Best Time to Visit France
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- JanAvg Daily: 7 ° CAvg Nightly: 3 ° C
- FebAvg Daily: 8 ° CAvg Nightly: 3 ° C
- MarAvg Daily: 12 ° CAvg Nightly: 5 ° C
- AprAvg Daily: 16 ° CAvg Nightly: 7 ° C
- MayAvg Daily: 20 ° CAvg Nightly: 11 ° C
- JunAvg Daily: 23 ° CAvg Nightly: 14 ° C
- JulAvg Daily: 25 ° CAvg Nightly: 16 ° C
- AugAvg Daily: 25 ° CAvg Nightly: 16 ° C
- SepAvg Daily: 21 ° CAvg Nightly: 13 ° C
- OctAvg Daily: 16 ° CAvg Nightly: 10 ° C
- NovAvg Daily: 11 ° CAvg Nightly: 6 ° C
- DecAvg Daily: 8 ° CAvg Nightly: 3 ° C
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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.
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Quick Facts
High season | July – September (summer) |
Low season | December – February (winter) |
All seasons | April – June (spring), July – September (summer), October – November (fall/autumn), December – February(winter) |
Seasonal Overview
France has four distinct seasons spreading across its five climatic zones: spring, summer, fall/autumn, and winter. Read on for highlights, tips, and a seasonal breakdown for each.
Spring in France: April to June/ Good Season
France's spring is renowned for its exceptional beauty, featuring lush, vibrant greens and abundant blossoms in full bloom throughout the country. Typically, this season offers warm and sunny weather only occasionally interrupted by light rain. However, the northeastern and inland regions of France are quite unpredictable, with sporadic drizzles and sudden gusts of cold wind. In contrast, on a trip to Southern France and coastal areas of France enjoy consistently warm weather, making them ideal destinations for a beach getaway.
Avg. Temperature | 6 – 21° C/ 42 – 70° F (in Paris) |
Rainfall | 24 – 26 mm |
Season | Spring |
Highlights:
- With the onset of spring, areas such as the Loire Valley and Corsica burst into vibrant life with roses and a kaleidoscope of colors brought by tulips, dahlias, and begonias creating a stunning spectacle.
- France hosts cultural events like the Cannes Film Festival and Fête de la Musique in May and June.
- Take a trip to Bordeaux, as the grape harvest season will be over, and you’ll get to enjoy the vineyards without the rush.
Tips:
- If you want to see cherry blossoms in Paris, time your visit for late March to early April. Consider visiting parks like Parc des Buttes-Chaumont or Parc de Sceaux for the best views.
- Be sure to check their opening hours and any special events while visiting famous gardens like Monet's Garden in Giverny and the Gardens of Versailles.
- Check the dates of festivals and events you're interested in, such as the Cannes Film Festival or the Fête de la Musique. Plan your visit around these dates.
In-depth month-wise guides:
France in April
France in May
France in June
Summer in France: July to September/ High Season
Summer in France entails warm and sunny weather making it the most sought-after season for travel. July and August mark the height of the summer vacation season across Europe and the UK, attracting numerous families to this picturesque destination. On a trip to Paris, you can expect long, sun-filled days with temperatures often reaching above 25°C. The extended daylight hours allow attractions to remain open longer, but it's advisable to purchase your tickets in advance due to the increased summer crowds.
Avg. Temperature | 52 – 75° F / 11 – 24° C (in Paris) |
Rainfall | 16 – 24 mm |
Season | Summer |
Highlights:
- Tours to French Riviera (Côte d'Azur) and coastal regions like Normandy and Brittany offer beautiful beaches and warm Mediterranean waters.
- The Atlantic coast is rather dry during this period, so if you want to enjoy some sun, you can head towards Normandy, Brittany, or take a trip to Loire Valley.
- The southern coast will be full of holidaying French, so you can even head north and explore the historical parts of Alsace-Lorraine!
Tips:
- During the summer season, popular destinations can get crowded quickly. To secure the best accommodations and avoid last-minute hassles, book your hotels or rental properties well in advance.
- While the beaches are tempting, don't forget to explore the cultural and historical attractions in the regions you visit. Each area has its unique charm and landmarks.
- If you want to escape the crowds on the southern coast, head north to Alsace-Lorraine. These regions offer a rich history, charming towns with timbered houses, and a unique blend of French culture.
