France is a year-round vacation spot, with countless attractions and reasons to visit all year long. I’ve visited the nation extra occasions than I can keep in mind, in the entire seasons. Nevertheless, the very best time to go to France is dependent upon a number of elements.
Firstly and most significantly, when deciding when to journey to France, that you must think about what it’s that you simply wish to do there.
Should you’d prefer to benefit from the nation’s world-class ski resorts, you’re greatest off visiting within the winter; whereas if you happen to’d desire to spend time enjoyable on France’s beautiful Mediterranean seashores, chances are you’ll wish to come when it’s slightly hotter.
Total (outdoors of the mountains), the summer season months are inclined to coincide with the height vacationer season, when lodging and different prices are highest and crowds are at their worst. Should you’re trying to go to France on a price range, it could be a good suggestion to journey outdoors of those months.
Total Finest Time to Go to France
In my view, Could or September are the very best occasions to go to France.
With its diverse panorama and intensive shoreline, France has a formidable 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 mostly 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 (Could) or early autumn (September).
Temperatures are nonetheless prone to be heat however there might be far fewer crowds and you’ll usually safe discounts 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 quite a bit, and you’ll’t benefit from the lovely surroundings or the wonderful out of doors cafe tradition in the identical manner.
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 lots of weeks of uninterrupted sunshine. Nevertheless, together with the good climate, this era additionally attracts a lot bigger crowds.
This time of yr is fashionable with each worldwide vacationers and home holidaymakers, and the country’s best attractions are typically full of vacationers.
Moreover, hotels and different accommodations can get costly throughout this time, with costs usually being as much as twice as excessive as they’re in off-season. Should you’re touring then, it’s greatest to book issues as early as doable.
Irrespective of if you go to France, there’ll seemingly be some type of pageant or occasion happening. Bastille Day (La Fête Nationale) is France’s nationwide vacation, held on July 14 yearly and marked by fireworks, avenue 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 widespread all through the summer season months.
Shoulder Season in France (April – Could and September – October)
One of the best time to go to France for price range vacationers is through the shoulder season, which runs from April-Could and September-October.
The climate is commonly nonetheless fairly good right now of yr and you’ll anticipate loads of sunshine, particularly in September.
Moreover, accommodation prices are sometimes decrease than throughout peak season, and the crowds are typically smaller in any respect however the most popular attractions.
Festivals held throughout these months embody the Cannes Film Festival in Could 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.
Aside from ski resorts (that are significantly busy from December by February), most locations obtain their lowest numbers of tourists. Some attractions and hotels shut down altogether.
It may be doable to attain rock-bottom prices on lodging through the winter months. Nevertheless, personally, I are inclined 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 fashionable months for seashore holidays, with the very best climate, longest days, and warmest temperatures.
A number of the greatest seashore locations in France embody the French Riviera (also called the Cote d’Azur), Biarritz, the Médoc Natural Regional Park, and the attractive French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
These locations all take pleasure in each day temperatures from 25-30 levels Celsius all through the summer season. Nevertheless, the primary draw back is that they’ll get slightly crowded.
One among my favourite seashores to flee the summer season crowds is Plage Sud, within the Médoc. At 14 kilometers lengthy, it’s actually huge, so you may at all times discover a non-public spot to your self among the many gentle golden sand and towering dunes.
Should 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
One of the 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 embody Bastille Day (July 14), the Cannes Film Festival (Could), and the Carcassonne Festival of up to date music, theatre, and dance (July).
Throughout every of those festivals, you’ll discover vibrant avenue parades, fireworks shows, and different cultural occasions. You’ll be able to anticipate 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 is dependent upon what you wish to do and see.
Total, I believe the very best time to journey to France for sightseeing in its many fantastic cities is throughout both Could or September when temperatures are comfy, costs are reasonable, and there are fewer crowds.
A number of the greatest cities to go to throughout these months embody 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, historical ruins, and different historic websites in Europe. If I needed to choose the very best time to go to France for seeing historic websites, I’d in all probability go along with late spring or early autumn.
Just a few of the very best locations value visiting embody 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 historical Roman aqueduct bridge).
