When is The Best Time to Visit France?
When is the best time of year to visit France?
For most travellers, the best time to visit France is summer (July and August) or fall (September and October). During these times you can expect pleasant weather with temperatures between 14°C to 30°C, as well as colourful landscapes, lively cities, and plenty of outdoor activities.
However, choosing the best time of year to visit France really depends on what type of experience you’re looking for. If you prefer snow vacations, winter will be the ideal time for you to visit. Or, if you’d rather avoid the crowds, spring in France can be a very pleasant time of year and will likely suit you best.
Having lived in France for several years, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the country in every season, and I know the pros and cons of when to visit. And, to share my knowledge with you, I’ve collaborated with European travel expert, Lizet Wesselman, to put together this complete season-by-season guide to visiting France.
So, read on to find out when you should go to France!
Best Time to Visit France
As the world’s top tourist destination, France has so much to offer, with something for every season. Depending on what you’re looking for, there really is no bad time to visit France. So, choosing when to go to mostly comes down to personal preferences.
Best Time for a Warm Vacation
The most popular time to visit France is the summer, in particular July and August. This is when the weather is hot, the days are long and the cities are buzzing with activity. There’s nothing quite like a warm summer’s evening in France, with endless sidewalk patios, street entertainment, ice cream vendors, and people from all walks of life enjoying the vibrant atmosphere.
However, while summer is a fantastic time in Europe, from our experience, we actually wouldn’t advise visiting in August (if you can avoid it).
August is the high season in all of Europe and it gets extremely crowded. Plus, the French usually take a lot of August off to travel within their own country as well. Not only does this make it even more crowded, but it can also result in family run shops or restaurants being closed for extended periods throughout the month.
Instead, we would recommend visiting France in September. This is one of the best times of year in Europe, with milder, sunny weather, and even a few very hot days. Plus, you’ll get to experience the tail end of the summer season, with fewer crowds and slightly cheaper prices.
Best Time For a Snow Holiday
Alternatively, if you prefer a winter vacation, the best time to visit France is December or January. Although the period over the holidays can be very busy, France’s cities are particularly enchanting in December, thanks to holiday lights and decorations, Christmas markets, and other festivities.
Whereas January is the best time to visit if you’re looking to go skiing or snowboarding. This is when France typically gets the most snow, and you’ll avoid the busy winter break in February.
Best Time to Avoid the Crowds
If you’d prefer to save some money and travel without the crowds, the best time to visit France is during the shoulder seasons or winter, depending on where you go.
With the exception of the ski resorts, the quietest and cheapest time to travel in France is between January and March. So, if you’re interested in visiting attractions and museums and indulging in delicious French food, winter is the ideal time for a city break in France.
Or, for slightly warmer weather, Spring and Fall are also great times to travel in France. These seasons offer mild weather, lower prices, and many of the same activities you would enjoy in the height of summer, but with fewer crowds.
Seasonal Guide to Visiting France
To give you a better idea of when you should go to France, here is an overview of what makes each season a good time to visit.
Spring (April to June)
Spring is always a good season to visit France. As the country awakens from winter, you’ll be greeted with lush green landscapes and blooming flowers, all while enjoying mild, pleasant temperatures.
Spring is ideal for city breaks, cycling trips between and around France’s larger cities, and active holidays in the mountains. April is a fun and affordable time to head to the French Alps, with warm spring skiing conditions, end of season parties, and a lively atmosphere. And the hiking season starts in May and June, which is a great time to hit the trails before the summer crowds arrive.
June also marks the start of lavender season in Provence, making it one of the best times to visit this picturesque region.
Although you should keep in mind that the weather in spring tends to be quite unpredictable. April can still bring rain and snow in the mountains, whereas June can already be quite hot.
Summer (July to August)
Summer is the peak travel season in France, with warm weather, lively festivals, and bustling tourist attractions all across the country. And, this is the perfect time to visit France’s Coastal regions like the French Riviera, Corsica, and Normandy for a beach vacation.
However, expect large crowds, especially in popular destinations like Nice and Provence, as both locals and tourists head to the coast or countryside for their holidays. In particular, August can get very overcrowded. But, if this doesn’t bother you, you’ll get to enjoy long days, warm weather and a vibrant atmosphere almost everywhere you go.
Despite the heat of summer, summer is also a popular time of year for hiking, cycling trips, mountaineering, and other outdoor activities. However, it can get very hot during this time, so be sure you’re well-prepared and know how to manage in the heat!
Summer is also the perfect season to experience French culture through its many festivals. Highlights include the Cannes Film Festival, Bastille Day celebrations on July 14, and a variety of music and food festivals across the country.
It’s also the best time to explore France’s vibrant weekly outdoor markets, which overflow with fresh seasonal produce, including sun-ripened fruits, vegetables, and artisan goods.
Fall (September to November)
Fall in France is another great time to visit. The temperatures are milder, though an occasional heatwave in September isn’t uncommon. And, by the end of the season, much colder weather usually sets in. Tourism also begins to slow down, making it a quieter and more affordable time to explore the country.
