Eiffel Tower opening hours
The Eiffel Tower opening hours begin at 9:15, while the closing time varies by season. Here we detail the specific hours and closing days that visitors must take into account.
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Top attraction in Paris
An ascent of the Eiffel Tower for views of Paris from the monument's different levels.
What are the opening hours of the Eiffel Tower?
The Eiffel Tower opening hours extend every day of the year, with a schedule that changes during the summer season:
| Days | Hours |
|---|---|
| September 1 - June 13 | 9:15 - 23:45 |
| June 14 - August 31 | 9:15 - 00:45 |
As shown in the table, the Eiffel Tower opening hours begin at 9:15 daily, though the closing time depends on the specific dates. From September 1 to June 13, the monument remains open until 23:45, while from June 14 to August 31, operations extend until 00:45.
Opening hours may be modified or access to certain areas may be restricted for event preparations. The monument may close temporarily due to severe weather conditions, security requirements, or maintenance work.
Closing days
The monument remains open 365 days a year, including December 25 and January 1. It does not have annual closing dates, though access depends on specific conditions and management decisions.
Factors affecting access:
- Maintenance and safety: The schedule remains constant unless management implements closures for technical inspections, repairs, or security protocols.
- Weather: Atmospheric conditions may result in restricted access to the structure or specific levels.
- Official events: On dates such as July 14, authorities may alter the schedule or close specific areas for ceremonies and event preparations.
Photo: “Fireworks on July 14, 2017 from the Champ de Mars in Paris, in front of the Eiffel Tower” by IronGargoyle.
Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower
The Eiffel Tower experiences lowest crowds during April, May, September, and October on Tuesday through Thursday mornings. Spring and fall shoulder seasons deliver comfortable temperatures between 10-20°C and manageable crowd levels. Summer months from June through August bring wait times exceeding 3 hours during afternoon periods.
Here are some recommended times to optimize the experience at the Eiffel Tower:
- The best times to visit the Eiffel Tower are weekday mornings on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Visits during midday on these same days, as well as Monday and Friday mornings, are also considered good.
- Acceptable times include weekday afternoons from Tuesday to Thursday, and midday on Monday and Friday. Weekend mornings fall into this category as well.
- Times to avoid are weekday afternoons on Monday and Friday, as well as all afternoon times during the weekend. Midday on Saturday and Sunday is also not recommended.
Another factor for visitors to consider is the observation from the Eiffel Tower during sunset. According to a Reddit user: “It's pretty neat to see Paris slowly light up as the sun fades.” Visits scheduled between 17:00 and 19:00 allow for the observation of the city during daylight and the start of the illumination sequences. The Eiffel Tower activates a five-minute light display every hour after nightfall.
How long does it take to visit the Eiffel Tower?
A standard visit to the first and second levels of the monument requires between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. This timeframe accounts for elevator transfers, time spent on the observation decks, and stops at the historical exhibits or the glass floor located on the first level. Total duration depends heavily on queue times, which may add 60 to 90 minutes during periods of high attendance.
| Visitor type | Duration | Areas included |
|---|---|---|
| Quick visit | 1.5 hours | 1st and 2nd floors via elevator |
| Standard visit | 2 hours | 1st and 2nd floors, glass floor, and retail areas |
| In-Depth visit | 3-4 hours | Both levels, dining, and evening illumination |
| Photography-focused | 2-3 hours | Observation decks and sunset views |
| Families | 3 hours | 1st floor interactive spaces and a slower pace |
Visitors can save time by descending the 674 steps from the second floor instead of waiting for elevators. Evening visits after 8pm reduce queue times significantly. The first floor works best as a descent stop to avoid re-queuing.