Paris in August: Weather, What to Wear, Things to Do, & Why It May Be a Great Time to Visit!

I want to myth bust this Paris in August misconception right now: it is NOT the worst time to come!

I said it. 

Okay, will there be crowds at popular tourist attractions? Yes. Will there be a lot of local restaurants and shops closed up for summer vacation? Probably.

BUT

If you want to enjoy a visit to Paris in the summer where you can escape the crowds and save some money, Paris in August is actually a really good time to visit!

Why? Because hotel prices tend to dip in August and local parks and areas clear out as residents go on vacation. And because many French people take their vacations in August and tend to spend that time on the beach or traveling internationally, there aren’t many French people also visiting Paris, so consequently, hotel prices dip. 

I still also stand by the fact that there really isn’t a bad time to come to Paris! August in Paris is full of fun events, long days, and amazing opportunities to enjoy the city!

So in this guide, I’m sharing everything you need to know about visiting Paris in August including weather, what to wear, things to do, events, and more!

Don’t have time to read this now? Save it for later here!

Paris in August Weather

I won’t lie, Paris this time of year can be hot. Heatwaves are getting more and more common during the summer months, and it’s a good idea to be prepared for it.

I will share August weather averages below, but know that outliers can and do happen. It ALWAYS is a good idea to check the weather forecast ahead of time (The Weather Channel works just fine). 

• Average high: 76-83ºF / 24-28ºC
• Average low: 59-65ºF / 15-18ºC
• Average number of days with precipitation: 6 days
• Hours of daylight: 15 hours, 5 minutes to 13 hours, 29 minutes

Yes, the days are sadly getting shorter fairly quickly. Sunrise is at 6:23 am and sunset is at 9:29 pm on August 1, and then sunrise is at 7:05 am and sunset is at 8:35 pm on August 31.

Thankfully, that is still a lot of daylight to enjoy while there this time of year! 

Overall, expect pretty warm days and slightly cooler mornings.

What to Wear in Paris in August

We’ve discussed the weather in Paris in August, so now let’s talk about what to wear! 

• Sneakers. Yes, these are essential for walking around all day. I love my Adidas Sambas, and they’ve served me well.
• Socks. You’ll need socks for your sneakers! You can wear short or longer socks, depending on your style. 
• Comfortable sandals. This isn’t what I’d bring, but some people also don’t love wearing sneakers this time of year. I will say that your feet may get kind of dirty, but wear what works for you. Men’s sandals. 
• Jeans/trousers: On a cooler or less hot day, jeans and trousers can be really nice! Men’s jeans/trousers here!
• Skirts. A cute midi skirt is so fun to wear!
• Shorts. Yes, Parisians wear shorts these days (thankfully!). They don’t wear booty shorts, but dressier shorts like these, long slouchy jean shorts, or just nicer jean shorts work well! Men’s shorts here.
• Short-sleeve tops/tanks. Some basics you can mix and match is always a good thing, especially if you’re trying to pack light! Men’s shirts here.
• Dresses/Jumpsuits. Who doesn’t love a great sundress or jumpsuit? It feels elevated without the extra effort. 
• Cotton overshirt. This is a great compromise between no jacket but not completely having that extra layer. A white casual cotton button up can be layered over so many things on a chilly evening!
• Light jacket. You may not even need one, but if you get cold easily or if it looks like there may be a chilly day, it’s good to have! Men’s jacket here. 
• Umbrella. Did you know Paris gets more rain than London? While rain in August isn’t as common as other months, it can and does happen. It’s best to be prepared. 

As always, check the weather forecast prior to going to get a better idea of the weather during your visit and what to pack!

August Events in Paris

• Assumption Day (August 15): This is the only public holiday in August, and it is a Roman Catholic holiday celebrating when Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken into Heaven. There is also typically a procession on August 14 along the Seine. 
• Paris Plages (early July-August): The exact dates vary by year, but in August, the Paris plages are in full swing! Meant to give locals and tourists a feel for the beach while in the city, you’ll see beaches along the Seine, Bassin de la Villette, and Canal Saint-Martin set up for sunbathing and fun! There are swimming pools too as well as the chance to swim in the Seine in spots!
• Cinema en Plein Air (July 22-August 16, 2026): This takes place each summer in Parc de la Villette where they have outdoor movies! Typically, there is a movie for children earlier in the evening and one for adults later on!
• Festival Paris l’Été (July 11-August 4, 2026): This is a gigantic music and arts festival happening throughout Paris with tons of great events! It wraps up in early August!
• Fête des Tuileries (June 20-August 23, 2026): From late June through August, the Jardin des Tuileries has its fun fair with rides and things to do for the family! It will be open for most of August so enjoy! 
• Rock en Seine (August 26-30, 2026): This is a huge rock festival at Domaine National de Saint-Cloud just outside of Paris.
• Jazz à la Villette (August 28-September 6, 2026): This is a jazz festival that takes place at the end of summer in different venues around La Villette!

There are so many fun festivals to enjoy during an August visit to Paris! 

