Best Time to Visit France – Empire of the Franks
France has been a tourist hotspot for many decades now and continues to remain a top tourist destination even today. It’s not hard to imagine why that is; the country has more or less everything to offer the millions of tourists that flock to the country each year. It has numerous century-old monuments that are a testimony to its rich and historic past. It has beautiful mountain ranges and man sun-kissed beaches. The French countryside is something that dreams are made of, and its magnificent castles will surely make you feel like royalty. Its babbling rivers make for picturesque scenery and are an ideal location for a family picnic or romantic walk with your significant other. Wandering what is the best time to visit France? Read on and you will know!
1. The Weather in France
Travelling to France, then makes sure you refer to this weather guide. It is a complete overview of the different season and also tells you about the best times to visit France.
Tourism in France is not just dominated by international travellers, but many locals take their yearly holidays and travel around the country. The main holiday period in France, i.e., when the locals are on the move is between mid-July and August. Majority of the business close you shop during this time, except for the tourism industry who are busiest not just during these months but the entire Summer. Easter is another popular time to visit France, but again schools and universities have their spring break during this time. So, if you decide to travel to France during this time then make sure you plan and secure all your bookings. France is also a popular skiing destination in Europe. Just avoid the ski break in February, as most schools are closed down. Keeping all this in mind the best time to visit France is usually during springtime, i.e., between April and June or during the autumn season, i.e., between September and November.
Weather of France, just like in Britain can be quite unpredictable and wet. So, whether need not be a significant factor in deciding when to visit the country. Although the weather in Paris is quite nice and the temperatures don’t get too hot or too cold, especially in comparison to Northern France. In summer its only cities in Southern France that get exceptionally warm. The western coast of France is no stranger to thundershowers and violent storms, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The best weather in France can be experienced along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica, where they have long summers and short winters.
2. Spring in France:
Spring season in France typically falls between April and June and also happens to be the best time to visit France. The weather is quite pleasant is transitioning from winters to summers. There are no local holidays during this time, hence making it an ideal time to visit France, as there will be no local tourist. As a result of which you will have additional options for accommodation and transportation. But make no mistake as this is an extremely busy tourist season in France, as there are annual school and university holidays around the world and tourists flock to Europe for the vacations. Although the temperatures may be low during this season, it’s still best to avoid the busy summer months as local French holidays are between mid-June and August and the industry is overloaded with travel requests from local tourists. As a result of which there are fewer and more expensive accommodation and larger crowds’ at all popular attractions.
- Temperature: Minimum is 12 degrees Celsius and maximum is 16 degrees Celsius.
- Weather: Spring season in France typically falls between April and June and also happens to be the best time to visit France. The weather is quite pleasant is transitioning from winters to summers. There are no local holidays during this time, hence making it an ideal time to visit France, as there will be no local tourist. As a result of which you will have additional options for accommodation and transportation.
- Significance: Events, festivals: Paris Book Fair, Bourges Music Festival, Cannes International Film Festival, The French Open, Monaco Grand Prix.
- Why you should Visit now: This is the best time to visit France with respect to the weather and although its busy tourist season you can avoid the local tourist crowds by traveling to France during springtime.
- Know before you Visit: Nothing to be concerned about visiting France during this period. Secondly, there are numerous festivals and events you can attend in France during this time.
- Tips/Things to Carry: Camera, water bottles, appropriate weather clothing, translation guides, money, etc.
3. Summer in France: Best time to visit France
Summertime is France is when all locals are getting ready to go on their annual family vacations. Although it is an excellent time in France no matter which part you go to, one thing you will find everywhere is huge hordes of crowds consisting of local and international tourist. The local holidays fall between the 15th of July and 15Th August, so it’s best to avoid this period altogether. The tourism industry is industry is overloaded with travel requests from local tourists. As a result of which there are fewer and more expensive accommodation and larger crowds’ at all popular attractions.
- Temperature: Minimum is 18 degrees Celsius and maximum is 20 degrees Celsius.
- Weather: The weather is pleasant; the Mediterranean coast and Corsica have the best summertime is all of France. Make sure you check the weather news before visiting the west coast as they may experience violet storms and thundershowers.
- Significance: Bastille Day, Assumption Day, World Music Day
- Why you should Visit now: Regarding weather, this is a good time to visit France.
- Know before you Visit: Make sure you check the weather news before visiting the west coast as they may experience violet storms and thundershowers.
- Tips/Things to Carry: Camera, water bottles, appropriate weather clothing, translation guides, money, etc.
4. Autumn in France:
Autumn in France typically starts around mid-September and ends mid-December, at which point the weather transitions into winters. The temperatures can be quite low in France during this time, but it’s an excellent time to visit the country as there are no local holidays and there are fewer international tourists as well. The temperature is quite similar to that in spring with a minimum 14 degrees Celsius and high of 17 degrees Celsius in September and continues to drop in October and November. But this is an exceptionally beautiful time to visit the country and the best time to travel to France especially the French countryside and valleys of the remote French Alps.
