When is the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower? The peak hours and waiting times are different each day at the Eiffel Tower and based on several factors. However, this page provides all of the general information that can help you to select the most appropriate moment to visit the Eiffel Tower, based on your schedule.
Attendance per month / day ?
| January | February | March | April | May | June |
| Low | Low | Medium | Medium | Medium | High |
| July | August | September | October | November | December |
| Maximum | Maximum | Medium | Low | Low | Medium |
| 9 AM -11 AM | 11 AM - 5 PM | 5 PM - 8 PM | 8 PM - 10:30 PM |
| High (Maximum during peak season) | High (Maximum during peak season) | Medium (Maximum during peak season) | Low (High during peak season) |
The busiest period at the Eiffel Tower is between the end of June and the beginning of September. This is the so-called peak season, when the attendance peaks.
In certain periods, attendance may be higher due to school vacation in Europe. During these periods, the lines may be longer (at the garden entrances, cash registers and elevators). The main school vacation periods for 2023 are below.
- From April 6 to May 12, 2024
- From July 6 toSeptember 1st,2024
- From October 19 to November 3,2024
- From December 21, 2024 to January 5, 2025
On some holidays that can turn into a long weekend, attendance may be higher:
- From May 1 to 5, 2024
- From May 8 to12, 2024
- From May 18 to 20, 2024
- From August 15 to 18, 2024
- Thanksgiving : November 28 to December 1st, 2024
- Immaculate Conception : From December 6 to 8, 2024
Attendance over the course of the day depends on the period of the year, weather conditions, as well as the day of the week. In general, to feel more comfortable, it's best to visit at the end of the day after 5 PM, or even in the evening. More information is available onour FAQ.
Attendance throughout the week
Saturdays and Sundays are the busiest days of the week.
When it is not peak season, school vacation or a public holiday, attendance is usually lowest on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
The Eiffel Tower is open on Tuesdays, unlike museums in Paris.
Avoid lines at the cash register: purchase online
Purchase your tickets ahead of time on the official ticket office of the Eiffel Tower. With these tickets that indicate the time and date, you can avoid the lines at the cash registers of the monument. This is especially useful if you would like to go up to the top. Regardless of the attendance the day of your visit, this ticket guarantees access to the top of the Tower. For tickets purchased at the monument, sales of tickets to go up to the top may be suspended if the number of visitors for the top has reached the limit.
Electronic tickets for the Eiffel Tower are on sale 60 days in advance. They may be available the day of your visit, up to 3 hours prior to your visiting time. Consider this option and check the availability frequently!
What can you expect at the Eiffel Tower?
The entrances of the Eiffel Tower are located in the side gardens—the east entrance and south entrance. The first security checkpoint is there. If you have purchased your ticket in advance, it is preferable to arrive at this entrance 15 to 20 minutes prior to the time indicated on your ticket.
Visitors without tickets must pass by the cash registers on the square. This is where visitors may wait the longest. The cash registers are in the east and/or west pillars. You can purchase tickets to go up immediately. The waiting time is indicated on site. To avoid this line, consider purchasing online.
If you use the elevators, you may need to wait a bit, as this involves a 2nd security checkpoint.
For visitors who have tickets to go up to the top and who would like to take the elevator to the top, on the 2nd floor, it may be some time before an elevator becomes available.
