August in Paris
All you need to know for your trip to Paris in August 2025. What to expect from the weather, what to pack, and local tips. If you’re in a hurry, jump directly to what to do in Paris in August here.
Are you visiting Paris in August this year? In Paris, August is the second hottest month of the year and also the time when locals go on their annual vacation. Actually, some people start their summer holiday on the weekend of July 14th. That makes Paris a strange place to be: hot, sometimes humid, and without much local feeling.
However, Paris in August is actually pretty wonderful. The city has plenty of sunshine (which is not to be taken for granted in Paris!), blue skies, and blooming flowers. There are many summer events and fun outdoor activities, so if you know what to expect and how to avoid crowds, August in Paris has its charm, and summer evenings are always fun.
So, what is Paris like in August? Keep reading for my top tips to get the most out of your summer trip to Paris.
Are You Planning a Trip to Paris Last Minute?
If you are booking a last-minute trip to Paris, I’ve got you covered! Below are our must guides, top tours, hotels, and more:
» Plan: Paris Travel Planner; Paris Arrondissements Guide; Check out the best Paris Metro tickets for tourists
» Book your flight tickets with Omio; book your train tickets with Omio
Book your transfer from the airport to the city with Welcome Pickups.
» Where to Stay: Best Districts to Stay in Paris
- Le Pavillon de la Reine (historical 5-star hotel in Le Marais)
- Hotel La Comtesse (mid-range hotel with Eiffel Tower view from all the rooms!)
- Hotel Ducs de Bourgogne (super central 4-star hotel near the Louvre)
» Top-Rated Paris Tours & Tickets:
- Louvre Museum Skip-the-Line Ticket
- Eiffel Tower Summit Access Ticket
- Seine River Night Cruise
- Château de Versailles and Gardens
- Catacombs Skip-the-line tour with VIP access to restricted areas
Want skip-the-line access at museums & attractions in Paris? Get your hands on a Paris Museum Pass!
» Don’t leave without travel insurance! SafetyWing Essential plan works well for long and short trips (from 5 days up). Can also cover electronics theft through their add-on.
Is Paris Busy in August? Crowds Forecast
Is Paris crowded in August? In August, Paris is extremely busy!
August in Paris is the high season, when most people have holidays, so it is paramount to book transportation, accommodation, and tickets to the main tourist attractions in advance.
Hotels, especially good ones with a pool, sell out fast or charge ridiculous prices for last-minute bookings, and it is normal for places such as the Eiffel Tower to have tickets booked out months in advance.
As locals leave for their summer holiday, it’s mainly tourists who tend to gather around the tourist neighborhoods and attractions, especially in Paris in early August. A good tip for avoiding crowds in Paris in August is to explore the lesser-known districts.
Below, I list the main attractions for which you will need advance tickets and have added links to my favorite trusty providers for your convenience.
Does Paris shut down in August? As mentioned before, August is the high season in Paris and one of the months with more visitors, so don’t worry! All the businesses catering tourists are open and in full swing.
Locals tend to come back to Paris in late August, so if you visit during the last week of August, everything will be open.
Best Tips for Visiting Paris in August 2025
First-timers in Paris who want to visit the main sights usually find it convenient to purchase a Paris tourist pass. While the Paris Museum Pass is the most popular, I recommend checking out this Paris Pass Comparison to find the best tourist pass for you.
Another good way to save time (and sometimes money, too) is to buy single skip-the-line tickets or combo tickets for the top tourist attractions. Tiqets always has many interesting bundles for Paris; check it out!
Don’t overcharge your daily schedule with sights and activities. Leave some room for improvisation; if the weather is too hot, you may want to take breaks during the day.
What is open in Paris in August? All the tourist attractions, hotels, bars, and restaurants in the most touristy neighborhoods are working in full swing. Are Paris restaurants open in August? In general, Paris restaurants in the most touristy neighborhoods are open in August. But things are different in the less touristy neighborhoods: you’ll pass plenty of closed-up restaurants and shops with “Closed for Holiday” notes on the door.
