France is the ultimate dream destination for any traveler. In order to appreciate all its advantages, it is not necessary to plan a trip to the tourist-flooded Paris or to the obscenely chic resorts of the Cote d'Azur. In every corner of France you can find something worth traveling thousands of kilometers for. But first, you need to thoroughly prepare for the trip and familiarize yourself with the peculiarities of its climate.

Climate of France

In France, four climatic zones can be distinguished:

1. Zone of temperate maritime climate in the west of the country (the Atlantic coast, including Brittany, Normandy, Paris and its entire region, the lands of Laura, Aquitaine, Bordeaux, Toulouse). The weather in these regions is mainly determined by the course of the Gulf Stream: mild and warm winters are replaced by not particularly hot summers. There are practically no sudden changes in temperature. Western winds often bring precipitation, but the farther from the coast, the lower the humidity.
2. Zone of moderate continental climate in the east. The influence of the Atlantic here is gradually weakening, and the Central Massif (mountain system) blocks the movement of air masses from the ocean. In the zone of distribution of this type of climate there are cities such as Metz, Dijon, Lyon. With the distance from the Atlantic coast inland, the difference between winter and summer temperatures increases, and humidity decreases. Winters are much colder here than in the west, and in summer, on the contrary, it can be very hot.
3. Zone of subtropical Mediterranean climate... Winters in the southern regions are milder than those on the Atlantic coast, and the summer months are dry and hot. In the zone of influence of this type of climate are the resorts of the Cote d'Azur, Marseille, Montpellier, Avignon and the island of Corsica. In winter and spring, the cold and dry wind Mistral brings a lot of trouble to the inhabitants of the coast. However, the famous resorts of the French Riviera (Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez) have a special climatic regime. Alpine mountains protect a narrow coastline from the winds.
4. Areas of high mountain climate (Pyrenees and Alps). It is much cooler in the mountains than in the adjacent valleys. In winter, there is snow here, which contributes to the development of ski tourism.

Tourist seasons in France

The answer to the question when is the high season in France depends solely on the purpose of your trip. For a beach holiday, the resorts of the Mediterranean coast and about. Corsica. By August, the water warms up to + 25 ° C. The season starts in June and ends with the first weeks of September. The main load on the tourist infrastructure falls on August. On the Cote d'Azur, the already high prices for vacations simply go off scale.

The Atlantic coast, almost unknown for Russian tourists, is very popular among Europeans and the French themselves. You can't count on a purely beach holiday here. The water in the ocean warms up to a maximum of +23 ° C. But there are still good days for swimming in July and August. But the west coast is ready to offer you an extensive excursion program. The warmest Atlantic resort of Biarritz is located in the south of the country. The further north you go, the cooler the weather will be.

If you are planning a trip to the sights of France, you should be prepared for the fact that the flow of tourists to the homeland of European democracy never stops. Some decline occurs in the off-season: from October to November and from February to April. But you shouldn't count on substantial discounts, especially in Paris.

Many alpine ski resorts begin their work in the second half of November (Tignes, Les Deux Alpes, Shamani), and close the season only in April. Prices peak in January and February.

France Monthly Weather

January

The coldest month of the year makes the descendants of the glorious Franks and Gauls wrap themselves in warm clothes. Of course, the French are not threatened by Siberian frosts. The thermometer in the north of the country in Strasbourg fluctuates around zero. In Paris, freezing temperatures are usually only at night. Rains alternate with sleet. Snow cover on French streets rarely lasts long. The west coast is much warmer. Overcast, humid, it often rains. At the favorite resort of sedate aristocrats, Norman Deauville, the average temperature is around +6, +7 ° C. Frosty weather reigns in the mountains. The white caps of the Alps and Pyrenees are experiencing a real tourist boom. As follows you can warm up on the Cote d'Azur. Spring-like high temperatures persist in Nice, Cannes and Saint-Tropez.

So what should a tourist do in such weather? Anything. It is really cool outside, but not enough to give up walking and sightseeing. Life in the ski resorts is in full swing. Social events on the Cote d'Azur did not even think to stop. You can go to nearby Monaco to visit one of the oldest Formula 1 stages. In the south, the weather is great for exploring the ancient cities (Nimes, Avignon, etc.). Another nice bonus for the traveler in January is the winter sales.

February

France gets slightly warmer in February than in January. It rains less often, the sun peeps out more and more often from behind the clouds. By the end of the month, the air will seriously smell in the spring. New Year's holidays have died down, and spring has not yet come into its own, so there is some tourist calm in the cities. There is a reason to expect a reduction in hotel prices. Subzero temperatures are kept only in the mountains. The flow of ski and snowboard fans is not diminishing at all.

