Paris in August: Everything You Need to Know Before You Go (2025)

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Thinking about visiting Paris in August? Here’s everything you need to know!

If you’re considering a trip to Paris in August, you may or may not know that this is an infamous month in French culture. August is when Parisians – and many other French people – head off for their annual vacation. Yes, they leave for the whole month and, yes, that means lots of things are closed as a result. 

So, is August a good time to visit? It really depends on who you are and what you’re hoping to do and see. This summer month in Paris tends to be hot, fairly humid, and crowded with tourists. Expect long lines to enter the Louvre Museum and other crowded attractions, but it’s not all bad – the warm weather is also perfect for lounging by the River Seine or late night walks through the city streets. 

I’ve been in Paris in August both as a tourist and a local. Given how unique this month is in Parisian culture, I wanted to share my honest take about whether you should visit Paris at the tail end of summer. 

Paris in August: Is It a Good Time to Visit?

If you were to ask a Parisian if you should visit Paris in August, they’d probably tell you, flatly, “No.” The weather can be hot, air conditioning is hard to come by, and you might not even be able to find a place that will put ice in your drinks. But, most of all, it’s when the locals leave the city for their annual holidays, so many of the businesses are shuttered for the month. 

So, to be honest, there are better times to visit Paris than August. However, I don’t consider the closures and the weather to be prohibitive. 

What I would recommend is that you really ask yourself: can I tolerate potentially hot weather with little reprieve? Will sweating day and night mean that I simply cannot enjoy myself? Will I experience rage when I receive a glass of lukewarm water on a hot day, when I’d really, really like an icey one? Are there restaurants that I really want to try that might close for August?

If you’re not sure of your answers, or if that sounds miserable to you, you really might consider booking a trip to Paris in the shoulder season. And that’s OK! On the other hand, you can still have a great time in Paris in August, but plan accordingly. Choose an accommodation with air conditioning, or at least one that is on a lower floor without direct sun. 

Does EVERYTHING Close in Paris in August?

I’ll never forget the first time I visited Paris in August. I was staying in an apartment in the 7th arrondissement and, while trying to use a fan to stay cool, tripped an electric breaker. Honestly, I had no idea how I was going to fix it, so I started by setting off to find an electrician that had an office nearby. 

I found what I believed to be the electrician’s office and a kind man showed me inside and listened to my problem before breaking the news to me: all of the electricians were on holiday until September. This seemed hard to believe (and, indeed, I’m sure there are a few who work through August), but I learned my lesson: expect closures and delays in August. 

This is actually true outside of France, too – many parts of Europe close down for an August holiday. When I was in Granada, Spain recently, several of the restaurants I wanted to try were closed. It can be frustrating, but I don’t consider it prohibitive. If you choose to visit in August, just know that you might need to keep your plans a little more flexible than usual. 

Paris Weather in August

I’ve said it before in this post and I’ll say it again here: it could feel very, very warm in Paris in August. The temperatures could reach into the high 90s°F (mid 30s°C), especially at the beginning of the month. The average high temperature in August is 79°F (26°C), while the average low is 61°F (16° C).

One of the most important things to remember about Parisian summers is that there’s little reprieve, especially if you don’t choose a hotel with air conditioning. Iced drinks are typically served with only an ice cube or two, restaurants tend not to have air conditioning in the dining rooms, and many shops are similarly lacking climate control. 

Still, there are some distinct benefits. First, the days are gloriously long, with the official sunset around 9pm and twilight that continues at least an hour afterwards. If you can duck out of the sun during the hot summer midday, you’ll be rewarded with very pleasant mornings and evenings that are bursting with sunshine. 

Is it Hot in Paris in August?

It depends on the year, but the weather can get pretty warm in Paris in August. You can expect highs to be mostly in the 80s°F (mid 20s°C), with evenings that dip down into the low 60s°F (around 15-17 °C). Be prepared for the warm weather by dressing in lightweight clothes, drinking plenty of water, and staying out of direct sunlight during the heat of the day, if possible. 

While the heat in August is not likely to be dangerous – like you might see in the southern US, for example – it can be very uncomfortable. 

What to Pack for the Paris in August

When packing for August in Paris, lightweight is the name of the game. You could end up with a rainy visit or mild temperatures, but more likely you’ll be facing strong sunshine, some humidity, and very little reprieve from the heat. So, it’s best to pack clothes that are breezy and won’t weigh you down or feel overly constrictive. 

