France Weather
Planning Your France Trip…
The weather conditions in France can vary greatly from one region to another. With its 26 different regions, this translates to the opportunity to experience a myriad of climates from Continental to Oceanic, from Semi Continental to Mediterranean and Alpine.
In the Ile de France region, where Paris lies right in its center, rain can be expected any time of the year but this region experiences the country’s lowest rainfall. During the summer months in this region, temperatures average around 25 degrees Celsius, although in July and August, they can creep up to above 30 degrees. Heat waves also occur during these months and it remains hot and sunny until the end of September. The locals go on their summer breaks around August, so expect the city to be crowded with tourists who will outnumber the Parisians. Winter is relatively mild though it can get very chilly.
Alsace, a small region in the north, which is also on the wine route, experiences the four distinct seasons and one of the lowest rainfalls too in all of France. Snow in winter here adds magic to the Christmas markets, spring brings forth the scent of burgeoning grape flowers, summers can be warm while autumn brings about a symphony of color as the leaves of tree and vine become a riot of golden yellows and oranges and grapes are harvested.
In Bordeaux, a wine Mecca in France, you can experience west coast weather, with sometimes bad storms in the summer because of the nearby Atlantic. Thankfully storms don’t last long and as in a lot of south of France, the weather is warm and sunny. During the summer months, especially around July and August, the French people usually vacation here, especially in the more famous destinations. Spring and fall are good times to visit as the weather is pleasant and there are not many tourists around. The grape harvests begin about mid-September.
In the southeastern part of France on the Mediterranean adjacent to Italy, is the Provence region where the town of Arles in all its chromatic drama was immortalized by Vincent Van Gogh. The weather here is generally hot and dry although it does rain about four weeks of the year. Like Alsace, there are four distinct seasons although spring and fall are the best months to experience the dazzling light, rugged rocky countryside and fruited vineyards of Provence. The lavender fields show peak color in mid-July but summertime in this region can get very hot and crowded, especially on the beaches. Winters can be chilly with sharp winds and rains.
One of France’s prettiest cities, Dijon is located in Burgundy, where there are colorful banners, polished storefronts and narrow medieval streets. Besides being known for its famous vineyards, this region is also home to Romanesque churches. Situated in the heart of France, Burgundy has warm and dry summers with plenty of sunshine. Spring and fall are not quite as idyllic as in Provence due to the scattered showers. The best time to visit is probably in late May which can be really lovely and September where the sun is still warm and the grapes are ready for harvesting. The vines are colorful then and many festivals also take place around this time.
The country’s largest region is the Midi-Pyrenees in the western half of France’s south. Together with Languedoc-Roussillon, this region provides rolling sun-baked plains and hills spiked with ruins of ancient civilizations. The Fauvist art movement with its celebration of color was started in Collioure, the main town of the Cote Vermeille by Matisse and Derain in the early 20th century. In Toulouse, the scenic rosy roofs and red-brick mansions are must-sees, while the medieval Abbaye St-Martin du Canigou is a breath-taking sight. In this region, you can expect pleasantly warm weather as early as April and as late as October but prepare yourself for rainstorms and heatwaves anytime of the year. The weather is especially unpredictable in the Pyrenees where full-blown storms can occur anytime. April and May, however, can be delightful especially on the Cote Vermeille and the flowers are all in bloom. June and September are also good times to visit but in October, the chilly winds of winter begin. Whatever the season though, there is plenty to occupy the outdoors lover here, whether it be hiking the Grandes Randonnees paths, scaling lofty peaks or skiing sun-dappled fields.
