When is the Best Time to Visit France?
Last updated: February 26th, 2025
The best time to visit France is generally spring or autumn. Most French destinations experience the nicest weather during these seasons, which last roughly from March to May and September to November, respectively. That said, certain places and attractions are at their best in winter, summer or specific months, so it’s important to time your trip accordingly.
France is packed with diverse destinations, from the snowy Alps and the sunny Côte d'Azur to the lavender fields of Provence and the vineyards of Bordeaux and Burgundy. Each area has its own allure – as well as its own weather and seasonal variations. We’ve compiled this detailed climate guide to help you choose the perfect time of year for your next French getaway.
France month–by–month weather guide
January in France
January is the middle of winter in France, ushering in some of the year’s coldest temperatures. Paris averages around 3–8ºC (37–46ºF), while southern regions tend to be slightly warmer. This is a good time of year to visit the capital without crowds, but we prefer a snowy holiday in the French Alps. Head to Chamonix or Val d’Isère for world–class slopes and après–ski glamour.
February in France
February brings more wintry weather across France. Average temperatures climb by just one or two degrees in most places. This is a wonderful time to visit the Loire Valley, where you’ll find the tiny village of Saint–Valentin – also known as ‘the Village of Love’ – which hosts an annual Valentine’s Day festival. February is also a great time to go skiing in the Alps.
March in France
March heralds the beginning of spring in France, but it can still be fairly cold. Average highs rise to 13ºC (55ºF) in Paris and can reach 16ºC (61ºF) farther south in Provence and Marseille. It may be a bit rainy, but the lack of crowds makes up for the unpredictable weather. If you’re visiting during Easter, we suggest spending it in the quaint and colourful town of Colmar.
April in France
Spring is the best season to visit France for beautiful wildflowers and increasingly warm weather. Rain is still possible across the country, but temperatures are gradually rising; expect highs around 17ºC (63ºF) in Paris and Lyon and a couple of degrees higher in the French Riviera. Burgundy is also lovely in April, with lots of fresh produce coming into season.
May in France
May is among our favourite months to visit France. Most destinations are pleasantly warm by this time, but not yet too hot – think highs around 16–20ºC (61–68ºF) across the country. The famous Cannes Film Festival is held every year in May in the French Riviera, attracting international attention and Hollywood stars. Apart from this event, crowds are relatively thin.
June in France
France’s summer begins in June, though both temperatures and crowds tend to be less intense early on in the season. It’s warm enough by now to take full advantage of the country’s beautiful beaches. Saint Tropez and Provence may reach the mid–20sºC (upper 70ºsF), while highs in Paris hover around 24ºC (75ºF). This is also a good time to go hiking in the French Alps.
July in France
July is the peak of summer in France, promising pleasantly warm weather and little rainfall in most places. This is the best time of year to visit Provence if you want to see the lavender fields in bloom, although it can be quite hot with highs above 30ºC (86ºF) in the region. July is also a lively month thanks to the Tour de France cycling race and Bastille Day festivities on the 14th.
August in France
August is when many French locals take their summer holidays (though some prefer July), which means larger cities are often surprisingly quiet. Seaside destinations on the Côte d’Azur and the Atlantic coast in the west are quite busy. Along with July, this is one of the hottest months in France; expect highs above 23ºC (73ºF) in most places.
September in France
By September, summer starts to fade into autumn. Much of France is still warm and sunny, but significantly less busy than during the peak season of July and August. The weather is ideal for outdoor activities, from touring the beaches of Normandy to wandering the streets of Paris. Visit Lille up north to browse the bustling Braderie street market, which occurs every September.
October in France
Throughout October, much of France is blanketed in a dazzling display of autumn leaves. The colours are particularly picturesque in the southeastern Hautes-Alpes region, as well as Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne, where the wine harvest is in full swing. Average highs in Burgundy drop to 15ºC (59ºF), but Bordeaux stays fairly warm with highs around 20ºC (68ºF).
November in France
November is the beginning of winter in France, with temperatures falling across the country and rainy weather setting in. We suggest staying warm and dry by wandering through the Louvre, indulging in the finest French cuisine and shopping in the chic boutiques of Paris, which averages 6–11ºC (43–52ºF). Christmas markets also start to open toward the end of the month.
December in France
December is one of the rainiest and coldest months in France – which means it can also be among the cosiest, if you choose your activities wisely. Lyon celebrates its lovely Festival of Lights around 8th December, and ski resorts open in the middle of the month. The northern regions are likely to see snowfall, which is a rare – but not impossible – occurrence in Paris.
What are the best months to go to Paris?
The best months to visit Paris are May, June, September and October. In the late spring and early summer the city comes alive with blossoming roses and long sunny days, creating an especially magical atmosphere. We also love early autumn, when the capital is less crowded and a bit cooler. In October the streets are painted with the golden hues of changing leaves.
What month is less crowded in Paris?
The least crowded time to visit Paris is October through April, coinciding with the colder months of the year. Although the weather isn’t ideal from December to February, it doesn’t usually drop below 0ºC (32ºF). The transitional months of October, November, March and April offer a fantastic mix of relatively small crowds and pleasant temperatures (though you should still be prepared with warm layers). Keep in mind that the city tends to get crowded around Christmas.
What is the hottest month in France?
France’s summer weather reaches its peak in July, which is usually the hottest month of the year. August is a close second with similar temperatures. During these months Paris sees highs around 24–28ºC (75–82ºF), although it can sometimes reach the 30sºC (upper 80s–90sºF). The south of France has the highest temperatures, often exceeding 30ºC (86ºF) in the summer.
When is the best time to visit Bordeaux?
Contrary to the large majority of the country, the east of France is the perfect area to head for around July and August. Make like the natives and head to the Île de Ré for some island sun and sea, La Rochelle for medieval beauty and Bordeaux for elegance, wine and trendy contemporary culture. A mix of weather, the east coast of France tends to be warmer that the northern regions in summer, and the seas are calmer than the unpredictable Atlantic. This coast is more likely to experience warm, torrential downpours in the afternoons during summer.
When is the best time to visit the south of France?
The best time to visit the South of France is between May and October which bring long, bright, and sunny days. This is the perfect season to enjoy what the region is best known for – turquoise coastlines, Medieval villages, and rustic beach shacks.
The months of July and August especially draw visitors to the French Riviera. During this period, you can expect very hot temperatures, often over 30°C or 90°F. This is perfect if you’re looking for a sun-drenched holiday, as well as being a great time for festivals and fairs.
For lavender picking in Provence, July is the best month to go as the crops are at their thickest – lavender season only runs from June to August.
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