Best time to visit France

Are you curious about the best time to visit France? Although the country offers unforgettable experiences throughout the year, the best time to visit is in spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). These seasons offer pleasant weather conditions and fewer tourists. In this guide, we will detail what each season has to offer.

Key Takeaways

• Spring (April-June) and fall (September-November) are the best times to visit France since there are fewer crowds and the weather is mild.
• May and September in turn are ideal months for exploring major cities with pleasant temperatures and interesting cultural events.
• As for winter (December through March), it offers unique experiences such as Christmas markets and skiing but is less crowded and more accessible.

Best time to visit France: an overview

The best time to visit France is from April to June (spring) and September to November (fall). During these months, the weather is pleasant, but more important: the crowds are thinner. July and August are the hottest months and as the most crowded and expensive.

Even though there are better and worse months, France is a destination that has something unique to offer in each season. 

To sidestep the bustling summer tourist influx, consider planning your trip during spring (March to May) or fall (September to November). These months are marked by gentle weather, reduced visitor numbers, and an atmosphere that feels much more laid-back.

Opting for May or September when traveling to France’s prominent urban centers such as Paris, Marseille, Bordeaux, Strasbourg, or Nice can be particularly advantageous due to agreeable temperatures. During these periods, you’ll also likely benefit from less congestion and somewhat lower costs.

The period of spring provides tranquil settings with thermometer readings commonly between 55°F and 68°F (13°C and 20°C). In contrast, fall comes adorned with picturesque foliage hues while offering tranquility as fewer tourists visit. For those seeking an authentic French ambiance alongside greater enjoyment without crowds. Springtime combined with early fall stands out as prime seasons for exploring all of what France has in store.

Visiting France in spring (March - April)

Spring in France is a charming time with blossoming flora, a mild climate, and lots of cultural festivities. It is the perfect period to wander the busy avenues of Paris or admire the picturesque landscapes of the Loire Valley.

The spring season in France begins with a farewell to the cold shackles of winter in March and continues through May, famous for the Cannes Festival and the feeling of summer approaching inexorably. Each month brings its unique charm and variety of offerings.

March: early spring and carnival festivities

As spring approaches in France, March witnesses a gradual increase in temperatures and an extension of daylight hours. Among the cultural events of this month is worth mentioning the Dunkirk Festival, which is characterized by colorful parades and fun carnival festivities.

The buzzing atmosphere created by this festival chases away the winter chill and welcomes the arrival of spring, making March a good time to visit France. 

April: spring flowers and the celebration of Easter

Visiting France in April, you have every chance of a wonderful experience, with temperatures ranging from 53.6°F to 68°F. Provence is particularly charming at this time, coming alive with its verdant spring landscapes and growing lavender fields.

April also sees an unusual event in Bessières, where a colossal omelet is prepared during festive celebrations, involving around 10,000 people using an astounding 15,000 eggs. This eccentric event epitomizes the vibrant charm of French culture and gives April extra points as a month worth considering for a visit to France.

May: festivals and pleasant weather

May in France precedes the peak season of the summer months and is characterized by mild weather. 

It is also a month filled with iconic events, from the world-famous Cannes Film Festival, which attracts international attention, to the Montgolfier Balloon Race and the Feast of St. Sarah in Le Saint-Marie-de-la-Mer.

The weather is already favorable in May, but the crowds of summer tourists have not yet flocked here, which makes for a quieter visit.

Rough Guides tip: Find more stunning destinations for your spring adventure with our picks of the best places to visit for March, April, and May.

Summer in France (June - August)

In summer, France becomes an incredibly attractive destination for travelers due to its favorable climate with warm temperatures and extended daylight hours, which create ideal conditions for both beach and outdoor activities. The feeling of lively Parisian avenues or vacationing on the sun-drenched French Riviera captures the dynamic spirit that reigns in France during these busy summer months.

June: onset of summer activity

Traveling to France in June can be particularly enjoyable, as the summer season is just beginning, allowing you to enjoy the pleasant weather while also avoiding the crowds. 

Numerous garden festivals and outdoor events occur throughout France in early June, allowing you to take in the stunning scenery. Shopping enthusiasts will also have something to look forward to with the start of the summer sales season.