A great reason to travel to France in February is Valentine's Day. You can go to romantic Normandy, because its capital, Rouen, is no worse than Paris. Here you want to photograph every street.

Of course, no one will ever take away the status of the capital of all lovers from Paris. What girl doesn't dream of strolling along the Champs Elysees arm in arm with her other half, despite the whims of the February weather.

March

March, perhaps, is the last month in the first half of the year, when there is an unspoken promotion “Hurry up to buy a tour at an attractive price”. On the western coast of the country, the temperature rises to +12, +14 ° C. It will be a couple of degrees colder in the northeast (Strasbourg, Metz). Warmth, as usual, pleases the Mediterranean coast. There is still no spring riot of colors in Paris, but fresh foliage is gradually appearing on the trees. In case of bad weather, we recommend visiting museums and art galleries. In March, you have a great opportunity to visit the Louvre, Versailles and other top museums without long queues. Don't expect them to be gone at all.

April

In April in France, everything blooms and smells sweet. The number of sunny days is increasing, but spring is spring. Rains are not excluded in any regions of the country. On the French Riviera, the air can warm up to +20 ° C. It's noticeably cooler in Paris. Almond, plum and sakura blossoms. Fountains start working in Versailles. April is a good time to travel to the castles of the Loire. Fragrant parks and gardens give them a special charm. In ski resorts, the season is gradually ending, the snow in the mountains begins to melt.

May

The flowering period continues in May. Spring showers are frequent in Paris, the humidity in the central region reaches its maximum. In the east, precipitation in spring, on the contrary, is minimal. The Côte d'Azur is gradually preparing for the opening of the season, delighting its guests with summer high temperatures. However, the sea water has not yet had time to warm up. World stars come to Cannes for the famous film festival. It is coolest on the west coast of the country. Atlantic currents do not allow the air to warm up and bring precipitation.

An increasing number of tourists from Russia prefer to fly to France for the May holidays, so you need to take care of buying tickets in advance. The tourist flow is increasing dramatically. To avoid wasting time in endless queues, choose to visit the least advertised cities and attractions.

June

June is the wettest month in France, with the exception of the southern regions. The resorts of the Mediterranean are sunny and dry. The swimming season begins. The lowest temperatures (around + 17 ° C) are recorded on the northwest coast. It's all to blame for the cool waters of the Atlantic. You can only dream of a beach holiday here. Paris and central France are warm, but not hot. In June, you can rent a car and go on a journey through the original French villages. In the vicinity of Bordeaux, it is worth visiting the foie gras and truffle farms. In Norman Camembert you can taste the famous cheese. And small traditional wineries will impress any tourist.

July and August

At the height of summer, the French themselves are not averse to going to the sea. It is hot on the Mediterranean coast, but temperatures are far from the records of exotic southern countries. By August, the water warms up to + 25 ° C. A quality beach holiday awaits you in Corsica, but be prepared for the fact that the island has little entertainment.

In July, the ocean will finally open up the beach season in western France. However, not everyone will enjoy swimming in the Atlantic; on average, the water will only warm up to + 20, + 21 ° C. To the south in Bordeaux it is almost as hot during the day as on the French Riviera, but in the north, closer to foggy Albion, summers are cool and rainy. A huge number of tourists come to western resorts to watch the strongest ebb and flow in Europe, when the water sharply decreases and rises, exposing and covering large sections of the seabed in a couple of hours. The most impressive sight opens to curious tourists in Normandy, when a small rocky massif, on which the legendary Abbey of Mont Saint-Michel is located, becomes either an island or a piece of land.

Paris is comfortable in July and August. Warm and sunny days, followed by cool nights. Summer rains are frequent, but not a big deal. And in the east, in Lyon and Dijon, it is hot and dry.

On July 14, the French celebrate one of the main public holidays - Bastille Day. Spectacular events are held throughout the country.

September

September is one of the most suitable months for walks and excursions. It is still warm in Paris and precipitation is rare. The east is also comfortable and dry. In the north-west, in the Brest region, autumn has already come into its own. Temperatures are dropping and it is raining. In the south, the summer bustle gradually subsides. The sea is cooling down, but in the first weeks of the month you can still swim.

September is the grape harvest season. Numerous wine festivals begin in Bordeaux, Champagne, Burgundy and other regions.