Getting around Paris by metro in August can be challenging as it is crowded and (in most cases) without air conditionning. Check out our best tips for using the Parisian metro in the summer and allow more time for your metro journeys.
Need travel insurance for your trip to France? Be sure to check rates and coverage with my recommended provider, SafetyWing. SafetyWing – Essential or Complete – works well for long and short trips (starting with a minimum of 5 days) and covers unexpected medical and travel issues while abroad. It also includes coverage at home, and you can sign up at any point during your travels! Check out plans and prices.
15 AUGUST – PUBLIC HOLIDAY IN FRANCE
On 15 August, the Catholic Church feasts the Assumption of Mary, and it is a public holiday in all of France.
This is a day off for the French and affects the opening hours of public offices and smaller shops.
In the Paris city center, around the main tourist sights, you are unlikely to notice the impact of this holiday, but public transportation may be less frequent, and some restaurants may be closed.
The list of top sights opened on 15 August includes the Eiffel Tower, Orsay Museum, Château de Versailles, Centre Pompidou, Arc de Triomphe, Montparnasse Tower, and all the castles near Paris. Also, take extra time to get anywhere on this day and remember that local shops are likely to be closed.
Best Things to Do in Paris in August 2025 (and Events in Paris August 2025)
If this is your first time in Paris, you may want to tick some top tourist attractions off your bucket list. The itineraries below are thought for this, and they are planned around the main sights and the most popular neighborhoods in Paris:
- Paris in one day
- Paris in two days
- Paris in three days
- Paris in four days
- Paris in five days
- Paris in six days
- Paris in one week
Combine these itineraries with seasonal things or events for a wonderful trip to Paris. Here’s the list of the best things to do in Paris in August 2025. Some of the events (or the dates of certain events) are not confirmed yet, so keep clicking for the latest updates.
CLIMB UP THE EIFFEL TOWER AFTER SUNSET
The Eiffel Tower is a must-see in Paris, but it is a terrible place to visit during the day in August. Go up the Eiffel Tower after 8 p.m. to get some fresh air and see how the sun sets in Paris; it’s a magical experience! – Check out availability on the calendar below
ENJOY YOUR FAVORITE COCKTAIL FROM THE BEST ROOFTOP BARS
This is one of the best things to do in Paris at night during the summer months. Look for the best rooftop bars in Paris and see the city from above with your favorite cocktail in hand. Some of these cool rooftop bars are part of stylish hotels, but they are also happy to welcome non-guests.
JOIN A NIGHT TOUR
Paris is a great city to walk, but for some, it may be hard to walk kilometers and kilometers under the sun. That’s why Paris night tours are so popular during the summer months.
Discover the magic of Paris when it is lit up at night with this Paris by Night Walking tour or this Paris by Night bike tour, or look for the hidden heart of Paris with this Secret Paris guided tour.
This top-rated Paris Segway Night Tour is a fun alternative for exploring Paris at night.
For those who want to experience the Seine River at night, this lovely boat tour that starts at the Eiffel Tower is a terrific option. This is one of the best Seine River boat tours, and it is available at several times in the evening. You will board the boat at the foot of the Eiffel Tower and enjoy an hour-long cruise up and down this beautiful waterway.
VERSAILLES FOUNTAIN SHOW
Versailles is a wonderful place to see in August (check out this Versailles quick guide). The Versailles Gardens are great to explore in the summer when all the grooves are open to the public for the musical gardens and musical fountains shows.
I especially like the Musical Fountain Show, where all the Versailles fountains and other water features spout to the rhythm of the music.
In August, the Musical Gardens Show (without the fountains running) usually takes place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays, while the Musical Fountains Show usually takes place on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays.
On weekends and holidays, the Night Fountains Show closes the day with spectacular fireworks. For the Versailles show dates and Versailles Fountains schedule, check out our quick guide to the Fountains of Versailles.
