What is the climate like in France?

The climate of France has an average yearly temperature of 18°C. Throughout the year, the average monthly temperature can drop to 9°C and rise to 27°C.

Annually, about 655 mm of rain falls. This gives a good overview of how much rain to expect in France. Additionally, about 11 cm of snow falls each year.

The best time to visit France is May until October. During this period, you will experience pleasant temperatures and not too much rain, making it ideal to visit France.


  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daytime temperature (°C) 9 11 13 17 20 25 27 27 24 19 13 9
Rainfall (mm) 57 46 49 51 66 79 34 43 54 58 58 60
Snowfall (cm) 1,8 1,7 1,8 0,9 0 0 0 0 0 0,2 0,6 3,1

PoorStarStar

With temperatures below 10 degrees, it was difficult to plan... more

Pien van Diepen

ModerateStarStarStar

There were days with wonderful sunshine and pleasant tempera... more

Nico

  • Average yearly temperature: 18°C
  • Highest temperature: 27°C in July and August
  • Lowest temperature: 9°C in January and December
  • Rainfall: 655 mm per year, averaging 55 mm by month
  • Driest months: 34 mm in July, 43 mm in August and 46 mm in February
  • Wettest months: 79 mm in June, 66 mm in May and 60 mm in December
  • Snowfall: 11 cm per year

Climate table France

The climate table for France shows the average temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, and UV index by month.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Daytime temperature (°C) 9 11 13 17 20 25 27 27 24 19 13 9
Nighttime temperature (°C) 3 3 3 5 8 14 15 15 12 9 5 3
Rainfall (mm) 57 46 49 51 66 79 34 43 54 58 58 60
Snowfall (cm) 1,8 1,7 1,8 0,9 0 0 0 0 0 0,2 0,6 3,1
UV Index 2 3 5 6 6 6 6 6 6 4 3 2
Best month No No No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes No No

Temperature by month in France

This graph shows the average high temperatures in degrees Celsius for each month in France

Temperature by month in France

Rainfall by month in France

This graph shows the average monthly rainfall in millimeters in France.

Rainfall by month in France

Snowfall by month in France

This graph shows the average snowfall in centimeters by month in France.

Snowfall by month in France

UV index by month in France

This graph shows the average UV index by month in France.

UV index by month in France

Yearly temperature in France

This graph shows the average yearly temperature in France, measured in degrees Celsius.

Yearly temperature in France

Yearly total rainfall in France

This graph shows the average yearly rainfall in millimeters in France.

Rainfall per year in France

Yearly snowfall in France

This graph shows the average yearly snowfall in France, measured in centimeters.

Snowfall per year in France

Best time to visit France

France has regional differences: there is a Mediterranean climate in the south and wetter weather in the north. Most French businesses close between mid-June and August, as they all migrate to the sun in the south then. Although as a tourist you will hardly notice this.

The best time to visit most of France is in spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). The most reliable and sunny weather can be found along the Mediterranean coast and on Corsica. Here the winters are short and the summer period is long and hot with good weather almost every day. Here you will have a wonderful time in the summer.

Northern France is wet and unpredictable. The weather on the west coast and in the south is tempered by the proximity of the Atlantic Ocean. Central France and the east have a more continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers.

Winter sports in France

The months of January, February and March are great months for winter sports in France. Fresh snow often falls in this period in northern and central France and the French Alps. The ski season usually lasts from late November through April. In the French Alps you have the widest choice of ski resorts and the snow conditions are the best.

Weather experiences in France

The weather in France is rated an average of 4 out of 5 stars by 5 visitors.

Write your own review
Weather Experience: Poor StarStar

With temperatures below 10 degrees, it was difficult to plan outdoor activities. Fortunately, it didn't rain the whole time, but make sure to bring warm clothes!— This text has been automatically translated into English

Weather Experience: Moderate StarStarStar

There were days with wonderful sunshine and pleasant temperatures around 20°C. On the other hand, rainy and cool days were not uncommon. Then a mix of everything.— This text has been automatically translated into English

Weather Experience: Excellent StarStarStarStarStar

The weather was beautiful, with steady fresh snow and bright, sunny days. It was exactly what I was hoping for on my winter vacation! Definitely a 5-star experience!— This text has been automatically translated into English

Weather Experience: Excellent StarStarStarStarStar

August in France was great - bright sunny days and beautiful warm nights. Perfect for long days at the beach and outdoor dining. The sun shone uninterrupted.— This text has been automatically translated into English

Weather Experience: Excellent StarStarStarStarStar

During my stay in July, the weather in France was perfect. The sun shone abundantly every day, bringing the average temperature to around 30 degrees Celsius. Ideal for both the beach and exploring cities.— This text has been automatically translated into English

Have you ever been to France?

Share your weather experiences in France.

Your email will not be displayed in the review and will not be shared with third parties.

Average weather in France by month

Click on a month below to see in detail how the weather typically is in France and what to expect. Based on the historical weather data of France, you can view the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.

Islands in France