Lyon in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Lyon

28°C (82°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

66 mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Festival des Nuits de Fourvière runs through August 31st - catch world-class theater, music, and dance performances in the Roman amphitheater with tickets still available (€25-65 range)
Perfect terrace weather with 28°C (82°F) highs - bouchon restaurants extend outdoor seating and serve refreshing seasonal specialties like cervelle de canut with chilled Côtes du Rhône
Rhône and Saône rivers are at ideal levels for cruise activities, with water temperature around 22°C (72°F) making evening boat tours comfortable without needing jackets
Local vacation exodus means shorter queues at Musée des Confluences and Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière, plus easier reservations at acclaimed restaurants normally booked weeks ahead

Considerations

Many traditional bouchons close for annual congés (vacation) from August 10-25, reducing authentic dining options during peak tourist season
Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5 PM, often disrupting outdoor market visits and Vieux Lyon walking tours
Hotel rates peak at €180-300/night in Presqu'île due to festival season, compared to €120-200 in shoulder months

Best Activities in August

Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourvière Evening Visits

August evenings stay light until 8:30 PM with comfortable 22-25°C (72-77°F) temperatures, perfect for the funicular ride and panoramic city views. Fewer crowds after 6 PM when day-trippers leave. The golden hour lighting on the basilica's mosaics is spectacular during summer months.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed for basilica entry (free), but funicular tickets cost €3.20 roundtrip. Evening visits avoid afternoon thunderstorm risk. Peak viewing times are 6:30-8:00 PM for optimal lighting and photos.

Rhône River Cruise Tours

August water levels are perfect for scenic cruises, with evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F) making deck seating comfortable. The 2-hour sunset cruises showcase Lyon's UNESCO sites from the water perspective, departing at 6:30 PM to avoid afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through licensed river operators. Evening cruises typically cost €25-35 per person. Look for boats with covered sections in case of brief showers. See current cruise options in the booking section below.

Croix-Rousse Silk District Walking Tours

The elevated Croix-Rousse district offers 3-5°C cooler temperatures than city center, making August exploration more comfortable. Morning tours (9-11 AM) avoid afternoon heat and showcase active silk workshops plus famous traboules (hidden passageways) before tourist crowds arrive.

Booking Tip: Self-guided or small group tours work best in August heat. Start early (9 AM) to avoid 28°C+ temperatures. Allow 3-4 hours including funicular rides. Typical guided tours cost €15-25 per person.

Les Halles de Lyon Food Market Experience

Paul Bocuse's legendary covered market operates year-round with perfect climate control, making it ideal during August heat and storms. Peak seasonal produce includes Charentais melons, Rhône Valley peaches, and early autumn specialties. Morning visits (8-10 AM) offer the freshest selections.

Booking Tip: Open Tuesday-Sunday, closed Mondays. Food tours typically cost €45-65 per person including tastings. Book food-focused tours 3-5 days ahead during festival season. Free to explore independently.

Musée des Confluences Indoor Cultural Tours

August's variable weather makes this architectural masterpiece perfect for climate-controlled exploration. The museum's unique confluence of Rhône and Saône location offers impressive views, plus fewer crowds as many locals are on vacation. Temporary exhibitions change seasonally.

Booking Tip: Standard admission €9, reduced queues in August. Allow 2-3 hours for full visit. Combined tickets with other Lyon museums available for €20-25. Online booking recommended during festival season.

Beaujolais Wine Region Day Trips

August brings harvest preparation season in Beaujolais, just 45 km (28 miles) north of Lyon. Vineyards are lush green before September harvest, offering scenic drives and cellar visits with comfortable 24-26°C (75-79°F) temperatures in wine caves.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost €65-95 per person including tastings. Book 7-10 days ahead during summer season. Look for small group tours (8-12 people) through licensed wine tour operators. Current options available in booking section below.

August Events & Festivals

Through August 31st

Festival des Nuits de Fourvière

Lyon's premier summer festival continues through August 31st in the ancient Roman theaters of Fourvière Hill. International artists perform theater, dance, music, and circus acts under the stars. The unique setting combines Roman architecture with contemporary performances.

Late August

Journées du Patrimoine Preparation

Late August marks preparation for European Heritage Days, with special preview events and behind-the-scenes access to normally closed sites like Opéra de Lyon rehearsal spaces and Renaissance courtyards in Vieux Lyon.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - afternoon thunderstorms last 20-30 minutes but can be intense with heavy downpours

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - traboules (hidden passageways) have worn stone steps that get slippery when wet

Layers for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - mornings start at 16°C (61°F), afternoons reach 28°C (82°F)

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 during midday hours, especially strong on Fourvière Hill

Small umbrella for sudden downpours - compact travel size fits in day bag for market visits and outdoor dining

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, especially during afternoon hours

Light cardigan for evening river cruises - temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) on the water after sunset

Portable phone charger - August storms can affect public charging stations and you'll use GPS frequently

Reusable water bottle - public fountains throughout Lyon, essential during 28°C+ afternoon temperatures

Casual smart clothes for evening dining - even bouchons have dress expectations, avoid shorts and flip-flops

Insider Knowledge

Many traditional bouchons close for annual holidays August 10-25, but this creates opportunities at normally booked-solid restaurants like Daniel et Denise and Le Comptoir du Vin

Buy Festival des Nuits de Fourvière tickets day-of at reduced prices - August performances often have last-minute availability due to tourist turnover

Lyon City Card (€27 for 2 days) includes public transport and museum entry, plus 50% off river cruises - essential during August when you'll seek air-conditioned spaces

Shop at Marché de la Croix-Rousse Saturday mornings for half the prices of tourist-oriented markets, plus authentic interaction with vendors who speak regional dialect

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities during 2-5 PM peak storm hours - schedule indoor visits (museums, shopping) during this window instead

Assuming all restaurants are open - research ahead as many bouchons take August vacations, leaving tourists with limited authentic dining options

Underestimating walking distances in heat - Vieux Lyon to Croix-Rousse is 2.5 km (1.5 miles) uphill, challenging in 28°C (82°F) temperatures without breaks