GO TO AN OPEN-AIR CINEMA
In the summer, La Villette in Paris 19 turns into an outdoor arena offering delightful opportunities for al fresco evenings in the city. La Villette’s Open-Air Cinema runs from mid-July to mid-August, and there’s always an interesting program of films.
Many people like to arrive at La Villette earlier to reserve a good spot to watch the film, which is usually preceded by a picnic and some glasses of wine.
EXPLORE OLD MONTMARTRE IN THE AFTERNOON
Montmartre is the highest part of Paris and the perfect place to be late in the afternoon to get some fresh air.
If this is your first time in Paris, this Stories of Old Montmartre walking tour covers the main sights of Montmartre. If you already know Montmartre’s main sights, then go off the beaten path with my secret map of Montmartre.
After the walk, look for a restaurant terrace nearby for an alfresco dinner in one of Paris’s most beautiful areas.
SAIL THE PARISIAN CANALS YOUR OWN WAY
Marin d’ Eau Douce, located at Canal de la Villette in Paris 19, offers electric self-drive boats for 5, 7, or 11 people. These electric boats are a fun way to explore the canal, and they do not require a boating license.
When you book your boat, consider a picnic option on board for lunch or a pre-dinner French apéritif.
SUMMER FUN AT PARIS PLAGES
Paris Plages (for 6 weeks, in July and August) is one of the best things to do in Paris in August and a fun way to relax by the Seine River for a couple of hours. There are also other Paris Plages locations in the north, by the canals, with a much more local feeling.
Click on our Paris Plages post for all the locations and the list of events.
GO ON A DAY TRIP
If you are spending more than three days in Paris, don’t hesitate to explore beyond the French capital.
The small towns near Paris are usually a bit dead in July or August. My recommendation is to go to Monet’s Garden in Giverny to see the famous water lilies. The water lilies start to bloom in July, so in August you can see them in bloom, plus dahlias, cosmos, and hibiscus.
Another good day trip in August is the D-Day Landing Beaches in Normandy. Enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while visiting one of France’s most important historical sights – Click here for other beautiful day trips from Paris
HAVE FUN AT L’ÉTÉ DU CANAL
L’Été du Canal is a fun summer festival that takes place in July and August (from 5 July to 10 August 2025) along the banks of Canal de l’Ourcq and Canal Saint-Denis (Paris 19 and beyond).
This is definitely one of the best events in Paris in August. You can have a drink or an alfresco dinner by the canal, dance in a summer guinguette, or enjoy a boat ride and other water activities.
GO TO THE POOL
If you travel to Paris in summer, a splash at the end of the day is always a good idea! In addition to some wonderful hotels in Paris with a pool, the city boasts unique Art-Déco swimming pools, which are also listed as historical monuments. These pools, overlooked by rows of open walkways with old-fashioned cabins for private hire, are the perfect opportunity to relax and cool down in a beautiful atmosphere.
I recommend Piscine Pontoise, in Paris 5. This swimming pool is very central plus it opens until 11.45 p.m from. Monday to Friday.
The Josephine Baker swimming pool is also special but usually crowded. The pool is floating on the Seine River, moored in Paris 13 close to Bibliothèque Francois Mitterrand. This one-of-a-kind swimming experience is even more special in summer when the glass roof opens up to reveal a huge sun deck providing a fabulous view of the Seine.
New in Paris! In summer 2023, it was possible to have a bath in Canal Saint Martin (Paris 10) from noon to 4 p.m. The section of the canal for swimming was located between 116 and 126 Quai de Jemmapes, for a maximum of 300 people. In 2024, this event did not take place because of the Olympics. Let’s hope that swimming in Canal Saint-Martin will be back in summer 2025!
A post-swimming shower is compulsory for all swimmers. The showers (plus some chaises longues for sunbathing) are located just in front of the canal.
CHECK OUT THE TEMPORARY EXHIBITIONS IN AUGUST IN PARIS 2025
When it is too hot outside, a temporary exhibition in an air-conditioned museum is always good, especially if you have already visited Paris’ main attractions.
