Weather in France in August

August climate overview

Daytime highs across France in August run from 24.3°C (Paris) to 27.5°C (Nice). In Nice about 87% of August days reach 25°C. Nights average 17.8°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Paris fall to 12°C or below.

Rainfall in August

Expect around 8 rainy days (1 mm or more) in August, with Nice the driest (6 days) and Paris the wettest (9 days). The wettest August at Nice between 1991 and 2020 was 1995 with 80 mm; the driest was 2017 with 1 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 24.8°C around France in August. That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 7.4 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 13.8 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

August against the rest of the year in France

August is the 1st warmest month of the twelve in France. It is 0.1°C warmer than July and 3.8°C cooler in September. The hottest month here is August (26°C) and the coolest January (9°C).

Which part of France in August?

• Most sunshine: Nice, 8.8 h a day.
• Driest: Nice, about 6 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Nice, 25°C.
• Hottest: Nice, 28°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Paris, 24°C.

What to pack for France in August

Based on the averages: summer clothes for the day; a light jumper for evenings (18°C at night); a light waterproof for the odd shower; swimwear - the sea is 25°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in August

Within 1.5°C of France's August daytime average: Kos (27°C, sea 25°C), Barcelona (27°C, sea 26°C), Venice (27°C, sea 26°C), Sunny Beach (27°C, sea 25°C), Pula (27°C, sea 25°C). See the full ranking for August.

Nice for sea swimming and warmer evenings

Nice suits travellers who want beach weather and do not mind heat during the middle of the day. Average daytime temperatures reach 28°C, and 87% of days exceed 25°C, so plan more active outings for mornings and leave room for shade later. The sea averages 25°C, making swimming a stronger reason to choose Nice than simply seeking warm air. Nights average 21°C, so evenings stay warm and a room with cooling is a sensible preference if heat affects your sleep. The catch is that summer does not mean reliably dry: with 6 rainy days on average, keep some flexibility in your outdoor plans.

Paris for milder days and cooler nights

Paris is the better fit if you prefer warmth without the same level of daytime heat. Its average high of 24°C is more comfortable for spending time on foot than Nice's hotter conditions, though shade breaks can still be welcome. Nights fall to an average of 15°C, so pack a light jumper or jacket rather than relying entirely on summer clothes. Rain is the greater compromise here, with 9 rainy days on average. A compact umbrella or light waterproof is useful, and outdoor plans should be easy to rearrange. Choose Paris over Nice for cooler evenings, not for a lower chance of rain.