When to go to France

Many towns now organise festivals which run through the summer for both local people and tourists. If you are staying on a farm or in a country area, you may be invited to join in local festivities. Almost every town and village has its own fête during the summer; these range from simple boules competitions with a dance, hosted by an enthusiastic (sometimes excruciating) band, playing traditional music (or, if you’re unlucky, ancient pop songs), to a full-blown carnival with street theatre, fireworks and sophisticated entertainment.

France's climate

The French climate is varied and seasonal and, in most of the north, it is typically temperate with moderate summer temperatures, damp autumns, early springs and chilly winters. Around the Atlantic coasts, especially northern Brittany and Normandy’s Cotentin Peninsula, the ocean weather is extremely changeable, while in southern Brittany and the Loire Valley, the climate is milder and noticeably warmer; there can also be occasional
heavy storms. 

The east, including the Alps and the Massif Central, tends to have warm summers and cold winters with snow, as do the Pyrenees, and at any time of year there are big temperature differences between low and high altitudes. The Mediterranean coast is characterised by very hot, dry summers and mild, showery winters; strong winds can be annoying when they whip up. With the exception of this coast, rainfall is sporadic all year round, with the most precipitation between January and April and the least in July and August; Mont Aigoual in the Cévennes National Park is the wettest place in France. 

The weather in Paris is generally good, especially during spring; summer is often hot, autumn warm and winter tolerable, although the city has been dusted with snow in the last few years. 

High and low season in France

France is a great country to visit, whatever the time of year. However, it’s best to avoid the south in August when the French traditionally take their holidays and the roads can get very busy. 

Many shops and restaurants close in Paris in August, but this quiet period can be a good time to explore the French capital as hotel rates are generally lower then. 

High season in popular areas runs from mid-June to mid-September; July and August elsewhere. The ski resorts operate from mid-December to May, but avoid British and French school holidays when prices rise, lift queues are long and the mountain roads are jammed. 

Festivals and events in France