For the time being, there is not much information on temporary exhibitions in Paris in August 2025. Keep clicking for the latest updates.
Wax – Musée de l’Homme, until 7 September 2025
Body and Soul – Bourse de Commerce-Pinnault Collection, from 5 March to 25 August 2025
Fashion on the Move #3 – Palais Galliera, until 12 October 2025
Here’s the full list of exhibitions, shows, and concerts for your dates in Paris (use the calendar on the left side to select a date range).
NEED MORE IDEAS FOR THINGS TO DO IN AUGUST IN PARIS 2025?
Check out this post about the best events and festivals in Paris this year for more things to do. You may also want to have a look at our guides to Paris in July and Paris in September. Most of the suggested activities can also be enjoyed in August.
Where to Stay in Paris in August
As you make your bed, so you lie. Find the right accommodation in Paris – whether it’s a hotel or guesthouse, holiday apartment, or private apartment. We have them all! Book your accommodation by using the interactive map below.
Summer in Paris is hot, and one of the best ways to deal with it is to mix sightseeing with a refreshing break at your hotel pool. Here’s a list of the best hotels with pool in Paris that aren’t just limited to 5-star hotels.
I recommend Booking.com for booking your hotel in Paris. They have a wide variety of accommodation of all kinds and good rates. In addition, they propose the option to cancel for free, most of the time up to 24 hours.
WAKE UP WITH AN EIFFEL TOWER VIEW
If you have the budget, why not treat yourself to the pleasure of waking up at an amazing hotel with an Eiffel Tower view? Some of the best hotels in Paris also have awesome views of the Eiffel Tower, which is especially beautiful during its night show! – Check out the best hotels with Eiffel Tower Views
HOTELS AT LE MARAIS
Le Marais is a central neighborhood in the Seine’s Right Bank, perfect to set your base in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is beautiful, well connected by the metro, and with many beautiful cafes and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Le Marais
- Hotel de Josephine de Bonaparte (charming 4-star hotel inspired by Napoléon’s wife)
- Hotel France Louvre (mid-range hotel in a typical Haussmanian style)
HOTELS AT SAINT-GERMAIN-DES-PRÉS
The neighborhood of Saint-Germain-des-Prés, on the Left Bank, is a great place to put your luggage down in Paris, especially if you are visiting Paris for the first time. It is picturesque and central, with many entertainment, beautiful cafes, and restaurant options – Click here for the best hotels in Saint-Germain
- Relais Christine (4-star hotel in a 16th-century private mansion)
- Hotel Chaplain Paris Rive Gauche (mid-range hotel a few meters from Luxembourg Gardens)
Weather in Paris in August
In August, Paris is hot and sunny. The average temperatures in Paris are 25C (77F) maximum and 16C (61F) minimum, with an 11% probability of rainfall.
The good news is that it is rare to experience days of canicule (heatwave) in August. Still, it is good to avoid physical activities, protect your head and eyes from the sun, adapt your outfits to the temperatures, and drink water continuously.
What to Wear in Paris in August 2025
What to pack for Paris in August? The month of August calls for summer clothing!
Leave your jeans at home and pack natural fabrics, summer dresses, short-sleeved tops, and sandals. Also, it is important to protect your head and eyes from the sun.
If you are traveling to Paris in August, I suggest adding a light jacket or shawl to your Paris packing list for when you want to visit a church, as shorts and tank tops are not allowed.
Paris is the city of fashion and chic, and Parisians tend to wear more dressy clothing than in other European cities, even in the summertime. If you are wondering what to wear in Paris in August, here’s the ultimate guide to packing for Paris in August with clothes that are comfortable and stylish.
If you need ideas on how to combine things to blend in with locals, check out this Spring /Summer style guides for men and women.
And there you have it – the best things to do in Paris in August 2025 and the main events in Paris August 2025 to help you plan your trip to Paris this summer. Bon voyage!