October

The weather is gradually getting worse. There are fewer tourists and prices are falling. Rains cover the eastern regions, precipitation is also increasing in Paris. In the south, the air and water temperatures are about the same. In Marseille and Nice the humidity reaches its maximum values. It's time to take advantage of discounts again and visit popular attractions. The Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are much easier to get to, since the usual tourist hype is absent.

November

It's cloudy and rainy in the Fifth Republic. Most precipitation falls on the Atlantic coast. Cold winds blow from the west. The first snow is falling in the mountains. You can have a great time in museums, galleries, cafes, restaurants and theaters (if you speak French). However, it's not so cold outside. Grab an umbrella and take a stroll through the melancholic streets of ancient cities.

December

The spirit of Christmas is in the air. In December, tourists turn their attention to France again. By the middle of the month, the ski resorts become crowded, and for the New Year holidays, hotels in Courchevel and Shaman need to be booked in advance. In cities, everything shines with bright lights of garlands and other Christmas paraphernalia. The main sign of winter is missing - snow cover. Temperatures across the country are above zero, rainy and windy. The French Riviera, as usual, does not fit into the big picture. During the day it is warmer there than in other regions, around +10, +12 ° C and not so humid.

How to dress in France

In winter in France, it rains or sleeps almost everywhere (with the exception of ski resorts). The umbrella will become your constant companion. When choosing outerwear, it is better to give preference to a warm waterproof jacket. In the south of the country, a coat will warm you. Take demi-season shoes with you. Warm hats and voluminous scarves will help protect you from cold winds. Winter clothes and shoes are indispensable in the mountains.

The off-season is obstinate and varied. We'll have to stock up on things for all occasions. In March and November, you may need the winter kit. At the same time, you will probably have a reason to wear a lightweight jacket or raincoat with light boots at the end of the first spring month or at the beginning of the last autumn. Such clothes will become basic in April and October. Shoes, ballet flats, windbreakers, raincoats, silk scarves and cardigans will have to be left for May and April. An umbrella will never be superfluous.

To prepare for the relatively cool summer on the West Coast, you should stock up on not only swimwear and shorts, but also a fair amount of warm clothing (sweatshirts, cardigans and windbreakers), raincoats and umbrellas. On the Mediterranean coast, it rarely rains in the summer, but blouses on evening walks will come in handy.

Weather in cities and resorts by months

Paris

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	7	8	12	16	20	23	25	25	21	16	11	8
Average minimum, ° C	3	3	5	7	11	14	16	16	13	10	6	3

Paris Monthly Weather

Bordeaux

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	10	12	15	17	21	25	27	27	24	19	14	11
Average minimum, ° C	3	3	5	7	11	14	16	16	13	10	6	4

Bordeaux Monthly Weather

Vichy

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	7	9	13	16	20	24	26	26	22	18	11	8
Average minimum, ° C	-0	-0	2	4	8	11	13	13	10	7	3	0

Vichy Monthly Weather

Lille

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	6	7	11	14	18	21	23	23	20	15	10	6
Average minimum, ° C	1	1	4	5	9	12	14	14	11	8	4	2

Lille Monthly Weather

Lyon

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	6	8	13	16	21	25	28	27	23	17	11	7
Average minimum, ° C	0	1	4	7	11	14	17	16	13	9	4	2

Lyon Monthly Weather

Marseilles

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	12	13	16	18	22	26	29	29	25	20	15	13
Average minimum, ° C	5	5	7	9	13	16	19	19	16	12	8	6

Marseille Monthly Weather

Orleans

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	7	8	12	15	19	23	25	25	21	16	10	7
Average minimum, ° C	1	1	3	5	9	12	13	13	11	8	4	2

Orleans Monthly Weather

Rouen

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	6	7	11	14	17	20	23	23	20	15	10	7
Average minimum, ° C	1	1	3	5	8	11	13	13	10	8	4	2

Rouen Monthly Weather

Strasbourg

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	June	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	But I	Dec
Average maximum, ° C	5	6	11	16	20	23	26	25	21	15	9	5
Average minimum, ° C	-1	-1	3	5	10	13	15	14	11	7	3	0

The climate of France is largely influenced by the Atlantic. Four climatic zones (Atlantic, Continental, Alpine and Mediterranean), each of which is characterized by a variety of natural landscapes, flora and fauna.

Weather in France now:

No wonder France is a favorite tourist destination for sightseeing, sea and ski holidays. There are over forty natural parks of national and regional importance in the country.

Noisy Paris is not the whole of France. In order to understand how beautiful the French land is at any time of the year, you need to visit its provinces, which are replete with pastoral landscapes and corners of unspoiled nature.

