Best Time to Visit France
Month-by-month climate guide for planning a trip to France.
France does not have a month that clearly fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. Its warmest and driest window is around July (21°C / 69.8°F) and February (58 mm / 2.3 in rainfall) — usually the practical travel choice. The drier half of the year covers June–August and January–April, while the wetter half runs through May and September–December. Country-wide monthly temperatures range from 5.5°C / 41.9°F in January to 21°C / 69.8°F in July, and monthly rainfall from 58 mm / 2.3 in (February) to 88 mm / 3.5 in (October). France's climate is broadly seasonal. These are national area-weighted averages from long-term climate normals — regional variation within France can be substantial, especially for large or geographically diverse countries. Below, every month is classified against our five weather profiles so you can match your travel window to your preferred weather.
Recommended months
| Month | Temp | Rain | Feels like |
|---|---|---|---|
| July | 21°C69.8°F | 62 mm2.4″ | — |
| August | 20.5°C68.9°F | 65 mm2.6″ | — |
| June | 19°C66.2°F | 72 mm2.8″ | — |
No month in France fits our sunny profiles at a country-wide average. The three above are the driest-and-warmest fallback.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit France?
France doesn't have a month that clearly matches our sunny profiles at a national average. The practical travel window centres on February (driest, ~58 mm / 2.3 in) and July (warmest, 21°C / 69.8°F). Regional variation within France can be significant — city and subdivision pages give a more localised view.
When is the rainy season in France?
The rainy season in France runs through May and September–December, when monthly rainfall exceeds the national annual median of about 72 mm / 2.8 in. The wettest single month is October, averaging 88 mm / 3.5 in.
What is the dry season in France?
The drier half of the year in France covers June–August and January–April, when monthly rainfall stays at or below the annual median of about 72 mm / 2.8 in. The driest single month is February with about 58 mm / 2.3 in.
What months should I avoid visiting France?
The least comfortable months for travel in France — based on our climate data — are January, February, May, October, November, December. These are France's wettest or coolest months. Rainfall peaks at 88 mm / 3.5 in in October, and temperatures bottom out at 5.5°C / 41.9°F in January.
Is there a shoulder season in France?
Shoulder-season months in France — moderate weather, lower rainfall than the wet season — include March, April, May, September, October. These are typically the quietest and cheapest months for travel, and often deliver decent weather without the peak-season crowd.