Paris

Architecture

Whether savoring fresh pastries at sunrise, strolling beside the Seine, or admiring masterpieces at the Louvre or Musée d’Orsay, there are plenty of reasons why Paris enchants year-round.

For a warm, sunny, and relaxed getaway, Paris in August is the perfect destination. The ambiance in Paris changes dramatically in August when locals vacate the city for their summer holidays, and the usual hustle of daily life slows down. There’s a relaxed, almost vacation-like atmosphere in the air.

August is the ideal time for making the most of summer activities in Paris, like dining at the Eiffel Tower, picnicking in lush parks, strolling through beautiful gardens, and taking a scenic cruise along the Seine River. Use this guide to discover what to do in Paris in August.

Why go to Paris in August?

Paris's parks and gardens look splendid in August

During August, the parks and gardens of Paris are in full bloom, with leafy trees and colorful summer blossoms — the crown jewels being the city's gorgeous roses. The Palais-Royal in the 1st arrondissement hides a small rose garden, featuring fragrant pink Pierre de Ronsard roses, while the Jardin des Plantes in the Latin Quarter has over 300 rose varieties in full display. Musée Rodin's seven-acre Sculpture Garden features many bright pink and red roses, and the Parc de Bagatelle has an enchanting rose garden that showcases thousands of blooms in every shade imaginable.

August brings longer days and warmer evenings

In addition to the warm and sunny days, August in Paris means later sunsets and pleasant evenings. Many tourist attractions are open a little later this time of year, giving you more time to explore. You can visit the city’s monuments and museums well into the evening, take leisurely strolls through charming neighborhoods as the city lights come on, and linger over late alfresco dinners.

Plenty of outdoor activities and recreation

There’s no shortage of outdoor activities in Paris to enjoy during the warm summer months, from scenic strolls along the Seine to enjoying the city’s many beautiful parks and gardens. There are also plenty of fantastic things to do in Paris in August just outside the city center, like rowing a boat on the lake at the Bois de Boulogne, enjoying a picnic with panoramic views at Parc des Buttes-Chaumont, or strolling through the grand grounds of the Palace of Versailles.

August is the low season for local tourists

While August in Paris brings in one of the highest numbers of international tourists, Parisians tend to vacate the city during this month. So while the major tourist attractions, such as the Eiffel Tower and the Louvre, are at their busiest, many lesser-known (but still wonderful) attractions have lighter crowds than usual. August is a great time to check out hidden gems like the Musée de Cluny, the Musée Jacquemart-André, the Musée de Montmartre, the Musée Carnavalet, the Musée des Archives Nationales, the Musée Marmottan Monet, and the Musée Eugène Delacroix.

The city has a leisurely atmosphere in August

What is Paris like in August? You'll notice that residential neighborhoods seem emptier, with fewer locals on their way to work and an influx of international visitors enjoying their vacation instead. Tourists take over the Paris Métro this time of year, giving it a convivial ambiance. The streets of Paris have a slower, more leisurely pace than usual during August.

What's the weather like in Paris in August?

The Paris weather in August is warm and sunny, but not unbearably hot, with daily highs of 77 F (25 C). It’s best to pack layers, as temperatures can shift between warm afternoons and cooler evenings. The days in August are long, and the sun doesn’t set until around 9:00 PM, giving you plenty of time to get outside and explore the city.

• Average daytime temperature: 68 F (20 C)
• Average nighttime temperature: 59 F (15 C)
• Average days of rain: 10 days
• Average hours of sunshine per day: 8 hours

Top things to do in Paris in August

The city of love, iconic landmarks, and delicious pastries, Paris is filled with remarkable experiences. Beyond the iconic boulevards and world-class museums, you might be surprised to find that some amazing hikes around Paris are within reach. 

Paris in November shifts as locals reclaim the streets and seasonal flavors return to bistro menus. As Parisians wrap themselves in scarves and linger over steaming cups in cozy cafés, you can discover many authentic things to do in Paris during November beyond the typical tourist experiences.

Stroll through the last of the fall foliage in Jardin du Luxembourg, then watch the famous Champs-Élysées transform into a glittering winter wonderland for the holidays. Building a November Paris itinerary means embracing both indoor comforts and outdoor splendor. It’s the perfect time of year to enjoy Paris’s seasonal charm without the festive crowds.

Why go to Paris in November?

In November, you can enjoy Paris’s museums before the holiday crowds arrive

November offers a golden opportunity to experience Paris’s many cultural gems, such as the Louvre Museum, Musée d'Orsay, and Centre Pompidou, with a little breathing room before the big December tourist rush. You'll find shorter lines for iconic artworks like the Mona Lisa and can linger in front of Monet's Water Lilies without fighting for your spot.

You can enjoy the golden autumn leaves in Jardin du Luxembourg

Paris’s formal Luxembourg Gardens evolve into a painter's palette each November as chestnut and maple trees display their final golden glories. Morning frost creates a magical scene as sunlight filters through amber-hued trees, while fallen leaves crunch satisfyingly underfoot. Parisians gather here for contemplative walks, making it an inviting glimpse into what Paris in November is really like beyond the usual tourist crowds.

The Beaujolais Nouveau wine release happens in November

If you’re a French wine enthusiast, don’t miss the chance to be in Paris on the third Thursday of November when wine shops and bistros across the city uncork the first bottles of Beaujolais Nouveau at midnight. This fruity, just-bottled wine inspires lively parties and tastings at wine shops across the country, where people gather to taste the young vintage.

The Christmas lights go up on the Champs-Élysées in November

Mid-November brings one of Paris's most magical moments when the grand illumination ceremony transforms the Champs-Élysées into a glittering spectacle. Thousands of lights adorning plane trees create a golden cloud above the famous avenue, while elaborate window displays appear in the many department stores. Visiting Paris in November means experiencing this enchanting transformation before the peak holiday crowds arrive.

You can indulge in delicious seasonal French dishes

Parisian chefs embrace autumn's bounty during this time of year, incorporating just-harvested black truffles and chestnuts into seasonal menus. Traditional bistros serve some of the best food in Paris, like chestnut soup with truffle foam, while market vendors roast chestnuts on street corners, filling the air with their sweet scent. Plus, it’s a great time to warm yourself up with a rich and indulgent Parisian hot chocolate from the iconic Angelina tea room.

What’s the weather like in Paris in November?

November in Paris brings shorter days and distinctly autumnal conditions as the city transitions toward winter. The Paris weather in November typically includes many overcast days, but these create perfect opportunities to enjoy the city's museums and cozy café culture. Pack waterproof boots, a warm coat, a scarf, and an umbrella to stay comfortable.

• Average day temperature: 51 F (11 C)
• Average night temperature: 42 F (6 C)
• Average days of rain: 15 days
• Average daylight hours: 9–10 hours

Top things to do in Paris in November