France is a year-round vacation spot, with numerous sights and causes to go to all year long. I’ve visited the nation extra occasions than I can bear in mind, in all the seasons. Nevertheless, the very best time to go to France will depend on a couple of components.
Firstly and most significantly, when deciding when to journey to France, it’s good to take into account what it’s that you simply wish to do there. When you’d prefer to benefit from the nation’s world-class ski resorts, you’re greatest off visiting within the winter; whereas when you’d want to spend time enjoyable on France’s gorgeous Mediterranean seashores, it’s possible you’ll wish to come when it’s somewhat hotter.
General (exterior of the mountains), the summer season months are likely to coincide with the height vacationer season, when lodging and different prices are highest and crowds are at their worst. When you’re seeking to go to France on a finances, it could be a good suggestion to journey exterior of those months.
General Finest Time to Go to France
With its diverse panorama and intensive shoreline, France has a powerful vary of climates starting from dry and scorching Mediterranean within the south to moist and temperate within the north. Nevertheless, wherever you might be in France, the climate is usually a lot better in summer season than in winter.
Given the elevated costs and crowds of the height summer season season (June-August), personally, my favourite time to go to France is both within the late spring (Might) or early autumn (September). Temperatures are nonetheless prone to be heat however there will probably be far fewer crowds and you’ll usually safe reductions on lodging.
Except I’m coming to France for winter sports activities, I often keep away from visiting through the winter months. Temperatures can get fairly chilly, it rains rather a lot, and you’ll’t benefit from the stunning surroundings or the superb out of doors cafe tradition in the identical means.
Peak Season in France (June – August)
The height season for tourism in France runs from June to August. That is often when the climate is at its greatest, with lengthy, heat days, and plenty of weeks of uninterrupted sunshine. Nevertheless, together with the nice climate, this era additionally attracts a lot bigger crowds.
This era is common with each worldwide vacationers and home holidaymakers, and the nation’s greatest sights are usually filled with vacationers. Moreover, inns and different lodging can get costly throughout this time, with costs usually being as much as twice as excessive as they’re in off-season. When you’re touring then, it’s greatest to e book issues as early as potential.
Irrespective of if you go to France, there’ll seemingly be some sort of competition or occasion going down. Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) is France’s nationwide vacation, held on July 14 yearly and marked by fireworks, road parades, and different occasions.
The Tour de France bike race is often held through the summer season, inflicting highway closures in sure components of the nation. Village, city, and metropolis events are additionally frequent all through the summer season months.
Shoulder Season in France (April – Might and September – October)
The very best time to go to France for finances vacationers is through the shoulder season, which runs from April-Might and September-October. The climate is commonly nonetheless fairly good at the moment of 12 months and you’ll count on loads of sunshine, particularly in September.
Moreover, lodging costs are sometimes decrease than throughout peak season, and the crowds are usually smaller in any respect however the hottest sights.
Festivals held throughout these months embrace the Cannes Movie Pageant in Might and the Paris Marathon in April.
Off Season in France (November – March)
The low season in France runs from November to March, when temperatures are sometimes chilly and moist. Other than ski resorts (that are notably busy from December by way of February), most locations obtain their lowest numbers of tourists. Some sights and inns shut down altogether.
It may be potential to attain rock-bottom costs on lodging through the winter months. Nevertheless, personally, I are likely to keep away from touring throughout this era because the climate is commonly a bit miserable and there isn’t a lot to do.
When to Go to France For Seashores
July and August are common months for seaside holidays, with the very best climate, longest days, and warmest temperatures. Among the greatest seaside locations in France embrace the French Riviera (often known as the Cote d’Azur), Biarritz, the Médoc Pure Regional Park, and the gorgeous French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
These locations all take pleasure in every day temperatures from 25-30 levels Celsius all through the summer season. Nevertheless, the primary draw back is that they’ll get somewhat crowded.
One in every of my favourite seashores to flee the summer season crowds is Plage Sud, within the Médoc. At 14 kilometers lengthy, it’s actually monumental, so you’ll be able to at all times discover a personal spot to your self among the many comfortable golden sand and towering dunes.
