Weather in France in August

Like July, August is one of the busiest — and most expensive — times to visit France, with sunny days, minimal rainfall, and stacks of lively festivals and events. So, if you like it hot and don’t mind crowds, it’s the ideal time to make the most of France’s beautiful beaches, combined with outdoor adventuring in stunning natural landscapes. Before deciding whether this month will deliver what you want from your vacation, read on for detail on the weather in France in August, along with tips on the best summer events.

France in August at a glance

• Average low temperature range: 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C). 
• Average high temperature range: 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C).
• Expect plenty of sunshine, low rainfall, and peak-season crowds and costs.

What is the weather like in France in August?

Along with July, August is the hottest month of the year in France, with temperatures peaking across the country. As a rule, northern areas and mountainous regions tend to be cooler. 

The weather in France in August also means minimal rainfall. In terms of the numbers, Paris and Northern France typically see 1.2 to 2.0 inches (30 to 50 mm) through August, while Southern France experiences 0.8 to 1.4 inches (20 to 35 mm.

For comparison, in the wettest months — November and December — France’s northern and western regions regularly receive over 3.0 inches (75 mm) of rainfall.

Though thunderstorms can occur — particularly in the interior and mountainous regions — the overall picture of the weather in France in August is sunny days and minimal rainfall.

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

If you are interested in exploring the north of France in depth use our Northern France itinerary.

Is August a good time to visit France?

Whether August is a good time for you to visit France very much depends on your feelings about hot weather, big crowds, and how big your budget is.

In essence, if you like it hot and sunny, enjoy (or don’t mind) the buzz of bigger crowds, and are prepared to pay peak-season prices for flights and accommodation, August is a great time to visit France to experience pretty much all the best things France has to offer, especially on the coast.

For sun-seekers, August is an ideal month to enjoy some of the best beaches in France, including those along the captivating Côte d'Azur and Brittany. 

Offering invitingly warm waters, conditions are perfect for swimming and water sports. Just don’t expect to have popular spots to yourselves. 

That said, an upside of August being peak season is that beach bars and restaurants will be buzzing, and you’ll have your pick of facilities. 

Set on a sunny beach break? Read up on the best beach vacations in Europe.

Fancy a more active vacation? Though hot, August is a good time to head to Alps to hike, see the enchanting lavender fields of Provence, or explore the Loire Valley and Alsace by bike. 

Alternatively, if you’re keen to discover France’s finest food and wine, August is a great time to explore the wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône Valley. 

Vineyard tours and wine-tasting experiences often include the chance to taste regional culinary specialities, including tours hosted by some of the best Bordeaux vineyards.

In summary, August can be a good time to visit France if you enjoy hot weather, beach vacations, and vibrant festivals. You just have to balance those joys with the potential pitfalls of big crowds and higher prices. 

Not fixed on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in August, and discover some of the best summer destinations in Europe.

What about the crowds and cost?

August is the busiest month for tourism in France, which means popular destinations — especially coastal areas — will be crowded with international tourists and French locals who are keen to flee the stifling heat of urban areas.

At the same time, as a result of high demand, the cost of flights, accommodation and tours are at their highest in August.

While it’s always wise to book well ahead of traveling, that’s especially pertinent if you’re planning to visit France in the July-August peak season period.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in August

Here are some the festivals and events that might just entice you to visit France in August.

La Fête de l’Assomption

Celebrating the Assumption of the Virgin the Mary on 15th August, La Fête de l’Assomption is a public holiday in France, and sees many towns and cities host processions and fireworks displays.

Festival Interceltique de Lorient

One of the largest Celtic festivals in the world, Festival Interceltique de Lorient sees Lorient in Brittany celebrate Celtic culture across a week in mid-August.

Expect an exhilarating showcase of music, dance and traditional costumes.

Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique

Running across six nights, across consecutive weeks from the end of July into August, Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique sees pyrotechnic teams from around the world display their best work over the bay of Cannes in the Côte d'Azur.

Jazz à Marciac

Held in the small village of Marciac in southwestern France, this renowned jazz festival attracts top musicians, and usually runs from late July into August.

Rock en Seine

Late-August sees major international rock bands and artists strut their stuff at the Rock en Seine festival, which is held in Paris’ Domaine National de Saint-Cloud.

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Before booking you dream trip to France, browse our France itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

• Active Walking Tour from Paris to Southern France: this active itinerary will see you explore the length of France. After spending a few days in Paris, your southbound journey will see you traverse scenic hills, mountains and villages en route to Uzés and Avignon, with opportunities to enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences long the way.
• A Taste of Eastern France: kicking off in Lyon, this 4-day walking itinerary combines fine food and fresh-air experiences in immersive style. After enjoying delicious food tours in Lyon, you’ll embark on a scenic walk through the beautiful Beaujolais region, with pretty much every day rounded off with a wine-tasting experience.
• Scenic Southern France: this spectacular tour starts in the coastal city of Marseille. After taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll uncover captivating Cassis by bike before venturing to the Alpilles to explore Provence, taking in Les Baux and St Remy, ending your trip in Avignon.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to France.