Paris in August: What It’s Really Like (and How to Survive the Heat)

Updated 2026 — I’ve spent several Augusts in Paris since moving here in 2018, and yes, I still complain about the heat every single year.

The Essentials

• 🌡️ Average temps: 22-26°C (72-79°F) — but watch for canicules (heatwaves) pushing past 35°C and sometimes 40ºC…
• ❄️ Air conditioning: Rare. Most apartments, restaurants, and the metro don’t have it — plan around this
• 🏙️ Crowds: Fewer Parisians, more tourists — the city empties out and fills up at the same time
• 🍽️ Restaurants: Many independent bistros close for 2-3 weeks in August — always check before you go
• 🎫 Book ahead: Eiffel Tower, Louvre, and Catacombs sell out days in advance in peak season
• 🩳 Pack: Light, breathable fabrics, a reusable water bottle, and a portable fan (seriously)

Related: Find more ways to enjoy Paris in July

What August in Paris Is Actually Like

August is a strange month here. Half the city leaves — Parisians famously abandon town for their own August holidays — while tourists pour in to fill the gap. You’ll notice it: some of my favorite neighborhood restaurants shut their doors for weeks, but the big attractions are as busy as ever, if not busier.

If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting in August, my honest answer is: yes, but go in with the right expectations. It’s not the romantic, quiet Paris of postcards — it’s hot, it’s touristy, and you need a plan for the heat. Here’s what I’ve learned after several Augusts here.

Weather in Paris in August

Average highs sit between 22°C and 26°C (72-79°F), which sounds pleasant enough on paper. Some years it genuinely is — warm, sunny, perfect for long walks along the Seine.

But here’s what the average temperature doesn’t tell you: the canicule.

Almost every summer now, Paris gets hit with at least one heatwave where temperatures climb well past the “average” — sometimes into the high 30s. I’ve lived through several, and I’ll be honest with you: I hate them. This isn’t a minor inconvenience. So far this year, we’ve had one in May, another in June, and another in July.

The real problem is that Paris is simply not built for heat. Outside of a handful of modern hotels, air conditioning is the exception, not the rule. Most apartments don’t have it. Most restaurants don’t have it. And the metro — especially lines 1 and 4 — turns into an actual furnace.

If you’re renting an apartment or a smaller hotel, do not assume there’s AC. Check for climatisation explicitly in the listing before you book, because plenty of places will just… not mention it.

My honest advice if your dates land during a heatwave:

• Book accommodation with confirmed air conditioning — this year, treat it as non-negotiable, not a nice-to-have
• Plan your indoor, air-conditioned activities (museums, big department stores like Galeries Lafayette) for the hottest stretch of the day, roughly 2pm-6pm
• Carry a water bottle and refill it constantly — there are public fountains all over the city
• Don’t try to pack in a “see everything” itinerary. You will regret it by day two, I promise
• Check Météo France a few days before you travel so a canicule doesn’t catch you off guard

August can also bring the occasional shower, so keep a light raincoat in your bag just in case.

What to Wear in Paris in August

Given the heat situation above, packing right actually matters this month. Think light, breathable fabrics over anything else.

For men: linen shirts, chinos, breathable fabrics, and comfortable shoes for the cobblestones — you’ll be doing more walking than you expect.

For women: light dresses, skirts or cropped trousers with breathable tops. Bring one light layer for cooler evenings or over-air-conditioned restaurants (yes, that happens too). Comfortable sneakers or loafers over anything that isn’t made for walking.

Extra tip: plan your outfits in advance so you pack exactly what you need — one less excuse to buy things you don’t need once you’re here. Download my printable outfit planner — pay what you want.

For a deeper dive on men’s fashion specifically, check this guide.

Events in Paris in August

August 25th — Liberation of Paris. This date marks the city’s liberation in 1944, and it’s genuinely worth catching one of the parades or commemorations if your visit lines up. Take a historical walking tour if you want the full context.

Paris Beer Festival (mid-August). A solid stop if you’re into craft beer — good variety, relaxed atmosphere. Book a beer tasting tour if you want it guided.

Paris Plages. Honestly one of my favorite August things here — a temporary “beach” set up along the Seine, complete with sand, deck chairs, and activities. It’s free, it’s a great way to cool off in the evening, and it captures the slightly absurd, fun side of Paris in summer.

Best Things to Do in Paris in August

I’m not going to list every monument in Paris here — you can find that anywhere. These are the things that make sense specifically in August, given the heat and the crowds.

Cruise the Seine, but do it in the evening. In August heat, a daytime cruise can be brutal. Go for a sunset or evening cruise instead — cooler air, better light for photos, and the city lights up as the sun goes down.

The Louvre is your best friend on a canicule day. It’s air-conditioned, it’s huge, and you can easily lose 3-4 hours in there escaping the heat. Skip-the-line tickets are worth it in peak season, trust me on this one. More detail in my full Louvre guide.

The Olympic cauldron is back in the Tuileries Garden. One more thing worth knowing if you’re here in July or August: the actual cauldron-balloon from the Paris 2024 Games returns to the Tuileries every summer, rising into the sky above the garden each evening at nightfall — genuinely one of my favorite free things to see in the city right now.

