Bordeaux in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Bordeaux

27°C (81°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

56 mm (2.2 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect harvest season preparation - August is when vignerons prepare for vendange (harvest), offering exclusive behind-the-scenes château experiences typically closed to tourists other months
Optimal weather for outdoor wine tasting - warm 27°C (81°F) days with cool 16°C (61°F) evenings create ideal conditions for terrasse tastings and evening vineyard walks
Festival de Bordeaux runs early August with free outdoor concerts, street performances, and extended museum hours until 10pm along the Garonne waterfront
Peak stone fruit season - local markets overflow with Périgord peaches, Agen plums, and regional melons that pair perfectly with Bordeaux wines, plus restaurant menus feature seasonal specialties

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 10 days of the month, typically 2-4pm, disrupting outdoor vineyard tours and requiring flexible scheduling
Peak tourist season means château tours book up 3-4 weeks in advance and cost 20-30% more than shoulder season, with popular estates like Margaux often fully booked
Many locals vacation mid-August, causing some family-owned wine shops and smaller restaurants to close for 1-2 weeks, particularly in residential neighborhoods

Best Activities in August

Saint-Émilion UNESCO Village Wine Tours

August offers perfect weather for exploring this medieval village's underground cellars, where consistent 14°C (57°F) temperatures provide relief from afternoon heat. The limestone quarries-turned-wine-cellars are spectacular when outside temperatures reach 27°C (81°F). Morning tours (9am-11am) avoid afternoon storms and crowds.

Booking Tip: Reserve 3-4 weeks ahead, especially for English-language tours. Morning slots (€25-45 range) fill fastest. Look for packages including village walking tour plus 2-3 cellar visits. See current tour options in the booking section below.

Garonne River Cycling Routes

Early morning rides (7am-10am) take advantage of cool temperatures and calm conditions before afternoon storms. The 25km (15.5 mile) Bordeaux to Bègles route is flat, shaded, and passes 6 wine bars perfect for mid-ride tastings. August's long daylight hours mean leisurely 6pm-8pm evening rides along illuminated quays.

Booking Tip: Rent electric bikes for €20-35 per day from city center locations. Book guided wine-cycling tours 10-14 days ahead (typically €55-85). Routes include wine bar stops and equipment. Check booking section for current guided options.

Arcachon Bay Oyster Farm Tours

August is prime oyster season when Arcachon Bay's famous huîtres are at their plumpest. The 1-hour train ride from Bordeaux (€15.20) offers relief from city heat, and bay temperatures stay 3-4°C cooler. Morning tours (10am-12pm) include oyster tastings paired with crisp Entre-Deux-Mers wines.

Booking Tip: Book bay tours 7-10 days ahead through certified ostréiculteurs (oyster farmers). Half-day experiences cost €35-55 including transport from Arcachon station. Look for tours combining oyster farms with Dune du Pilat climbs. See current options below.

Bordeaux Food Market Tours

Marché des Capucins thrives in August with peak seasonal produce. Early morning visits (8am-10am) before 27°C (81°F) heat showcase local specialties: canelés still warm from overnight baking, seasonal fruit from Lot-et-Garonne, and fresh fish from Atlantic coast. Vendors offer tastings with wine pairings.

Booking Tip: Join guided food tours for €45-70 including market visit, tastings, and local wine education. Independent visits are free but guided tours provide vendor relationships and wine pairing knowledge. Book 5-7 days ahead for weekend tours.

Médoc Wine Route Driving Tours

August's stable weather (despite afternoon storms) makes it ideal for exploring prestigious châteaux between Margaux and Saint-Estèphe. The 60km (37 mile) route includes air-conditioned cellars offering respite from heat. Afternoon storms typically pass quickly, clearing for golden-hour vineyard photography.

Booking Tip: Book château visits individually 2-4 weeks ahead as many close during harvest preparation. Full-day guided tours cost €95-150 including transport and 3-4 château visits. Premium estates require advance booking. Check current availability below.

Evening River Cruise Wine Tastings

Cool 16°C (61°F) evening temperatures and August's extended daylight (sunset after 8:30pm) create perfect conditions for Garonne river cruises. Two-hour floating wine tastings feature 5-6 regional wines with commentary on waterfront châteaux visible from the river.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises (6pm-8pm or 7pm-9pm) book up fastest in August. Prices range €35-55 including wine tastings. Look for sunset cruises with sommelier-guided tastings. Reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for weekend departures.

August Events & Festivals

Early August

Festival de Bordeaux

Free outdoor festival transforming the city center with concerts, street art, and extended cultural site hours. Evening performances along the Garonne waterfront take advantage of cool August evenings. Museums and wine bars stay open until 10pm during festival days.

Mid to Late August

Bordeaux Wine Festival Preview Events

Pre-harvest celebrations at various châteaux featuring exclusive tastings of previous vintages and meetings with vignerons before busy harvest season. These intimate events offer insights into winemaking processes unavailable during regular tourist season.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool shirts - stay cool in 27°C (81°F) heat but won't smell after wine cellar visits in 14°C (57°F) underground temperatures

Compact umbrella with wind resistance - August thunderstorms bring 25-30 km/h (15-19 mph) winds lasting 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index 8 in vineyard settings with reflected light from limestone soil creates intense exposure

Closed-toe shoes with grip - wet limestone in wine cellars becomes slippery during humid 70% August conditions

Light cashmere or wool cardigan - evening temperatures drop 11°C (20°F) from daytime highs, essential for riverside dining

Breathable cotton or linen pants - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, especially during mid-day vineyard walks

Water-resistant crossbody bag - protects wine purchases and phone during sudden afternoon downpours

Portable phone charger - extended daylight hours and navigation between châteaux drain batteries faster

Wine bottle protectors or bubble wrap - August is prime bottle-buying season, airlines strictly enforce liquid packaging rules

Anti-histamine medication - August ragweed pollen counts peak in vineyard areas, affecting sensitive travelers

Insider Knowledge

Schedule château visits before 2pm or after 5pm - afternoon thunderstorms consistently hit between 2-4pm, and many estates pause outdoor tours during this window rather than cancel entirely

Book restaurant dinner reservations for 8:30pm or later - locals dine late to enjoy cool evening temperatures, and tourist-hour seatings (6-7pm) often lack atmosphere as restaurants haven't hit their stride

Purchase wine from châteaux directly rather than city shops - August harvest preparation means winemakers are present for conversations, plus you'll get current vintage releases not yet available in retail

Avoid driving between châteaux during 1-3pm - combination of lunch closures, tourist traffic, and pre-storm heavy air makes this the most frustrating travel window in wine country

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor vineyard tours during 2-4pm storm window - 60% of August days have afternoon thunderstorms during these exact hours, leading to rushed or cancelled experiences

Wearing open-toed shoes to wine cellars - underground cellars maintain 14°C (57°F) temperatures year-round and have wet limestone floors that cause cold, slippery conditions

Not making restaurant reservations assuming August availability - despite being tourist season, many locals also vacation in Bordeaux, making popular restaurants surprisingly full