There are execs and cons of visiting these locations at every time of yr. For instance, whereas they appear extremely picturesque and exquisite within the snow, within the spring and summer season the climate is extra nice and the times are for much longer for exploring.
When to Go to France For Wine
Fortunately, you may take pleasure in implausible wine in France any time of yr! There are a lot of glorious 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 in all probability the very best time of yr to go to France if you happen to’re eager about visiting a winery and watching the masters at work.
You probably have time, I extremely suggest doing a wine-tasting tour throughout your time in France.
You’ve gotten many to select from, however a number of the greatest ones embody this wine and cheese-tasting lunch in Paris, this Moët & Chandon champagne tour, and this Bordeaux vineyard tour in Saint-Émilion (the area that produces a few of my favourite French purple 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 if you happen to’re trying to economize 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 doable to make appreciable financial savings on accommodation, airfares, and different journey bills in these months.
When to Go to France For Climbing
Spring and autumn are often probably the most nice occasions for mountaineering. 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, excellent for an extended hike.
A few of my favourite hikes in France embody the 13-kilometer Blanc-Martel trail within the Gorges du Verdon, Provence, the hike to the highest of the Brèche de Roland cross 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 National Park within the Alps can be completely beautiful. It’s a skier’s paradise within the winter, however as soon as the snow has melted there are a lot of wonderful 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 is dependent upon what it’s you intend to do there.
Right here I’ve damaged down what every month of the yr is like, together with the climate and what there’s to do, that can assist you resolve when to go to France.
France in January
January is arguably the worst time to go to France, until 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 quick and the nights are lengthy.
Temperatures vary from 0-10 levels Celsius on common, and it’s widespread to have rain, mist, and thick clouds for days on finish. Snow is pretty widespread, particularly in upland and inland areas.
One of the 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
One of the best issues to do in France in January embody snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.
Should you do end up in one in all France’s main cities throughout January, this will also be a very good time to discover indoor points of interest equivalent to museums and galleries. These locations are sometimes at their least crowded in January.
France in February
February remains to be a chilly month nevertheless 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.
Should 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 can take pleasure in a crowd-free metropolis break, or shock the one you love with a romantic Valentine’s Day journey. Don’t simply suppose Paris although: Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Marseille are all nice, and less expensive.
Once more, snowboarding and snowboarding are highly regarded actions in February as nicely. Costs are typically slightly decrease too in contrast with December and January.
France in March
March sees the primary indicators of spring in France, and there are a lot 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 rather a lot sunnier and extra nice.
Rainfall is extra widespread than in February although, so it’s a good suggestion to pack some waterproofs if you happen to plan to spend any time outside.
The south of France is especially good right now of yr: 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 good time to go to France if you happen to’re in search of out of doors actions. Climbing, biking, and water sports activities equivalent to kayaking are all fashionable within the spring months.
It’s additionally an amazing 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, if you happen to’re in search of a cut price, March is a good time to search out offers on flights and lodging as nicely. It’s nonetheless a really quiet month for tourism in France, so costs will 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’ll be able to anticipate loads of sunshine and blue skies all through the month.
There’s much more rain in April although, so that is value taking into account if you happen to’re eager to do any out of doors actions.
My favourite place to go to in France in April is Provence. This area is thought for its beautiful 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 good month to go to France if you happen to’re in search of an outside journey. Biking is a well-liked exercise right now of yr, as are water sports activities like canoeing and kayaking.
By way of cultural actions, April will also be a very good time to go to a few of France’s attractive medieval cities and cities, which might be embellished with spring flowers and far quieter than through the summer season months.
France in Could
Could in France marks the beginning of summer season, with nice temperatures and loads of sunshine.
Climate in France in Could
The climate in France in Could is delicate and nice, with temperatures starting from 16-24 levels Celsius. It’s additionally sunny, particularly within the south of the nation.
Could 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 Could
Should you’re a fan of mountaineering, Could is likely one of the greatest months for this (together with September). France has 8 nationwide parks and lots of different areas of pure magnificence, with 1000’s of kilometers of well-maintained mountaineering trails so that you can take pleasure in.
Cannes hosts its well-known annual Movie Competition every Could 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 Could when every little thing is in bloom.
