Is it really important to avoid France during August?

I avoid August in Paris because I don't like hot weather. But otherwise there is no reason to avoid it; Paris is actually a bit less crowded because a lot of locals are on vacation elsewhere. Prices are a bit lower during August in Paris for hotels.

While there are some shops and small restaurants closed as families take vacation, this doesn't really affect tourists much. There will be thousands of restaurants, all museums, etc etc open -- The average tourist won't even notice.

Whew! Thank you for the uplifting response.

Just another response to back up what Janet said. See if your hotel has a/c though -- it can be necessary!

But yeah I kind of like being here in August -- there is DEFINITELY more room on the metro. The downside is that your favorite neighborhood bakery may be closed. But another one down the street will be open!

Good points. Thanks.

I actually have been in August many times.. hotels are often cheaper then in September or june,. The heat is the only factor.. but I have also entered cooler weather in August.. that's a crap shoot.. make sure you have ac just in case.
Paris is every bit as crowded from mid june right thru September ,, I have been there all those times too.. and at least in August the business traffic is slightly down.. plus Paris Plage is set up which is a lovely way to spend a warm evening.. love it.

Don't worry.. I would never go out of my way to avoid August.. its not always great because of the heat.. but its never terrible.. and it can be every bit as hot in early September or june..

Major sites like Louvre, and Versailles.. I can assure you they are mobbed basically from April thru October... ( have dozens of visits to both of them..and in all those months except April)
So .. you could avoid some crowds by going nov, jan, feb or march.. but its cooler and rainier then ,, and dark out by 4.30.. I love being able to wander along the river at 9 or 10 in the night in summer and its still light out.

I was in Paris last August and stayed in a hotel with no a/c - that was a mistake. The daytime heat outdoors was not a problem, though. Go and enjoy!

We are doing the Paris and the Heart of France tour that begins Aug 18th. We are somewhat concerned about the weather, but always seem to have good weather karma on RS tours. I have checked the first and last hotels in Paris for our tour and they both have air conditioning. This tour and a few others are now on sale, so that is a big plus! More Euros for wine and pastries.

Our tour planners schedule this northern France route in July and August because they find it to be workable and enjoyable. On the other hand, the southern France route does not have any departures in the middle of those months (nor do other tours that touch the Mediterranean).

August in Paris is one of my favorite months to live here. It seems like most of the Parisians are on holiday, and so the city is super relaxed with very little traffic. The weather is usually not too hot (although the killer heat wave in 2003 was in August); usually there is a feel of autumn in the air by late August. It is true that many family-run businesses are closed for some of the month, but as a tourist I think you wouldn't notice this very much.

I should add that, although Paris is pleasant during August, I would avoid the south, as it will be packed with European tourists.

A walking buddy of mine traveled by herself, by bike, throughout France in August; she seconded what many of you respondents indicated: that it's hot and humid then. She was disappointed that there were no students in the West Bank and that some places were closed during the August vacation break, and that it rained a little everyday. Well, I live in central California and hot to me means 95+, where anything in the 80-90 range feels perfect to me. As long as there are plein air painters to watch someplace during our 11 days, some bakeries that are open, and all the RS tour components, August sounds pretty exciting to me! Thanks to everyone who has responded. I am revved up to go!

I've said it before on other threads and I'll say it again here. 80-90 degrees in Paris is pretty much disgusting. I don't know how to explain how much hotter it feels here at that temperature and that I know I sound crazy to friends and family back home when i'm whining about the above-80-degree temperatures (I'm from Oklahoma, where 80 degrees in August would be considered an ice age), but it's undeniably much more unpleasant here at that temperature than it is back home.

Hi,

Mostly I have been in Paris in July and August, always w/0 the AC. True, the possibility of the heat or a heat wave hitting the city is there. But, the heat is relative. You experience 85F in the Calif Central Valley in Modesto, Sacramento, Fresno, and compare the 85 F in Paris, you would fine the 85F in Paris much more unbearable, a real broiler. I have no problems tolerating 85F in Sacramento but likewise in Paris, it's more taxing. True, in August some hotels in Paris offer their cheapest rates in the year.

Paris seemed always packed in August, tourists, locals. What you may really find crowded in August are the trains, to be sure the TER trains where sometimes with all seats taken, so much like a sardine can, people are literally standing over you, trying not bump you, and if you're heading south or to the central area, or in the south on a TER train, the heat is oppressive, no A/C, and jammed standing room only with locals. Then you know you are truly inthe Heart of France amongst les français.