Paris in August: 2027

Planning a trip to Paris in August? Here’s everything you need to know about the City of Light during the “quietest” time of the year, including what to eat, what to do, and what to pack. Paris weather in August attracts people who like warm temperatures.

Quick Answer: Is August a Good Time to Visit Paris?

Yes, August is a good time to visit Paris. The weather is warm and sunny, the big sights are often a little quieter than in July (though you should still book ahead), and the calendar is packed with festivals, open-air cinema, and Seine beaches. The trade-off is the heat and the fact that some small local shops and restaurants close for the holidays, especially around August 15.

People flock to Paris at this time to experience Paris without Parisians! They know that in August, they can sip coffee or wine in cafés or explore the major sites (hello Mona Lisa!) that are usually packed with locals! A large percentage of Parisian residents hit the road themselves for their annual summer holiday (something we discussed for Paris in July as well).

In June of 1936, the French government passed a law that gave every salaried employee two weeks of paid leave. France was the first European country to do this! So, a few weeks later, when August 1st rolled around, all eligible employees were off for their first-ever holidays, “les grandes vacances.”  In the 1950s, France added a third week of vacation.

Automobiles were now more common, so the French jumped in their cars and got exploring, mostly in the South (also the time when the original Michelin guide gained popularity, directing motorists to great eating as they traveled around the country). This led to mass tourism, which in turn caused mass traffic jams! By the 1960s, a fourth week had been added, a fifth in the 1980s, and it has continued to grow to the current 8 weeks (not counting holidays, too!). 

As holidays grew longer, companies had to juggle their employees’ time off, so they gave their workers a choice: July or August. “juilletistes” are those who take their vacation in July, and “aoûtiens” are those who take theirs in August. Many Parisians choose to stay in town in July because there is still plenty happening in the city, while others like to get the heck out of Dodge! Either way, there are fewer locals, but more tourists.

Paris in August is a lovely time to explore.

What Is Paris Like In August?

This time of year offers plenty of Parisian-free zones ideal for tourists who favor tranquility. You can visit Paris parks and gardens (Parc Floral), open-air markets and events, museums, and charming streets where you can wander around (or take a walking tour) unless it is very hot and you need to cool off.

Summertime in Paris can be a bit tricky because many small businesses (coffee shops, grocery stores, and, strangely, even some hotels) are closed. But it doesn’t mean the French capital is completely empty! You’ll likely find the city relaxing and quiet, with plenty of time to explore hidden gems that may not be as accessible at other times of the year.

Here is something that surprises many first-time visitors: despite its reputation, many travelers find August feels calmer than July on the ground, since so many Parisians are away and the “skip August” advice has become common enough that some visitors plan around it instead. The upshot is warm summer days and often shorter lines.

One of the main benefits of Paris in August is that the museums and art galleries are open late into the evening, so you can take advantage of the long days and visit them after exploring the city all day. (Be sure to check for free admission at many museums on the first Sunday of the month.)

And since Parisians typically spend their summer holidays outside Paris, it’s your chance to explore the cuisine – and lively Parisian nightlife (hello Moulin Rouge!) with little competition.

Paris isn’t really Paris without its sophisticated Parisians. You may find yourself competing with them for a sunlit bench at your favorite park (especially Jardin des Tuileries and Luxembourg Gardens) or café, or the Paris Plages (along the banks of the Seine), but the locals (whether young people or older people) are also the ones who keep Paris alive and vibrant year-round.

And although Paris is always worth a visit, August is enticing. Let’s explore some of the best things to do during this mesmerizing time of year!

Paris In August FAQs

What can you do in Paris in August?

There are plenty of things to do outside when it’s nice out (parks, markets, events) or inside when it is too hot or at night when it cools down (museums, restaurants). This means that even if it is sweltering outside, there are plenty of things to do.

There are a ton of music events (classical music concerts and more), festivals, and open-air cinemas. Museums and galleries are open late into the evening in summer, so you can visit after a day of exploring elsewhere or walk off an early dinner.

What’s New in Paris for August 2027

A few things make August 2026 special, so I wanted to gather them in one place before we get into the full list of events.

