Weather in France

Data provided by: www.meteoconsult.fr.

We've also put together some general info on what the weather's like in France, and most importantly... what clothing to pack!

France Climate: an Overview

The climate in France is known for being predominantly temperate - mild winters, warm summers and average rainfall throughout the year. But there are lots of exceptions...

The weather in the north and northwestern regions is similar to the south of england (although summers in this area of France can be a little warmer). Winters tend to be mild; and it can get quite windy, especially in the northwest.

Central and Eastern France has a more continental climate, with hotter summers but also colder winters, and a tendency for frost and snow. The weather is similar to Switzerland and Germany.

The coldest and wettest regions of France are in the mountainous areas: the Vosges in Alsace/Lorraine, the Alps in the east near Switzerland and Italy, the Pyrenees in the south and the Massif Central in the centre.

The most balmy weather is in the south - Provence, Languedoc Roussillon, Cote D'Azur and parts of Corsica. Summers are warm, even hot, with little rain, and lots of sunshine. Winters can be relatively mild too. The weather in Southwestern France is also lovely - mild winters and warm, sunny summers.

In Saying All This..

....expect the unexpected! These are only general indications and there will be variations. For example, the Mistral, a cold, dry wind, can blow through the areas around Marseille, bringing on unusually cold spells in spring. And, even though Brittany is known to be grey and wet, you can spend a sunny and warm day on the beach in September.

So....it's best to be prepared.

When To Go..

If you can, avoid August altogether. Not only is this high season (which means high prices for airfares, accommodation etc), but the main summer holiday in France is in August and so many people head south for their vacation - which can mean traffic congestion in some areas, and the beaches can get quite busy.

Other periods we'd recommend avoiding if possible, would be the school holidays - Christmas/New Year, mid-February to mid-March, Easter, and July.

Ski season runs from around the second week in December until the end of April; New Years, February and March are the busiest periods.

The Tour de France cycling race takes place in July (normally the first three weeks).

So... what are we left with? . From our experience, May and September are the best times to go. The weather in France at this time of year can be really lovely - not too hot and not too cold or rainy - perfect for walking around. Accommodation and attractions aren't too crowded, and travel in general is less expensive than in high season.

October and November are also lovely times to visit; the weather in France will generally be colder but it will be less crowded and you might find some real bargains for flights and accommodation. Even December can be fun and magical - markets, festivals and decorations leading up to Christmas.

What To Pack

Of course, if you're planning a skiing holiday, heading to the mountains or want to explore the winter wonderlands, it'll be a whole different kettle of fish...you'll need to rug up and keep warm!