Weather in Southern France and the Riviera

Clock Tower in Nice
Sunny Nice

The weather in southern France, Provence, and the French Riviera is some of the best in Europe. Mild and Mediterranean, the climate in the region is ideal for those that like it hot.

Average temperatures on the French Riviera hover around 15°C (59°F). In the winter, southern France rarely gets colder than 5°C (41°F), and in the summer temperatures can reach a high of 40°C (104°F).

Winters in southern France are mild, although rain and wind can be persistent in some years. Summers are hot, and the weather can often be sweltering.

If you want a more balanced climate for your visit, consider traveling in the late spring or early autumn. April, May, September, and October are great months in Provence, and the crowds are much lower than in the summer months.

If weather is your top priority in determining when to visit France, additional information on the best time of year to visit the French Riviera can be found here.

Best Time of Year to Visit Paris

Sacre Coeur
Sacre Coeur in Summer

The best time of year to visit Paris depends on your priorities. Some people care about weather the most, while others want to go to France when the tourist crowds are low. Whatever matters most to you, here are some tips:

If you care about weather the most, the best time of year to visit Paris is in the late spring or early summer. The weather is generally sunny and warm, the days are long, and all of the museums and attractions are open.

Additionally, the city comes alive with events like Bastille Day, Fete de la Musique, and the Tour de France during the warmer months. These make spring and summer a great time to visit.

No matter your priorities, try to avoid Paris in August. The city generally shuts down for the month while Parisians take vacation, and many stores and restaurants close for the entire month. Then again, if you want the city to yourself, it is not a bad time to go.

The fall, winter, and early spring in Paris are typically gray and rainy. However, tourist crowds aren’t as bad during that time of year, so if you don’t mind the weather, it’s not a bad time to visit Paris.

Weather in Paris, France

Paris Bridge
Paris

The weather in Paris is as hard to predict as the stock market. Rain is common throughout the year in Paris, even in the warm summer season.

Paris’ average temperature is 12°C (54°F), but can be much warmer or cooler throughout the year. Whenever you visit, make sure to pack layers and be prepared for light showers.

In the winter, temperatures hover around 3°C (37°F). But despite the cold weather, snow in Paris is very rare. In the summer Paris enjoys temperates of 19°C (66°F) during the day, and often the weather is much warmer. In fact, summer weather can be very hot, so be sure to drink plenty of water while you are sightseeing.

The spring and autumn are relatively mild, with pleasant days and cool evenings. Some of the nicest months are May and September, when the days are warm but not too hot, and the nights are just the right temperature.

If weather is your top priority when planning your trip to France, more information on the best time of year to visit Paris can be found here.