A Recent Run of Very Hot Summers, So Come Prepared

Paris has seen a string of exceptionally hot summers. August 2026 was the second hottest August ever recorded in France, behind only August 2003, with a heatwave running from July 28 to August 19 and a national peak on August 13. Summer 2026 as a whole was the hottest French summer since records began.

August can stay very warm, so please plan for the heat: carry water everywhere, seek out shade and air-conditioned spots in the afternoon, and save your big sightseeing for the mornings and evenings when it is cooler. I put together a full guide on how to stay cool in the heat in Paris so you can enjoy the city without wilting.

Swimming in the Seine is Back

Swimming in the Seine returned to Paris in 2025 after decades of being off-limits, and free supervised bathing sites have continued each summer since. Three sites have run in Paris: near the Bras Marie by Pont Louis Philippe in the 4th arrondissement, one at the Ile aux Cygnes basin with views of the Eiffel Tower, and one at Bercy in the east.

In summer 2026, the three Paris sites drew about 120,000 swimmers between them, a 20 percent increase on 2025, before closing a little early on August 29 after storms hurt water quality. The city has said it plans to expand the program further in 2027, so confirm which sites are open before you go, bring your own towel, and expect capacity limits during the busiest slots.

A Partial Solar Eclipse on August 2, 2027

On the morning of August 2, 2027, Paris will see a partial solar eclipse, with roughly half of the sun (about 51 percent) covered around 11:01 a.m. and the event running from around 10:00 a.m. to just after noon. It is not a total eclipse (for that you would need to travel to southern Spain or North Africa), but if the sky is clear, it will be a striking sight. Find a spot with a clear view of the sky, such as Sacré-Cœur, the summit of the Eiffel Tower, or Montparnasse, and use certified eclipse glasses, since even a sliver of the sun can permanently damage your eyes.

This Year’s Festival Dates

Most of Paris’s big August festivals had not published their 2027 dates as of late September 2026. Rock en Seine typically runs the last weekend of August at the Domaine National de Saint Cloud; Paris Plages usually runs from early July through the end of August along the Seine, the Bassin de la Villette, and the Canal Saint Martin. Check each festival’s official site closer to your trip, and I will update this section as soon as 2027 dates are confirmed. You’ll find the rest of the month’s recurring highlights just below.

Music Events and Festivals in Paris in August

• Paris Jazz Festival is a series of free weekend concerts held at the Parc Floral in the Bois de Vincennes (12th Arrondissement), typically running from late June into early September. The park has a small entrance fee; the concerts themselves are free.
• Les Arènes Lyriques is an open-air concert in the Jardin des Arènes-de-Montmartre (25 Rue Chappe, 18th Arrondissement) with the Arena Orchestra and its lyrical voice choir, called Les Arènes Lyriques.
• Rock en Seine Festival is a rock music festival held at Domaine National de Saint Cloud just west of Paris, traditionally the last weekend of August. Check the festival’s site for confirmed 2027 dates and lineup.
• Jazz à La Villette is an eclectic festival featuring unique jazz styles and inventive artists at the Grande Halle de La Villette in the 19th Arrondissement, typically running from late August into early September. You can also attend film screenings and masterclasses.

