London edges it in August. Paris averages 16–26°C with high crowds; London 16–23°C with high crowds.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
Paris and London
The verdict for August
Locals leave, tourists stay
+Residential neighbourhoods empty out and traffic disappears.
–Many of the best independent places close for the month.
A strangely calm version of the city, if you plan around closures.
Carnival month
+Summer events, long days and Notting Hill Carnival make the city highly energetic.
–Major attractions and central areas remain busy.
The most atmospheric street-life month of the London year.
Scores and crowd levels are my own judgement; temperatures are monthly averages. Higher scores are better: quieter, cheaper and more pleasant.
Another month