Paris Weather in August: What to Expect

The weather in Paris in August is typically lovely and tranquil, with warm or hot daytime temperatures, warm or slightly chilly nights, mostly sunny skies, and, on average, only a few days when rain occurs.

August is the month when many Parisians go away for vacation - perhaps to the South of France where the weather is even hotter along the Mediterranean, or to visit family in other parts of the country, or to travel abroad.

Although some small shops and bistros (including many with Michelin-starred chefs) will be closed for part or all of the month, don't worry if you're wondering if you should travel to Paris in August.  You'll find plenty of open places to eat, especially in areas popular with tourists, and many places to shop as well. 

Because August weather is usually delightful, many activities move outside this month:  film festivals, music festivals (including the hugely popular Rock en Seine), and of course outdoor dining along the river and at every restaurant terrace in the city.  You'll also find lots of fun Paris Plages (Paris beaches) activities along the river.

And the bonus?  Hotel rates and even flights are significantly cheaper this month compared with June and July, partly because American tourists tend to stay away (perhaps because of the mistaken belief that "everything" is closed during August and also because many American schools restart this month).  There are still plenty of tourists from other countries, though, so the city is far from deserted.

If you visit Paris during August, you'll most likely enjoy lovely weather mostly uninterrupted by rain.  But as you'll discover later in this article, surprisingly cold temperatures can also occur for as long as 2-3 days, so you should be prepared just in case.  We'll share tips about what to pack for August later!

Most years, this final month of summer is the perfect time for outdoor sightseeing - a bike tour of iconic neighborhoods, a food tasting tour in the Marais, or Versailles Palace and Garden tour combined with Musical Fountains or Musical Gardens.

In this article, you'll everything you want to know about August weather in Paris, packing tips, top things to do during your August visit, and even recommendations about where to stay this month.

Article contents:

• Paris weather temperature ranges for August - Plus What to Really Expect
• How much rain and snow to expect in Paris during August
• What to pack for your August visit to Paris
• Should you visit Paris during August?
• Activities for all types of August weather in Paris
• Where to stay in Paris during August

Top photo: Eiffel Tower and Paris rooftops during August - Photo: AdobeStock

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What Is Paris Weather in August Really Like?

Paris weather during August makes this the quintessential summer month with long, hot days and balmy evening temperatures.

Of course, there are exceptions because weather patterns differ each year.  However, if you spend a week or more in Paris during August, you'll get an addictive taste of what may feel like the perfect summer experience. 

Paris Temperatures in August:  Average Highs & Lows

Here's a quick look at what August weather in Paris looks like on Fahrenheit (F) and Celsius (C) degree scales for the average daily high and low temperatures during the past 10 years, which have increased by 1-2 degrees Fahrenheit during the past decade:

• Average August high temperatures:  75°F to 84°F (24°C to 29°C)
• Average August low temperature:  58°F to 64°F (15°C to 18°C)

Remember - these ranges represent averages for the month.  On any given day during the month, actual temperatures may have been higher or lower.  They are definitely not a weather forecast for the month of August in Paris. 

To better understand what actual temperatures might be during your August visit, always check the following section to see the ranges of high and low temperatures for August as well as the record highs and lows (in other words, the extremes).

Weather Extremes for August in Paris:  Ranges of Highest & Lowest Temperatures, Plus Record-Breakers

These temperature ranges for the highest and lowest daily temperatures in Paris in August will give you a better idea than the ranges of monthly average temperatures about what you might experience. 

You'll find these ranges especially useful for deciding what to pack.  To make sure you're covered, include at least one or two clothing items that will be comfortable if/when the thermometer hits these highs and lows.

Here's the range of daily highs and lows throughout a typical Paris August for the past 10 years:

• Range of highest daily temperatures during August:   58°F to 102°F (15°C to 39°C)
  
• Range of lowest daily temperatures during August:  45°F to 74° F (7°C to 23°C)

Finally, take a look at the extremes for high and low temperatures during the past 30 years: 

• Record August high temperature (1991-present):   104°F (40°C) in 2003
• Record August low temperature (1991-present):   43°F (6°C) in 2014

Find out how to stay cool during Paris heat waves

Do take note of the record low of 43°F (6°C).  You'll see more about that in the section below about rain - because that's what accompanied that low 2014 temperature - which we experienced in person.  

