When to Visit France

Bordeaux, pain au chocolat, and the Mona Lisa: France is the ultimate travel destination. But with 5 climate zones on the mainland alone it can be hard to decide when is the best time to visit. Our answer? The best time to have a trip to France is from April to November for great weather but during spring (April to June) or fall (October to November) if you wish to avoid crowds. Whether you are visiting the museums of Paris or enjoying a luxe resort on the French Riviera, favorable weather and fewer crowds are essential to enjoying the perfect holiday. Read on for more details on the best time to visit France.

January might be colder than the other months but a visit to France in January can be the most heart-warming winter holiday. Whether you dream of a skiing adventure in the Alps, a stroll along the spectacular French Riviera, or cozying up in cafés and indulging in pain au chocolat, visit France! Aside from the unparalleled beauty of the country, January also brings post-holiday bargains on flights and accommodation.

A trip to France in February is an amazing opportunity to explore this romantic country with far fewer tourists. Early in the month, travelers tend to flock to the east, where the snow-covered Alps connect France with Italy and Switzerland. There are also many festivals, exhibitions and other special events taking place around the country in February, such as the spectacular Nice Carnival. Whether you prefer skiing or sightseeing, France is always full of excitement in February.

Many areas of France are beautiful in March. Spring is just starting, bringing flowers, fresh produce and slightly warmer temperatures, without the hordes of crowds that descend during the summer. Especially if you choose to travel to France earlier in the month, you’ll likely benefit from cheaper flights, better hotel rates and more space to visit the main attractions.

Spring is in full bloom on your tour to France in April when the country enters its shoulder season. Temperatures continue to soar as winter’s last remnants fade. You will enjoy cheaper rates on accommodations, airfare, and trains during this time of year. Warmer weather and thinner crowds in most parts of the country mean that this is a great time to amble along the Loire Valley, discover the highlights of Avignon and enjoy the spectacular beaches of southern France.

With summer just around the corner, a trip to France in May offers a mild weather with a few rain showers here and there. The mercury continues to rise as spring comes to a close, while tourists slowly trickle into popular sites and attractions. The sea may still be too cold to swim in, but now is an excellent time to enjoy the pleasant weather without contending with crowds. Take part in a plethora of outdoorsy activities while in the country during this time of year. Spy on celebrities in Cannes, be part of Grand Palais Éphémère’s Taste of Paris food festival, or explore the mountain villages of Bastia.

It is no wonder that travelers make a beeline for a France tour in June. For this is when flowers are in full bloom, the weather is warm and celebrations take place all over the country. France in June, however, is a mixed bag in terms of crowds and costs. Come early in the month for thinner crowds and bargain prices. Come late and you might have to contend with hordes of people and skyrocketing prices. However, regardless of all its shortcomings, June is an exceptional time to explore Paris, Normandy, and the sun-kissed southern coast of the country.

Crystal-clear skies, warm seas, and events taking place nationwide – it is no wonder travelers absolutely love a France tour in July. Welcome to the country’s warmest (and busiest) month, where beaches attract holidaymakers like moths to a flame and the country’s most popular attractions are jam-packed. France’s high season can be chaotic, so plan well in advance. Celebrate Bastille Day in Paris, explore Provence’s vineyards, go beaching at the French Riviera, or cheer on Tour de France competitors at Brittany.

It used to be said that you should avoid a trip to France in August like you would a boring auntie at Christmas. There was a time in the past when the shops of Paris and Normandy would be shuttered as everyone headed to warmer climes further south, in turn ramping up transport and accommodation costs in the French Riviera. Not so anymore. Sure, the French go out on trips of their own during this time of year and schools are on a summer break. However, not all establishments hang the ‘en vacance’ note in the window and a number of destinations from Paris to Chartres host special events too.

France in September offers warm weather with the added benefit of thinner crowds – a much-needed breather from the congested month of August. With summer in its twilight and autumn just around the corner, there are a host of wine-related festivals to take part in and mild water temperatures off the country’s coast beckon you to dive in. Now is a great time to explore Bordeaux and its wine-producing regions. You can also make the most of your stay in the country with a trip to the stunning French Riviera after the crowds have left.

The reopening of schools around the world means that France in October is free from the crowds that the country sees from July through September. And while the temperature gently declines, this is more than made up for by the fall color of the country’s trees and shrubs, alongside annual events such as Paris’ Nuit Blanche, or ‘white night’. So if you are keen to discover France beyond the stereotypes, October could be the right month for you!

Despite shorter days and cooler temperatures, November is still a great month to discover France. This is when the last few days of fall add color to trees and the mood turns festive with several cultural events taking place. However, along with leaves turning red, November is also when there is a drop in the number of travelers visiting France, which means you will not have to battle the crowds outside the Louvre or on the streets of Bordeaux.

France turns into a winter wonderland in December. If you do not mind the cold, now is a great time to experience the country's winter charm. A trip to France gears you up for a festive season, streets come alive with Christmas markets and concerts. Enjoy off-season rates and thinner crowds during the first few weeks of the month. Base yourself in Paris to discover its Christmas markets, hit the slopes in the Southern Alps, or seek respite from the cold at Côte d’Azur.

France may not be typically thought of as a traditional winter destination, but think again! While winter in France does not necessarily offer a white wonderland scene everywhere, you'll find a heady, unique mix of alpine scenes, mid-summer weather and golden, autumn-esque landscapes. Whether you want to hit the slopes or relax on the beach, this country has it all. If you haven’t been to France in winter, you need to plan for it now!

Summer in France runs from June through August. The season brings long sunny days, beautiful landscapes, and plenty of activities. From the sun-kissed vineyards of Provence to the azure shores of the French Riviera, the country blossoms into a haven of cultural richness and natural beauty. Meander around picture-postcard villages in the South of France and explore magnificent castles in the Loire Valley. Discover world-class wines in Bordeaux and sip pastis at chic sidewalk cafés in Paris. Dive into the local scene with open-air markets and festivals like Bastille Day and the Avignon Theatre Festival. From cultural capers to outdoor adventures, a trip to France for the summer holidays promises unforgettable memories.