When you’re into snorkeling, the Mediterranean sea is often warmest in August and September, because it’s had the entire summer season to heat up!
When to Go to France For Festivals
The very best time to go to France for festivals is through the late spring and summer season months. Throughout this era, a number of the greatest festivals to attend embrace Bastille Day (July 14), the Cannes Movie Pageant (Might), and the Carcassonne Pageant of up to date music, theatre, and dance (July).
Throughout every of those festivals, you’ll discover vibrant road parades, fireworks shows, and different cultural occasions. You may count on temperatures to vary from 20-30 levels Celsius all through these months.
When to Go to France For Cities
This can be a barely difficult query to reply as, once more, it largely will depend on what you wish to do and see. General, I feel the very best time to journey to France for sightseeing in its many fantastic cities is throughout both Might or September when temperatures are comfy, costs are reasonable, and there are fewer crowds.
Among the greatest cities to go to throughout these months embrace Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Good.
When to Go to France For Historic Websites
France is house to a number of the most spectacular castles, historic ruins, and different historic websites in Europe. A number of of the very best locations price visiting embrace the Carcassonne Citadel (a fairytale Thirteenth-century fortress metropolis), Mont Saint-Michel (a similarly-fairytale-like island monastery), and the Pont du Gard (an incredible 2,000-year-old historic Roman aqueduct bridge).
There are execs and cons of visiting these locations at every time of 12 months. For instance, whereas they give the impression of being extremely picturesque and delightful within the snow, within the spring and summer season the climate is extra nice and the times are for much longer for exploring.
If I needed to decide the very best time to go to France for seeing historic websites, I’d most likely go together with late spring or early autumn.
When to Go to France For Wine
Fortunately, you’ll be able to take pleasure in improbable wine in France any time of 12 months! There are a lot of wonderful wine areas all through France, a number of the most well-known being Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux.
Most French winemakers harvest their grapes round September, so that is most likely the very best time of 12 months to go to France when you’re keen on visiting a winery and watching the masters at work. If in case you have time, I extremely advocate doing a wine-tasting tour throughout your time in France.
You’ve many to select from, however a number of the greatest ones embrace this wine and cheese-tasting lunch in Paris, this Moët & Chandon champagne tour, and this Bordeaux winery tour in Saint-Émilion (the area that produces a few of my favourite French pink wines).
When to Go to France For Low cost Costs
The bottom costs in France are sometimes discovered through the winter months. Nevertheless, as a result of that is very a lot low season, you’ll discover that many locations are shut and there isn’t a lot to do in a number of the smaller locations.
An excellent compromise when you’re wanting to save cash is to go to at both finish of the shoulder season, so in both April or October, when extra locations are open and the climate is a bit higher. It’s usually nonetheless potential to make appreciable financial savings on lodging, airfares, and different journey bills in these months.
When to Go to France For Mountain climbing
Spring and autumn are often essentially the most nice occasions for climbing. It’s heat however not too scorching, the paths aren’t too crowded, and there are fewer bugs. Temperatures usually vary from 12-22 levels Celsius, preferrred for an extended hike.
A few of my favourite hikes in France embrace the 13-kilometer Blanc-Martel path within the Gorges du Verdon, Provence, the hike to the highest of the Brèche de Roland move within the Pyrenees, and the Chemin Des Muletiers which climbs to the summit of the Puy de Dôme, an iconic volcano within the Auvergne area.
Vanoise Nationwide Park within the Alps can also be completely gorgeous. It’s a skier’s paradise within the winter, however as soon as the snow has melted there are lots of superb trails to discover.
The Finest Time to Go to France By Month
As I discussed above, the very best time to journey to France largely will depend on what it’s you propose to do there.
Right here I’ve damaged down what every month of the 12 months is like, together with the climate and what there’s to do, that will help you determine when to go to France.
France in January
January is arguably the worst time to go to France, except you’re coming for snowboarding and different winter sports activities.
Climate in France in January
The climate in France in January is often chilly and moist, the times are brief and the nights are lengthy.
Temperatures vary from 0-10 levels Celsius on common, and it’s frequent to have rain, mist, and thick clouds for days on finish. Snow is pretty frequent, particularly in upland and inland areas.
