8 Things Travelers Say About Visiting Paris in August
Is August a good time to visit Paris? Opinions are mixed, but thousands of travelers go anyway.
Some come back saying it’s the best time of year. Others hit unexpected snags. This roundup brings together what real travelers report, so you can decide if August suits you.
While you read, listen to Anggun’s hypnotic voice in “Summer in Paris”:
1. The City Feels Quieter, But Not Empty
Central Paris remains busy. Tourists are everywhere, especially around monuments and museums. But the vibe is different.
Locals leave the city for summer holidays, especially in smaller neighborhoods. Streets calm down. Traffic thins. Parks and sidewalks feel more spacious.
Travelers who enjoy slow mornings and peaceful walks say August is ideal. But if you’re hoping to mix with locals, it might feel a bit artificial.
Some visitors describe it as “Paris without the Parisians.”
2. Some Places Close But Most Essentials Stay Open
You will notice closures. Small bakeries, neighborhood cafés, and family-run boutiques often shut down for a few weeks. In outer neighborhoods like the 11th or 20th, it’s more noticeable.
Most post a handwritten sign on the door with reopening dates.
But the big stuff? Still open. Museums, monuments, department stores, large restaurants, and all major attractions stay fully operational.
In central areas, some travelers report barely noticing any closures at all.
If you’re not counting on eating at a specific bistro or shopping at a certain boutique, you’ll be fine.
A lot of travelers recommend checking ahead. Some use restaurant Instagram pages or Wendy Lyn’s “What’s Open This Summer” list to plan meals.
3. The Heat Is Real, Not Always Predictable
The #1 complaint? The heat.
Paris in August can get sweltering. It’s often humid, with muggy afternoons and occasional thunderstorms. Some compare it to New Orleans weather. Others think it feels like a typical East Coast U.S. summer.
A few travelers got unlucky and hit cool, rainy weeks.
There’s also a shift mid-month: early August tends to be warm and breezy. After August 15th, the air often turns heavier, with sticky, stormy days.
Bottom line: assume it will be hot. Pack accordingly.
4. Many Places Don’t Have Air Conditioning
Air conditioning is not standard in Paris. Many apartments and older hotels skip it altogether. Same goes for some restaurants.
Travelers who stayed in top-floor flats or attic-style rentals without AC describe miserable nights and stifling mornings.
On the other hand, those in modern hotels with air conditioning say they were perfectly comfortable.
Tip: confirm your hotel or rental has AC. A mini fridge helps too – cold water is a lifesaver.
Don’t count on cafés for iced drinks either. Iced coffee is rare, and to-go cold drinks aren’t widely available.
5. Crowds Are Still There – Just Different
Is Paris crowded in August? Depends who you ask.
Some travelers say yes, especially around tourist magnets like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre, or Notre-Dame. These spots are always busy.
Others describe nearly empty metros, open sidewalks, and fewer lines. Without locals commuting or rushing, the overall tempo feels slower.
Even when crowds are present, the stress level drops. Metros feel less packed. Streets are easier to cross. The entire city feels less hectic.
6. Hotels Are Cheaper, Flights Aren’t
Many travelers noticed hotel prices were 10-20% lower than usual. August is off-peak for Paris hotels, even though it’s peak summer for global travel.
Flights, however, can be pricey. Especially from North America, where demand for Europe in summer keeps airfare high.
Some travelers also reported train or metro line closures due to construction. It didn’t ruin their trip, but required a little more navigation and rerouting.
Still, walking and biking are easier thanks to less traffic.
7. Shopping Is Quieter, the Big Sales Are Over
If you’re going to Paris for the soldes (sales), you’ve just missed them.
July is the peak month for discounts. By August, most shops have cleared their racks. Some boutiques and small stores are closed entirely for vacation.
Outdoor markets still run, but some stallholders may be gone. Flea markets are active, but not always in full force.
So yes, you can still shop, just don’t expect peak selection or citywide sales events.
8. Events and Nightlife Wind Down
There’s less happening in August on the events calendar. Students are gone. Cultural festivals pause. Local activities slow to a crawl.
If you’re hoping for a packed social agenda or nightlife scene, August might disappoint.
But if you’re looking to walk, explore, and enjoy Paris without the crowds and buzz, this is actually a bonus.
Takeaways: August Works Well for Some Travelers
August in Paris is ideal if:
- You want to walk, visit museums, and take in the sights.
- You enjoy peaceful streets and a slower rhythm.
- You’re not attached to any specific restaurant or boutique.
- You don’t mind heat or have access to air conditioning.
It’s less ideal if:
- You’re heat-sensitive and need cold air to sleep.
- You want to explore local cafés, neighborhood restaurants, and small shops.
- You’re expecting a full calendar of events, student life, or local interaction.
But if you’re open-minded and flexible, many travelers say August ended up being their favorite time in Paris.