France, located in Western Europe, is the largest country in the European Union and boasts a diverse geographical landscape. Its borders touch several countries, including Belgium, Luxembourg, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, and Andorra. France also has coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean, the English Channel, and the Mediterranean Sea.
France’s topography is incredibly varied. The northern and western parts of the country feature vast plains, while the central and eastern regions are dominated by the Massif Central and the Alps. The Pyrenees form a natural border with Spain in the south. Additionally, France includes the island of Corsica in the Mediterranean. Because of this diverse geography, France experiences several different climates: oceanic in the west, Mediterranean in the southeast, and alpine in the mountainous regions.
The country’s weather varies significantly depending on the region and time of year. Coastal areas enjoy mild winters and cool summers, while inland areas can have more extreme temperatures. Understanding France’s weather by month will help travelers plan their visits to this multifaceted and culturally rich nation.
France’s Weather by Month
January: Winter at Its Coldest
Northern France (Paris, Normandy, Brittany)
- Average Temperature: 3°C (37°F) during the day, -1°C (30°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50-70 mm, with occasional snow
- Wind: Mild winds, stronger along the coast
- Frost: Frequent, especially inland
Southern France (Provence, Côte d’Azur)
- Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 4°C (39°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 30-50 mm
- Wind: Cold Mistral winds can bring strong gusts
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: Cold, around -2°C (28°F) during the day, -8°C (17°F) at night
- Snowfall: Heavy, ideal for skiing
- Rainfall: Very low, mostly snowfall
Summary: January is the coldest month across France, especially in the northern regions, where snow and frost are common. Southern France, though warmer, can experience cold winds. The Alps and Pyrenees see heavy snowfall, making it a prime time for winter sports enthusiasts.
February: Continued Winter Cold
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 4°C (39°F) during the day, 0°C (32°F) at night
- Rainfall: Similar to January, around 50-70 mm
- Snow: Occasional snow showers
- Wind: Cold breezes, especially in coastal areas
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 11°C (52°F) during the day, 4°C (39°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 40 mm
- Wind: Strong Mistral winds, particularly in Provence
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: Cold, around -1°C (30°F) during the day, -7°C (19°F) at night
- Snowfall: Continues to be heavy, great for skiing
- Rainfall: Minimal, mostly snow
Summary: February remains cold across the country. Northern regions experience frosty conditions, while the south enjoys milder weather with occasional Mistral winds. The French Alps and Pyrenees continue to see excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
March: Spring Begins
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F) during the day, 3°C (37°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50-60 mm
- Snow: Rare, except in higher elevations
- Wind: Light, with breezy conditions near the coast
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F) during the day, 7°C (45°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-50 mm
- Wind: Mistral winds still occur but less frequently
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 5°C (41°F) during the day, -3°C (27°F) at night
- Snowfall: Reducing, but still present at higher altitudes
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50 mm, with a mix of snow and rain
Summary: March marks the transition to spring in France, with rising temperatures and longer daylight hours. Northern France is still chilly, but southern France starts to see pleasant, mild weather. Skiing conditions remain good in the higher alpine regions, though snow levels begin to diminish.
April: Mild Spring Weather
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 12°C (54°F) during the day, 6°C (43°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-60 mm
- Sunshine: Increasing, with more sunny days
- Wind: Light, with occasional breezes
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 40 mm
- Wind: Mistral winds subside, but can still occur
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 0°C (32°F) at night
- Snowfall: Light, mainly at higher elevations
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50 mm
Summary: April brings milder temperatures and more sunshine across France. Northern regions begin to warm up, while the south enjoys pleasant spring conditions, perfect for outdoor activities. Ski season is nearing its end, with snow mostly confined to the highest peaks.
May: Warm and Blooming
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 17°C (63°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50-60 mm
- Sunshine: Longer, sunnier days
- Wind: Gentle breezes, especially in coastal areas
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 21°C (70°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
- Rainfall: Decreasing, around 30 mm
- Wind: Calm, with occasional light breezes
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 15°C (59°F) during the day, 5°C (41°F) at night
- Snowfall: Almost none, except in the highest altitudes
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 60 mm
Summary: May is a beautiful month in France, with warm temperatures, blooming flowers, and more sunshine. Northern France sees comfortable conditions for exploring cities, while the south enjoys warm weather, ideal for beach visits and outdoor activities. Skiing season is essentially over, though high-altitude resorts may still offer snow.