Even though the thermometer doesn't drop that low every August, you may want to pack a sweater or light jacket... just in case.

Sun and Clouds during August:  What to Expect

As you can see in the photos in this article, August in Paris offers a mix of brilliant blue, sunny skies, overcast conditions, and menacing-looking clouds that often appear right before a quick downpour.

Sadly, days begin to feel noticeably shorter toward the end of August as the long, lazy days of summer come to a close as September - always a buzzy, high-energy month as re-energized Parisians return from vacation - draws near.

Here's what you can expect during August:

• Average hours of daylight:  14 hours, 20 minutes

By the end of August, the sun sets at 8:35pm - over an hour earlier than at the beginning of the month.

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How Much Rain & Wind Does Paris Get in August?

On average, Paris records about 2.3 inches (about 59 cm) of precipitation over 7-18 days during August.  That's an average amount of precipitation but potentially a hefty number of days when rain falls. 

There's a perception that August is a dry month, but while perhaps that once might have been true, it's not any longer. 

Thunderstorms (usually at night) are not uncommon in August, but sudden downpours also happen during the day. 

Even though they may be over almost as soon as they start, you will definitely notice them, especially if you're doing something like a photo shoot.  And especially if you're wearing something fancy, like your wedding dress.

If you see dark clouds like those in the above photo suddenly appear, take shelter!  Don't wait to see what happens.

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What about the Weather at Popular Day Trip Locations?

Most of the time, August is pleasant, making this an ideal month for day trips outside of the city.  For popular locations near Paris such as Versailles Palace, Disneyland Paris, the Champagne region, Chartres, and Giverny, August weather will be almost identical to conditions in Paris.  

If you plan day trips to more distant spots such as Mont Saint Michel, the D-Day landing beaches in Normandy, or perhaps to the Loire Valley to visit castles, check their local weather before you go.  At this time of the year, the Loire Valley is usually fairly similar to Paris, while coastal areas may be slightly cooler and offer welcome breezes or even gusty wind.

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What to Pack for August Weather in Paris

As average temperature ranges show, Paris weather during August can vary from extremely hot to much colder (and wetter) than you might expect - so pack accordingly. 

The good thing about August heat in Paris is that humidity tends to be lower than in late spring/early summer months.  Even though you may feel hot, you probably won't feel too sweaty.

Although low temperatures are a rarity this month, you may be planning activities that will take you into cooler conditions.  For example, temperatures in wine cellars and Champagne caves must stay at around 45°F (7°C) and feel cold and bone-chilling even during the summer.  If a visit to the Catacombs is on your agenda, you'll encounter similar temperatures.  

Temperatures on Seine River cruises and even at the top of open-air tour buses feel about 10° cooler than on land because you're in motion.  If you're visiting coastal areas such as the Normandy D-Day landing beaches, coastal winds can make the air feel even chillier.

On the other hand, if you're planning walking or biking tours and other outdoor activities, you'll need to be prepared for intense sun and possibly very high temperatures.

In addition to your core wardrobe of tops, bottoms, comfortable walking shoes, and under garments, these are the essentials and options to consider for August:

• Sun screen and perhaps a sun hat.  You can also buy high-quality sun screen (look for La Roche Posay - my personal faves are their 50+ SPF Anthelios for my face and the 60 SPF Anthelios Clear Skin option for my body) and Vichy brands) in almost every Paris pharmacie (look for a green fluorescent cross outside the building).
• A light or medium sweater or even a light-weight jacket, depending on what activities you have planned.  If you arrive and discover you don't have what you need, finding one to buy can be tough or even impossible this month.  By August, shops have sold most of their seasonal merchandise during the summer sales.  By the second half of the month, choices will be slim to non-existent as stores won't start showing their fall collections until September.  August is a month when you should bring whatever clothing you might need with you.
• A mix of sleeveless and short-sleeved tops plus lightweight pants and/or skirts and possibly a sundress.  Considering the possibility of cooler weather (or even protection against the hot August sun), you might throw in a long-sleeved shirt, which you can also layer.
• Sandals - Should you bring a pair?  Paris sidewalks tend to have more dog poop than you may be used to dodging, and many Paris parks such as Tuileries Garden cover their paths with a mixture of finely ground lime, gravel, and sand which feels miserably sharp if it gets under the soles of your feet - so wear sandals at your own risk.  Birkenstocks with socks?  OK, not the most fashionable look, but decent protection on the grittier paths.  You will also see plenty of tourists wearing flip-flops, but they're not the best choice for navigating cobblestones. 
• Strongly consider bringing a small collapsible umbrella for rainy days - Although in fairness, August showers don't usually last long.  You can always buy one in Paris if you need it - most small convenience stores and souvenir shops sell them for around 10€. 