Other Events, Festivals, and Experiences

• Liberation of Paris: The Hôtel de Ville holds festivities and activities on August 25th, honoring the ousting of German forces from Paris. 
• Paris L’Été (formerly known as the Paris Quartier d’été Festival) is a summer arts festival that typically runs from mid-July into early August, with theater acts, dancing, and even circus performances. Entertainment is found all over the city.
• L’Été du Canal. Typically running from late June into early August along the Canal de l’Ourcq and the Bassin de la Villette, this event focuses on family-friendly activities and offers a chance to paddle on the water. Look out for the guinguettes, live music, and outdoor dancing along the way.
• Cinéma Paradiso Louvre. Held over four nights in early July in the Cour Carrée of the Louvre, this festival pairs free film screenings on a giant outdoor screen with live music. It falls just outside August most years, so treat it as a bonus if your dates overlap. Access is free, but by online lottery, so check the mk2 Paradiso site if you’ll be in town.
• Parc de la Villette Open Air Cinema. Enjoy a movie in the park from mid-July through mid-August as part of this annual festival. There are art films, blockbusters, and many films in English (look for VO for “version originale” or “original language”). Many bring picnics to complete the evening.
• The Jardin d’été in the Musée du Quai Branly (37 Quai Branly, 7th Arrondissement) has special summer activities.
• Paris Plages. Every July and August, the city creates artificial beaches along the Seine, typically running from early July through the end of August, with beaches and activities along the Seine and at the Bassin de la Villette. Recent editions have also included free supervised swimming in the Seine itself at a few sites (see What’s New above); check the official Paris Plages site for the current program and any 2027 theme.
• Night at Les Invalides. Les Invalides is the monument where Napoleon Bonaparte’s body is laid to rest. Recent summers have featured AURA INVALIDES, a ticketed sound and light show inside the Dome, held after closing, that mixes video mapping with orchestral music over about 50 minutes. Check the museum’s site for the current August schedule and to book. 
• La Fête Foraine des Tuileries. Fête Foraine translates to “fun fair,” and this pop-up carnival in the Tuileries Garden has typically run from late June through late August in recent years. The fair includes a giant Ferris wheel, bumper cars, carousels, and rides.

More Things To Do In Paris In August

Beyond the live music and festivals that happen only in August, it’s also a great time to take advantage of shorter lines at the popular attractions (though keep in mind there can still be large crowds of tourists) and explore. Here are a few of my favorite things to do in the City of Light in August:

Visit Paris’s Many Museums

August is a great time to visit Paris museums because they’re open later into the evening, so you can easily visit them after your day’s adventures. Plus, they’re one of the few places with AC, so they can be a great way to escape the summer heat if needed.

That said, you can still expect long lines, especially at the most popular attractions, so I highly recommend booking skip-the-line tickets when possible. The Louvre limits daily visitors and strongly recommends a booked time slot for every visitor, including those with free entry, since only a reservation guarantees entry. Book your tickets well in advance; otherwise, you may not get in to see the Mona Lisa or the Venus de Milo.

• Louvre Advanced Ticket
• Musée d’Orsay 1-Day Ticket with Reserved Access

Get Your Photos of the Major Sites

August is far from empty, but it is emptier – which means you have a much better chance of snapping photos without random people walking into them. So go grab your photos of the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Sacré-Cœur, and any other famous landmarks you want. Depending on the light, early mornings are usually the perfect opportunity for crowd-free photos.

And if you want to go inside any of these major attractions, I definitely recommend booking in advance.

• Eiffel Tower Advance Ticket
• Opera Garnier Entry Ticket OR Palais Garnier visitor ticket OR Palais Garnier’s Secrets Private Tour

Relax Poolside

Check out one of the beautiful public pools in Paris, like Piscine Pontoise in the 5th arrondissement or Latin Quarter (including night swimming!), and Piscine Josephine Baker in the 13th arrondissement (a pool ON the Seine!). 

La Beach Parisienne is a beach club at the Chalet du Lac Orée du Bois de Vincennes in the 12th Arrondissement, worth checking out.

Prefer a river to a pool? As part of Paris Plages, recent summers have offered free supervised swimming in the Seine itself at a few sites, near Pont Louis Philippe, at the Île aux Cygnes by the Eiffel Tower, and at Bercy. See the What’s New section above for details, and always check that the sites are open, as they depend on weather and water quality.

Sail Down the Seine River

Cruising down the Seine is a great way to see Paris, including many of the famous landmarks, from a new perspective. You can choose from many options, from quick 1-hour cruises to full dinner cruises. I think late summer is a great time to take a dinner cruise, as the temperature is just right, but be sure to book in advance!

• 1-Hour River Seine Cruise
• Panoramic Seine River Cruise
• Evening Cruise with Dinner on River Seine

Take the Kids To Disneyland Paris

Located just outside of the city, Disneyland Paris is a huge attraction for families visiting Paris. One of the major perks is that tickets are cheaper than visiting Disney in the US – and you can easily get there via train if you don’t want to rent a car!