France climate by month:

Spring

The most romantic time of the year in France is spring, with its delicate greenery, the first flowers and the timid awakening of nature. Rivers overflow their banks, chestnuts bloom, cities and villages are buried in fragrance. The stone jungles of cities illuminate here and there with touching trees, completely covered with pink and white lace flowers. Wedding corteges move along the streets, because spring for the French is the traditional wedding season.

In Brittany, gorse and gorse bloom, in the marshes and dry salt lakes of Provence, the hubbub of thousands of different species of birds rises, and the owners of châteaux in the south of France start pruning vineyards. While the first flowers appear from under the snow in the Alps, the "King of the Five Continents" carnival with its famous flower battles is already starting in Nice.

Summer

Summer in France is the peak of the tourist season, when pleasant, cool weather sets in. It is especially good at this time of the year on the seaside, where the air warms up above + 25'C, and it rains relatively infrequently. Between June and August, it is very warm throughout the country. Cool weather persists only in parts of the mountainous regions; the top of Mont Blanc is covered with snow all year round.

It is in the summer that the wild fauna of the forests of France is most active, which, despite urbanization, is much better preserved than in neighboring countries. In the warm season, in nature reserves and national parks, you can observe chamois, brown bears, badgers, foxes, deer, otters, roe deer, wild boars. Trout is found in the rivers and lakes of France; The Bay of Biscay is fished for sardines, herring, flounder, shrimp and lobster.

Summer in France is the time of carnivals, festivals, theatrical performances in ancient castles. On June 21, Music Day is held across the country. It sounds everywhere: in concert halls, on the streets, in the houses of the French.

Fall

Autumn in France smells of young wine of Aquitaine and Burgundy, rotten foliage in the vicinity of the Loire castles, bathed in the cool October sun. This is the time when the French return from their vacations, and numerous tourists, on the contrary, rush to the Cote d'Azur, wanting not to miss the velvet season.

The main harvest period in France is also in the fall. At the end of October, the French celebrate Chestnut Day. This delicacy is fried, and its aroma envelops the streets of cities and villages. The holiday continues with the Week of Taste, which includes Cider Day, Spice Day, Fish Festival.

Winter

The French winter is characterized by northerly winds that bring cold weather to its territory, right up to the Mediterranean coast. However, this does not scare tourists who prefer this country for recreation at any time of the year. A noteworthy fact: in the middle of January, the temperature in Paris can be the same as in Sevastopol, and the sky will turn out to be bright blue, like in Istanbul in summer.

Winter in France is primarily rain, not snow. Therefore, the Frenchman needs an umbrella much more than a sled or a warm down jacket. The temperature rarely drops below zero. The coldest weather in winter is observed in Alsace, and the warmest on the island of Corsica, where the average monthly temperature in January is + 13`C.

Travel The World answers the question of when is the best time to go to France for holidays, excursions and acquaintance with local customs and traditions.

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Travel The World answers the question of when is the best time to go to France for holidays, excursions and acquaintance with local customs and traditions.

A trip to France is an important event that is often expected for years. In order not to spoil your trip, it should be carefully planned in advance. In addition to drawing up an excursion program and choosing a hotel, you need to pay attention to the time of year to visit. This will help to avoid unpleasant surprises, and make acquaintance with the country memorable only from the positive side!

Most tourists who have already visited France agree that it is best to plan a trip in late spring or early autumn. The weather conditions are conducive to outdoor walks: comfortable temperature, absence of prolonged rains and strong gusty winds. In May, cities in France are filled with the lingering aroma of blooming lilacs, almonds and chestnuts, which creates a romantic atmosphere and promotes the purchase of various souvenirs.

If the trip is planned for the purpose of relaxing in the seaside resort of the Mediterranean Sea or the Atlantic Ocean, washing France, then you need to give preference to the summer months or September. In this case, it will be possible to swim and sunbathe - the summer is hot here, the temperature often reaches +30 ° C. And for tourists who want to visit the sights and wander the streets of Paris, such heat is unlikely to be a good companion for a walk. Also at this time of the year it can be difficult to find a free room in hotels.

Walk in Paris

Those who are not afraid of the cold can plunge into the atmosphere of French Catholic Christmas. The trees on the boulevards are enveloped in numerous garlands, shop windows are decorated with beautiful decorative Christmas trees and lights. Such a holiday will surely be remembered for a long time!

Winter is the best time to travel to France and for outdoor enthusiasts. The snowy slopes of the Alps are waiting for skiers, snowboarders and everyone who decided to spend their holidays "at their best". Also, for a trip to the mountains, you can choose the summer months: in this case, you can enjoy the famous freshness of the flowering alpine meadows.

