France in August: Good Weather, Beaches & More
It used to be said that you should avoid a trip to France in August like you would a boring auntie at Christmas. There was a time in the past when the shops of Paris and Normandy would be shuttered as everyone headed to warmer climes further south, in turn ramping up transport and accommodation costs in the French Riviera. Not so anymore. Sure, the French go out on trips of their own during this time of year and schools are on a summer break. However, not all establishments hang the ‘en vacance’ note in the window and a number of destinations from Paris to Chartres host special events too.
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France Weather in August
The temperature of France in August ranges from the ideal-for-sightseeing 24°C in Paris and Strasbourg to hit-the-beach highs of 27°C in and around Nice. For the most part, you can expect clear skies and plenty of sun, although storms can sweep across northern regions, bringing heavy rain showers. Surprisingly, Paris has been known to hit temperatures of 40°C at times. The best beach weather is undoubtedly in the south, along France’s Mediterranean coastline, therefore, beach tours would be ideal. For the more actively minded, consider the hillsides around Bordeaux or the hiking trails of Brittany, where it is a little cooler.
For a month-by-month run down, read our article on the best time to visit France.
Weather in France in August - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 7 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 45 | 47 | 54 | 61 | 68 | 74 | 77 | 77 | 70 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 38 | 38 | 41 | 45 | 52 | 58 | 61 | 61 | 56 | 50 | 43 | 38 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 16 | 25 | 22 | 26 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 25 | 21 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 16 | 13 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 77 | 70 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 61 | 56 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 22 | 21 | 16 |
Why Visit France in August
Those that ignore France in August are missing out. After all, there has to be a reason why around 80 percent of the French people are on a vacation in their own country during this month. Below are some excellent reasons for visiting France in August.
- Fine Weather: Almost all of ‘le hexagon’ enjoys glorious weather in August. If you are looking for a little sun, this is the place to visit.
- Long evenings: With daylight hours stretching beyond 9:00 pm, you have got even longer to master the perfect Instagram snap. Plus, long daylight hours also mean that you can cram more into your schedule.
- Sublime beaches: France’s most popular beaches may be crowded, but there are more than enough sandy stretches to go around and hidden coves will still provide the solitude you are looking for. Even Paris gets in on the beach action with sand and deck chairs lining the River Seine.
- Long list of events: There is no need to look far for a festival during your stay in France in August, with live jazz performances, fireworks, folk dances, and opera taking place in cities as different as Arles and Cannes.
Where to go and what to do
If all this has left you eager for a trip but you are not sure where to go in France in August, do not worry. This country has something for everyone, as you will see. If you have never taken a trip to Paris, you might as well explore the capital at this time of year. Why? Because August 25 marks the Liberation of Paris Festival. Nice is perhaps the best-known spot in the French Riviera for hitting the beach by day and partying long into the night, but Cannes, Antibes, and even Marseille make great alternatives. To avoid crowds, check out the charming villages of France’s northern coast, one of the country’s most historic regions. A tour of Bordeaux is great any time of year due to its mix of wine-making pedigree and stunning chateaus, whilst Perpignan provides a sense of what it means to be Basque and French.
What to bring
Avoid wearing anything too heavy – leave your denims at home for another day. The watchwords in France in August are light, breathable fabrics. To avoid standing out as a tourist, stay away from gaudy items – French style is all about sophisticated cuts in one or two colors. A light jacket or a sweater can be useful on chillier evenings, and also looks very chic if draped correctly over the shoulder. You may want to bring an umbrella with you if your itinerary includes the northern part of the country.
With generally pleasant summer weather and a long list of one-off events, France in August should be top of your vacation wish list. So why not check out our pick of France tours in August, or contact our local travel experts to start creating your very own custom trip to France right now?
Other articles:
France in July
France in September
