When is the Best Time to Visit France?
Find the best time to go to France with our guide for when to visit this beautiful country.
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When is the best time to visit France? Whether you travel in autumn, winter, summer or spring, there is a destination for you. And even the places you might think are best in one season, are delightful in another. In large, the country’s climate is Mediterranean in the south and more like the UK further north towards the Channel. Then, you’ve got the beautiful Alps, snowy and ideal for skiing in the winter, and lush and green in the summer.
Spring in France is full of picturesque rolling hills filled with wildflowers and can bring the best weather in France – not too hot and not too cold. April showers occur on occasion, but it is nothing an umbrella cannot handle. Spring and summer are especially lovely in the South of France, while the colours of the French countryside come into their own in autumn. This time of year is also fantastic for sightseeing, with fewer crowds and sunny days often into October and November.
Read on to find out everything you need to know about the weather in France, to make the most of your time in this beautiful country.
Our Experts Say...
"The best time to visit France in general will be autumn (September - October), where the weather is cooler and the busy summer crowds have left. It is the perfect time for travelling as prices are much lower than July -August with fewer crowds and better weather!
"Between mid-December and mid-April, it will be the best time to hit the ski slopes. January has the best prices while mid-March to early April offer longer days and better snow depths."
Ying Ying Koo, Europe Specialist
Monthly Climate Guide for France
, France
Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)
France has four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) brings warm temperatures that are between 17˚ C and 28˚ C and longer daylight hours. It's the best time to travel to France if you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy the beautiful coastal and countryside landscapes when they’re at their best.
Summer (June to August) is the peak tourist season. Days are hot and sunny, with average temperatures over 30˚ C making it the best weather in France for outdoor activities and exploring the beaches. However, this is also the busiest time, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices.
In autumn (September to November) temperatures start to drop in the evenings, while the days can still bring beautiful blue skies and golden sunshine. It’s a quieter time of year to visit the most popular sightseeing destinations and is when the wine regions are at their best.
Winter (December to February) brings colder temperatures, especially in the northern regions and the Alps. It’s a great time to ski in some of the lower resorts when you’re most likely to get fresh powder, while ski resorts at higher altitudes will have good snow from December to April. February half-term is the busiest time of year for ski resorts, so if you can avoid the school holidays, you’ll get better deals and quieter mountains in January and March.
France’s Seasonal Highlights
Discover the charm of France through the seasons, each offering unique experiences and breathtaking sights. Whether you're drawn to the vibrant colours of spring, the sunny allure of summer, the picturesque landscapes of autumn, or the cosy charm of winter, France presents an array of options tailored to every traveller's preference.
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Spring in France
With blue skies, blooming flowers and a light breeze in the air, spring in France is made for exploring cities like Paris, Lyon, and Normandy’s Rouen. It is when the famous gardens - Claude Monet's Giverny or the Palace of Versailles, for example – come alive and are at their most colourful. The mild temperatures make it ideal for sightseeing and wandering around the city’s markets without the summer crowds too. It is an equally good time for outdoor activities in the Loire Valley, such as bicycling along the river, or exploring the many castles and their stunning grounds. France in May also sees the arrival of the glitterati to Cannes for the famous film festival.
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Summer in France
There’s a reason that the summer is France’s peak season. You could go anywhere and it would be hot and sunny. The South of France is vibrant and buzzy in the summer. There’s a frenetic energy that’s contagious and fun, and whether you’re looking for a family holiday or something for adults, you can’t go wrong with Provence or the Cote d’Azur. Soak up the sunshine on beautiful beaches, in lively markets and in excellent restaurants. While, for adrenaline-based activities like canyoning and zip lines, there’s nowhere better than the Alps in the summer. Look out for La Fête de la Musique throughout France in June, which brings free, outdoor music performances all over the country. And, on 14th July, France celebrates Bastille Day, with fireworks, parades, and a public holiday.
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Autumn in France
The countryside in France in September turns a beautiful shade of yellow and the farmers prepare for their harvest. This is when to go wine tasting in France. In Champagne, it’s the perfect time of year for a hot air balloon ride over the famous region or a tour of the historic city of Reims. While in Bordeaux, the autumnal days are ideal for a private guided driving tour through the Médoc Grand Cru region, before a few days on the French Basque Country’s beautiful coastline for fresh seafood and crisp ocean air before it gets too cold.
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Winter in France
The Alps are undoubtedly the best place to visit in France in winter, where you’ll find some of the best skiing in the world. From December to March, and even sometimes April, the mountains are covered with fresh, white powder just waiting for you to make tracks. There is a resort for everyone, whether you want to ski, walk, or enjoy the village life. Meribel, Courchevel 1850 and Val d’Isère are known for their restaurant and après ski offerings, plus are excellent for family ski holidays, while Val Thorens and Tignes are the best for late-season skiing. And, if you’re just planning a short trip, Megève and Chamonix are the closest to Geneva so make for a fabulous weekend jaunt. Winter in France is also the time to make the most of the cosy Michelin-star restaurants and Christmas markets.