Right next to it there’s a proper fête foraine (funfair) set up for the season, with rides and games for all ages — worth a stop even if you’re just passing through on your way to the Louvre. But my favorite time to visit Tuileries is sunset!

The Catacombs stay cool year-round — it’s one of the few places in Paris where the August heat genuinely doesn’t reach you, since you’re underground. Read my full guide to visiting the Catacombs before you go, and book a guided tour if you don’t want to queue.

Go up the Eiffel Tower early or late, never midday in August. The queues and the heat combined are rough around midday. Early morning or evening (when it’s lit up) are both far better. Full details in my Eiffel Tower guide.

Sainte-Chapelle, if you can handle a wait. No AC here either, and it can get stuffy with a full room, but the stained glass in August sunlight is worth it. Get tickets here to save time.

A day trip to Versailles works well in August precisely because the gardens give you space to spread out — less claustrophobic than the packed halls of central Paris attractions. Go early to beat both the heat and the crowds. Book your day trip here, or read my full Versailles guide.

Paris Plages, obviously. Already mentioned it above, but it deserves its spot on this list too — it’s free, it’s very August-Paris, and it’s a good way to spend a hot evening without spending money.

Montmartre in the early morning. Skip the midday crowds at Sacré-Cœur and go up early instead — you’ll get better light, fewer people, and it’s simply more pleasant before the heat sets in. More in my Montmartre guide.

What to Eat in Paris in August

This is the one thing that really trips people up: a lot of independently-owned restaurants close for two to three weeks in August, often without much notice on Google. It’s a real Parisian tradition — owners take their own vacation. Always check a restaurant’s website or call ahead before you make plans around it, especially for smaller, non-chain places.

That said, plenty of great spots stay open, especially in touristy areas. A few I’d point you to:

• Breizh Café for crêpes — Breton recipes, buckwheat flour, does not disappoint
• L’As du Fallafel in Le Marais — expect a line, it’s worth it
• Le Comptoir du Relais for a proper classic bistro experience
• La Pâtisserie des Rêves if you want a beautiful pastry stop

Getting Around Paris in August

The metro is efficient, but be ready for it to be genuinely hot and airless in peak summer — lines 1 and 4 especially. A single ticket runs around €2.10, or grab a carnet of 10 for about €16.90. Full breakdown in my guide to getting around Paris.

If you’d rather stay above ground and catch a breeze, a Vélib bike is a good August option — first 30 minutes free, day pass around €5.

Where to Stay in Paris in August

Given everything above, I’ll say it again: check for air conditioning before you book, don’t assume it. This matters more in August than any other month.

A few solid options across different budgets:

• Hotel Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel — Eiffel Tower views, confirmed AC
• Hotel Balzac Champs-Élysées — classic Parisian charm, intimate
• Le Meurice — if you want to go all out, near the Louvre

My Best Tips for Visiting Paris in August

1. Get a Paris Museum Pass if you’re planning to hit several sights — skip-the-line access is worth its weight in gold during peak season. Get one here.
2. Book flights early — August is peak season, prices climb fast the closer you get.
3. Confirm AC before booking accommodation. I know I keep repeating this, but it’s the single biggest regret I hear about from people who visit in August.
4. Stick to public transport. The metro (heat aside) is still faster and easier than driving or a taxi in August traffic.
5. Get travel insurance. Standard advice, but worth having, especially with unpredictable summer weather.
6. Pack a portable fan. It sounds silly until you’re stuck on a delayed line 1 train in a canicule.
7. Carry a reusable water bottle. Public fountains are everywhere — use them.

FAQ: Paris in August

Is Paris very crowded in August? Yes, especially around the major landmarks — but the neighborhoods where Parisians actually live can feel emptier than usual, since so many locals leave for their own holidays. Book major sights in advance and you’ll manage the crowds fine.

What’s a canicule and should I worry about one? A canicule is an official heatwave — sustained days of extreme heat, sometimes past 35-38°C. They’re increasingly common in August. You don’t need to cancel your trip over one, but you do need to plan for it: AC accommodation, indoor activities during peak afternoon heat, and constant hydration.

Is there air conditioning in Paris? Less than you’d expect for a major capital. Outside of newer hotels and some shops, most apartments, restaurants, and the metro don’t have it. Always confirm AC explicitly when booking accommodation for August.

Are Paris restaurants closed in August? Many independent, non-touristy restaurants close for a few weeks — it’s a real local tradition. Restaurants in heavily touristic areas generally stay open, but always check ahead for smaller spots you’re set on.

Is the Eiffel Tower open in August? Yes, and it’s busy. Book tickets in advance and go early morning or evening to avoid both the crowds and the worst of the heat.

Plan Your Trip to Paris

• How Many Days Do You Need to Visit Paris
• 3-Day Itinerary in Paris: a Complete Guide
• How to Get from Beauvais Airport to Paris
• How to Get from Orly Airport to Paris?
• Museums in the 16th Arrondissement of Paris
• Paris Hidden Gems You Have to Visit
• The 11 Best Shopping Streets in Paris
• 5 Ways to Go from CDG Airport to Paris City
• Paris Travel Tips for Your First Time in the City
• Best Places to Stay Overlooking the Eiffel Tower of Paris

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