So, here’s a non-exhaustive list of the things you’ll be grateful to have in Paris in the summer. Feel free to modify it to fit your preferences and style!

Comfortable Walking Shoes

You’ll probably find yourself walking a lot in Paris, so you’ll be grateful for some shoes that are comfortable. I prefer not to wear sandals in Paris because the city is grimey at times, so I opt for sneakers in the summer. This is personal preference, though! 

It’s ideal – but not essential – that these shoes are also somewhat waterproof or water resistant. Although August isn’t known for being a rainy month, showers are still possible and you won’t want to deal with shoes that are soaked though if you’re caught in a downpour. 

Lightweight, Breathable Fabrics

As I mentioned above, you’ll probably find yourself sweating a lot when you visit Paris in the summer. One of the best ways to stay cool is to wear lightweight, breathable fabrics like sundresses or flowy tops. They’ll provide sun protection without sticking to you like thicker fabrics might. 

Sunglasses

Not only are sunglasses a fabulous fashion accessory, they’ll save your eyes from the many hours of harsh sunlight during the day in Paris. Definitely pack a pair and considering throwing  a sun hat in your bag, too, for good measure. 

Rain Gear

Truthfully, if you have an umbrella and some water resistant shoes, you should be OK for Paris in August. I suggest that you pack the water resistant (or waterproof) shoes and plan to buy an umbrella when you arrive. It may be hot and dry for your entire trip, or you could experience a torrential downpour – it all depends on your luck. 

Do I need a raincoat? During the cooler months, like October through March, I would tell you to absolutely bring a raincoat because the cold rain can quickly soak through your clothes and leave you feeling miserable. But, for August, I’d skip it unless it can double as your windbreaker for cooler evenings or it’s very lightweight. 

Light Sweater or Overshirt 

It’s likely to be warm when you visit in August, but it’s still a good idea to pack a light sweater or overshirt that you can throw on if the temperatures drop. You’ll be especially glad to have them if you go up the Eiffel Tower, climb Sacre-Coeur, or otherwise get up high, where you’ll start to feel the cooling effect of the wind. 

Things To Do in Paris in August

Despite the widespread closures you’ll see, there’s still plenty to do and see in Paris in August. Here are a few of my favorite activities, perfectly suited for enjoying the final weeks of summer in the City of Light. 

Relax by the River Seine 

When I picture the summers in Paris, my mind immediately drifts to the afternoons and evenings I’ve spent sitting along the Seine and drinking wine or just watching the boats go by. If you’ve ever taken a Seine River Cruise, you’ll know what I mean – the banks of the river are lined with people relaxing and picnicking. 

My favorite spot to sit by the Seine is near the Square du Vert-Galant by Pont Neuf or near Maison Maison, a small bar along the river on the lower footpath. I prefer not to sit by the river after dark when I’m alone because it starts to feel a little sketchy after sunset. 

Have a Picnic

Whether or not you spend some time by the Seine, you should take at least a couple of hours to have a picnic somewhere in the city. Along the River Seine is a great choice, but you could alternatively choose a city park like the Jardin des Tuileries, the Champ de Mars, or the Jardin du Luxembourg for your picnic.

You can pick up picnic supplies at a local grocery store, then pair it with a baguette tradition (baguette) from a boulangerie (bakery). 

See the City’s Iconic Landmarks

Spend some time exploring Paris and checking out some of the landmarks for which it is so famous. Remember: there’s no one “historic” district in Paris with all of the landmarks; they’re pretty spread out! Accordingly, there’s almost no way you could see them all in one day. Break the city into smaller areas and explore accordingly.

In particular, you won’t want to miss the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame, the Arc de Triomphe, Concorde, the Louvre Museum, and Sacre-Coeur. 

Visit a Gallery or Museum

Paris is famous for its many galleries and museums, so you’ll definitely want to visit at least one while you’re in the city. From the Quai Branly Museum to the Rodin Museum, Parisian museums will sweep you off of your feet. 

The Louvre Museum is an especially great one to visit in August because much of the building is climate controlled. Not all of the floors are cooled equally, but if you explore this huge museum long enough, you can find wings that are a delightfully pleasant temperature – great for you and the artwork!

Have a Gelato or Other Cold Treat

Italy is certainly more famous for its gelato, but you can find some fabulous gelatos and ice creams in Paris. My favorite spot for a gelato is Amorino, a chain of gelato shops that serve expensive (but very tasty, according to me!) gelato scoops throughout the city. When the weather is hot, I prefer the fruity sorbet flavors like lemon, raspberry, and/or mango. 