• Disneyland Paris 1-Day Ticket
• Paris: Disneyland Paris 1-Day Flexible Ticket
• Paris: Disneyland Multi-Day Entry Ticket
• Paris: Disneyland Tickets and Shuttle Transport
• Paris: Disneyland Paris Ticket with Transfer from Paris

For more inspiration, check out my guides to Paris for the first time and things to do in Paris after your first trip

Paris in August Event FAQs

Culinary Delights of August in Paris

Paris has a strong culinary tradition and is widely regarded as one of the best places to eat in the world. Parisian cuisine is rich and varied, and so are the places to eat. The city is home to some of the world’s finest restaurants, including bistros and brasseries, street food, and haute cuisine.

Paris has also evolved over the years (and is still evolving, as illustrated in my friend Lindsey’s book The New Paris: The People, Places & Ideas Fueling a Movement ), and Parisian food culture has evolved too. Today, Paris is full of restaurants where you can enjoy contemporary French fare or more traditional Parisian cuisine, which tends to be very seasonal.

Many restaurants are closed in August, but that won’t stop you from having fabulous meals! I recommend checking out my friend Meg’s Paris by Mouth site; she keeps real-time information on what is open and what is closed during the summer months!

What to eat in Paris in August

Eating seasonally is ingrained in the French DNA. Parisians take pride in their cuisine, and seasonal produce is a huge part of it. Numerous markets and vendors throughout the city sell fruit and vegetables, cheeses, and more.

Parisians enjoy experimenting with foods from different regions. Parisians will go to extraordinary lengths to get the best ingredients for their dishes, and seasonality matters because it ensures they get the freshest products available.

What you will find in season and in restaurants in August:

• Fruits in season: peaches (there are 300 varieties in France!), strawberries (Mara des bois), mirabelle plum, figs, nectarines, blackberries (mûres), blackcurrants (cassis), melons, pears, apples, apricots, and blueberries (myrtilles). 
• Vegetables in season: beets (betterave), artichokes, cucumbers, broccoli, fennel (fenouil), oseille, carrots, chard (blette), onion, peas (petit pois), green beans (haricot vert), lentils, girolle and cèpe mushrooms, garlic [white (ail blanc), pink (ail rose) and new (ail nouveau)], red peppers (poivre rouge), potatoes, pumpkin, zuchinni (courgette), leek (poireau), frisée, radish, eggplant (aubergine), cauliflower, watercress, spinach, romanesco, lettuce and tomatoes.
• Seafood is in season: sea bream (daurade), anchovies, mackerel, haddock (aiglefin or eglefin), pollock (goberge), sardines, langoustine, red mullet (rouget), albacore tuna, mussels, herring, hake, and crab. 
• Did you know that there are seasonal cheeses (fromages)? It’s true! Try St. Nectaire AOP from the Puy-de-Dôme and Cantal; Ossau-Iraty AOP (sheep cheese) from the southwest, or Langres from the Champagne region. This is the time of year to enjoy soft-rind cheeses such as Reblochon, Chaource, Brillat-Savarin, Pont-l’évêque, and, of course, Camembert. Also try Banon (goat’s milk), Bûchette, Boulette, Cabecou, Crottin de Chavignol, Epoisses, Fleur du maquis (from Coscia), Fourme d’Ambert, Fontina, Livarot, Maroilles, Roquefort, Saint-Marcellin, and Saint-Pierre.
• Summer is a good time for salads. Try the salade niçoise for a nice seasonal treat. With both potatoes and herring in season, try the popular herring starter. The cold soup Vichyssoise (leek and potato) is great for warm weather. Ratatouille is also a very common summer meal.

Also, a note on what not to eat. Summer is a bad time for oysters, so I would avoid them in restaurants. (The best months for oysters in France are late September through April. Just remember the classic rule of any month with an ‘R’ in the name.)

Save on food costs by visiting the local markets and shops.

Paris restaurants can be expensive, and while it’s worth splurging on one good meal, you don’t want to blow your entire travel budget just on food. Luckily, you can find plenty of treats at local markets (here’s the etiquette).