Pro Tip:  Right before you start packing for your trip, check the 7-day Paris weather forecast in case of any surprises.  Here's the forecast in both Fahrenheit and Celsius:

PARIS WEATHER
PARIS WEATHER

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Is Visiting Paris in August Worth It?

Yes.  August is a lovely month to visit Paris if you like heat, sun, and blue-sky days. 

The city feels quiet this month, as many Parisians depart for vacations elsewhere.  To be fair, there will be plenty of visitors from other European countries, especially around the best-known attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and Versailles, so you should definitely get skip-the-line tickets to avoid long waits.

Most important to know, you'll benefit from some significant bonuses by visiting Paris in August rather than earlier in the summer:

• Cheaper flights and lower hotel rates - not quite as low as during January, February, and early March, but usually significantly cheaper than June or July
• An exciting lineup of classical concerts (including daily performances at Sainte-Chapelle) as well as big internationally-famous artists headlining stadium concerts
• Numerous free outdoor concerts and movies in Paris parks (see our August Events article for details)
• All the activities and pop-up bars and cafes along the Seine River "beaches"
• The city's relaxed, laid-back vibe - truly, an August-only phenomenon
• And last but not least, the (usually) wonderful August weather

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Weather-Proof Things to Do in Paris in August

Recommended activities for sightseeing in and near Paris during hot (and occasionally rainy) August weather:

• Day Trip from Paris to Giverny & Versailles Palace - Enjoy the comfort of an air-conditioned coach as you visit these top two attractions near Paris; as an August bonus, many water lilies at Giverny will be in full bloom this month
• Hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour bus - Stay warm and dry while you ride on the covered upper deck or enclosed lower deck
• Seine River dinner cruise - Savor a gourmet meal in a cozy glass-enclosed boat while seeing famous sights along the river
• Street Art Walking Tour - You'll see some of Paris's most interesting neighborhoods along with some of the city's best street art
• Moulin Rouge - Enjoy an evening of entertainment and champagne in this famous Paris cabaret - or choose the gourmet dinner option
• Paris Museums - You won't care what the weather outside is like when you use a Paris Museum pass for free admission to the Louvre, Orsay, Versailles, and almost 60 other famous Paris museums and attractions
• Concerts in historical churches - Always cooler that outdoors

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More Fun Things to Do & See in Paris in August

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Where to Stay in Paris during August

As you know by now, August weather in Paris will usually be gorgeous. 

Even though you may want to stay in central Paris neighborhoods for the convenience of being close to top attractions, lots of restaurants, and metro stations, August is also the perfect time to explore Paris's epic large parks in the double-digit arrondissements:  Bois de Vincennes in the 11th, Bois de Boulogne (home to the Louis Vuitton Foundation) in the 16th, the beautiful sloping hills of Parc de Montsouris in the 14th.  

On warm summer evenings, stroll by the Seine River or take a river cruise.

With these criteria in mind, we recommend staying in these top locations during August:

• Latin Quarter Hotels - Paris's Latin Quarter offers a wonderful mix of outdoor markets, a former Roman Arena-turned-park, lots of smaller parks and gardens (plus Luxembourg Garden on its border, and easy access to a picturesque part of the Seine River.
• Saint Germain neighborhood - Choose the popular Saint Germain neighborhood on the Left Bank of the Seine River, and you'll be close to famous bistros such as Les Deux Magots and Cafe de Flore, fabulous shopping, the Orsay Museum, Luxembourg Garden, and evening concerts at the medieval Saint-Germain-des-Prés church
• Paris Hotels near the Louvre Museum and Tuileries Garden - These hotels in the heart of historic Paris close to the Louvre and gorgeous Palais Royal Garden, Jardin des Tuileries, as well as other top attractions, the Seine River, and too many wonderful restaurants and bistros to count!

Use this hotel booking map to find more hotels and apartments for your travel dates: 

Booking.com

Check out the newest Paris hotels

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Where to Get Paris Weather Predictions

Want current Paris weather predictions?  This is our favorite French source:  Meteoblue

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