Best Time to Visit France
When is the best time to visit France? The country offers the perfect climate to visit in the Spring, Summer and Autumn. A spring in France provides gives picturesque green hills with pretty flowers and calm weather. April showers occur on occasion, but it is nothing an umbrella cannot handle. Spring and summer are especially lovely because of the beauty that these seasons bestow upon the French countryside, however, the Autumn months make travel and site seeing very doable - even with the occasional drizzle and chillier conditions in the evenings as the end of the Autumn draws in.
Provence enjoys a pleasant, Mediterranean climate. On average, Provence gets 300 days of sunshine each year, with warm but mild temperatures. Summer is high season here, with August bringing the hottest weather and the biggest crowds. Spring is a great time of year, the weather is warm, with temperatures swaying between 16 and 20°C, and the crowds are small. If you want to see lavender fields then it would be best to visit the region in June. In October the weather starts to cool.
Our Experts Say...
"The best time to visit France depends on the specific region you plan to explore as the country offers diverse climates and attractions throughout the year. Paris is best in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is generally mild, between 10°C to 20°C pleasant for walks and sightseeing and also less crowded. The French Riviera is great for the summer (June to August) with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, perfect for beach holidays and exploring the coastal towns. You can also catch the Grand Prix in Monaco end of May. If you wish to catch the lavender blooms, mid-June to mid-July is a perfect time to visit Provence. The French coutryside and wine regions is best visited in Autumn when the weather is usually mild and the vibrant fall colours add an extra touch to the picturesque landscapes. It's also harvest season or what is called vendagne, offering opportunites to participate in wine tours and tastings. Overall, France is a year round destination with something unique to offer in every season."
Ria Santamaria, Europe Specialist
Climate guide for France
, France
Average temperatures (Celcious) and rainfall (mm)
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