Is August a Bad Time to Visit Paris? What Travelers Really Say
Thinking of going to Paris in August but unsure if it’s worth it? You’ve probably heard conflicting things – some say the city shuts down, others say it’s the best time to visit. We sifted through hundreds of real experiences from people who’ve actually been there in August to help you decide. Here’s everything they had to say.
Note: while you skim through this post, you can listen to Anggun’s spellbinding voice in “Summer in Paris”!
The City’s Atmosphere in August
Paris doesn’t exactly turn into a ghost town. It’s still a major tourist destination, and most central areas stay busy. But there’s a noticeable shift in energy.
Locals – especially in smaller neighborhoods – go on vacation. That means the city can feel calmer, more peaceful, and easier to explore. Streets are quieter. Parks feel more open.
Many travelers said they loved Paris in August for exactly that reason.
Some travelers, though, miss the local vibe. If you’re hoping to interact with Parisians, you might feel like you’re surrounded mostly by other tourists.
But if you’re just there to walk, look, and enjoy, you’ll probably find the quieter streets a luxury.
Closures: What’s Actually Shut?
This is where things get a bit nuanced.
You’ll likely notice some closures, especially when it comes to small, family-run restaurants, bakeries, and independent boutiques. Some will close for a few weeks and post signs on the door saying when they’ll be back.
But tourist attractions? Museums? Big-name restaurants and shops? They stay open. Several people mention they didn’t experience any issues with closures at all, especially in central arrondissements.
In neighborhoods like the 11th or 20th, closures are more common. So if you’re planning to eat your way through hidden local spots, it might be trickier. If you’re flexible and don’t rely on a fixed list of restaurants, you’ll be fine.
One tip that comes up often: check restaurant or store social media or use resources like Wendy Lyn’s “What’s Open This Summer” lists to plan ahead.
The Heat Is Real – But It’s Not Always the Same
The most consistent complaint? The heat.
Paris can get very hot in August. Some people compared it to New Orleans, with heavy, humid air and the occasional thunderstorm. Others said it wasn’t that bad, more like summer in New York or Boston.
A few even got unlucky and had unseasonably cold or rainy weeks.
Weather also seems to shift mid-month. Before August 15th, it’s often warm and breezy. After the 15th, it can turn muggy or stormy.
The bottom line: be ready for hot days and pack accordingly.
Air Conditioning: Check Before You Book
AC is not a given in Paris. Many apartments, older hotels, and restaurants don’t have it.
A lot of travelers said they were fine because their hotel had AC, but others stayed in stuffy top-floor apartments and regretted it.
If you’re heat-sensitive, make sure to confirm that your hotel or rental has AC and ideally a mini fridge to keep water cool.
Also, don’t count on iced coffee or cold drinks to help. European cafés aren’t big on to-go iced drinks, and even finding a cold beverage can be a challenge if you’re used to U.S. standards.
Is Paris Crowded in August?
Surprisingly, opinions are split. Some say Paris is packed with tourists and felt just as busy as any other month. Others describe empty metros, open sidewalks, and shorter lines. The truth seems to depend on where you go.
Tourist hubs like the Louvre, Notre-Dame, or the Eiffel Tower will always draw crowds. But in general, you’ll deal with fewer locals, less metro stress, and a calmer city pace.
One traveler describes it as “Paris without the Parisians”, which could be a pro or a con depending on what you’re looking for.
Lodging and Transit
Hotels in Paris are often cheaper in August, e.g. 10-20% lower than other months. But flights from North America tend to be more expensive due to summer travel demand.
A few people mention metro or train line closures due to construction, but they were still able to get around with some rerouting.
The streets are also more pleasant for biking or walking thanks to reduced traffic.
Shopping and Events
If you’re into shopping, July is the big sales month. By August, most of the “soldes” are over. Flea markets and local food markets may still be active, but some stallholders may be away on holiday.
There are fewer local events, festivals, or student activities. It’s not a great time if you’re looking for a high-energy social calendar, but still excellent if you want a more laid-back visit.
Who Will Love Paris in August (and Who Might Not)
If you’re mainly going to visit museums, walk the streets, and enjoy iconic sights, August works just fine.
If you’re focused on local restaurants, neighborhood cafés, or boutique shopping, you may run into some hiccups.
Heat-sensitive travelers should be extra careful. If you can’t handle hot weather without reliable AC, August might not be the best fit.
But if you’re open-minded, flexible, and looking for a less hectic experience of Paris, many travelers said it was their favorite time to visit.