Are you wondering when is the best time to visit France?
In general, the best time to visit France is from April to October.
This is when the weather is generally pleasant and comfortable, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities or sightseeing.
In this guide, we will explore the best time to visit France in more detail and provide some tips for planning your trip.
Keep reading to learn more about the best time to visit France.
About France
France is a 67 million people country located in Western Europe. It is bordered by Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Monaco, Spain, and Andorra.
The capital of France is Paris, which is also the largest city in the country and one of the most famous cities in the world.
France has a varied landscape, with a range of geographical features including mountains, coastlines, and rolling countryside. The country is home to the highest peak in Western Europe, Mont Blanc, which is located in the French Alps.
The Pyrenees mountain range forms the border between France and Spain. There are also several coastal regions, including the famous Côte d’Azur on the Mediterranean.
France has a long and rich history, with many cultural and historical landmarks. It’s known for its art, fashion, food, and wine, and it is a popular tourist destination for people from all over the world.
Climate in France
In general, France has a Temperate Climate, with mild winters and warm summers. However, the climate can vary significantly depending on the region.
France has a varied climate due to its large size and diverse geography. The country is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
In the northwest of France, the climate is cooler and more humid, with frequent rain.
The central region of France has a more moderate climate, with warm summers and cool winters.
The south of France, including the Mediterranean coast, has a Mediterranean Climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, wet winters.
In the mountain regions of France, such as the Alps and Pyrenees, the climate is colder and more alpine, with long, snowy winters and short, cool summers.
Overall, France experiences a range of weather patterns, from mild and rainy to hot and dry, depending on the region.
Average temperature
Spring in France (March-May) brings mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 13-20°C (55-68°F) and average lows ranging from 6-11°C (43-52°F).
During the summer months (June-August), France experiences warm weather, with average highs ranging from 24-26°C (76-79°F) and lows averaging around 15-17°C (59-63°F).
In autumn (September-November), temperatures start to cool down, with average highs ranging from 11-22°C (52-72°F) and average lows ranging from 6-13°C (43-55°F).
Winter in France (December-February) is generally cooler, with average highs ranging from 8-9°C (46-48°F) and average lows ranging from 3-4°C (37-39°F).
Number of monthly rainy days
The precipitation in France is quite constant. The average number of rainy days per month ranges from 8 to 11 across the year.
The rainiest season is winter experiencing an average of 10-11 rainy days per month.
The driest season is summer experiencing an average of 8-9 rainy days per month.
Number of monthly sun hours
The longest days in France are during the summer months, ranging from 203 to 224 sun hours on average.
The least daylight France experiences in winter, with an average of 58-88 sun hours per month.
Seasons in France
France has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
These seasons are characterized by changes in temperature, rainfall, and the length of daylight hours.
Spring (March to May)
Spring in France (March, April, and May) is a pleasant time to visit, with mild temperatures and increasing amounts of sunshine. As the country transitions from winter to summer, the weather becomes more pleasant, making it a good time to enjoy the outdoors and experience the beauty of the changing seasons.
Average maximum temperatures in spring in France range from 13°C (55°F) to 20°C (68°F), and the country receives an average of 129-200 sun hours per month.
The days become longer as the season progresses, making it a great time to take in the sights and sounds of the country. There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 9-11 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in spring in France can be described as tolerable in March, and good in April and May.
| SPRING | MAR | APR | MAY |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 13°C / 55°F | 17°C / 62°F | 20°C / 68°F |
| Min temperature | 6°C / 42°F | 8°C / 46°F | 11°C / 52°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 129 hours | 173 hours | 200 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 9 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Tolerable | Good | Good |
Summer (June to August)
The summer season in France (June, July, and August) is a beautiful time to visit, with warm temperatures and long days filled with sunshine.
It is a great time to enjoy the outdoors and all that France has to offer, from the beaches and parks to the cultural and historical attractions.
Average maximum temperatures in summer in France range from 24-26°C (74-78°F), and the country receives an average of 203-224 sun hours per month. The days are long and sunny.
