Paris in August?

While I have been to Paris many times, I have never gone in August, for the reason you stated in your question, so I do not speak from experience. I believe it is not so much what you will miss, rather what you will encounter - a reduced level of service. Most businesses are understaffed. As an example, when the heat wave hit in 2003, the number of heat related deaths in Paris, during the month of August, were said to be a result of the fact the hospitals were severly understaffed. Everyone was on holiday...

We've been in Paris in August 6 times in the past 10 yrs b/c of my son's school schedule. It has always been extremely hot. You may not be bothered, being from OK, but we're from SF and it makes it difficult for those not used to heat to really enjoy all that Paris has to offer. I have heard though that this year was unusually cool for August. Spring / Fall you'll miss the hordes of tourists. The crowds are unbelievable in August which means much longer waits at all the tourist sites, museums, boats, tour buses, Versailles, parks, etc. We didn't notice any shops or restaurants closed. But it is true that most Parisians are gone in August. I love Paris no matter what the weather, but I hope never to be there in August again unless I live there! We were there during the heat wave of '03, I'm sure what Linda wrote is absolutely true, but I read and heard on the news that the majority that died were old and because their families were away they were not checked on. Apparently, some older people can't feel the extreme heat and don't realize they are in danger.

Crowds and heat aside, your experience with Paris in August is going to depend on where in Paris you are. The further away you are from the tourist areas, the more likely you will find the corner bakery, or cheese shop or whatever to be closed. I know that this is the case for the further out arrondisements such as the 19th. From that standpoint, you could miss out on some convenience.

My first visit to Paris was in August 2006. Not only was it not hot, but some days it was cool enough for a light jacket. I don't recall having to change any plans because things were closed. One benefit to August is that lodging seems to be cheaper. I would recommend getting a place with AC, just in case you need it. My second trip to Paris was over New Years 08/09. It was VERY cold and I missed the warm weather that allowed sitting at sidewalk cafes, etc. I go back in a couple of weeks and I am hoping for the best of both worlds - warm enough for cafes, but not as crowded as summertime. One cool thing in August is they turn the right bank of the river into a beach, complete with sand. Frankly, I would go to Paris ANY time!!!

I've lived in Paris and visited in August for the last, shall we just say, many, many decades. The weather can be warm, making it uncomfortable because it's a crowded city. It can also be cooler. Weather depends on the North Atlantic current. Some Parisians are gone, making the metro, buses, and best of all the department stores less crowded. It's much easier to get around and if you're into bike riding, there are fewer cars. We've always liked being in Paris in August. However, what others have posted about the tourist areas is something to consider. By no means do all Parisians leave. Perhaps in the wealthy neighborhoods (rue Cler!) more people leave, but in most neighborhoods we know, stores relay each other for the July and August closings. Some people leave in July, some leave in August, and some not at all. As stated by another poster, the city creates a beach on the banks of the Seine River with free activities morning to night particularly geared to the many Parisians who don't leave at all. The things that you'd miss in August that you'd find in the fall are activities Parisians take part in: theater, blockbuster special exhibits, academic conferences, special cooking classes or tours perhaps. To clarify the medical situation: hospitals are staffed. Some medical staff leaves in July and some in August. In 2003, everyone was taken by surprise, never having had a heat wave of such intensity and length. People were unaware that the old needed to drink before they felt thirsty, not when they sense thirst. The result was the tragic deaths. Now there are campaigns to to check on the old and keep everyone hydrated.

I have been in May, June, July , August, September, and October.
I have roasted in the summer, but, I have also been freaking cold,, one trip in August a few years ago my friend and I had to go and buy more long sleeved shirts and long pants, it was grey and rainy for almost a week of our 9 day visit. So assuming it will always be hot is just plain wrong. I have been hot in June and September too, so going by weather is useless. Hotels often offer discount rates from mid July through August, i love taking advantage of that,, the same hotel i have stayed in charges more for June then it does in the summer, so i am happy to go in July or August. Sorry, I found it just as busy and crowded in all the months i have gone,,except October... There are a few nice little shops and nicer type restaurants that close in August, but I have noticed that in recent years they are closing for 2 or 3 weeks now as opposed to the whole month.. and frankly, I can always find so many other places to eat or shop /i don;t really miss them. As for the Parisians not being there, well, good a little less traffic to dodge.. its doesn't affect a tourist experience cause frankly the Parisians are not really interested in mingling much with tourists anyways,, at least my anti social relatives tell me so,, lol

Thanks, everyone! You've given us a lot to think about. As one poster suggested, the heat wouldn't bother us; I meant to mention that in my original post. I was more concerned about things being closed, and crowds. So thanks a lot; I know we'll have a wonderful time whenever we go.

It is NEVER a terrible time to go to Paris. After all, it's always Paris :-) If August is when you can go, then do it - with A/C.

Just got back from a trip, including a few days in Paris in August. The things that are closed seem to be the smaller shops - i.e. the little bakery just down the street from our hotel. Not to worry though - the little bakery just across the street was open! Sites were busy but not crowd crushingly so. As to weather - it will depend on the year, week, day. We have been to Paris before in August and it was VERY hot. I was surprised to see the weather projection for our trip say that Paris would be much cooler this time. Everywhere else for our trip would be pretty warm so I didn't bother with very much cold weather clothing. I ended up wearing my jeans and layering a few shirts, very happy to have my umbrella as it was rainy and cool. Others were dressed in fleece and wool coats! I did have a lovely run in the cool early morning and we are the sort who would rather be cold than hot so it didn't bother us. Bottom line - we REALLY enjoyed Paris this trip, probably our favorite visit, so August was not bad at all.