France is a year-round vacation spot, with numerous points of interest 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 perfect time to go to France is dependent upon just a few elements.
Firstly and most significantly, when deciding when to journey to France, it’s essential think about what it’s that you just need to do there.
For those who’d wish to benefit from the nation’s world-class ski resorts, you’re greatest off visiting within the winter; whereas in case you’d desire to spend time stress-free on France’s gorgeous Mediterranean seashores, you might need to come when it’s a bit of hotter.
Total (outdoors 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. For those who’re seeking to go to France on a funds, it is perhaps a good suggestion to journey outdoors of those months.
Total Greatest Time to Go to France
In my view, Might or September are the perfect occasions to go to France.
With its assorted panorama and in depth 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 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 more likely to be heat however there will likely be far fewer crowds and you may usually safe reductions on lodging.
Until I’m coming to France for winter sports activities, I normally keep away from visiting in the course of the winter months. Temperatures can get fairly chilly, it rains rather a lot, and you may’t benefit from the lovely surroundings or the wonderful out of doors 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 greatest, with lengthy, heat days, and lots 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 widespread with each worldwide vacationers and home holidaymakers, and the nation’s greatest points of interest are typically full of vacationers.
Moreover, inns and different lodging can get costly throughout this time, with costs usually being as much as twice as excessive as they’re in off-season. For those who’re touring then, it’s greatest to e book issues as early as attainable.
Regardless of whenever you go to France, there’ll possible 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, road parades, and different occasions.
The Tour de France bike race is normally held in the course of the summer time, inflicting street closures in sure components of the nation. Village, city, and metropolis events are additionally frequent all through the summer time months.
Shoulder Season in France (April – Might and September – October)
The very best time to go to France for funds vacationers is in the course of the shoulder season, which runs from April-Might and September-October.
The climate is usually nonetheless fairly good presently of 12 months and you may count on loads of sunshine, particularly in September.
Moreover, lodging costs are sometimes decrease than throughout peak season, and the crowds are typically smaller in any respect however the hottest points of interest.
Festivals held throughout these months embody 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 by means of February), most locations obtain their lowest numbers of tourists. Some points of interest and inns shut down altogether.
It may be attainable to attain rock-bottom costs on lodging in the course of 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 widespread months for seaside holidays, with the perfect climate, longest days, and warmest temperatures.
A number of the greatest seaside locations in France embody 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 take pleasure in day by day temperatures from 25-30 levels Celsius all through the summer time. Nevertheless, the principle draw back is that they will get a bit of crowded.
One among my favourite seashores to flee the summer time crowds is Plage Sud, within the Médoc. At 14 kilometers lengthy, it’s actually monumental, so you’ll be able to all the time discover a non-public spot to your self among the many smooth golden sand and towering dunes.
For those who’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 very best time to go to France for festivals is in the course of the late spring and summer time months.
Throughout this era, among the greatest festivals to attend embody Bastille Day (July 14), the Cannes Movie Competition (Might), and the Carcassonne Competition of latest music, theatre, and dance (July).
Throughout every of those festivals, you’ll discover vibrant road parades, fireworks shows, and different cultural occasions. You’ll be able to count on temperatures to vary from 20-30 levels Celsius all through these months.
When to Go to France For Cities
It is a barely difficult query to reply as, once more, it largely is dependent upon what you need to do and see.
Total, I believe the perfect time to journey to France for sightseeing in its many fantastic cities is throughout both Might 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 residence to among the most spectacular castles, historical ruins, and different historic websites in Europe. If I needed to decide the perfect time to go to France for seeing historic websites, I’d in all probability go along with late spring or early autumn.
A couple of of the perfect locations price 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 (a tremendous 2,000-year-old historical Roman aqueduct bridge).
There are professionals and cons of visiting these locations at every time of 12 months. For instance, whereas they give the impression of being 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 take pleasure in improbable wine in France any time of 12 months! There are a lot 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 in all probability the perfect time of 12 months to go to France in case you’re fascinated with visiting a winery and watching the masters at work.
In case you 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 greatest ones embody 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 pink wines).
When to Go to France For Low cost Costs
The bottom costs in France are sometimes discovered in the course of 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 superb compromise in case you’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 attainable to make appreciable financial savings on lodging, airfares, and different journey bills in these months.
When to Go to France For Mountaineering
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, supreme for an extended hike.
A few of my favourite hikes in France embody the 13-kilometer Blanc-Martel path within the Gorges du Verdon, Provence, the hike to the highest of the Brèche de Roland move 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 various wonderful trails to discover.
The Greatest Time to Go to France By Month
As I discussed above, the perfect 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 may be to do, that will help you determine 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 frequent to have rain, mist, and thick clouds for days on finish. Snow is pretty frequent, particularly in upland and inland areas.
The very 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
The very best issues to do in France in January embody snowboarding, snowboarding, and different winter sports activities.
For those who do end up in one in all France’s main cities throughout January, this will also be a superb time to discover indoor points of interest corresponding to museums and galleries. These locations are sometimes at their least crowded in January.
France in February
February continues to be a chilly month however it’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 usually have milder temperatures too.
For those who’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 out of doors actions, there are nonetheless loads of issues to do in France in February.
You would 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 properly. Costs are typically a bit of decrease too in contrast with December and January.
France in March
March sees the primary indicators of spring in France, and there are various 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 quite a bit sunnier and extra nice.
