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Best time to visit Carcassonne: month by month
Short answer
May, June, September and October are the best months: highs of about 22–28°C and the town less crowded. July and August are hot (about 30–31°C on average) and La Cité is packed at midday, though there are summer concerts and the 14 July fireworks. Winter is quiet and cool, with highs of about 9–13°C.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9°C | 3°C | 11 | low |
| Feb | 13°C | 6°C | 8 | low |
| Mar | 15°C | 7°C | 11 | low |
| Apr | 18°C | 8°C | 11 | medium |
| May | 22°C | 12°C | 12 | medium |
| Jun | 28°C | 18°C | 8 | high |
| Jul | 30°C | 19°C | 5 | very high |
| Aug | 31°C | 19°C | 2 | very high |
| Sep | 26°C | 17°C | 9 | medium |
| Oct | 23°C | 13°C | 6 | medium |
| Nov | 14°C | 7°C | 15 | low |
| Dec | 12°C | 6°C | 9 | low |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from about 15°C in March to 22°C in May, with about 11–12 rain days a month; green countryside and fewer visitors.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Average highs of 28–31°C and lows of 18–19°C, with 2–8 rain days a month; busiest season, with the Festival de Carcassonne and the 14 July fireworks.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs fall from about 26°C in September to 14°C in November; grape harvest in the vineyards, and November is the wettest month with about 15 rain days.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of about 9–13°C and lows of 3–6°C, with 8–11 rain days a month; very quiet, some restaurants closed.
Events worth planning around
- Festival de Carcassonne — concerts and shows in summer, mainly July
- Bastille Day fireworks over La Cité — 14 July
When to avoid
Avoid midday in La Cité in July and August, and book well ahead or avoid 14 July if you dislike crowds. Winter is quiet but some restaurants close.
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Common questions
What is the best month to visit Carcassonne?
May, June, September or October, with highs of about 22–28°C and smaller crowds.
Is Carcassonne very crowded in summer?
Yes, at midday in July and August. Visit La Cité early in the morning or in the evening.
Is Carcassonne worth visiting in winter?
Yes, if you like quiet. Highs are about 9–13°C and some restaurants close, but La Cité is nearly empty.