The Best Time to Visit the Eiffel Tower
Standing at over 1,083 feet tall (330 meters) and nicknamed the Iron Lady of France, the Eiffel Tower has captivated millions of people with its mesmerizing architecture for over 133 years.
From 1887-1889, the Eiffel Tower took two years to construct and was the main attraction at the World Fair the same year it was completed. It garnered awe from visitors, since it was unlike any other monument that existed at the time–both in height and construction.
Located in Paris, France, the imposing monument attracts millions of visitors from all over the world each year. A common bucket list item for world travelers, art and history enthusiasts, and tourists alike, the Eiffel Tower is a global cultural icon. While many have only seen the monument in films or television, those that do travel to see the beauty of the Eiffel Tower in person can appreciate its beauty year-round.
To get the perfect view of the Eiffel Tower, whether you want to see it blanketed in snow, surrounded by sun and flowers, or standing out amid colorful leaves, there is a perfect time for everyone to visit based on their preferences and schedule.
For some, it may be important to avoid the holiday rush and to see the Eiffel Tower at a less busy time, while for others it’s alright to be a part of the crowd as long as the weather is nice, or they have vacation time available to travel. Learn about the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower, including relevant seasons and holidays and then book your tickets online to visit the Eiffel Tower!
Eiffel Tower Lines & Wait Times
Most people would prefer to visit the Eiffel Tower at a time when it is less crowded, since the lines will be shorter, and the experience will feel more personal.
When thinking of the best time to visit the Eiffel tower, seasons and holidays are the primary factors to consider when purchasing a ticket or making plans to travel to Paris, France. Despite the changing seasons, tourists still flock to see the Eiffel Tower all year long, so it is important to know when the moment is open and available to tours and photos.
At peak times, the wait lines at the elevators and garden entrance to the Eiffel Tower can take hours, holding you up when you could spend the time admiring the monument from a distance while on a picnic or visiting other local attractions.
It is advised that you avoid visiting the Eiffel Tower during peak season and especially popular holidays, since waiting in line will take up a lot of your vacation time and could lead to a less than stellar experience. The best days to visit during the summer are Tuesdays and Thursdays, since there is a slight decline in tourists and lines will be shorter. Choose a fast track audio-guided ticket of the 3rd floor from Ticket Here to save time and think about pairing it with a lunch or dinner experience at the Eiffel Tower
When it comes to the best time of day to visit the Eiffel Tower, consider that the tower opens at 9:30 AM and closes at 10.45 PM. Attendance tends to peak during the day between 11 AM and 5 PM, so it is best to visit before or after this window of time.
To help you to avoid waiting in long lines or missing out on other parts of the trip to Paris, France, we have compiled a list of the peak attendance for visiting the Eiffel Tower.
Busiest Times to Visit the Eiffel Tower
Avoid these busy days for a less crowded and more easygoing trip to this stunning, historical monument that has become an iconic part of the Paris skyline. The busiest time to visit the Eiffel Tower is from the end of June to the beginning of September.
The summer months see a spike in tourists and the Eiffel Tower is at its busiest during summer holidays and long weekends. If you do end up visiting during the summer months, try to avoid going on Saturdays and Sundays, since they are busier days to visit than weekdays due to work and school schedules.
The following are the dates where the attendance peaks due to tourist vacations and school holidays, both in Europe and the rest of the world:
- 8 April 2022 to 9 May 2022
- 7 July 2022 to 1 September 2022
- 22 October 2022 to 7 November 2022
- 17 December 2022 to 3 January 2023
- 4 February 2023 to 6 March 2023
- 8 April 2023 to 9 May 2023
French and European holidays are also major peaks for visiting the Eiffel Tower, which is something to keep in mind when planning your visit. The best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is when you are available, but we still advise not going on these dates if you can avoid it.
Here are the holiday dates to avoid:
- Easter Monday: Saturday 16 to Monday 18 April 2022
- Ascension Day: Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 May 2022
- Whit Monday: Saturday 4 to Monday 6 June 2022
- Assumption: Saturday 13 to Monday 15 August 2022
- All Saints’ Day: Saturday 29 October to Tuesday 1 November 2022
- Armistice 1918: Friday 11 to Sunday 13 November 2022
Visiting The Eiffel Tower in Spring & Autumn
For most people that want to save time in security lines but still prefer to visit when the weather is nice, the best time to visit the Eiffel tower is during the spring and fall shoulder season.
Spring in Paris is from March to May, and during this time there is typically no extreme heat or snow. Visitors can experience the blissful view of the Eiffel Tower amid newly blooming flowers and the gentle warmth of spring.
The trip to visit the Eiffel Tower is a stunningly beautiful one, but the photographs that you take will allow you to bring that moment of beauty home with you as well. Ensure that your photos and memories are even more gorgeous by visiting during the flower blooms of spring or the rainbow of leaves that fall during Autumn.
While it can occasionally get chilly during the fall season in Paris, September, October, and early November are still excellent times to visit the Eiffel Tower and to avoid the summer heat and crowds.
Even without Spring flowers, Autumn’s vibrant leaves add beauty to the monument and offer a breathtaking view of the city from the middle and top of the Eiffel Tower. Visting the Eiffel Tower during Autumn offers a phenomenal sight and experience that will shape your memories for a lifetime.
Visting the Eiffel Tower in Winter
Perhaps the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower is in Winter. Although it can be cold, there are also far fewer tourists and the lines to see the Eiffel Tower are much shorter than the peak attendance during the Summer months.
From December to February, the visit to the Eiffel Tower is a unique experience, especially if you are lucky to see the monument blanketed in snow. Bundle up in your warmest layer, scarves, hats, and gloves and prepare to see the city of Paris from a completely new perspective.
Just like other times of the year, the weekends tend to be busiest in winter for visitors to the Eiffel Tower. Because the days are shorter and night falls faster, we advise visiting the Eiffel Tower at sunset or at night when it is all lit up, before the lights turn off at 11:45PM.
The evening lights from the Eiffel tower illuminate the whole city of Paris, and the view is absolutely worth visiting during the Winter months – despite the cold.
You won’t have to worry about getting stuck in a traffic jam on the Paris Road or experience long wait times to go up in the Eiffel Tower during Winter or when it snows.
Booking Eiffel Tower Tickets In Advance
In all honesty, every day is the best to visit the Eiffel Tower. As the tallest building in Paris and what many consider to be the heart of the city, you can’t go wrong visiting this stunning monument at any time of the year.
However, if you value your time and want to avoid long waits, try to go during the week and in the off-season. Your personal preferences will ultimately help you decide when is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower.
If you want to enjoy nice weather and less crowds, go in spring or fall. If you only have time off during the Summer, go during the week and avoid visiting during Summer holidays. If you’ve always wanted to see the Eiffel Tower all lit up and you don’t mind the cold, then Winter is the best time for you to visit.
When thinking about the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower, the most important thing to keep in mind is booking your tickets in advance. Tickets to the Eiffel tower can be booked up to two months prior to your visit. Getting your Eiffel Tower tickets ahead of time will allow you to skip the long lines at the ticket counter, providing you with a shorter wait time.
Book at a time convenient for you from the many ticket options available from Ticket Here and arrive 15 minutes early to get in line and ensure you are adequately prepared. Follow our simple guide to the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, France and we are sure you’ll have a magical time at one of the world’s most impressive man-made sights.