Rainfall is extra frequent than in February although, so it’s a good suggestion to pack some waterproofs in case you plan to spend any time outdoor.
The south of France is especially good presently of 12 months: 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 in case you’re on the lookout for out of doors actions. Mountaineering, biking, and water sports activities corresponding to kayaking are all widespread within the spring months.
It’s additionally an important 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, in case you’re on the lookout for a discount, March is a good time to search out offers on flights and lodging as properly. It’s nonetheless a really quiet month for tourism in France, so costs could be considerably decrease than in the course of 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’ll be able to count on loads of sunshine and blue skies all through the month.
There’s much more rain in April although, so that is price allowing for in case you’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 gorgeous landscapes and vibrant colours, that are greatest seen in the course of 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 in case you’re on the lookout for an out of doors journey. Biking is a well-liked exercise presently of 12 months, as are water sports activities like canoeing and kayaking.
When it comes to cultural actions, April will also be a superb time to go to a few of France’s beautiful medieval cities and cities, which will likely be adorned with spring flowers and far quieter than in the course of 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 out of doors actions.
Issues To Do in France in Might
For those who’re a fan of mountaineering, Might is among the greatest months for this (together with September). France has 8 nationwide parks and lots of different areas of pure magnificence, with hundreds of kilometers of well-maintained mountaineering trails so that you can take pleasure in.
Cannes hosts its well-known annual Movie Competition every Might 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 Might when all the things 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. Subsequently, if you need to plan a visit in the course of the summer time, I like to recommend June as the perfect month to go to France.
Climate in France in June
June is usually among the best 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 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
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.
For those who’re on the lookout 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 happening presently of 12 months, together with artwork exhibitions, music festivals, and gastronomic gala’s.
June can be the beginning of the lavender season in Provence. The hillsides flip purple and the air is smooth with the scent of lavender – it’s actually gorgeous. 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 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 well liked month of the 12 months in France, with temperatures often exceeding 30 levels Celsius in lots of components of the nation. The south, specifically, can get highly regarded – typically reaching 40 levels for days on finish.
The times are lengthy and sunny, making this a superb time for out of doors actions corresponding to swimming and alfresco eating. Rainfall can be low throughout July, so it’s not more likely to spoil your vacation plans.
Issues To Do in France in July
For those who do need to go to France in July, I like to recommend avoiding the most well-liked 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 very best factor to do in France in July is to benefit from the nice climate and revel in some out of doors actions. Head to the seaside for a spot of sunbathing, swimming or water sports activities.
For those who’re in France on July 14th – Bastille Day, the nationwide vacation – you’re in for a deal with! All around the nation, there are road 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 likely to peak throughout this month, so be sure to e book your journey properly prematurely in case you 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 normally a bit of cooler and the solar units earlier. You may need 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 result of its northern maritime location, this space is cool and moist for a lot of the 12 months, however normally enjoys its greatest climate in August.
Issues To Do in France in August
August could be a nice time to go to Paris so long as you’re keen to courageous the crowds and better costs. Town is heat and buzzing with exercise throughout this month, and also you’ll discover loads of attention-grabbing occasions happening.
For those who’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 identified 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 piece of the Canal du Midi, a 240-kilometer canal in southern France that passes by means of lovely 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 settle down, though the southern half of the nation tends to remain pleasantly heat till at the least the top of the month.
September is among the greatest 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 continues to be heat sufficient to swim and snorkel comfortably.
That is additionally a superb time to go to lots 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 good.
For those who’re craving some adrenaline, there are a number of locations all through the nation identified for his or her glorious white-water rafting, such because the Ardèche river close to Lyon. It is a nice rafting tour close to Châteauroux-Les-Alpes.
Additionally, September is among 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 normally fairly a bit cooler than September, with temperatures starting from 8-15°C in the course of 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 larger altitudes, corresponding to within the Alps or Pyrenees, there may be usually snowfall presently of the 12 months.
Issues To Do in France in October
October is a wonderful 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 excursions.
France in November
Because the temperatures begin to cool and there may be extra rain, November is the proper time to bundle up and benefit from the gorgeous autumn colours, and even some snow within the larger altitudes.
Climate in France in November
November temperatures all through France can vary between 5-12°C in the course of the day and drop to round 0-4°C at night time. Rainfall can be fairly frequent in November so it’s greatest to convey an umbrella or raincoat with you in case you’re exploring outdoor.
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 take pleasure in among the nation’s best-known landmarks principally 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 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 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 supreme. Days are quick, it’s chilly and it rains quite a bit.
Nevertheless, temperatures have a tendency to stay above freezing in the course of the day, starting from 2-8°C. In larger 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 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.
For those who’re on the lookout for a winter wonderland, head as much as the upper altitudes just like the Alps and Pyrenees the place you’ll be able to take pleasure in snowboarding, snowboarding, and magical walks by means of the snowy panorama.
For those who’re seeking to escape the colder temperatures, head all the way down to the south of France – cities like Marseille, Good and Montpellier are typically extra temperate presently of 12 months.
In Conclusion
Every month gives one thing totally different and thrilling, so there isn’t actually a “incorrect” time to go to France. Whether or not you’re on the lookout for a romantic getaway, a culture-filled vacation, or an action-packed out of doors journey, you’ll be sure you have an exquisite time exploring this lovely place.
Personally, I believe the perfect time to go to France is September. Nevertheless, it’s an important nation to go to all 12 months spherical.