Another popular ice cream/gelato spot in Paris is Glace Bachir, a Lebanese ice cream shop that’s famous for its pistachio flavors and toppings. I also quite like La Paleteria, a Brazilian popsicle shop that sells intensely flavorful paleterias (popsicles). 

Finally, for something popular and a little unexpected, you can head to Folderol – a wine bar that also serves ice cream and has a large sign outside that says, “NO TIKTOK.” 🤷‍♀️ 

Enjoy Parisian Nightlife 

There are tons of great things to do in Paris after dark, from macabre speakeasies to watching the sunset from a public park. Because the temperatures will be more reasonable at night, make the most of it by trying all of the fun activities Paris has to offer.

I recommend that you at least pop your head outside after dark near the Eiffel Tower to see it sparkle for a few minutes at the top of the hour.

Where to Stay in Paris in August

If there’s one thing from this post that sticks with you, I hope it’s this: air conditioning is not a given in Paris. I’ve heard this is because the associated boxes outside of the buildings are too unsightly for Paris, where locals prefer to mostly flee during the warmest months. 

Seriously consider the heat when choosing your accommodation in Paris, because it will have a big impact on your comfort during your visit. Not being able to cool off at night or get a solid night of rest because you were sweaty and uncomfortable is no fun on a vacation.

If you decide to stay somewhere without air conditioning, at least confirm that it has a fan and be careful to close the shades during the heat of the day to keep out some of the heat. 

📍 Budget Pick: The People Bercy is a hostel that’s slightly far from the very central areas of Paris. In exchange for a little more time on the Metro, you get air conditioning, a rooftop terrace, and a generally decent level of cleanliness (remember, it’s still a hostel!). 

📍 Mid Range Pick: The Hotel Joyce-Astotel is an adorable boutique hotel in Pigalle, just steps from a host of great restaurants and bars in a neighborhood known for its nightlife. The rooms are small but have everything you need. This hotel also supplies little perks like free snacks, a great breakfast buffet every morning, and all of its rooms have air conditioning.

📍 Luxury Pick: The Hôtel des Arts Montmartre is an exceptional hotel in the trendy neighborhood of Montmartre in Paris. As the name implies, it’s also full of art – with tasteful decor throughout the lobby and into each room. Guests have reported that the Hôtel des Arts feels like an oasis in the center of Paris. Rooms are air conditioned and soundproofed, and breakfast is available each morning for guests. 

Note: I wrote a whole post about budget-friendly hotels in Paris, check it out if you want more suggestions in the “budget” and (low) “mid range” categories. 

FAQs: Paris in August

Planning a summery trip to Paris in August and still have questions? Here are the answers to some top queries from other travelers. 

Is August a good time to visit Paris?

August is generally not considered the best time to visit Paris, mostly because locals tend to leave the city for their annual vacations for the month. Still, that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a great time in August – just be prepared for some restaurants and local attractions to be closed. Most of all, prepare for hot weather with little indoor air conditioning, which can be challenging for some visitors!

What is the best time to go to Paris?

Paris is a year-round city, but if I were to choose the very best time to go, I would have to say April or May. The springtime is buzzing with anticipation of the summer months – but, critically, without the hot temps. The fall is also lovely, with warm days in September and early October. The summer, however beautiful, is hot and crowded, so it can be overwhelming at times.

How is Paris in summer?

The summer in Paris is warm and idyllic, with lots of opportunities to get outside and enjoy the sunshine. The city is full of public parks, places where you can sit along the water to relax, and museums with air conditioning for when you want to escape the heat. Although there are plenty of things to love about the Parisian summer, it’s also a very popular time to visit, resulting in large crowds. 

Conclusion: Paris in August

August is a controversial time to visit Paris, but it’s ultimately up to you if you decide to travel to the city in the late summer. Personally, I’d put it this way: August wouldn’t be my first choice for a time to visit, but I would still go if I didn’t have other options. Assuming all dates are mostly available, I’d personally opt for the shoulder season (April, May, September, and maybe early October). 

If you do decide to visit Paris in August, it’s important that you’re prepared for high prices, large crowds, and hot weather. You can plan accordingly by packing comfortable clothes for the heat, choosing a hotel with climate control, and staying out of the direct sun during the heat of the day when possible.