- Temperature: Minimum is minimum 14 degrees Celsius and high of 17 degrees Celsius.
- Weather The temperatures can be quite low in France during this time, but it’s an excellent time to visit France as there are no local holidays and there are fewer international tourists as well.
- Significance: Bastille Day, Assumption Day, World Music Day
- Why you should Visit now: There are no local holidays, and there are fewer international tourists as well. And if you are travelling from the southern hemisphere or a tropical country then the temperature isn’t that extreme as suppose to the winters.
- Know before you Visit: Make sure you check the weather news before visiting the west coast as they may experience violet storms and thundershowers.
- Tips/Things to Carry: Camera, water bottles, appropriate weather clothing, translation guides, money, etc.
5. Winters in France:
Winter times are the least popular tourist season in France. The weather is wet, rough and gloomy. You cannot enjoy the otherwise gorgeous French countryside as everything is dried up. Cities like Paris are missing their usual liveliness as there are fewer people out on the streets. Although, the people are in a festive mood around Christmas but as soon as the celebrations are over the mood once again dies down and its quiet. But if you are a skiing enthusiast you can travel to the French Alps and enjoy skiing in the snow kissed mountains of Europe.
- Temperature: Minimum is minimum 5 degrees Celsius and high of 7 degrees Celsius.
- Weather: The weather is wet, rough and gloomy. You cannot enjoy the otherwise gorgeous French countryside as everything is dried up.
- Significance: Shrove Tuesday and the Carnivals.
- Why you should Visit now: if you are a skiing enthusiast you can travel to the French Alps and enjoy skiing in the snow kissed mountains of Europe.
- Know before you Visit: Make sure you check the weather news before visiting the west coast as they may experience violet storms and thundershowers.
- Tips/Things to Carry: Camera, water bottles, appropriate weather clothing, translation guides, money, etc.
The French Rivera is the epitome of luxury and style in all of Europe. And when you want to take a break from all the sightseeing you can duck into the many cafes, restaurants and coffee shops and enjoy scrumptious French food. You can plan short getaways to French cities like Paris, Bordeaux and Nice or even a long road trip and enjoy the breath-taking French countryside.
These are some of the many reasons why Tourism in France is still booming, and the country remains as of the top tourist destination in the world even today. And if you are wondering if there is anything to do in France to feed that adrenalin junky in you, then don’t be disappointed as you can always take a break from the beautiful sightseeing and go cycling, kayaking, climbing, or hiking in the great French outdoors.
Also Read: Most Popular Tourist Attractions In France
FAQ’s
1. How is the Weather of France?
Weather of France, just like in Britain can be quite unpredictable and wet. So, whether need not be a significant factor in deciding when to visit the country. Although the weather in Paris is quite nice and the temperatures don’t get too hot or too cold, especially in comparison to Northern France. In summer its only cities in Southern France that get exceptionally warm. The western coast of France is no stranger to thundershowers and violent storms, due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean. The best weather in France can be experienced along the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica, where they have long summers and short winters.
2. What are the main Seasons in France?
There are four main seasons in France:
- Spring from April to May
- Summers from June to mid-September,
- Autumn from mid-September to mid-November
- Winters from mid-November to March.
3. What is the best time to visit France?
Spring season in France typically falls between April and June and also happens to be the best time to visit France. The weather is quite pleasant is transitioning from winters to summers. There are no local holidays during this time, hence making it an ideal time to visit France, as there will be no local tourist. As a result of which you will have additional options for accommodation and transportation.
4. What are the Activities you can enjoy during spring?
Tourists can enjoy events, festivals: Paris Book Fair, Bourges Music Festival, Cannes International Film Festival, The French Open and Monaco Grand Prix. Sports and movie lovers out there, this is the best time to visit France for you!
5. What Activities can you enjoy during Summertime in France?
If you are visiting France during summer, you can enjoy celebration such as Bastille Day, Assumption Day, World Music Day, among others. If you are a festival or a music lover, this can be the best time to visit France for you.
6. What seasons to Avoid When Planning a Trip to France?
Winter times are the least popular tourist season in France. The weather is wet, rough and gloomy. You cannot enjoy the otherwise gorgeous French countryside as everything is dried up. Cities like Paris are missing their usual liveliness as there are fewer people out on the streets.
7. What is the Busiest Tourist Season in France?
Summertime is France is when all locals are getting ready to go on their annual family vacations. Although it is an excellent time in France no matter which part you go to, one thing you will find everywhere is huge hordes of crowds consisting of local and international tourists. The local holidays fall between the 15th of July and 15Th of August, so it’s best to avoid this period altogether. The tourism industry is industry is overloaded with travel requests from local tourists. As a result of which there are fewer and more expensive accommodation options and larger crowds’ at all popular attractions.
8. When Is the Best Time to Visit France to Enjoying Skiing on the Southern Alps?
If you are a skiing enthusiast, the best time to visit France is during winters. You can travel to the French Alps and enjoy skiing in the snow kissed mountains of Europe.
