Paris

Bus & minivan tours

June brings a lively atmosphere to Paris, marked by the summer solstice and the longest days of the year. If you're wondering, “What is Paris like in June?” expect beautiful weather and plenty of sunlight, ideal for exploring iconic sights like the Eiffel Tower. 

If you’re an art lover keen to discover the world’s most renowned art pieces, Paris is probably at the very top of your itinerary. From seeing “Mona Lisa” and “Liberty Leading the People” hung up proudly in the Louvre and immersing yourself in Claude Monet’s “Water Lilies” at the Musée de l’Orangerie to contemplating the questions of conceptual art when standing before Marcel Duchamp’s “Fontaine,” there is so much famous art in Paris that it would take you weeks to tick every art piece off your list.

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