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Best time to visit France: month by month
Short answer
The best months are May, June and September, with highs of about 19–25°C in Paris and warmer in the south, long days and fewer crowds than July–August. Summer is busy and hot in Provence, while winter is grey in Paris (7–10°C) but mild on the Riviera.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 7°C | 2°C | 12 | low |
| Feb | 10°C | 3°C | 7 | medium |
| Mar | 13°C | 4°C | 12 | medium |
| Apr | 14°C | 5°C | 9 | high |
| May | 19°C | 9°C | 10 | high |
| Jun | 25°C | 14°C | 12 | high |
| Jul | 25°C | 15°C | 9 | very high |
| Aug | 25°C | 15°C | 11 | very high |
| Sep | 23°C | 13°C | 11 | high |
| Oct | 18°C | 10°C | 13 | medium |
| Nov | 11°C | 6°C | 14 | low |
| Dec | 8°C | 4°C | 14 | medium |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs rise from 13°C in March to 19°C in May (Paris figures; warmer in the south). Blossoms and fewer tourists, but showery.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 25°C in Paris, often 30–35°C in Provence. Lavender roughly late June to late July; peak crowds and prices on the coasts.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September is still about 23°C and excellent; October (18°C) brings harvest and colour; November is wetter at about 11°C.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of 7–10°C in Paris with grey skies, milder on the Riviera at 12–14°C. Christmas markets in Alsace and ski season in the Alps.
Events worth planning around
- Nice Carnival and the Menton Lemon Festival (February)
- Cannes Film Festival (May)
- Fête de la Musique, free music everywhere (21 June)
- Bastille Day, fireworks and parades (14 July)
- Fête des Lumières in Lyon (around 8 December)
When to avoid
Avoid August on the Riviera and in Provence if you dislike crowds, heat and high prices. In Paris, some small restaurants close for part of August, and November to February is the greyest time.
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Common questions
What is the best time to visit France?
May, June and September, with highs of about 19–25°C in Paris and fewer crowds than July and August.
When does lavender bloom in Provence?
Roughly from late June to late July, depending on altitude and the year.
Is France worth visiting in winter?
Yes for museums, Christmas markets, skiing in the Alps and the mild Riviera, though Paris is grey and around 7–10°C.