Paris in August

Heat; many small shops and restaurants close for holidays.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

August is rated mixed. These months rate higher:

• SeptemberGreatWarm, fewer families; fashion week and heritage weekend crowds.
• MayGreatPleasant; several bank holidays close shops and museums.
• JuneGreatLong evenings; Fête de la Musique on 21 June.
• OctoberGoodMild and colourful; the best month for walking.

• ParisHighs around 25 °C (77 °F), lows around 16 °C (61 °F), rain on about 8 daysHighs around 77 °F (25 °C), lows around 61 °F (16 °C), rain on about 8 days
• Paris and the north, France · Paris, Lille, Champagne, Normandy inlandhot

  Grey, damp winters; late spring and September are the sweet spot. Paris heatwaves hit 35–40 °C (95–104 °F) in July–August and most flats and small hotels lack air conditioning.Grey, damp winters; late spring and September are the sweet spot. Paris heatwaves hit 95–104 °F (35–40 °C) in July–August and most flats and small hotels lack air conditioning.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Holiday closures check

  Mid-August · Small shops and restaurants

  Many close for a few weeks.

• Assumption big impact

  15 Aug · France

  Peak of the August holiday: coasts full, motorways jammed, many small businesses shut.

Crowds · France overall

High

Prices · France overall

High

France overall: Peak French holiday: coasts and Alps packed, small Paris restaurants closed, motorway jams on Saturdays (the grands départs).

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Paris, side by side.

• Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen

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