Weather in France in October

Fancy a Fall vacation in France but not sure what to expect? You’re in the right place. Here we present everything you need to know about the weather in France in October. In essence, the weather is pretty mild, but can be unpredictable, presenting a mix of sunny and cloudy days, with rainfall varying around regions. Keep reading for more detail on the weather in France in October, along with info on festivals and events, and inspirational trip ideas.

France in October at a glance

• Average low temperature range: 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C); average high: 58°F to 65°F (14°C to 18°C).
• Cooler temperatures are good for sightseeing in cities and outdoor activities in Fall foilage.
• Sitting in shoulder season, expect smaller crowds and lower costs.

What is the weather like in France in October?

In a nutshell, the weather in France in October is mild, though temperatures become cooler and crisper as the month wears on.

The French weather is also prone to being pretty unpredictable in October. For example, Fall sees an increase in rain, which might hamper some of your plans to walk on the wild side in France’s fabulous countryside and mountains ­— come prepared for rain, is what we’re saying.

As a guide, expect an average of 2.4 inches to 3.9 inches (60 mm to 100 mm). This compares with an average of around 3.9 to 5.1 inches (100 mm to 130 mm) in November and December — the wettest months.

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

It’s also worth knowing that October sits in a shoulder season for tourism, which means top tourist attractions will be less crowded than during the summer high season.

In addition, you might be able to pay less for flights and accommodation, subject to booking early and depending on where you stay. For example, Paris doesn’t see significant fluctuations in accommodation costs around the year. 

In summary, October can be a good time to visit France if you’re not looking for a sun-drenched beach break and are, instead, hoping to explore cities and villages in cooler, less crowded conditions. That and taking to the great outdoors to hike, if you come prepared for some rain. 

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream France itinerary.

Average daily temperatures in October

When it comes to temperatures, the weather in France in October sees average lows ranging from 45°F to 50°F (7°C to 10°C), and average highs of 58°F to 65°F (14°C to 18°C), with regional variations detailed below.

Northern France — Paris, Normandy, Brittany

• Average temperature: 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 16°C)
• Overview: rain is common, and days are shorter with a crispness in the air.

Southern France — Provence, Côte d’Azur, Languedoc

• Average temperature: 55°F to 70°F (13°C to 21°C)
• Overview: the south remains warmer and sunnier, though evenings cool down significantly

Central and Eastern France — Loire Valley, Burgundy, Alsace

• Average temperature: 45°F to 60°F (7°C to 16°C)
• Overview: cooler mornings and evenings, while afternoons can be pleasantly mild..

Alps and Pyrenees

• Average temperature: 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C)
• Overview: temperatures drop further in higher altitudes, and snow can begin to appear on mountain peaks.

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

Is October a good time to visit France?

Given the average temperatures and rain patterns detailed above, it’ll be obvious that October isn’t a good time to visit France to sunbathe and swim in bath-warm waters, for example. The weather France in October simply isn’t warm enough. 

Rather, October can be good time to visit France if you enjoy cooler weather, fewer crowds, and a more relaxed atmosphere. Being shoulder season, you’ll be rubbing shoulders with fewer fellow tourists.

October is a particularly great month for exploring cities, enjoying cultural events, experiencing wine harvests, and taking in the stunning Fall scenery — a season that heralds cooling temperatures, colorful foliage, and pretty moderate rainfall. 

In addition, while the days are getting shorter, there's still plenty of daylight for sightseeing, which is often more pleasant in October than it is during the peak-heat, peak-crowd summer season.

In summary, October is a great time to visit France for Fall scenery, less-crowded city exploration, wine harvests and festivals (more on festivals and events below), and to hike or bike the likes of the Loire Valley and Provence in cooler, more comfortable weather. Just bring wet-weather gear, and you're good to go.

Not set on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in October, and discover where’s hot in Europe in October.

What about the crowds and cost?

As touched on above, October is shoulder season in France, which means crowds will be much smaller than they are during the peak of summer.

This makes it an ideal time to visit popular sites without long lines or heavy tourist traffic. All of which can add up to a more relaxed experience.

That said, the decrease in crowds won’t be as obvious in the likes of Paris as it will be in the Cote d’Azur, for example, or Provence and Brittany, which see a dramatic reduction in visitor numbers after summer. 

Related to October being a shoulder season for tourism, the cost of traveling in France in October is generally lower than it is during the peak summer season. 

Airfares are usually more affordable, and hotels often reduce their rates after the busy summer months. You can also find good deals on tours and attractions, making it more a budget-friendly time to visit.

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in October

Good news for culture vultures who are thinking of visiting France in October ­— the monrh is loaded with festivals and events. Read on for a run-down.

Fête des Vendanges de Montmartre, Paris

Held annually in early/mid-October in Montmartre, Paris, this celebrates the grape harvest through parades, music, food stalls, and lively wine tasting sessions.. 

Salon du Chocolat, Paris

Taking place at the end of October, Paris’ Salon du Chocolat showcases chocolate in all its forms.

Expect tastings, live demonstrations by top chocolatiers, and a fashion show featuring dresses made of chocolate.

Lumière Film Festival, Lyon

Held in mid-October, Lyon’s prestigious international Lumière Film Festival honors the history of cinema in the birthplace of the Lumière brothers — a city that has it all and is a great weekend break destination.

Visit to view classic films, retrospectives, and special screenings and talks.

La Foire Internationale et Gastronomique de Dijon

Also held at the end of October, into November, Dijon’s International and Gastronomic Fair is one of the largest food and wine fairs in France.

Celebrating Burgundy's culinary traditions with tastings, workshops, and regional specialties, it’s a must-visit event for foodies.

Seasonal wine events

October being wine harvest season, be sure to keep an eye out for special events. For example, you could join participate in grape-picking events, special wine tastings, and harvest celebrations.

It’s also a great time to tour vineyards in regions like Bordeaux, Burgundy and Champagne. On that subject, you might want to read up on the best Bordeaux vineyards.

Fixed on a Fall vacation but still not sure where to go? Discover some of the best places to go in fall. Spoiler alert: it features Franche-Comte in France.

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Whether you’re ready or not, we recommend checking out our suggested France itineraries before booking your trip. They’re packed with inspiration, and booking one using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll forgo the hassle of planning.

Read on for overviews of a few sample itineraries.

• Active Walking Tour from Paris to Southern France: this active itinerary will see you explore the length of France. After spending a few days in Paris, your southbound journey will see you traverse scenic hills, mountains and villages en route to Uzés and Avignon, with opportunities to enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences long the way.
• A Taste of Eastern France: kicking off in Lyon, this 4-day walking itinerary combines fine food and fresh-air experiences in immersive style. After enjoying delicious food tours in Lyon, you’ll embark on a scenic walk through the beautiful Beaujolais region, with pretty much every day rounded off with a wine-tasting experience.
• Scenic Southern France: this spectacular tour starts in the coastal city of Marseille. After taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll uncover captivating Cassis by bike before venturing to the Alpilles to explore Provence, taking in Les Baux and St Remy, ending your trip in Avignon.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your perfect trip to France.