Best time to visit Eiffel Tower
The best time to visit Eiffel Tower is early in the morning as soon as it opens at 9.15 am.
However, pinpointing the perfect time to visit this iconic structure requires more than just an early start.
Various factors, including the tower’s attendance patterns, seasonal variations, and crowd dynamics, play a crucial role in planning your visit.
This guide aims to provide you with all the necessary information to choose the best time for your Eiffel Tower adventure, ensuring a memorable and enjoyable experience.
Best time to visit Eiffel Tower based on Crowd
The very first thing every visitor should consider when deciding the ideal time to visit this Parisian attraction is the crowd level.
The Eiffel Tower attracts more than 7 million visitors throughout the year, and finding just the right time to avoid such a massive crowd requires some information and planning.
Let’s understand the crown pattern at the Eiffel Tower throughout the year to find an optimal time to plan a trip to the Eiffel Tower.
Attendance/Crowd Throughout the Year
Low Season: January, February, November, and October see the lowest number of visitors. This is an ideal time for those looking to avoid crowds.
Medium Attendance: March, April, May, September, and December experience medium attendance levels, offering a balance between crowd size and weather.
High Season: June begins the high-attendance season, which peaks in July and August, known as the peak season.
To better understand the expected crowd levels at the Eiffel Tower throughout the year, refer to the table below.
| Months | Crowd level |
|---|---|
| January | Low |
| February | Low |
| March | Medium |
| April | Medium |
| May | Medium |
| June | High |
| July | Maximum |
| August | Maximum |
| September | Medium |
| October | Low |
| November | Low |
| December | Medium |
Attendance/Crowd Throughout the Day
Morning (9 am – 11 am): Generally low, but increases to high during peak season.
Midday to Afternoon (11 am – 5 pm): Always high, reaching maximum levels during peak season.
Evening (5 pm – 8 pm): Medium attendance, which can peak during high season.
Late Evening (8 pm – 10.30 pm): Typically low, with spikes during peak season.
To better understand the expected crowd levels at the Eiffel Tower throughout the day, refer to the table below.
| Time of the Day | Crowd Level |
|---|---|
| 9 am to 11 am | Low (High during peak season) |
| 11 am to 5 pm | High (Maximum during peak season) |
| 5 pm to 8 pm | Medium (Maximum during peak season) |
| 8 pm to 10.30 pm | Low (High during peak season) |
Attendance/Crowd Throughout the Week:
Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days of the week at the Eiffel Tower.
Conversely, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays usually see the lowest attendance, making them ideal for visits, especially since the Eiffel Tower is open on Tuesdays, unlike many Paris museums.
To better understand the expected crowd levels at the Eiffel Tower throughout the week, refer to the table below.
| Days of the Week | Crowd Level |
|---|---|
| Monday | Medium |
| Tuesday | Low |
| Wednesday | Low |
| Thursday | Low |
| Friday | Medium |
| Saturday | High |
| Sunday | High |
Peak Season and Holidays
The end of June to the beginning of September marks the peak season.
Additionally, European school vacations can cause a surge in attendance, particularly:
- July 8 to September 4
- October 21 to November 6
- December 23 to January 8
Holidays creating long weekends, such as the Assumption (August 15-19), Thanksgiving (November 18 – 1 December), and the Immaculate Conception (December 8-10), may also see higher attendance.
Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower Based on Weather
When planning a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, the weather in Paris is a crucial factor to consider.
The city’s varying climatic conditions throughout the year can significantly influence your experience at this world-renowned monument.
While the allure of the Eiffel Tower remains constant, regardless of the season, the extremes of summer and winter pose distinct challenges for visitors.
- Summer in Paris can be particularly challenging for those wishing to explore the Eiffel Tower.
High temperatures can make waiting in line and climbing stairs a less than comfortable experience.
The heat, combined with the high number of visitors, can detract from the enjoyment of your visit.
- Winter, on the other hand, brings its own set of challenges.
Paris can be quite cold during these months, and the chilly winds can make waiting outdoors and enjoying the tower’s open-air platforms less appealing.
The cold can be particularly biting at higher elevations like the tower’s summit, making adequate preparation essential for those brave enough to face the winter weather. - Spring and Autumn emerge as the most favorable seasons to visit the Eiffel Tower.
During these months, Paris enjoys a mild and pleasant climate devoid of the extreme temperatures found in summer and winter.