- Spring in France
- Summer in France
- Autumn in France
- Winter in France
Best Times to Go to France for…
Outdoor Activities
France is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you enjoy hiking, skiing, or water sports, there are plenty of destinations to choose from. The French Alps are perfect for skiing and snowboarding from December to March, while in spring and summer (May to August) the mountains make way for hikers and cyclists, as well as adventure activities like canyoning, abseiling and white-water rafting. If water sports and beach activities are what you're after, the coastal regions of France are perfect for you, when the summer months, from June to August, are the best time to go to France to enjoy activities such as swimming, surfing, sailing, and paddleboarding. Whether you prefer the glamorous beaches of the French Riviera or the rugged coastlines of Biarritz, you'll find plenty of opportunities to be on the water.
Exploring Different Regions
The best time to travel to France and explore its different regions is between May and October, avoiding public holidays like Easter, when the roads become busy. Late spring, summer, and early autumn are when France has the least rainfall and longer, sunny days for exploring all the charming villages, historic sights, and beautiful coastlines you’ll come across. As a country, France is easy to travel around, either by self-drive, chauffeur or train. You can get to most places in a day. If you want to see the best that France has to offer, embark on our Grand Tour, which takes you to Champagne, Paris, Bordeaux, Aix en Provence, Provence, Cannes, Côte d'Azur and Monaco on a 20-day adventure. Meanwhile, combining Provence and the Alps in July is the perfect time to see the two different regions in their full glory.
Sightseeing
Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the best times to go to France for sightseeing. This is when there are fewer tourists and so the most popular sights are less busy. One of the best times of year to visit Paris is in spring, so you can make the most of walking around the city without worrying about rain or tripping over too many people. Meanwhile, the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is home to over 300 castles all rich with history is also at its best in spring or autumn, when the gardens are flourishing or have turned into a beautiful blanket of orange and red.
Food & Wine
There’s never a bad time for food and wine in France. However, each season offers something different for a gourmand. In winter, embrace the cosy restaurants, Christmas markets and hearty foods like fondue in the Alps or boeuf bourguignon in Burgundy. Winter is also when you’ll find the Fête de la Truffe in the Dordogne when you can feast on the much-lauded black truffle in January. In the summer, the focus is seafood, particularly oysters, with the Fêtes de l’Huître in sea-faring towns starting in July and feasts of the shellfish going on all summer long. While in August, the top Champagne houses open their doors and offer free tastings. September in France sees the arrival of the Taste of Paris at the Grand Palais, during which a vast collection of French food products, regional cuisines and cooking styles are showcased. While in November, it’s all about wine with celebrations and festivals taking place in Beaujolais and Beaune in Burgundy.
Meet Our France Experts
As a former banker married to a finance executive, I know full well that every holiday time is incredibly precious. I learned to plan my holidays to maximize every experience, create bonding moments with our two sons wherein we could discover the world and its myriad cultures together. I grew up in Manila, raised my family in Singapore and spent a three-year post in London.
Best Time to Visit France FAQs
Get an insider’s take on the best time to visit France with your frequently asked questions, answered by our France travel specialists.
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The peak tourist seasons in France are summer (July and August) in the South of France and coastal regions, and Christmas holidays, February, and March in the Alps.
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The best time to go to France and Spain depends on the activities you want to take part in. For skiing in the Alps or Pyrenees, you’d want to go in winter or spring. To spend time on the coast, go in the spring or summer. While if you are looking to road trip around France and Spain, you’re best going in spring or autumn, when the temperatures aren’t so hot, and the roads aren’t as busy with tourists. Overall, the best months to visit France and Spain are May and September, when you still get the best of the weather, without peak season crowds. Speak to a Scott Dunn travel specialist about your requirements and they can advise on the best time of year to visit France and Spain for you.
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The best time to visit France and Italy together is spring, summer and autumn. However, avoiding the school summer holidays – July and August – will allow you to see the best sights, get the best deals on accommodation and flights, and the best spots on the beaches. If you’re looking to road trip around France or Italy, or to travel between the two countries, Scott Dunn can organise smooth transfers with trusted drivers and guides, as well as give advice on the best self-drive routes.
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If you’re looking to ski in France and Switzerland, the best time to is between December and April, depending on which resort you’d like to go to. The lower resorts are better earlier in the season, while higher ones go on having fresh powder until April. For hiking and outdoor activities, the best time to go to France and Switzerland is in the summer (June to August), when the mountains are a nice escape from city heat. Meanwhile, out of season, in May and September, the Swiss and French Alps are still hot – sitting between the high twenties and low thirties.
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Ideally, a stay of 7 to 10 days lets you experience a variety of what France has to offer. This duration is perfect for enjoying the best weather in France and exploring different regions at a comfortable pace. Scott Dunn can tailor your itinerary to maximize your experience, whether you're in France for a week or more.
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