The best time to visit France is from June to September, when you can expect warm, sunny weather and the lowest rainfall of the year. This is the perfect time for beach days on the French Riviera or exploring the countryside. It's also peak season, so you'll be sharing the sunshine with plenty of other holidaymakers.
When is the best time to visit France?
The best time to visit France is between June and September for reliably warm and sunny weather. If you prefer milder temperatures and fewer crowds for sightseeing in cities like Paris or Lyon, late spring in May or early autumn in September are also excellent choices.
France in spring: 8-16°C, mild days and blooming landscapes
Spring sees France emerge from the cool winter, with temperatures climbing steadily from March to May. It's a beautiful time for holidays in France, as the countryside comes to life and cities are pleasant for walking tours before the summer heat arrives. You'll still need a jacket and umbrella, as rainfall is common, but sunshine hours increase to a pleasant 6.5 hours per day.
France in summer: 17-26°C, hot sunshine and long beach days
Summer is peak season for a reason. From June to August, the weather is at its best, with average highs hitting a warm 26°C in July. This is the driest and sunniest time of year, making it ideal for all inclusive holidays on the coast, particularly in warmer regions like the Gulf of Saint Tropez. Long, sunny days with over 8 hours of sunshine are perfect for swimming, sunbathing and dining outdoors.
France in autumn: 12-19°C, mild weather turning cool and wet
Autumn begins with the warm, golden days of September, which still feels like summer with highs of 23°C and 8 hours of daily sun. As the season progresses through October and November, temperatures drop and rainfall increases significantly, with November being the wettest month of the year. Early autumn is fantastic for sightseeing, while the later months are quieter and cooler.
France in winter: 4-10°C, cool, crisp and quiet
Winter in France is generally cool and damp, with average temperatures rarely climbing above 10°C. Sunshine is limited to around 5 hours a day, but the lack of crowds makes it a great time for cosy city breaks and visiting museums. Weather varies across the country - it's typically milder on the south coast and cooler in eastern regions like Strasbourg.
Average weather in France by month
The weather in France reaches its peak in July and August, which are the warmest, driest and sunniest months. The coolest month is January, while November sees the most rainfall. Please note the figures below are an average across the country, and local climates will vary.
| Month | Temperature °C | Rainfall mm | Sunshine hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 4-9°C | 81mm | 5.2 |
| February | 4-10°C | 68mm | 5.8 |
| March | 6-13°C | 65mm | 6.3 |
| April | 8-16°C | 69mm | 6.5 |
| May | 11-19°C | 77mm | 6.7 |
| June | 15-24°C | 67mm | 7.6 |
| July | 18-26°C | 48mm | 8.4 |
| August | 18-26°C | 52mm | 8.6 |
| September | 15-23°C | 58mm | 8.0 |
| October | 12-19°C | 96mm | 7.0 |
| November | 8-14°C | 121mm | 5.6 |
| December | 5-10°C | 100mm | 5.5 |
Best time to visit France for beach and swimming
For a classic beach holiday, the best time to visit is July and August. With average high temperatures of 26°C, over 8 hours of sunshine a day and the lowest rainfall, conditions are perfect for sunbathing and swimming. Head to the southern coast, like the French Riviera or the Gulf of Saint Tropez, for the warmest sea temperatures and most reliable sunshine.
Best time to visit France for sightseeing and city breaks
The ideal months for exploring cities like Paris, Nice or Lyon are May, June and September. During these months, you'll find comfortable temperatures perfect for walking around, fewer crowds than in the peak of summer, and plenty of sunshine. September is particularly good, with warm highs of 23°C and 8 hours of sun per day.
Best time to visit France for hiking and countryside
To enjoy France's countryside and walking trails, plan your visit for late spring or early autumn. June and September offer a sweet spot of pleasant weather that's warm but not too hot for outdoor activities. You'll have long, bright days to explore vineyards, national parks and coastal paths before the peak summer heat or autumn rains arrive.