There is also a moderate amount of rainfall during this season, with an average of 8-9 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in summer in France can be described as great, with June, July, and August all experiencing great weather.
| SUMMER | JUN | JUL | AUG |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 24°C / 74°F | 26°C / 78°F | 26°C / 78°F |
| Min temperature | 15°C / 58°F | 17°C / 62°F | 16°C / 61°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 203 hours | 224 hours | 214 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 9 days | 8 days | 8 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Great | Great |
Autumn (September to November)
Autumn in France (September, October, and November) is a beautiful time to visit, with cooler temperatures and a moderate amount of sunshine. It is a great time to experience the changing colors of the leaves and the cooler weather.
Average maximum temperatures in autumn in France range from 22°C (71°F) to 11°C (52°F), and the country receives an average of 172-75 sun hours per month.
The days become shorter as the season progresses, and there is a moderate amount of rainfall, with an average of 8-10 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in autumn in France can be described as great in September, good in October, and tolerable in November.
| AUTUMN | SEP | OCT | NOV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 22°C / 71°F | 17°C / 62°F | 11°C / 52°F |
| Min temperature | 13°C / 55°F | 10°C / 50°F | 6°C / 43°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 172 hours | 126 hours | 75 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 8 days | 10 days | 10 days |
| Weather conditions | Great | Good | Tolerable |
Winter (December to February)
The winter months in France (December, January, and February) are cold and rainy, with lower temperatures and fewer hours of sunshine. It’s a pretty bad time to visit France unless you don’t mind bad weather.
Average maximum temperatures in winter in France range from 8-9°C (46-48°F), and the country receives an average of 58-88 sun hours per month.
The days are short and there is a moderate amount of rainfall, with an average of 9-11 rainy days per month.
The weather conditions in winter in France can be described as bad, with December, January, and February all experiencing bad weather.
| WINTER | DEC | JAN | FEB |
|---|---|---|---|
| Max temperature | 8°C / 46°F | 8°C / 46°F | 9°C / 48°F |
| Min temperature | 4°C / 39°F | 3°C / 38°F | 4°C / 38°F |
| Monthly sun hours | 58 hours | 63 hours | 88 hours |
| Monthly rainy days | 11 days | 10 days | 9 days |
| Weather conditions | Bad | Bad | Bad |
Best time to visit France weather-wise
The best time to visit France weather-wise is from April to October. This is when the weather conditions are generally warm and pleasant, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
The summer months of June, July, and August are the most popular times to visit France, and for good reason. The country experiences its warmest temperatures and the longest days during this time, making it a great location for swimming, hiking, and other outdoor activities.
The spring and autumn months of April-May and September-October are also good times to visit France. The temperatures are milder and there are fewer tourist crowds, making it a great time to explore the country at a more leisurely pace.
Overall, the summer months are generally the most popular and offer the warmest and sunniest weather, while the spring and autumn months offer milder temperatures and fewer crowds.
Best time to visit France for sightseeing
The best time to visit France for sightseeing is during the spring and autumn months of April-May and September-October. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it a great time to explore the country’s many cultural and historical attractions.
These months also tend to experience lower tourist traffic, which might make it easier to visit popular attractions and landmarks without having to wait in line for a long time. Also, the prices of hospitality and accommodation are lower during these times.
If you are planning to visit France during the summer months of June, July, and August, you can expect warm, sunny weather and longer days. However, these months are also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded attractions.
If you prefer to avoid crowds and very hot weather, consider visiting France during the shoulder season in spring or autumn. The weather is still pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore the country at a more leisurely pace.
Best time for hiking in the South of France
The South of France is known for its mild, Mediterranean Climate, which means that you can enjoy hiking there throughout the year.
If you prefer warmer weather and longer days, the summer months of June, July, and August might be the best time to visit. However, it is also the busiest and most popular time for tourists, so you can expect higher prices and more crowded trails.
If you prefer fewer crowds, the spring and autumn months of April-May and September-October might be the best time to visit. The weather is still mild and pleasant, and there are fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore the trails in a more comfortable way.
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