The very best locations to go to in France in January are the Alps and the Pyrenees mountains, the place thick snow provides to the spectacular surroundings.
Issues To Do in France in January
The very best issues to do in France in January embrace snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.
When you do end up in one in all France’s main cities throughout January, this will also be an excellent time to discover indoor sights akin to museums and galleries. These locations are sometimes at their least crowded in January.
France in February
February remains to be a chilly month however it’s barely higher than January, with extra sunshine and longer days.
Climate in France in February
The climate in France in February is often chilly and dry, with temperatures starting from 4-12 levels Celsius. It’s typically cooler and wetter within the north, and coastal areas usually have milder temperatures too.
When you’re touring to France in February, I like to recommend both visiting the mountains (as per January), or the southeast which tends to be barely hotter and drier than the remainder of the nation.
Issues To Do in France in February
Whereas it’s not likely heat sufficient for a lot of out of doors actions, there are nonetheless loads of issues to do in France in February.
You may take pleasure in a crowd-free metropolis break, or shock your beloved with a romantic Valentine’s Day journey. Don’t simply assume Paris although: Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseille are all nice, and less expensive.
Once more, snowboarding and snowboarding are extremely popular actions in February as effectively. Costs are usually somewhat decrease too in contrast with December and January.
France in March
March sees the primary indicators of spring in France, and there are lots of extra issues to do.
Climate in France in March
The climate in France in March is way milder than the 2 earlier months, with temperatures starting from 8-17 levels Celsius. It’s additionally quite a bit sunnier and extra nice.
Rainfall is extra frequent than in February although, so it’s a good suggestion to pack some waterproofs when you plan to spend any time open air.
The south of France is especially good at the moment of 12 months: Cote d’Azur cities like Good, Cannes and Saint Tropez take pleasure in loads of sunshine and the mildest temperatures.
Issues To Do in France in March
March is a superb time to go to France when you’re in search of out of doors actions. Mountain climbing, biking, and water sports activities akin to kayaking are all common within the spring months.
It’s additionally an important month for meals lovers. March marks the start of France’s spring mushroom season, and eating places all around the nation put together seasonal dishes showcasing native chanterelles, morels, and different tasty varieties.
Lastly, when you’re in search of a cut price, March is a superb time to search out offers on flights and lodging as effectively. It’s nonetheless a really quiet month for tourism in France, so costs might be considerably decrease than through the late spring and summer season.
France in April
April is a colourful month in France, with blooming flowers, longer days, and hotter temperatures.
Climate in France in April
The climate in France in April is commonly nice, particularly within the south of the nation, with temperatures starting from 10-20 levels Celsius. You may count on loads of sunshine and blue skies all through the month.
There’s much more rain in April although, so that is price making an allowance for when you’re eager to do any out of doors actions.
My favourite place to go to in France in April is Provence. This area is understood for its gorgeous landscapes and vibrant colours, that are greatest seen through the spring months.
Issues To Do in France in April
So long as you’re not postpone by a little bit of rain, April is a superb month to go to France when you’re in search of an outside journey. Biking is a well-liked exercise at the moment of 12 months, as are water sports activities like canoeing and kayaking.
By way of cultural actions, April will also be an excellent time to go to a few of France’s attractive medieval cities and cities, which will probably be embellished with spring flowers and far quieter than through the summer season months.
France in Might
Might in France marks the beginning of summer season, with nice temperatures and loads of sunshine.
Climate in France in Might
The climate in France in Might is gentle and nice, with temperatures starting from 16-24 levels Celsius. It’s additionally sunny, particularly within the south of the nation.
Might tends to be drier than March or April, and the times are lengthy however not too scorching, making this one other nice month for out of doors actions.
Issues To Do in France in Might
When you’re a fan of climbing, Might is without doubt one of the greatest months for this (together with September). France has 8 nationwide parks and plenty of different areas of pure magnificence, with hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained climbing trails so that you can take pleasure in.
Cannes hosts its well-known annual Movie Pageant every Might and the town actually comes alive throughout this month, making it a good time to go to.
