I actually had a typo in my post, I meant I don't run AC at home from May through Sept, which is true.

I don't like AC that well, actually, I prefer fresh air, so don't use it until it's over 90 degrees.

It really doesn't usually get that hot in Paris compared to many parts of the US, especially Wash DC which can be like Bangkok in summer.

Official Yahoo weather stats are that Wash Dc's avg. high daily temp in July is 89 degrees. That is the average over the month, and not avg daily temp but avg afternoon HIGH temp. For Paris, the avg afternoon high temp is only 75 degrees in July. It's not nearly as humid as Wash Dc/Baltimore, either.

I'm not trying to talk you out of it but actually I have never heard of anyone living in Wash DC/Baltimore area without AC so if that is by choice, you really do not need it in Northern Europe.

Wow! That's a lot of information - thanks (especially to WillTravel - your earlier thread was most informative).

When I said I didn't have ac, I should have mentioned that there is one window unit in my son's room. Both he and his sister seem to "need" it, whereas I much prefer an open window (with good cross ventilation, but plenty of traffic noise).

Anyway, this IS a vacation, and the point about being hot all day everywhere else is a good one: I'll opt for AC for Paris and Venice, but may take my chances elsewhere (Germany and Switzerland).

You'll have to choose. If you do not generally use air-conditioning, you might find the noise as annoying as others find the heat uncomfortable. It's the case with me.

I live on Northen VA, just outside of DC, and I do run A/C most of the summer, but am not fanatical about it. It takes a really hot day with bad humidity for me to turn it on. I also prefer "fresh" air, if there is any.

As a general rule, I would tell people that A/C is mandatory in Paris and Venice in July/August, but for soemone from Baltimore who doesn't have A/C, I think it's not necessary. Baltimore can be a humidor in mid- to late summer. If you can survive it there, you can survive it in Venice and Paris. But maybe since you're on vacation and don't have A/C at home, it would be a nice vacation treat?

your life depends on it in July/August, even as early as May!!!!!!!

In regards to Venice, click on my name and read the intro section of my trip report. That should answer the A/C question with a definite yes.

I have made the mistake and got a room without a/c and I sufferd for it. I would never get a room without it. Europe becomes a oven at times and it's worth the extra money to obtain lodging with a/c.

One thing to consider is that many stores, museums, etc. do not have a/c and probably do have room humidifiers. Thus, your a/c hotel room may be the only place to get away from the heat. That happend to us in Aachen one July, where the heat and humidity were so unbearable that we could only be outside for half an hour at a time before needing to go back to the hotel for another shower.