June: The Start of Summer
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 21°C (70°F) during the day, 14°C (57°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 40 mm
- Sunshine: Long days with lots of sun
- Wind: Light, with gentle breezes near the coast
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 25°C (77°F) during the day, 18°C (64°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 20-30 mm
- Wind: Very light, perfect for beach days
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 18°C (64°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 50 mm, with more clear days
- Snowfall: None, except on glaciers
Summary: June ushers in summer with warm and sunny weather across France. Northern regions enjoy comfortable temperatures, while the south heats up, making it perfect for beach vacations along the French Riviera. In the mountains, the snow is gone, giving way to excellent conditions for hiking and outdoor exploration.
July: Hot Summer Days
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 30 mm
- Sunshine: Very sunny, with long daylight hours
- Wind: Light breezes, occasionally stronger near the coast
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
- Wind: Gentle, with occasional breezes
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 22°C (72°F) during the day, 12°C (54°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 30-40 mm
- Sunshine: Clear skies, excellent for hiking
Summary: July is one of the hottest months in France, especially in the south where beach resorts are bustling. Northern France enjoys warm, sunny days, ideal for exploring cities and the countryside. The mountains offer pleasant weather for hiking, with cool evenings at higher altitudes.
August: Peak of Summer
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 24°C (75°F) during the day, 16°C (61°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 30 mm
- Sunshine: Long, sunny days
- Wind: Light and gentle breezes
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 29°C (84°F) during the day, 20°C (68°F) at night
- Rainfall: Minimal, around 10-20 mm
- Wind: Occasional breezes along the coast
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 23°C (73°F) during the day, 13°C (55°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 40 mm
- Sunshine: Clear and sunny
Summary: August is the height of summer, and temperatures in France are similar to those in July, with hot weather across the country. The south is a prime destination for beach lovers, while northern France remains comfortably warm for sightseeing. In the mountains, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities such as trekking and climbing.
September: Mild and Pleasant
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 21°C (70°F) during the day, 13°C (55°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 40-50 mm
- Sunshine: Still plenty of sunny days
- Wind: Light breezes
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 26°C (79°F) during the day, 17°C (63°F) at night
- Rainfall: Increasing slightly, around 30 mm
- Wind: Light, with calm conditions
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 19°C (66°F) during the day, 10°C (50°F) at night
- Rainfall: Low, around 40-50 mm
Summary: September is a wonderful time to visit France, especially after the peak tourist season in August. Temperatures remain warm but comfortable, particularly in the south, making it ideal for late-summer beach holidays. Northern regions enjoy mild weather, perfect for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
October: Cool Autumn Days
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 15°C (59°F) during the day, 9°C (48°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 60-70 mm
- Sunshine: Fewer hours of sunshine, with more cloudy days
- Wind: Breezier, especially near the coast
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 20°C (68°F) during the day, 12°C (54°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50 mm
- Wind: Light, with occasional breezes
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 14°C (57°F) during the day, 5°C (41°F) at night
- Rainfall: Increasing, around 60 mm
- Snowfall: Beginning in higher altitudes
Summary: October ushers in cooler, more autumnal weather in France. Northern regions see brisk conditions, while the south remains milder but with an increase in rainfall. The mountains start to see the first snowfalls, marking the transition toward winter.
November: Cold and Damp
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 9°C (48°F) during the day, 4°C (39°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 70-90 mm
- Sunshine: Few sunny days, mostly overcast
- Wind: Chilly breezes, especially along the coast
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 14°C (57°F) during the day, 8°C (46°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate to high, around 60 mm
- Wind: Mistral winds may pick up again
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 7°C (45°F) during the day, 0°C (32°F) at night
- Snowfall: Increasing, especially at higher elevations
Summary: November is characterized by cold, damp weather across much of France. Rainfall increases, and daylight hours decrease. The south is slightly warmer, but the rest of the country sees colder temperatures and cloudy skies. Ski resorts start to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
December: Winter Returns
Northern France
- Average Temperature: 5°C (41°F) during the day, 1°C (34°F) at night
- Rainfall: High, around 80-100 mm
- Snow: Possible in inland regions, especially in Normandy and eastern France
- Wind: Cold and brisk
Southern France
- Average Temperature: 10°C (50°F) during the day, 4°C (39°F) at night
- Rainfall: Moderate, around 50 mm
- Wind: Mistral winds can bring cold gusts
The Alps and Pyrenees
- Temperature: 0°C (32°F) during the day, -5°C (23°F) at night
- Snowfall: Heavy, perfect for skiing
- Rainfall: Low, mostly snow
Summary: December marks the return of winter in France, with cold temperatures, high rainfall, and occasional snowfall in northern regions. Southern France remains mild but chilly, while the Alps and Pyrenees experience heavy snow, making it a popular month for winter sports.