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 most effective time to go to France is dependent upon a number of elements.
Firstly and most significantly, when deciding when to journey to France, it is advisable contemplate what it’s that you simply wish to do there.
Should you’d wish to benefit from the nation’s world-class ski resorts, you’re finest off visiting within the winter; whereas if you happen to’d favor to spend time enjoyable on France’s gorgeous Mediterranean seashores, it’s possible you’ll wish to come when it’s a bit hotter.
General (exterior of the mountains), the summer time months are likely to coincide with the height vacationer season, when lodging and different prices are highest and crowds are at their worst. Should you’re seeking to go to France on a price range, it may be a good suggestion to journey exterior of those months.
General Greatest Time to Go to France
In my view, Might or September are the most effective occasions to go to France.
With its assorted 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’re in France, the climate is usually significantly better in summer time than in winter.
Given the elevated costs and crowds of the height summer time 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 might be far fewer crowds and you’ll typically safe reductions on lodging.
Until I’m coming to France for winter sports activities, I normally 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 outside cafe tradition in the identical method.
Peak Season in France (June – August)
The height season for tourism in France runs from June to August.
That is normally when the climate is at its finest, 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 time of 12 months is well-liked with each worldwide vacationers and home holidaymakers, and the nation’s finest sights are usually filled with vacationers.
Moreover, resorts and different lodging can get costly throughout this time, with costs typically being as much as twice as excessive as they’re in off-season. Should you’re touring then, it’s finest to guide issues as early as doable.
Regardless of while you go to France, there’ll doubtless 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, avenue parades, and different occasions.
The Tour de France bike race is normally held through the summer time, inflicting highway closures in sure components of the nation. Village, city, and metropolis events are additionally widespread all through the summer time months.
Shoulder Season in France (April – Might and September – October)
The perfect time to go to France for price range vacationers is through the shoulder season, which runs from April-Might and September-October.
The climate is usually 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 Competition 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.
Aside from ski resorts (that are notably busy from December via February), most locations obtain their lowest numbers of holiday makers. Some sights and resorts shut down altogether.
It may be doable 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 usually a bit miserable and there isn’t a lot to do.
When to Go to France For Seashores
July and August are well-liked months for seaside holidays, with the most effective climate, longest days, and warmest temperatures.
A number of the finest seaside locations in France embrace the French Riviera (also called the Cote d’Azur), Biarritz, the Médoc Pure Regional Park, and the gorgeous French Mediterranean island of Corsica.
These locations all get pleasure from day by day temperatures from 25-30 levels Celsius all through the summer time. Nevertheless, the principle draw back is that they’ll get a bit crowded.
Considered one of my favourite seashores to flee the summer time crowds is Plage Sud, within the Médoc. At 14 kilometers lengthy, it’s actually huge, so you’ll be able to 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 normally warmest in August and September, because it’s had the entire summer time to heat up!
When to Go to France For Festivals
The perfect time to go to France for festivals is through the late spring and summer time months.
Throughout this era, among the finest festivals to attend embrace Bastille Day (July 14), the Cannes Movie Competition (Might), and the Carcassonne Competition 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 possibly can 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 tough query to reply as, once more, it largely is dependent upon what you wish to do and see.
General, I believe the most effective time to journey to France for sightseeing in its many fantastic cities is throughout both Might or September when temperatures are comfy, costs are average, and there are fewer crowds.
A number of the finest cities to go to throughout these months embrace Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, and Good.
When to Go to France For Historic Websites
France is dwelling to among the most spectacular castles, historic ruins, and different historic websites in Europe. If I needed to decide the most effective time to go to France for seeing historic websites, I’d most likely go together with late spring or early autumn.
A couple of of the most effective 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 (a tremendous 2,000-year-old historic Roman aqueduct bridge).
There are professionals and cons of visiting these locations at every time of 12 months. For instance, whereas they appear extremely picturesque and exquisite within the snow, within the spring and summer time the climate is extra nice and the times are for much longer for exploring.
When to Go to France For Wine
Fortunately, you’ll be able to get pleasure from incredible wine in France any time of 12 months! There are lots of glorious wine areas all through France, among the most well-known being Burgundy, Champagne, and Bordeaux.
Most French winemakers harvest their grapes round September, so that is most likely the most effective time of 12 months to go to France if you happen to’re fascinated by 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 have got many to select from, however among the finest 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 crimson 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 among the smaller locations.
A very good compromise if you happen to’re trying 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 typically nonetheless doable 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 normally essentially 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, perfect 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 go 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 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 Greatest Time to Go to France By Month
As I discussed above, the most effective 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 12 months 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, except you’re coming for snowboarding and different winter sports activities.
Climate in France in January
The climate in France in January is normally 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.
The perfect 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 perfect issues to do in France in January embrace snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.
Should you do end up in one in all France’s main cities throughout January, this can be a superb time to discover indoor sights corresponding to museums and galleries. These locations are sometimes at their least crowded in January.
France in February
February remains to be a chilly month but it surely’s barely higher than January, with extra sunshine and longer days.
Climate in France in February
The climate in France in February is normally chilly and dry, with temperatures starting from 4-12 levels Celsius. It’s typically cooler and wetter within the north, and coastal areas typically 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 probably not heat sufficient for a lot of outside actions, there are nonetheless loads of issues to do in France in February.