France in June
The height vacationer season in France begins in mid-June, and lots of locations begin to get busy from then onwards.
Nevertheless, the crowds (and costs) are typically smaller in June than in July or August. Due to this fact, if you need 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
The most effective issues to do in France in June is to go to one of many many unbelievable seashores alongside the Atlantic or Mediterranean coasts. The climate is often heat sufficient for sunbathing, swimming, and different seashore actions.
Should 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 happening right now of yr, together with artwork exhibitions, music festivals, and gastronomic festivals.
June can be the beginning of the lavender season in Provence. The hillsides flip purple and the air is gentle with the scent of lavender – it’s actually beautiful. One among 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 popular month of the yr in France, with temperatures usually exceeding 30 levels Celsius in lots of components of the nation. The south, particularly, can get extremely popular – typically reaching 40 levels for days on finish.
The times are lengthy and sunny, making this a very good time for out of doors actions equivalent to swimming and alfresco eating. Rainfall can be low throughout July, so it’s not prone to spoil your vacation plans.
Issues To Do in France in July
Should 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.
One of the 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 seashore for a spot of sunbathing, swimming or water sports activities.
Should you’re in France on July 14th – Bastille Day, the nationwide vacation – you’re in for a deal with! Everywhere in the nation, there are avenue parades, events, fireworks, and different festivities to take pleasure in. July additionally marks the beginning of the Paris Jazz Competition, 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 inclined to peak throughout this month, so be sure to ebook your journey nicely prematurely if you happen to plan to go to then.
Climate in France in August
The climate tends to be related in August as in July, though the evenings are often slightly cooler and the solar units earlier. You would possibly wish to pack an additional layer to placed on after dinner.
August is a good month to go to the northwest French area of Brittany. As a consequence of its northern maritime location, this space is cool and moist for a lot of the yr, however often enjoys its greatest climate in August.
Issues To Do in France in August
August generally is a nice time to go to Paris so long as you’re prepared to courageous the crowds and better costs. The town is heat and buzzing with exercise throughout this month, and also you’ll discover loads of attention-grabbing occasions happening.
Should 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 lovely 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 not less than the tip of the month.
September is likely 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 a very good time to go to a lot of France’s beautiful 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 mountaineering in France. I went mountaineering within the breathtaking Vanoise National Park within the Alps in September this yr and it was excellent.
Should you’re craving some adrenaline, there are a number of locations all through the nation recognized for his or her glorious white-water rafting, such because the Ardèche river close to Lyon. This can be a great rafting tour close to Châteauroux-Les-Alpes.
Additionally, September is likely 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 may nonetheless anticipate loads of sunshine.
At greater altitudes, equivalent to within the Alps or Pyrenees, there’s usually snowfall right now of the yr.
Issues To Do in France in October
October is a superb 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 be one other nice time to pattern a few of France’s greatest wines. You’ll be able to go to most of the greatest wineries in areas like Bordeaux and Burgundy, the place you’ll discover glorious alternatives for wine tastings and tours.
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 beautiful 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 be fairly widespread in November so it’s greatest to convey an umbrella or raincoat with you if you happen to’re exploring outside.
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 be a good time of yr for having fun with warming French cuisine. 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 stuffed 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 excellent. Days are quick, it’s chilly and it rains rather a lot.
Nevertheless, temperatures have a tendency to stay above freezing through the day, starting from 2-8°C. In greater altitudes equivalent to within the Alps or Pyrenees, you may anticipate 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 traditional Christmas markets is a must-do for any customer. You’ll discover festive stalls crammed with local crafts, festive treats, mulled wine, and extra. A number of 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.
Should you’re in search of a winter wonderland, head as much as the upper altitudes just like the Alps and Pyrenees the place you may take pleasure in snowboarding, snowboarding, and magical walks by the snowy panorama.
Should you’re trying to escape the colder temperatures, head right down to the south of France – cities like Marseille, Good and Montpellier are typically extra temperate right now of yr.
In Conclusion
Every month provides one thing completely different and thrilling, so there isn’t actually a “mistaken” 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 you have an exquisite time exploring this lovely place.
Personally, I believe the very best time to go to France is September. Nevertheless, it’s an amazing nation to go to all yr spherical.
