France climate and temperatures

Climate type

Mediterranean

Best time to visit

September – November

Avg. temperature

14°C – 30°C

Annual rainfall

600 mm

Warmest month

August (35°C)

Coldest month

January (11°C)

Driest month

July (22 mm)

Wettest month

October (84 mm)

The climate of France is Temperate oceanic climate (Köppen: Cfa), with warm summers and precipitation throughout the year. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 8°C in winter (December–February) to a maximum of 27°C in summer (June–August). The average annual temperature is around 18°C.

During the winter months, nighttime temperatures can drop to an average of 1°C, while summer nights average around 16°C.

Popular destinations in France

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Climate table of France

The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in France by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Temp. max (°C)	14	16	17	19	23	27	30	30	27	23	18	16
Temp. min (°C)	6	7	9	11	15	19	22	22	19	15	10	7
Rainfall
Rainfall (mm)	46	34	46	64	43	23	22	75	77	84	61	25
UV index	4	5	6	7	8	8	8	8	6	5	4	4

Best time to visit France

The best time to visit France is July. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Especially in July, the climate is favorable, with an average high temperature of 27°C and around 33 mm of rainfall. For a sun or beach holiday, July are the most suitable months. It is often warm to hot and relatively dry during this time. For a city trip, round trip, or active holiday, July are often more comfortable, as it is warm without the heat becoming too intense. The warmest month is July, with an average daytime temperature of around 27°C. The driest month is July, with about 33 mm of rainfall, while May is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 69 mm. Snow is rare here, but may occasionally fall in February, November, January en December.

Average temperature per month

This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in France. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.

Average rainfall per month

This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in France. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.

Average UV index per month

This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in France. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.

Average annual temperature

This chart shows the average annual temperature in France based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.

Average annual rainfall

This chart shows the average annual rainfall in France over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.

Weather experiences in France

The weather in France is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to France? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.

Islands of France

Average weather per month

Click on a month below and discover what the weather in France is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.