Things to Do in Paris in August

Yes, the locals may be clearing out of the city, but that means you’ve got local parks to yourself! Here are fun things to do in Paris in August.

1. Picnic in the parks or Canal Saint-Martin.

While the locals are en vacances, you can enjoy the best seats and picnic spots all over Paris! Head to Canal Saint-Martin, along the Seine, or many of Paris’s iconic parks. Here are some great ones to check out:

• Parc des Buttes-Chaumont (my personal fave!)
• Jardin du Luxembourg
• Jardin des Tuileries
• Parc Monceau
• Place des Vosges
• Bois de Vincennes (I love Lac Daumesnil)
• Square des Batignolles

Head to a market or grocery store to get supplies and enjoy! 

2. Head to a local market.

I love a good market, and you can enjoy the best markets in Paris even in August! Just know that some individual vendors may be on vacation.

Enjoy local produce like tomatoes, zucchini, peaches, eggplants, and all the fresh summer goodies! 

Here are markets to check out:

• Raspail Market: Tuesday & Friday from 7 am-1:30 pm.
• Rue Mouffetard Market Street: Everyday except Monday from around 8 am-1 pm. However, weekends are the best time to go.
• Rue Cler Market Street: There are many shops and things that have varying opening times. Many are closed on Monday all day and Sunday afternoons. But it is typically open all day until around 8 pm Tuesday-Saturday.
• Place Monge Market: Wednesday & Friday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Maubert Market: Tuesday & Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm. Saturday from 7 am-3 pm.
• Marche d’Aligre: Tuesday-Friday from 7:30 am-1:30 pm and Saturday-Sunday from 7:30 am-2:30 pm. The covered market is open from Tuesday-Friday from 9 am-1 pm and 4-7:30 pm, Saturday is from 9 am-1 pm and 3:30-7:30 pm, and Sunday is from 9 am-1:30 pm.
• Bastille Market: Thursday from 7 am-2:30 pm and Sunday from 7 am-3 pm.

3. Head to a rooftop bar.

Like in all my summertime in Paris guides, a rooftop bar is always a good idea! 

Here are great ones to check out! Just know that most of these are at hotels, so they will likely be open all month, but, always check if they’re open before going in August (especially the first half of August).

• Maggie Rooftop Paris
• Perruche
• ROOF Paris
• Le Perchoir
• The Rooftop at Hôtel Dame des Arts

4. Head to a waterpark.

Need to beat the heat? Check out Aquaboulevard! It’s great for kids and kids at heart with waterslides, swimming, and fun!

5. Hang out at the beaches.

The Paris Plages are set up for July and August for those not leaving the city. So go and enjoy it!

Play games, have a drink, lay out, etc., but you can also go for a swim! Bassin de la Villette has swimming pools, and Canal Saint-Martin at 116 Quai de Jemmapes has a swimming area. 

For the Seine, you can head here for a dip:

• 4th arrondissement at Louis-Phillippe
• 12th arrondissement in Bercy
• 15th arrondissement at Bras de Grenelle near the Statue of Liberty

While many were skeptical during the Olympics, it turns out that the 2025 season was a success for Seine swimming, so why not check it out?

6. Head to local areas for a peaceful side of Paris.

Yes, you can visit local parks and areas where many locals would normally hang out. I’m not saying it’ll be completely empty, but it’ll be a lot less crowded than when everyone is in town.

So if you want to escape the touristy parts of Paris and the crowds that come with that, head to more local areas to enjoy!

7. Enjoy less crowded museums.

While the Louvre, Musee d’Orsay, and Eiffel Tower will likely be crowded with international tourists, there are smaller museums to enjoy with few crowds too like:

• Musée Rodin
• Musée Marmottan Monet (this has the largest collection of Monet paintings in the world!)
• Musée de la Vie Romantique
• Musée National Eugene Delacroix
• Musée Jacquemart-Andre
• CLUNY Museum (Museum of the Middle Ages)
• Carnavalet Museum (Paris history museum)

Check out more smaller museums in Paris here!

8. Wander Paris.

Yes, with fewer cars, fewer people on the metro, and just fewer people in Paris overall in August, you can bike, walk, and relax in a more peaceful Paris. 

9. Day trips from Paris in August.

If you’re in Paris for several days, why not take a day trip? It can be really nice to get out of the city and explore! Here are some places to check out:

• Reims. You can do this on your own or on a guided day trip from Paris. Either way, spend a day sipping Champagne and staying cool in the cellars of Reims!
• Deauville. Head to the “21st arrondissement of Paris” as this place is lovingly called. It is a beach town in Normandy reachable by train. Take the train in the morning, have a beach day, walk along the Promenade des Planches, and go for a swim before coming back in the evening.
• Giverny. I mean Monet’s home and gardens are always worth visiting when it’s open for the season. Head here on your own or via a guided half-day trip to see the famed lily pond and enjoy this lovely place.
• Versailles. Enjoy a day out in Versailles whether that is on a half-day tour of the palace with potential free time in the gardens, on your own, or on a full-day bike tour including exploring Trianon.
• Colmar. Yes, Colmar is super popular in the winter, but it is gorgeous year-round! Spend a day in the Alsace wandering this charming village, going wine tasting, or even visiting the Bartholdi Museum to learn more about the man who was the sculptor behind the Statue of Liberty.
• Provins. Head to this Medieval town to enjoy a day away from the city! 

