in France: when to go?
Tempéré — de l'océanique au montagnard climate
In France, every season brings its own adventure. Winter transforms the mountains into playgrounds for snowshoeing, ski touring, dog sledding, and snow bivouacking. Spring and summer invite hiking, multi-day treks, high-altitude bivouacking, climbing, and sailing. Autumn showcases the roar of rutting deer and forests ablaze with color. The best month ultimately depends on the massif and the activity — our Captains will guide you.
- Best period
- January to February, June to July, September
- Good alternatives
- March to May, August, October, December
- Windy winter
- November
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
Northern Alps
FavorableSavoie, Haute-Savoie, Beaufortain, Mont-Blanc: high mountain terrain, abundant snow in winter, alpine meadows and toweri...
Southern Alps & Ecrins
FavorableÉcrins, Queyras, Clarée: sunnier climate, dry snow in winter, high-altitude treks and bivouacking in summer.
Vercors & Diois
FavorableHigh plateaus of Vercors and Diois: mid-mountain peaks, snowshoeing and pulka sledding in winter, canyoning and hiking i...
Jura
FavorableCrêts, forests and lakes of the Jura: paradise for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter, hiking and bivouackin...
Vosges & Alsace
FavorableBalloons, lakes and Vosges forests: snow in winter, ridges and vineyards in autumn.
Pyrenees
FavorableHigh Pyrenean ridge: snow in winter, alpine lakes, wild passes and bivouacking in summer.
Brittany
FavorableFinistère, Brocéliande, coasts at the edge of the world: mild oceanic climate, coastal hiking and sailing from mid-seaso...
Fontainebleau Forest
IdealForest massif of Île-de-France: the bouldering spot, ideal in spring and autumn, accessible by train.
Month by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
-6° — 9°C
Precipitation
96 mm
Average temperature
0.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Snowshoes, ski touring, dog sledding, winter bivouac: mountains under snow.
Temperature
-5° — 9°C
Precipitation
84 mm
Average temperature
1.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Snowshoes, ski touring, dog sledding, winter bivouac: mountains under snow.
Temperature
-2° — 13°C
Precipitation
85 mm
Average temperature
4.9°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Last days of fresh powder and spring skiing.
Temperature
1° — 16°C
Precipitation
81 mm
Average temperature
7.7°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Melting snow — low and medium altitude hikes.
Temperature
5° — 20°C
Precipitation
97 mm
Average temperature
11.8°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Verdant alpine meadows, waterfalls, first treks.
Temperature
8° — 23°C
Precipitation
89 mm
Average temperature
15.2°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
High mountain, bivouacking, alpine lakes, climbing, major passes.
Temperature
10° — 26°C
Precipitation
79 mm
Average temperature
17.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
High mountain, bivouacking, alpine lakes, climbing, major passes.
Temperature
10° — 26°C
Precipitation
83 mm
Average temperature
17.1°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
High mountain, bivouacking, alpine lakes, climbing, major passes.
Temperature
6° — 22°C
Precipitation
84 mm
Average temperature
13.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Golden light, rutting stags, peaceful trails.
Temperature
2° — 16°C
Precipitation
98 mm
Average temperature
9.4°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Blazing forests, last hikes before the snow.
Temperature
-2° — 12°C
Precipitation
108 mm
Average temperature
4.3°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Transition before winter — wet trails, short days.
Temperature
-5° — 10°C
Precipitation
105 mm
Average temperature
1.7°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Snowshoes, ski touring, dog sledding, winter bivouac: mountains under snow.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in France
The best months to visit in France are January, February, June, July, September. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
Yes, the oceanic climate in France is known for its variability: all 4 seasons can occur in a single day. Average temperature 11.0°C. Packing layered clothing and a waterproof jacket is essential, regardless of the season.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year in France, but the wettest and windiest months are November. Summer (January, February, June, July, September) remains the most stable, though showers cannot be ruled out.
If France is located at northern latitudes, yes: the Northern Lights are visible between September and March, during clear nights. The best conditions are in the middle of winter, with patience and a bit of luck.
Summer (January, February, June, July, September) offers the best conditions for hiking, with long days and mild temperatures. Spring and autumn are also beautiful, but with more unpredictable weather.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in France, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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