One of the absolute best times of year to visit the scenic Loire Valley, a wine region in central France, is the month of August. The weather is as good as it ever gets in this region during this montht's perfect for sightseeing, hiking, cycling and other outdoor pursuits.
What's The Weather Like In Loire Valley In August
Temperature
Although July was the warmest month of the year, August is only slightly coolern average temperature of 18°C versus 17°C. This is the second warmest month of the year, its afternoons enjoying average high temperatures of around 22°C. During the night, the mercury drops to an average low of 12°C, which is cool, but still comfortable.
The beginning of the month is typically the warmest period of the month. Temperatures tend to decrease in the course of August as the weather slowly begins making its way toward September and autumn. It gets by no means cold, thoughugust is pleasantly warm all month long.
Sunshine Hours
August is also characterised by decreasing day length. The length of the days lessens from 14.52 hours of daylight on 1st August to 13.22 daylight hours on 31st August. This means that each day is 2.9 minutes shorter than the day before.
Cloud cover is at its annual low this month, ranging between 50% and 52%. This is the main reason for the high number of daily sunshine hours in August. There are 8 hours of sunshine per day on average, making it the joint second sunniest month of the year, after July and together with June.
Rain
As cloud cover reaches its yearly minimum, so does the chance of rainfall. As is the case in all months of the year in the Loire Valley, moderate rain is the most common type of rainfall in August as well. It occurs on 55% of the days with rainfall.
Thunderstorms happen on 18% of those days. Light rain and drizzle are less likely, being recorded on 14% and 12% of the rainy days. The total amount of rainfall is 52mm, which is spread out over 11 days with rainfall.
If you're planning on visiting this gorgeous region, make sure to check out our weather forecast before you leave.
Loire Valley Hotels In August
Hôtel Auberge du Cheval Blanc
Consider staying at the cosy three-star Hôtel Auberge du Cheval Blanc during your August vacation. This historic inn, a former coach house built with beams and bricks, is located in the heart of the Sologne and has 7 guest rooms. Guests can enjoy local cuisine in the elegant dining room, relax on the outdoor terrace, read in the library room or unwind after a day of sightseeing with a drink in the bar.
Art Hôtel
People looking for something high-end might want to take a look at the four-star Art Hôtel in Rochecorbon, near Tours. This beautiful 19th-century castle is decorated with art on the inside and surrounded by pavilions on the outside. It has 28 bedrooms, a Turkish bath, sauna and spa, free Wi-Fi, room service and a lounge bar.
Château Belmont
Featuring stunning rooms and suites, the four-star Château Belmont is another splendid upscale hotel. It combines historic elegance with modern facilities, which are plentiful. There is a fitness centre and a wellness centre with Jacuzzis, Turkish baths and an indoor pool, a bar, a restaurant, an outdoor terrace, lush gardens, free Wi-Fi and Internet, shuttles to the airport and train station, and a car park.
Bars And Restaurants
La Rousselière
La Rousselière is the restaurant of the luxurious Château de Cheverny Golf Hotel. Its dining room offers truly great views of the golf course, its menu featuring all kinds of local and regional dishes. It has one of the most scenic outdoor eating terraces in the Sologne, which makes it a strongly recommended place to go for dinner.
Ferme Auberge le Moulin de Saussaye
Looking for a rustic and quiet place to enjoy the freshest food possible? Head to Ferme Auberge le Moulin de Saussaye. Housed in an 11th-century water mill, this is a farm, inn and restaurant cosy bed and breakfast near the pretty village of L'le Bouchard. It has two dining rooms where guests can sample traditional home-cooked dishes.
Things To Do In Loire Valley In August
Château de Chenonceau
The region is dotted with spectacular castles, but one of the most stunning is the Château de Chenonceau. One of the most renowned castles in the Loire Valley, this one actually spans the River Cher. The vast domain features a huge park, expansive meticulously manicured gardens and beautiful lawns. There is a medieval keep, the last remains of a previous castle, which is still surrounded by a moat. As striking as it is from the outside, its interior is equally as beautiful, featuring lavish decorations and furniture, and a large collection of paintings by Old Masters, such as Rubens, Poussin, Murillo and Le Tintoret.
Winery Visit
Another strongly recommended thing to do in this scenic region, particularly when the weather is as good as it is in August, is visiting a winery. There are numerous wineries, cellars and vineyards that produce every possible type of wine, from white and sparkling to red and rosé.
