Snacks – Protein bars for museum lines
  • 💧 Reusable water bottle – Stay hydrated like a local
  • 🛍️ Foldable shopping bag – Markets + Monoprix
  • 🧼 Travel laundry detergent – For a fresh re-wear
  • 🧵 Mini sewing kit – Buttons happen
  • 📣 Safety whistle – Always smart
  • 🧽 Lint roller – Especially for black outfits
  • 🦶 Inflatable footrest – Game-changer on long-haul
  • 👟 Shoe deodorizer – For sweaty sightseeing days
  • 😴 Sleep aid – Jetlag isn’t chic

Travel Tips

  • ✔️ Check baggage size & weight
  • 📲 Download airline + Paris metro apps
  • 👚 Pack your arrival-day outfit in carry-on
  • 💎 Keep all valuables in your personal item
  • 📸 Take luggage pics for ID
  • 🏦 Alert your bank of travel dates

Visa Tips

  • 🧾 Check visa requirements by nationality
  • 🗓️ Apply early if needed
  • 🖨️ Print multiple visa copies
  • 🖼️ Carry passport photos (for emergencies)
  • 🛬 Bring proof of accommodation and return flight

Must-Haves for a Smooth Trip

  • 🛂 Passport + printed copies
  • 🩺 Travel insurance
  • 📞 Emergency contact list
  • 💳 Credit/debit cards + cash
  • 📱 Phone + charger + EU adapter
  • 💉 Personal health kit
  • 🗺️ Offline maps
  • 🏨 Printed reservations
  • 👜 Day bag
  • 💧 Refillable water bottle

Good-to-Have Items

  • 💦 Liquid IV or hydration packs
  • 👕 Travel steamer
  • 😴 Eye mask
  • 🎧 Noise-canceling headphones
  • 🛌 Travel blanket
  • 🧸 Neck pillow
  • 🧳 Luggage tags
  • ☂️ Mini umbrella
  • 📶 Local SIM or eSIM
  • 🛍️ Extra tote bag for souvenirs

Pat

Patricia Rios

I have been writing makeup and beauty content for more than ten years. My passion is to uplift you, my reader, to feel better about yourself.

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