Best time to go to France

Evan Kingsley wrote on 9/24/2023. Last updated: 6/20/2024

Viva la France, the land of gourmet cheese, masterful paintings, and architectural wonders! There's no denying that it's a perennial favorite among globetrotters. But, just like a good wine, timing is everything when planning your visit. So, when exactly is the best time to saunter through these French streets?

Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant climate for roaming and exploring. France starts shaking off winter’s chill around April, leading into vibrantly bloomed parks and sunny days, just enough warmth to enjoy a delightful outdoor picnic without breaking into a sweat. Autumn, on the other hand, is a visual treat with shades of gold and brown adorning the city, bringing a storybook aura to life.

Summer (July to August) sees peak tourism, with sizzling temperatures hitting the upper rims during the day. While it can be quite hot, particularly in the south, the extended daylight hours are a boon for sightseeing! Be prepared for crowded attractions, though - it’s when the herd of travelers descend.

Winter (December to March) in France is a mixed bag. The northern regions can be chilly with occasional snow showers, while southern regions remain relatively mild. The holiday season magic and winter sports opportunities more than make up for the cold. But you'll need to bundle up to enjoy it all!

Now, it'd be remiss of me not only to tell you about the seasons, but not give you a comprehensive look at the temperatures throughout the year. So, ladies and gentlemen, without further ado, I present you with a detailed temperature overview:

MonthAverage Temperature (°C)Average Temperature (°F)
January1.5 to 5.135 to 41
February1.5 to 6.235 to 43
March3.8 to 9.239 to 49
April6.2 to 12.343 to 54
May9.8 to 16.250 to 61
June12.8 to 19.955 to 68
July14.9 to 22.559 to 73
August14.7 to 22.458 to 72
September12.3 to 19.654 to 67
October9 to 1548 to 59
November4.8 to 9.141 to 48
December2 to 6.136 to 43

Evan Kingsley

Evan Kingsley

Hey, I’m Evan! Even though I’ve been bitten by a piranha, left stranded in the Sahara when my camel ditched me, and even spent a night in a Bhutanese jail over a supposedly stolen fruit (I swear I didn’t take it!), I still love traveling so much I don’t think I’ll ever stop. With over 130 countries under my belt, I’m always on the lookout for the next wild adventure… hopefully with fewer bites, camel betrayals, and misunderstandings over fruit!

Follow on Twitter