You would get pleasure from a crowd-free metropolis break, or shock your beloved 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 effectively. Costs are usually a bit 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 far milder than the 2 earlier months, with temperatures starting from 8-17 levels Celsius. It’s additionally loads 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 at the moment of 12 months: Cote d’Azur cities like Good, Cannes and Saint Tropez get pleasure from loads of sunshine and the mildest temperatures.
Issues To Do in France in March
March is a superb time to go to France if you happen to’re searching for outside actions. Mountain climbing, biking, and water sports activities corresponding to kayaking are all well-liked within the spring months.
It’s additionally a fantastic month for meals lovers. March marks the start of France’s spring mushroom season, and eating places everywhere in the nation put together seasonal dishes showcasing native chanterelles, morels, and different tasty varieties.
Lastly, if you happen to’re searching for 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 may be considerably decrease than through the late spring and summer time.
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 usually nice, particularly within the south of the nation, with temperatures starting from 10-20 levels Celsius. You possibly can count on loads of sunshine and blue skies all through the month.
There’s much more rain in April although, so that is price taking into consideration if you happen to’re eager to do any outside 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 finest 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 if you happen to’re searching for an out of doors 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 can be a superb time to go to a few of France’s beautiful medieval cities and cities, which might be embellished with spring flowers and far quieter than through the summer time months.
France in Might
Might in France marks the beginning of summer time, with nice temperatures and loads of sunshine.
Climate in France in Might
The climate in France in Might is delicate 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 outside actions.
Issues To Do in France in Might
Should you’re a fan of mountaineering, Might is among the finest months for this (together with September). France has 8 nationwide parks and plenty of different areas of pure magnificence, with 1000’s of kilometers of well-maintained mountaineering trails so that you can get pleasure from.
Cannes hosts its well-known annual Movie Competition every Might and 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 named the “Backyard of France” and it’s finest seen in Might when every part 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 time, I like to recommend June as the most effective month to go to France.
Climate in France in June
June is usually top-of-the-line months for climate in France. Within the south, it’s normally sunny and temperatures can attain as much as 28 levels Celsius, whereas within the north temperatures are milder however nonetheless heat sufficient for outside actions.
Rainfall is comparatively low throughout this month, making it a good time for each outside adventures and metropolis breaks.
Issues To Do in France in June
Among the finest 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 normally heat sufficient for sunbathing, swimming, and different seaside actions.
Should you’re searching for 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 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 gorgeous. Considered one 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 time vacationer season is in full swing. Faculties are off for the summer time and many individuals select to take their summer time vacation this month, resulting in elevated costs and crowds.
Climate in France in July
July is normally the most popular month of the 12 months in France, with temperatures frequently exceeding 30 levels Celsius in lots of components of the nation. The south, specifically, can get highly regarded – generally reaching 40 levels for days on finish.
The times are lengthy and sunny, making this a superb time for outside actions corresponding 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 preferred vacationer websites (particularly in Paris). As a substitute, head to one of many nation’s less-visited areas, such because the central a part of the nation, the northeast, or Corsica.
The perfect factor to do in France in July is to benefit from the nice climate and luxuriate in some outside actions. Head to the seaside 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 get pleasure from. 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 likely to peak throughout this month, so ensure you guide your journey effectively upfront if you happen to 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 normally a bit 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 normally enjoys its finest climate in August.
Issues To Do in France in August
August is usually a nice time to go to Paris so long as you’re keen 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 going down.
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 motorbike and take a leisurely journey alongside a piece of the Canal du Midi, a 240-kilometer canal in southern France that passes via stunning and assorted 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 calm down, though the southern half of the nation tends to remain pleasantly heat till at the least the tip of the month.
September is among the finest months to go to the French Riviera. It’s a lot much less crowded and normally cheaper in contrast with the summer time, and the ocean remains to be heat sufficient to swim and snorkel comfortably.
That is additionally a superb time to go to a lot 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 mountaineering in France. I went mountaineering within the breathtaking Vanoise Nationwide Park within the Alps in September this 12 months 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 nice rafting tour close to Châteauroux-Les-Alpes.
Additionally, September is among the finest 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 normally 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 increased altitudes, corresponding to within the Alps or Pyrenees, there’s typically snowfall at the moment of the 12 months.
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 finest wines. You possibly can go to most of the finest wineries in areas like Bordeaux and Burgundy, the place you’ll discover glorious 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 increased 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 finest to deliver 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 normally a lot much less crowded. You gained’t be assured good climate, however you’ll get to get pleasure from among the nation’s best-known landmarks largely to your self.
November can 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 basic 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 normally lower than perfect. Days are quick, it’s chilly and it rains loads.
Nevertheless, temperatures have a tendency to stay above freezing through the day, starting from 2-8°C. In increased altitudes corresponding 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 stuffed with native crafts, festive treats, mulled wine, and extra. A number of the finest 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 searching for a winter wonderland, head as much as the upper altitudes just like the Alps and Pyrenees the place you’ll be able to get pleasure from snowboarding, snowboarding, and magical walks via the snowy panorama.
Should you’re seeking to escape the colder temperatures, head right 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 presents one thing totally different and thrilling, so there isn’t actually a “fallacious” time to go to France. Whether or not you’re searching for a romantic getaway, a culture-filled vacation, or an action-packed outside journey, you’ll be sure you have a beautiful time exploring this stunning place.
Personally, I believe the most effective time to go to France is September. Nevertheless, it’s a fantastic nation to go to all 12 months spherical.