You can also ask the hotel staff, local guides, or locals to recommend small cafes and bistros they frequent. This may save you from “tourist rates” and will definitely have good food. August is wonderful for picnics in the parks. Buy at the local market and head to one of the 9 ideal picnic spots in Paris.

Important Tips For Traveling To Paris in August

A trip to Paris is wonderful, but a few tips can make it even better. Here are a few things to remember: 

• Book in advance. It is often a little less crowded than other summer months because fewer locals are in town, but Paris still gets its share of visitors. For popular sites, you should still try to book in advance.
• Plan accommodation! It is high season for hotel rooms, so you will always need to plan ahead.
• Be prepared for traffic jams. If you’re on the roads, the worst annual traffic jams occur on the Saturday when July turns to August.
• Be aware of store closures. France has one national holiday in August: Assumption Day, so even if a store or restaurant isn’t closed for summer vacation, it will likely be closed that day. In 2027, August 15 falls on a Sunday, so it lines up with the usual weekly closures. Some restaurants and small stores may be closed for their annual vacation.
• Walking may be the best option. It may be hot outside, but some of the metros are NOT air-conditioned, so walking might actually be cooler.
• Ask about AC in advance. If you are staying in an Airbnb or similar accommodation, be warned that air conditioning is not guaranteed. You will only find AC in major hotels, stores, and similar places.

Weather in Paris in August FAQs

Everyone wants to know about Paris’s weather, no matter the month, but with all the changes in the world, it’s hard to predict a normal weather pattern!

In general, August in Paris tends to be warm, with average highs commonly cited around 74 to 78 F (23 to 26 C). Showers or rainy days aren’t unusual, though sunny weather is the norm.

That said, Europe has seen more frequent and more intense heatwaves in recent summers, and 2026 was historic: France recorded its hottest June, hottest July, and second-hottest August on record, with Paris logging more than 40 days above 30 C by mid-August. August can stay very hot as well, so be prepared for a serious heat spell and read my guide on how to stay cool in the heat in Paris.

Paris weather in August

Weather patterns over the past few years have been highly unpredictable, so I want to share the averages and what we have seen. (I used World Weather Info as my source.)

What to Pack for Paris in August

Packing for Paris in the summer can be tough. Paris is typically very hot, so you’ll want to stay cool outside, but if you step into a museum or shopping center, you may encounter chilly air conditioning. And some restaurants and many small stores likely don’t have A/C. So, as always, my best advice for you is to pack layers.

I recommend packing lightweight summer clothes that won’t wrinkle easily. I bring a light sweater and a few scarves; it’s Paris after all! Sunglasses and hats are a must. Shorts will be deeply frowned upon at some of the fancier restaurants.

Paris is a city of texture, so don’t be afraid to dress up your outfits with layers or accessories, and that can be a fun thing to shop for too!

With the good weather, you will be doing a lot of walking in Paris. Make sure to pack comfortable travel shoes or walking shoes. Resist the urge to bring flip-flops; they are a no-no. Plus, the streets are dirty, and the sidewalks aren’t any better; good luck with the dog poo and ugh, dirty feet by the time you are done walking anywhere!

Read more suggestions in my What to Wear in Paris: Tips for Packing for Paris in the Summer (+ Packing List!) post.

Is August the Best Time to Visit Paris?

August in Paris is a special time to visit. It’s perfect for people who prefer less crowded, less touristy vacations. That means little competition among the best Parisian restaurants, and their menus often include half-price bottles of wine. It’s also one of the last times before school starts (in early September) when Parisians and Parisian insiders take advantage of Paris itself.

Should I visit Paris in July or August? Both months are good for visiting Paris, so it depends on what you want. July in Paris sees slightly cooler temperatures, lower hotel prices (usually), and almost everything is open – but that also means bigger crowds. August is a bit hotter, but with fewer crowds, and some of the restaurants/shops on your bucket list may be closed.

You should definitely consider planning a trip during August; it’s one of the best months!

Have you ever visited Paris in August? What was your experience? Did you go to any events? Do share!

PARIS IN:  Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec

Like it? PIN it!