Where to Stay in Paris in August

With the increasing heat waves each year, having a hotel with air conditioning is VITAL in the summertime.

Here are some hotels to check out with AC in Paris:

Hotel Joyce-Astotel: I stayed here recently, and I love this hotel. It’s budget-friendly, has decent sized rooms for Paris, and it’s a stunning hotel overall. I enjoyed my stay here, and yes, the AC here is nice!

Book it here!

Hotel Artemesia Montmartre: Last year, a bunch of us friends were staying in an Airbnb where the AC broke before we got there and it was never fixed. It was in the middle of a heat wave. Eventually, one friend jumped ship and came here. She enjoyed her stay a lot, and the AC was great!

Book it here!

Hotel Odeon Saint-Germain: My husband and I stayed here during the Olympics when it was hot, and thankfully, this was great! I wouldn’t say the AC was US-level strength, but it kept us cool enough, and we enjoyed our stay here! I’ve actually stayed here another time with friends, and it’s a great place!

Book it here!

Is Paris in August Worth It?

Paris in August can be tricky when it comes to finding available local restaurants that aren’t taking some time off. 

That being said, they typically aren’t all gone the whole month of August, and they don’t all close up for the same length of time or at the exact same time. So, yes, you’ll likely need to do some research on what is open before going and book that ahead of time if possible.

Other than that, if you can handle some heat, you will likely really enjoy Paris in August!

It’s cheaper than visiting at peak tourist season in June and July, and local parks and areas clear out, leaving a calm Paris overall. Yes, there will be crowds in the touristy parts, but once you escape the most popular attractions, you’re met with fewer crowds and a pretty calm Paris.

Even the metro is less crowded in August! 

Frequently Asked Questions

Before you hop on that plane to Paris in August, here are some helpful answers to your questions!

1. Is August a good time to visit Paris?

I stand firm on that there really isn’t a bad time to visit Paris! Yes, a lot of locals clear out for their summer vacation, and several local shops and restaurants close up for vacation too. However, they aren’t closed all month long typically, and they don’t all close at the same time and same length of time.

The first half of August is when a lot more closes, but with some research ahead of time, you’ll be fine!

But local areas clear out, making Paris quite peaceful this time of year.

2. How hot is Paris in August?

It’s truly difficult to say. I include information on average temperatures above, but expect hot days. 

Heat waves can and do happen, and they seem to get worse each year. So be prepared for hot days, and thankfully, it cools down a bit at night. 

3. How are the crowds in August in Paris?

This depends on where you go! If you’re going to the hot spots like the Louvre, Eiffel Tower, Musée d’Orsay, etc., you’ll have crowds.

But if you go to smaller museums, local parks, the metro etc., you’ll find it pretty peaceful as many locals are on vacation and have left Paris.

4. What should I pack for Paris in August?

I have a packing list above with great information on what to wear/pack, but lightweight fabrics are great! 

Here are other things you may want to consider packing:

• Sunscreen. Now you can also purchase sunscreen at the pharmacy there! France makes amazing sunscreen! But even in a city, you can get burnt. Paris in August can also be quite hot and sunny, so definitely lather than sunscreen!
• Portable fan. This is so helpful when you’re in a stuffy museum or you just need a nice breeze to combat heat.
• Water bottle. I’ll be honest, I usually buy a big water at a shop at the airport and use that bottle for most of my trip to France, but you can also pack a reusable water bottle and fill up. Thankfully, Paris has a lot of water fountains (pictured below) around the city, and the parks have water spigots to fill up!

5. Is Paris in August expensive?

It isn’t the cheapest month in Paris, but it also isn’t the most expensive. Prices tend to peak around June-mid-July and then decrease come August for hotels. So prices will dip a little this time of year, making it a better time to visit for budget-travelers who want to experience Paris in the summer.

6. Do locals stay in Paris in August?

Did you know about 50% of Parisians leave Paris in August? So yes, there are definitely some that stay behind, take vacations another time, etc. But a lot of people do leave Paris in August for their big summer vacation.

7. Do restaurants and shops close in Paris in August?

This really depends. In tourist areas, not really. And in a large city like Paris, you’ll be able to find shops and restaurants open.

However, smaller-run shops and restaurants will likely close up in August for a certain period of time for their vacation. Shops and restaurants in local areas may close up too. It is always a good idea to check ahead of time to see if a place you want to shop or eat at will be open. 

8. Do hotels in Paris have air conditioning?

While a lot of hotels in Paris have air conditioning, never assume one does without checking.

Before you book, always check whether they have air conditioning! With frequent heat waves, it’s a good idea to stay in a hotel with AC. 

There you have it! This is your guide to visiting Paris in August! From fewer crowds to long days, August can be a great time to go! 

Would you visit in August?