Eiffel Tower Timings: Hours, Best Times & Crowd Guide

Timings

Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower’s operating hours change seasonally, and access times vary between elevators and stairs.

Stairs are open from 9:30am to 6:30pm during most of the year, with the last entry at 6pm. However, in peak season (mid-June to early September), stairs remain open until 12:30am, with final entry at midnight.
Elevators operate from 9:30am to 11:45pm during the regular season, with last admission at 11pm. In peak season, elevator hours extend to 12:45am, and the final entry is at midnight
Last admission times: Visitors must enter before the last entry time but can stay inside until closing.

Jan - Mar

Apr - Jun

Jul - Sep

Oct - Dec

Jan 1 TO Jun 14 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Jun 14)	TIMINGS	Last Admission
Monday	09:15–23:45	22:45
Tuesday	09:15–23:45	22:45
Wednesday (Today)	09:15–23:45	22:45
Thursday	09:15–23:45	22:45
Friday	09:15–23:45	22:45
Saturday	09:15–23:45	22:45
Sunday	09:15–23:45	22:45

The summit may close earlier than the rest of the tower due to weather or maintenance.
The summit can close unexpectedly for safety reasons.
Last elevator ride to the summit is typically 1 hour before the tower closes (exact times may vary daily).

Eiffel Tower Summit

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)	TIMINGS
Monday	09:30–22:45
Tuesday	09:30–22:45
Wednesday (Today)	09:30–22:45
Thursday	09:30–22:45
Friday	09:30–22:45
Saturday	09:30–22:45
Sunday	09:30–22:45

Best time to visit the Eiffel Tower

Weekday vs Weekend

Weekdays are the best time to visit the Eiffel Tower, as crowds are smaller and lines move faster. The least crowded days are usually Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
Monday and Friday can be moderately busy as tourists start or end their trips. Tuesdays are slightly busier due to most Parisian museums being closed, but still less crowded than weekends.
After 5pm, crowds thin out, and by 8pm, wait times are much shorter. If you visit in the evening, you can also enjoy the Eiffel Tower’s hourly light show after sunset.
Weekends see the heaviest crowds, especially between 11am and 5pm, when elevator and security lines are longest. To avoid the worst crowds, arrive early (before 10am) or late (after 8pm).

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant

Crowded

Very Crowded

Peak season vs low season

The peak season for the Eiffel Tower is from late June to early September, coinciding with summer holidays in Europe. During this period, wait times can exceed 2–3 hours, and the viewing platforms get crowded quickly.
For a quieter experience with shorter wait times, visit from October to March, excluding holiday weeks. January, February, and early November are the least crowded months.
Best months to visit: October–March
Busiest months: June–August
Crowded holiday periods: Christmas, New Year’s, Easter, and European school breaks.
School vacations in France and nearby countries can increase crowds, especially in February–March, April–May, and October.

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season

Moderate Season

Peak Season

How long do you need to tour the Eiffel Tower?

The time needed to explore the Eiffel Tower depends on your chosen route and how high you go:

1.5 hours: If you’re only visiting the first and second floors.

2.5 hours: If you’re going all the way to the summit.

Travel times from the ground floor to each floor:

10–15 minutes per floor: If you take the stairs.

A few minutes: By elevator, but wait times can add up to 30+ minutes during peak hours.

Frequently asked questions about the Eiffel Tower opening hours

Does the Eiffel Tower have different timings for the stairs and elevators?

Yes, stairs are open from 9:30am to 11:45pm, while the elevators operate from 9:30am to 12am.

What time does the Eiffel Tower's light show start?

The Eiffel Tower light show starts as soon as the sun sets, as the tower automatically lights up and sparkles for 5 minutes every hour from dusk until 1am (or 2am in summer).

What are the busiest days to visit the Eiffel Tower?

The busiest days are Tuesdays, Sundays, and public holidays. It's best to visit on Wednesdays or Fridays to avoid crowds.

What are the Eiffel Tower opening hours during peak season?

During peak season (June to August), the Eiffel Tower remains open from 9:30am to 12am.

Does the Eiffel Tower have shorter hours in the off-season?

No, the Eiffel Tower maintains consistent hours year-round, but it tends to be less crowded from October to March.

Do Eiffel Tower opening hours change during holidays?

The Eiffel Tower is open on most holidays, but hours might vary on specific dates like New Year’s or Christmas.

Is there a time limit on how long you can stay at the Eiffel Tower?

No, once inside, you can explore at your own pace within operating hours.

What’s the best season to visit the Eiffel Tower?

October to March is the best season for fewer crowds, while June to August is the peak tourist season.