Early Autumn is an underrated time for a beach holiday in France, as the water is still warm enough for swimming and the final hot days of the year provide the perfect setting for a coastal escape.
By October, the changing foliage adds an extra layer of beauty to regions like Alsace and Normandy. Additionally, September and October mark the wine harvest season, making it the ideal time to visit Bordeaux, Burgundy, or the Rhône Valley for vineyard tours and wine tastings—especially as the cooler days begin to make their appearance.
Finally, while temperatures start to drop significantly in the mountains during autumn, this can still be a great time to explore the Alps or the Pyrenees. Cooler temperatures often make for more comfortable hiking conditions, and you might even get to experience the first snowfall of the season!
Winter (December to March)
Winter in France is all about the ski season, and with two major mountain ranges, there’s no shortage of ski resorts, mountain towns and thermal spas to explore. Skiing in the French Alps is world-class, with renowned resorts like Chamonix, Val d’Isère, and Les Trois Vallées attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world.
But winter in France offers more than just skiing. For a cozy winter getaway, head to Alsace, where towns like Strasbourg and Colmar transform into festive wonderlands during the Christmas season, with beautiful decorations, lights and Christmas markets.
Paris, too, is beautifully lit and far less crowded during this time, making it an excellent time to visit museums, indulge in hearty French cuisine, and soak up the city’s romantic winter atmosphere.
Given that France is a major skiing destination, it’s no surprise that the country experiences cold and snowy winters, particularly in the eastern regions. In the mountains you can expect temperatures to drop below 0°C (32°F), while southern regions enjoy slightly milder winter weather, with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F).
France Climate Quick Guide
Here is a quick overview of the average temperatures and rainfall across France’s most popular regions:
France Climate Guide (Celsius)
France Climate Guide (Fahrenheit)
FAQs
What are the Best Months to go to France?
The best months to visit France will depend on what you’re looking to do. For warm weather and beaches, July to September are the best times to visit France. Although we would recommend avoiding August, since that is the busiest and most expensive month in France.
January is the best month for skiing and snowboarding in France. And for a pleasant balance of mild weather and fewer crowds, April to June and October to November are great months to visit France.
What is the Cheapest Time of Year to Visit France?
The cheapest time to visit France is during the colder months, from November to March (excluding the holiday season in December). During this period, accommodation and flights tend to be lower, especially in non-skiing regions, as there are fewer tourists.
When is the Rainy Season in France?
The rainiest months in France typically occur in the fall, from October to December, though it varies by region. Coastal areas like Brittany and Normandy tend to receive more rainfall year-round, while the southern regions experience drier, Mediterranean-style weather.
What Month Do Most French People Take Vacation?
Most French people take their vacation in August, with many businesses closing or operating on reduced hours during this time, especially in smaller towns. This month is known as “les grandes vacances” in France, when families head to the coast or countryside for their holidays.
Is it Better to Go to France in the Spring or Fall?
Both spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are great times to visit France, but fall offers slightly cooler weather, fewer crowds, and the added charm of the wine harvest and changing foliage. Spring, on the other hand, brings blooming flowers and pleasant temperatures, making it ideal for outdoor activities and city exploration.
What Month is the Least Crowded in Paris?
The least crowded months in Paris are typically January and February. These winter months see fewer tourists, making it a great time to explore the city’s attractions without long lines, and enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere (if you don’t mind the cold!).
When is the Most Beautiful Time of Year in France?
The most beautiful time of year in France is often considered to be summer (June to August), when the countryside is lush and vibrant, and the lavender fields in Provence are in full bloom.
French towns and cities are especially charming during the summer, with vibrant flowers decorating outdoor cafés and historic streets. And coastal regions like the French Riviera are also particularly picturesque, thanks to bright blue waters, boat-filled harbours, and lively streets.
What Months Have the Best Weather in France?
The best weather in France is typically from May to September, when temperatures are warm and pleasant across most regions. May and June offer mild weather, perfect for exploring, while July and August bring hotter temperatures, ideal for beach vacations. September’s weather is usually more comfortable, with a few hot days mixed in, along with the added bonus of fewer tourists.
How Many Days in France is Enough?
A trip of 7 to 10 days is generally enough to experience France’s highlights, including Paris and popular regions like Provence or Normandy. However, if you want to explore multiple areas more thoroughly, 2 to 3 weeks will allow for a more relaxed pace and a deeper experience of France’s diverse landscapes and culture.
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Paris?
The best time to visit Paris is in the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October), when the weather is mild, the city is less crowded, and outdoor activities like strolling through parks or visiting markets are especially enjoyable. These seasons offer a great balance of pleasant temperatures and fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months.
Final Thoughts on When to Visit France
No matter the season, France has something incredible to offer every type of traveler. Whether you’re seeking sunny beach days, charming winter markets, thrilling mountain activities, or picturesque vineyards, France’s diverse landscape and rich culture shine all year round.
By considering the experiences you most want to enjoy, you’ll be able to choose the perfect time to visit so you can make the most of your trip to this beautiful country.
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