The gentler weather facilitates more comfortable exploration of the tower, from its base to its summit.
Waiting in lines is less daunting, and the climb, whether by stairs or elevator, is a more enjoyable experience.
Additionally, these seasons often offer the added benefit of fewer tourists, making for a less crowded and more intimate encounter with the tower.
In short, if weather is a major consideration for your trip, planning your visit to the Eiffel Tower during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) provides the best conditions.
These seasons combine the beauty of Paris with climatic comfort, ensuring your visit to the Eiffel Tower is as enjoyable as it is memorable.
Tips for a Smooth Eiffel Tower Visiting Experience
- Avoid Long Lines: Purchasing Eiffel Tower tickets online in advance saves you time and guarantees access, especially useful for those aiming for the summit, as the tickets to the Summit get sold out quickly.
- Arrival Time: For ticket holders, arriving 15-20 minutes before your scheduled time is advisable, particularly for summit access, due to potential waits for elevators on the 2nd floor.
- Early Visits: To avoid and minimize the potential waits at the tower’s elevator lines and entrance, aim to arrive at the tower’s opening hours at 9.15 am.
Conclusion
Determining the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower involves balancing crowd levels, weather conditions, and your personal schedule.
By opting for early morning or late evening visits during the off-peak seasons of spring and autumn and adhering to the tips provided, your Eiffel Tower experience can be as majestic as the structure itself.
FAQs
What time is the Eiffel Tower least busy?
The Eiffel Tower is least busy early in the morning, from 9.15 am to 11 am, especially during the non-peak season.
Late evenings, from 8 pm to 10.30 pm, also see lower crowd levels, with variations during peak season.
What are the Eiffel Tower’s peak visiting months?
The peak visiting months for the Eiffel Tower are from June to August, with July and August experiencing the maximum number of visitors.
When is the off-peak season to visit the Eiffel Tower?
The off-peak season at the Eiffel Tower is from January, February, November, and October, which see the lowest number of visitors.
How does the crowd vary throughout the day at the Eiffel Tower?
Crowd levels at the Eiffel Tower start low in the morning (9 am – 11 am), peak from midday to afternoon (11 am – 5 pm), are medium in the early evening (5 pm – 8 pm), and decrease late evening (8 pm – 10:30 pm).
What days of the week are best for visiting the Eiffel Tower to avoid crowds?
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays usually see the lowest attendance, making them the best days for visits.
How do weather conditions affect visiting the Eiffel Tower?
Weather significantly influences the visiting experience, with spring and autumn offering mild and pleasant climates ideal for visits, contrasting with the extremes of summer and winter.
Which seasons are considered the best for visiting the Eiffel Tower based on weather?
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are considered the best seasons to visit the Eiffel Tower due to the mild and comfortable weather conditions.
Can school vacations affect the crowd levels at the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, European school vacations, especially from July 8 to September 4, October 21 to November 6, and December 23 to January 8, can lead to higher attendance.
How can I avoid long lines at the Eiffel Tower?
Purchasing tickets online in advance can help avoid long lines, especially for the Summit access, as tickets often sell out quickly.
What is the recommended arrival time for ticket holders?
Ticket holders are advised to arrive 15-20 minutes before their scheduled time, especially for those with Summit access, to account for potential waits for elevators on the 2nd floor.
Are there specific holidays that increase attendance at the Eiffel Tower?
Yes, holidays such as the Assumption (August 15-19), Thanksgiving (November 18-1 December), and the Immaculate Conception (December 8-10) see higher attendance.
What is the crowd level like on weekends?
Weekends, especially Saturdays and Sundays, are the busiest days at the Eiffel Tower.
Is the Eiffel Tower open every day of the week?
Yes, the Eiffel Tower is open every day, including Tuesdays, unlike many Paris museums.
Should I visit the Eiffel Tower during the day or night?
Both the daytime and nighttime offer a unique perspective of this Parisian architectural marvel.
To dive deep into this topic, read our article on Visiting “The Eiffel Tower Day vs Night.”
Does the time of year affect ticket availability for the Eiffel Tower’s summit?
Yes, during peak visiting months, tickets for the summit can sell out quickly, making it advisable to book well in advance.
What is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower if I want to see the light show?
The Eiffel Tower light shows are held daily after sunset. If your priority is seeing the Light Show, make sure you visit after sunset.
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