When planning a visit to France, you must take into account that due to its geographic location and relief, the weather in different parts of the country can vary significantly. It is better to visit the northern regions in the summer, and for a trip to Corsica it is recommended to choose the beginning of autumn, when the Mediterranean heat has subsided slightly.

When to go to France? The answer to this question depends only on the wishes of the tourist. Those who have been here more than once note that the country is magnificent at any time of the year - there are umbrellas and warm sweaters.

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When is the best time to go to France depending on the weather by month, region of France, activities, prices and number of tourists.

When is the best time to go to France

Best weather in France:

• For warmth lovers: from May to October
• For excursions and attractions: April to June and September to November
• For the honeymoon: May, June, September, October
• To save money, it is best to go March, April and November
• For food tours: April, May and June
• For a trip to Paris: May, June, September, October
• For wine tasting, France is worth a visit: March to May, January to February
• In the south of France (Mediterranean coast, Cote d'Azur): June, early July and September On the Atlantic coast: June to August (but many tourists)

In France mediterranean climateand every part of the country experiences all 4 seasons of the year. Whether you are in the southern regions or in the northern ones, it will depend on whether you are in for a warm or hot summer, or a cold or cool winter.

© / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

When is the best time to fly to France

Best Time to Visit France for Sightseeing If you want to avoid the crowd of tourists and enjoy pleasant warm weather, then come in May and September. At this time, it will only be crowded in Paris. However, there are long queues for attractions, and you will find attractions at any time of the year. Paris is less crowded only in early March and late October.

Best time for a beach holiday in France

In France the water is warming up only from June to September, at the same time on the beaches there is number of tourists... The best time to travel is mid-September. The weather is still warm, the sun is shining, the sea has not cooled down yet, and family tourists with children have gone home. You can sunbathe from April to October, but the sea will be cool during these months.

Best time for wine tasting in France

To taste the wine and avoid the crowds of tourists, come in May and June. In September and October, there are many more travelers who want to experience winemaking. But at this time, as a rule, the weather is good and you can watch the harvest.

Best time to shop

In most European countries, and France is no exception, all major sales take place twice a year: in winter and summer. The best time for shopaholics is mid-January to mid-February and late June to mid-August. There are a lot of tourists in the summer season, and in the winter you will find more pleasant hotel prices.

Seasons in France

High tourist season (mid June to August and mid December to early January)

During the summer months and the period of Christmas and New Year's holidays in France, as in any other European country, is the most popular time of the year for tourists. At this time, the weather in France is sunny, but very crowded. At this time, the longest lines and the highest prices. In Paris, the high season lasts longer, with hotel and accommodation prices rising from April to October.

Off-season (April to mid-June, September and October)

If you are not interested in Paris, then the off-season is the best time to travel to France. There are fewer tourists, the weather is pleasant, and most hotels offer discounts. For Paris, the off-season is from late February to March and mid-October to mid-November. At this time, the capital of France is quieter.

Low season (November to March, excluding the winter holidays period)

During the low season, you get the chance to see how ordinary French people actually live, while their cities are not besieged by curious travelers. True, the weather at this time leaves much to be desired. If you are going to the north of the country, take warm clothes with you. But Paris is beautiful under the snow. In the south of the country, wear mixed clothes for warm sunny days and cool nights.

© archer10 / flickr.com / CC BY 2.0

If you go on school holidays, there are far fewer queues at museums and near national attractions. Schoolchildren rest in July and August, 2 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks in February, and 2 weeks in April.

Paris is practically empty in the last 2 weeks of August. Many people go to rest on the azure coast or in the countryside. The situation is the same in other cities.

How lucky you are with the weather depends on the selected region of the country. Despite the fact that France is a rather big country, moderate mediterranean climate with mild winters, except for Alsace and the Alps. Brittany leads in the amount of precipitation, which falls on an average of 200 days a year. The south of France is comfortable all year round. It usually rains in spring and autumn, dry in summer. In the south, the cold dry Mistral wind blows from time to time.

Festivals and celebrations are everywhere in France. Food and wine play a major role in this. In the spring, when the weather gets warmer, festivities are poured into the streets. Summer begins a long holiday season with beaches, campgrounds and country hotels. Every village and every small town hosts a festival of music and food. Wine regions are most interesting to visit in autumn. In winter, ski resorts in France are especially popular. Christmas is a special magical time in France with traditional fairs and shows.