Alternatively, head over to the Loire Valley for some sightseeing and wine tasting. This area is called the “Backyard of France” and it’s greatest seen in Might when all the pieces is in bloom.
France in June
The height vacationer season in France begins in mid-June, and plenty of locations begin to get busy from then onwards.
Nevertheless, the crowds (and costs) are usually smaller in June than in July or August. Subsequently, if you want to plan a visit through the summer season, I like to recommend June as the very best month to go to France.
Climate in France in June
June is commonly among the best months for climate in France. Within the south, it’s often sunny and temperatures can attain as much as 28 levels Celsius, whereas within the north temperatures are milder however nonetheless heat sufficient for out of doors actions.
Rainfall is comparatively low throughout this month, making it a good time for each out of doors adventures and metropolis breaks.
Issues To Do in France in June
Probably the greatest issues to do in France in June is to go to one of many many unimaginable seashores alongside the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts. The climate is often heat sufficient for sunbathing, swimming, and different seaside actions.
When you’re in search of a extra cultural expertise, June is an effective time to discover a few of France’s best-known historic landmarks and monuments. There are many occasions going down at the moment of 12 months, together with artwork exhibitions, music festivals, and gastronomic festivals.
June can also be the beginning of the lavender season in Provence. The hillsides flip purple and the air is comfortable with the scent of lavender – it’s actually gorgeous. One in every of my favourite locations to go to in Provence to see that is the picturesque little medieval city of Tourtour.
France in July
By July, the height summer season vacationer season is in full swing. Faculties are off for the summer season and many individuals select to take their summer season vacation this month, resulting in elevated costs and crowds.
Climate in France in July
July is often the most well liked month of the 12 months in France, with temperatures often exceeding 30 levels Celsius in lots of components of the nation. The south, specifically, can get extremely popular – generally reaching 40 levels for days on finish.
The times are lengthy and sunny, making this an excellent time for out of doors actions akin to swimming and alfresco eating. Rainfall can also be low throughout July, so it’s not prone to spoil your vacation plans.
Issues To Do in France in July
When you do wish to go to France in July, I like to recommend avoiding the most well-liked vacationer websites (particularly in Paris). As an alternative, head to one of many nation’s less-visited areas, such because the central a part of the nation, the northeast, or Corsica.
The very best factor to do in France in July is to reap the benefits of the great climate and revel in some out of doors actions. Head to the seaside for a spot of sunbathing, swimming or water sports activities.
When you’re in France on July 14th – Bastille Day, the nationwide vacation – you’re in for a deal with! All around the nation, there are road parades, events, fireworks, and different festivities to take pleasure in. July additionally marks the beginning of the Paris Jazz Pageant, which celebrates jazz music from throughout the globe.
France in August
August is one other busy month for tourism in France. Costs and crowds are likely to peak throughout this month, so be sure to e book your journey effectively prematurely when you plan to go to then.
Climate in France in August
The climate tends to be comparable in August as in July, though the evenings are often somewhat cooler and the solar units earlier. You would possibly wish to pack an additional layer to placed on after dinner.
August is a superb month to go to the northwest French area of Brittany. Resulting from its northern maritime location, this space is cool and moist for a lot of the 12 months, however often enjoys its greatest climate in August.
Issues To Do in France in August
August could be a nice time to go to Paris so long as you’re keen to courageous the crowds and better costs. Town is heat and buzzing with exercise throughout this month, and also you’ll discover loads of attention-grabbing occasions going down.
When you’re a eager surfer, head to Biarritz within the far southeastern nook of the nation, near the border with Spain. This little city is a world-famous surf spot recognized for its common and highly effective Atlantic swell.
For one thing a bit extra relaxed, rent a motorcycle and take a leisurely journey alongside a bit of the Canal du Midi, a 240-kilometer canal in southern France that passes by way of stunning and diverse surroundings.
France in September
September is one in all my favourite months to go to France.
Climate in France in September
All through September, temperatures begin to settle down, though the southern half of the nation tends to remain pleasantly heat till at the very least the tip of the month.
September is without doubt one of the greatest months to go to the French Riviera. It’s a lot much less crowded and often cheaper in contrast with the summer season, and the ocean remains to be heat sufficient to swim and snorkel comfortably.
