Does the Eiffel Tower really change size with the seasons?

In Paris, the Eiffel Tower, completed in 1889, has a unique response to seasonal temperature variations. This iconic structure, constructed from more than 18,000 metallic parts made of puddled iron, experiences changes in height due to the physical properties of the material. When temperatures rise in the summer, the puddled iron expands, causing the tower to grow a few millimeters in height and lean slightly away from the sun’s rays. Conversely, in winter, the drop in temperature results in contraction. The changes in height, however, are minimal—measured in millimeters instead of the exaggerated claims often circulated online. Social media platforms have popularized the misleading notion that the Eiffel Tower expands by as much as 6 inches during the summer. Such claims stem from misinterpretations of the physical effects that heat creates, where the tower may appear to curve slightly, not truly increase in height. Importantly, the official Eiffel Tower website clarifies that its height adjustment is a natural reaction to temperature fluctuations and can cause a shift in alignment due to uneven heating across its four sides. Though adjustments such as these occur, it should be understood that they do not equate to significant growth but rather reflect the monument's adaptability to its environment, reinforcing its status as an engineering marvel and a testament to the effectiveness of materials used in its construction.