To avoid the influx of tourists that usually arrive in mid-June, it is a good idea to plan your French vacation early in the month. You will have time for a quieter vacation before the crowds take over popular destinations like Paris, which is buzzing with interesting events including the Marche des Fiertés Lesbienne, Gai, Bi & Trans (LGBT Pride March).

Rough Guides tip: The end of June is a good time to travel to Provence and stroll through the lavender fields enjoying the weather and the still relatively few tourists.

July: festivals and high season

If you are planning to visit France, keep in mind: that July is the peak tourist season. Expect crowded streets and higher prices for lodging and other services due to demand. July is the hottest month in France, and the climate can be quite warm, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 86°F. In addition, some shops and establishments may be closed as many French people choose to go on vacation.

July 14, Bastille Day, is a major French holiday, with concerts, parades, and spectacular fireworks seen throughout the city. July is also the month of the Paris Jazz Festival, a treat for music lovers, and the month of the Carcassonne Festival, a showcase for a wide variety of performances.

For travelers looking for a festive atmosphere and cultural events, July is the best time to visit France, with many festivals that promise both entertainment and a unique insight into French culture.

August: beach vacations

August is the perfect time to take a vacation by the sea and enjoy the excitement of the beaches throughout France. The waters of the Mediterranean are at their warmest. This creates ideal conditions for snorkeling and a variety of water activities. Regions such as the French Riviera, Biarritz, and Corsica become lively beach vacation centers during this time, with crowds flocking to participate in water sports and local festivals.

As well as sunbathing and swimming, tourists can enjoy boat trips, cycling along the coast, or cultural events such as the Orillac International Street Theatre Festival. Brittany also offers its best climate in August - it's cooler than other parts of France and receives less rain than other times of the year.

Not sure if France is right for your summer vacation? Try the best destinations for June, July, and August.

Fall in France (September - November)

In the fall, France displays breathtaking fall colors and offers a slower pace because of fewer tourists. The period between September and October is a particularly good time to explore France, as you will be able to enjoy the mild weather, but also avoid the large number of tourists.

From grape harvest festivals to various cultural and gastronomic events, the fall months are filled with activities. Each month of the fall has its own unique characteristics. This creates a vibrant array of events for guests to enjoy.

September: the wine harvest and fewer people

Early September marks the beginning of the grape harvest season in France, a time that wine connoisseurs look forward to. During this time, the early fall days are filled with wine festivals and tastings. The climate tends to keep the summer warm, especially in the southern areas, so it is still a good time for a variety of outdoor activities.

Also, because there are fewer tourists in September, those traveling in France can experience a calm and spaciousness that is not found in the more crowded summer months.

October: food festivals and cultural events

October in France sees a drop in temperatures, which typically range from 46.4°F-59°F during daylight hours and drop to 39.2°F-44.6°F after sunset. Rainfall also becomes more frequent as the month progresses. However, despite the worsening weather, Paris hosts several grape harvest festivals and other culinary celebrations, including chestnut and garlic festivals.

Also in early October, Paris shows off its artistic flair at the Foire International d'Art Contemporain (International Contemporary Art Fair), which runs from mid to late October. This premier contemporary art fair attracts thousands of art lovers from around the world and infuses the French fall atmosphere with an elegant cultural dimension.

November: off-season benefits

November heralds the arrival of the Beaujolais Nouveau wine festival, which is celebrated on the third weekend of each year with a host of events dedicated to this newly released wine. Rain is usually frequent this month, and daytime temperatures range from 41°F to 53.6°F, while nighttime readings often range from 32°F to 39.2°F.

The cooler weather in November provides off-season benefits such as even smaller crowds and lower costs for lodging and various activities. Traditional French dishes such as coq au vin and beef bourguignon become especially appealing in these cooler conditions.

Not sure you want to travel to France in the fall? Explore our picks for the best places to go in September, October, and November.

Winter in France (December - March)

During the winter months, which are considered off-season in France, travelers can take advantage of reduced accommodation prices and explore tourist spots without the hustle and bustle of the crowds. However, they should be prepared for cooler weather and shorter daylight hours. Despite some inconveniences, the season has its charms: wonderful Christmas markets throughout the country, as well as great ski trips, romantic getaways, and festive events.

