France Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

France is divided into multiple climate zones. The majority of the country has a temperate maritime climate, which means it is generally cold in winter, mild in summer, and rainfall is spread throughout the year.

Southern and Coastal France

The South and South West of France have a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. The eastern part of the coastal area, the Côte d'Azur, is the sunniest part of France, with more than 320 hours of sunshine in July. This month marks the peak of summer when many tourists from across Europe head to the south of France with caravans and tents.

Seasonal Changes

The end of September signals the start of autumn in the north of France, while temperatures in the south remain pleasant. In October, the average maximum daytime temperature is around 17°C (63°F) in Paris and 21°C (70°F) in Cannes. December marks the winter season, with average maximum temperatures of 8°C (46°F) in Paris and 14°C (57°F) in Cannes.

Weather in the French Alps

The climate of the Alps is strongly dependent on elevation. This means the French Alps contain multiple climate zones based on altitude. In general, the Alps experience relatively high rainfall, colder winters, and cool summers. Expect significant snowfall during the winter months.

Best Time to Visit France

You can visit France all year round, depending on your travel purpose. If we were to choose an overall best time, we would recommend May, June, September, and October. These months generally offer pleasant weather, with fewer extremely hot days compared to July and August. During these peak summer months, afternoon temperatures can often reach 35°C (95°F) to 40°C (104°F).