That is additionally an excellent time to go to lots of France’s gorgeous nationwide parks, gardens, and wine areas with out having to fret about it being too scorching or too chilly.
Issues To Do in France in September
September is one other nice month for climbing in France. I went climbing within the breathtaking Vanoise Nationwide Park within the Alps in September this 12 months and it was excellent.
When you’re craving some adrenaline, there are a number of locations all through the nation recognized for his or her wonderful white-water rafting, such because the Ardèche river close to Lyon. This can be a nice rafting tour close to Châteauroux-les-Alpes.
Additionally, September is without doubt one of the greatest months to go wine tasting in France. The grape harvest takes place throughout this time, so many vineyards open their doorways and invite guests to participate within the festivities.
France in October
October is autumn time in France and the colourful fall colours are one in all my favourite issues about this month.
Climate in France in October
October is often fairly a bit cooler than September, with temperatures starting from 8-15°C through the day and dropping to round 4-7°C at night time. Rainfall tends to extend because the month progresses, however you’ll be able to nonetheless count on loads of sunshine.
At greater altitudes, akin to within the Alps or Pyrenees, there’s usually snowfall at the moment of the 12 months.
Issues To Do in France in October
October is a wonderful time for strolling and mountain biking, now that the climate is cooler and the crowds have dispersed a bit. You’ll discover loads of picturesque trails like these within the Vercors Regional Nature Park close to Grenoble.
October can also be one other nice time to pattern a few of France’s greatest wines. You may go to most of the greatest wineries in areas like Bordeaux and Burgundy, the place you’ll discover wonderful alternatives for wine tastings and excursions.
France in November
Because the temperatures begin to cool and there’s extra rain, November is the right time to bundle up and benefit from the gorgeous autumn colours, and even some snow within the greater altitudes.
Climate in France in November
November temperatures all through France can vary between 5-12°C through the day and drop to round 0-4°C at night time. Rainfall can also be fairly frequent in November so it’s greatest to convey an umbrella or raincoat with you when you’re exploring open air.
Issues To Do in France in November
November is an effective month for low-cost sightseeing in cities like Paris that are often a lot much less crowded. You gained’t be assured good climate, however you’ll get to take pleasure in a number of the nation’s best-known landmarks largely to your self.
November can also be a good time of 12 months for having fun with warming French delicacies. Go to one of many nation’s many conventional bistros and pattern some traditional autumnal dishes like coq au vin, beef bourguignon, or steak frites.
France in December
Regardless of the poor climate, December in France is a festive and atmospheric time to go to. The nation is filled with vacation cheer, as Christmas decorations line the streets and conventional markets spring to life in main cities.
Climate in France in December
The climate in France in December is often lower than preferrred. Days are brief, it’s chilly and it rains quite a bit.
Nevertheless, temperatures have a tendency to stay above freezing through the day, starting from 2-8°C. In greater altitudes akin to within the Alps or Pyrenees, you’ll be able to count on heavy snowfall.
Issues To Do in France in December
Regardless of the chilly and moist climate, there are nonetheless loads of issues to do in France in December.
A go to to one of many nation’s conventional Christmas markets is a must-do for any customer. You’ll discover festive stalls crammed with native crafts, festive treats, mulled wine, and extra. Among the greatest ones are discovered within the jap cities of Strasbourg and Colmar, however there are additionally loads of others, in Paris, Lyon, and different cities.
When you’re in search of a winter wonderland, head up within the greater altitudes just like the Alps and Pyrenees the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in snowboarding, snowboarding, and magical walks by way of the snowy panorama.
When you’re seeking to escape the colder temperatures, head all the way down to the south of France – cities like Marseille, Good and Montpellier are usually extra temperate at the moment of 12 months.
In Conclusion
Every month gives one thing totally different and thrilling, so there isn’t actually a “improper” time to go to France. Whether or not you’re in search of a romantic getaway, a culture-filled vacation, or an action-packed out of doors journey, you’ll make sure to have an exquisite time exploring this stunning place.
Personally, I feel the very best time to go to France is September. Nevertheless, it’s an important nation to go to all 12 months spherical.