In-depth month-wise guides:
France in July
France in August
France in September
Fall in France: October to November/ Low Season
October through November is the low season in France. During this time, France experiences fluctuating temperatures ranging from 2°C to 25°C throughout various regions. It also witnesses considerable rainfall, making for a damp autumn. However, despite the rain, you can relish the scenic beauty of regions such as Normandy, the Loire Valley, and Alsace, as these areas receive comparatively lower amounts of precipitation.
Avg. Temperature | 36 – 46° F / 2 – 8° C (in Paris) |
Rainfall | 22 – 26 mm |
Season | Fall |
Highlights:
- Head to the Provincial cities such as Marseille, or take a trip to Lyon, Toulouse, or Bordeaux, where you can enjoy the finest French cuisine and culture.
- In even-numbered years, Paris celebrates the Paris Motor Show in October, which will define the experience of a lifetime!
- In November, France hosts a variety of unique events that showcase its rich culture, ranging from Armistice Day commemorations to the unveiling of the latest Beaujolais Nouveau vintage.
Tips:
- If you opt to participate in grape picking, ask the vineyard workers for guidance on how to pick grapes properly. They will show you the correct way to cut the grape clusters without damaging the vines.
- During Armistice Day commemorations, it's important to bear in mind that the red poppy flower is a widely recognized emblem of remembrance. To blend in with the locals, wear poppy pins or adorn wreaths with them as a sign of remembrance for the fallen soldiers.
- Seasonal fall dishes like mushroom risotto, roasted chestnuts, and hearty stews are quite popular around fall. Try local specialties like cassoulet in the southwest or coq au vin on your trip to Burgundy.
In-depth month-wise guides:
France in October
France in November
Winter in France: December to March / Low Season
The weather in France is coldest during these months. Towards the north and the west, there is not a lot of snow, but it does get quite cold. There might even be some scattered showers around December and January.
Avg. Temperature | 34 – 45° F / 1 – 7° C (in Paris) |
Rainfall | 18 – 26 mm |
Season | Winter |
Highlights:
- Visit the snowy peaks on your trips French Alps for a skiing trip. Head to e.g. Chamonix, Queyras, and Ecrins, where the adrenaline junkie in you will find great adventures.
- For those who want to enjoy the quiet solitude of the mountains, Annecy, Mont Blanc, Lons-le-Saunier, and Lake Geneva beckon. They look the best in winter, so you will have a wonderful experience.
- Visit France's stunning châteaux, such as Château de Chambord and Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley which are open year-round and look especially picturesque in the snow.
Tips:
- Enjoy Ice skating in iconic outdoor locations like the Eiffel Tower or out front of city halls for a memorable experience.
- Avoid the ski slopes during French and British holidays, to avoid the school rush!
- Keep in mind that some businesses and attractions may close on certain holidays, such as Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Check-in advance and plan your activities accordingly.
In-depth month-wise guides:
France in December
France in January
France in February
France in March
France offers something special in every season: cozy winters, vibrant summers, colorful autumns, or blossoming springs. Whether you prefer the calm of the low season or the energy of the high season, France's rich culture and stunning landscapes await. For a more personalized experience, Contact our travel experts in Bookmundi and book a customised trip to France.
Average Annual Temperature of Popular Destinations in France
Destinations | Spring | Summer | Autumn | Winter | ||||
Temp | Rainfall | Temp | Rainfall | Temp | Rainfall | Temp | Rainfall | |
Paris | 17°C 63°F |
2mm | 22ºC 72ºF |
2mm | 13ºC 55ºF |
2mm | 7ºC 46ºF |
2mm |
Nice | 18°C 66°F |
3mm | 24°C 76°F |
2mm | 16ºC 61ºF |
1mm | 11ºC 53ºF |
4mm |
Bordeaux | 20°C 68°F |
3mm | 25°C 77°F |
2mm | 16ºC 61ºF |
3mm | 12ºC 54ºF |
4mm |
Saint Tropez | 21°C 69°F |
2mm | 26°C 79°F |
1mm | 23ºC 74°F |
3mm | 13ºC 56°F |
4mm |
Avignon | 22ºC 72ºF |
2mm | 27°C 80°F |
3mm | 17ºC 62°F |
3mm | 11ºC 50°F |
4mm |