August in Paris brings long, sun-drenched days and a surprisingly calm rhythm as locals flee for holidays. It’s a month of open-air movies, riverbank picnics, and late sunsets. Key tip: August 15 (Assumption) is a public holiday—many shops and restaurants close, so book meals early and double-check opening hours.
Avg highs 25°C / 77°F; warm with occasional storms.
14.5 hours; sunrise ~6:30 am, sunset ~9:15 pm.
Paris Plages, Open-air Cinema Festival, Assumption Day (Aug 15).
Mixed; touristy but fewer locals, quieter nights.
Breathable clothes, light rain jacket, refillable water bottle.
Fresh goat cheese salads, chilled rosé, ripe melons, and tarte aux abricots.
The Seine transforms into a summer resort with sandy banks, deck chairs, and misting stations. Paris Plages runs through August with family zones, beach volleyball, and music. Grab a spot near Pont Neuf by 11 am to avoid the midday heat.
The Open-air Cinema Festival at Parc de la Villette shows French and global films nightly. Bring a blanket, wine, and snacks. Gates open around 7:30 pm; screenings start at sundown (~9:30 pm).
Evening cruises offer golden-hour views of Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. Opt for an apéro or dinner cruise for full effect. Book ahead—slots between 7:30–9 pm fill fast in August.
Recommended experiences -
Escape the heat inside the Musée de l'Orangerie, where Monet’s giant Nymphéas panels feel like stepping into his Giverny garden. Early mornings (doors open 9 am) are least crowded.
Recommended experiences:
Set up an evening picnic at the foot of the Eiffel Tower. As the tower sparkles on the hour after dusk, it’s the perfect Paris moment. BYO baguette, cheese, and rosé.
Recommended experiences:
This avant-garde art space stays chill (in temp and style) during August. Contemporary exhibits mix with installations and edgy design. Go late afternoon, then grab drinks at its Seine-view terrace.
Join a guided tasting tour of this lively district—falafel, cheese, pastries, and more. Many shops stay open in August unlike elsewhere. Midday slots offer shaded routes and lighter crowds.
Let kids splash feet-first in the fountains or take a pony ride. The nearby carnival offers rides and snacks through August. Come by late morning to avoid sugar-fueled crowds.
Abandoned rail meets wild urban strollWander this overgrown former railway loop for a leafy, semi-secret walk away from tourist zones. Some stretches like near Parc Georges Brassens are open to the public.
Evening sets with live swingCatch pop-up jazz nights tucked into Paris’s quieter courtyards and back-alley bars. Check listings at bars like 38Riv for weekly lineups.
📍 Where: 38 rue de Rivoli, 4th arrondissement
Gallery shows under glass arcadesEscape the heat in 19th-century covered passages like Galerie Vivienne, where pop-up art shows and cool boutiques rotate through the month.
📍 Where: Galerie Vivienne, 2nd arrondissement
Open-air urban swimmingDesignated zones offer clean river-swimming areas with lifeguards and floating decks. Locals pack this spot on hot afternoons.
Street art and summer terrace lifeThis hilltop quartier brims with murals, quirky bars, and outdoor cafés—still open in August. Best explored around apéro hour.
🚇 Travel time: ~45 min by train from Gare de Lyon
Explore the ornate château and its cooling forest trails. Start early to beat both heat and crowds.
🚇 Travel time: ~45 min by train + 15-min shuttle
Monet's gardens bloom in August, with lily ponds and flower beds still vivid. Go mid-morning for best light.
🚇 Travel time: ~45 min by TGV
Tour Champagne houses and enjoy cellar tastings. It’s cooler underground and quieter in August.
🚇 Travel time: ~1.5 h by train
This medieval town stages summer falconry shows and stays shady thanks to stone alleys. Great for a relaxed full-day escape.
1. August 15 closures catch many off guard—book meals in advance and check museum hours
2. Free drinking fountains around the city often include sparkling water taps—look for "Eau de Paris."
3. The Metro is reliable but some small stations may close temporarily for maintenance—always check RATP alerts.
4. Bring a scarf or shawl—essential for sun cover and spontaneous church visits.
5. Ditch mid-afternoon museums—head to shaded parks or cafes between 2–5 pm.
6. Use the Navigo Easy pass (rechargeable)—it saves time and € on Metro/bus trips.
7. Terrace dining is prime in August—but smokers abound outdoors. Ask for non-smoking zones inside if that bothers you.
8. Many bakeries close for summer break. When you find a good one open, note the hours and return!
Yes, if you enjoy summer events, long daylight, and slightly fewer locals. Just prepare for heat and some closures mid-month.
Most shops and offices close, but major museums and tourist attractions generally stay open. Always double-check restaurant hours.
Many do—especially mid-month. Some family-run restaurants and bakeries close, but tourist areas stay lively.
It can be. Expect average highs of 25 °C / 77 °F, but heatwaves can push it above 30 °C. AC isn’t universal, so check before booking hotels.
Still busy with international tourists. Book skip-the-line tickets for big sites like the Eiffel Tower and Louvre.
Breathable summer clothes, comfortable shoes, and a light rain layer for storms. Parisians dress neatly—even in heat.
Definitely. Try a sunset cruise between 7–9 pm for cooler temps and magical golden-hour views.
Mostly, yes. But expect fewer taxis and occasional station closures. Buses and bikes are great warm-weather alternatives.
Head to museums, shaded parks, or public swimming zones like Bassin de la Villette. Look for “Eau de Paris” fountains to refill your bottle.
Yes, though some local bistros close. Stick to popular areas like Le Marais or Latin Quarter for more dining options.
Juicy apricots bake into golden frangipane tart shells. Best eaten fresh from the boulangerie.
Where to eat: Du Pain et des Idées, 34 Rue Yves Toudic
Melon purée with a splash of port makes a light, refreshing starter.
Where to eat: Le Verre Volé, 67 Rue de Lancry
Toasts topped with warm goat cheese, served over summer greens with honey vinaigrette.
Where to eat: Café Charlot, 38 Rue de Bretagne
Dry and served ice-cold, French rosé is a terrace staple in August.
Where to eat: Le Comptoir Général, 84 Quai de Jemmapes