December: Christmas markets and holiday cheer

December in France will plunge you into a whole lot of festivities and holiday cheer. Traditional Christmas markets come alive, offering a fabulous winter experience. Christmas decorations, mulled wine, a variety of local crafts, and delicacies.

Although the weather in December is usually cold and rainy, with temperatures ranging from 35.6°F to 46.4°F, outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding are extremely popular in the highlands of France, where heavy snowfalls create a true winter wonderland.

Would you like to travel to Paris for Christmas? Find out about the weather in Paris in December.

January: skiing in the French Alps

For winter sports enthusiasts from all over the world, the French Alps are a paradise in January. The idyllic snow-covered terrain is the perfect backdrop for skiing and snowboarding.

At this time, France also hosts impressive sales allowing shoppers to treat themselves to something special.

In addition to exciting outdoor adventures, tourists can enrich themselves culturally by visiting museums and galleries - January offers a harmonious blend of sporting excitement and artistic discovery.

February: romantic getaway

In February, Paris takes on a special appeal. This month celebrates love and attracts couples to its picturesque streets on Valentine's Day. The cool temperatures create an intimate indoor atmosphere perfect for those looking for a romantic getaway, including a coffee at a cozy café or an intimate meal at one of the city's charming bistros.

Paris is the quintessential romantic getaway during this beautiful time of year full of captivating charm.

Dreaming of a romantic trip to Paris? Choose the right accommodation in our guide to the best areas to stay in Paris.

Best times for wine tourism

For those who are planning to visit France, and especially for wine lovers, the optimal time for such a trip coincides with the grape harvest season in September. Although tasting tours are available year-round, France comes alive in September and October with gastronomic festivals and events like the Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre. Here, participants have the opportunity to taste a variety of wines in an atmosphere filled with lively tunes.

The pleasant fall climate makes this period of the year the best time to visit for those who wish to immerse themselves in the esteemed wine regions of France.

Ready to explore France? Check out our France itineraries for inspiration.

Best time for outdoor activities

During the spring and fall months, France becomes an ideal destination for hiking and other outdoor activities, with temperatures typically ranging between 53.6°F and 71.6°F. Notably, March offers a relaxed atmosphere for these activities thanks to less traffic and shorter wait times.

Adventures such as hiking, biking, and canoeing are favorite ways for tourists to immerse themselves in France's breathtaking landscapes. These activities provide an opportunity to immerse oneself deeply in the natural splendor of the country.

Travel tips and advice

If you’re contemplating a vacation to France, timing is crucial if you want the best experience without overspending. Summer brings about peak season prices for lodging and may coincide with numerous establishments in Paris and other inland cities shutting down for holidays, leading to limited available services.

To truly immerse yourself in French culture and make your journey more enjoyable, it’s advisable to pack minimally. Utilizing websites such as Skyscanner when looking up flights or Booking.com for securing accommodations can simplify reservations significantly.

Lastly, here are some strategies that will help steer clear of crowds during your stay.

Avoiding Crowds

If you’re planning to visit Paris, consider exploring famous landmarks early in the morning or late at night to dodge the summer crowds. To streamline your trip and bypass queues at major tourist spots, not just in Paris but also in cities like Lyon, opt for mobile ticket options.

For a more pleasant journey through metropolitan areas, take advantage of public transport systems and pedestrian routes. Steering clear of school vacation times like Easter and the February skiing break can diminish encounters with large crowds, offering a calmer sightseeing experience during your summer stay in Paris.

Dealing with the complexities of your first trip to Europe? Our comprehensive planning guide will simplify the process and ensure you are well-prepared.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best time to visit France to avoid crowds?

If you want to avoid the crowds of tourists, visit France in spring (April to June) or fall (September to November).

What festival takes place in Paris in mid-October?

In Paris, the Foire Internationale d’Art Contemporain takes place from around mid to late October.

When should tourists avoid traveling to Paris due to school vacations?

Tourists should avoid Paris during Easter and February school vacations, as it is very crowded during this time.

What are the major holidays celebrated in France?

Highlighted holidays in France include the Fête de la Musique, which takes place on June 21, Bastille Day, which is celebrated on July 14, and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, which takes place on August 15.

What is the climate like in the north of France?

The climate of Northern France is known for its humidity and unpredictability and resembles the weather patterns of neighboring Britain.