Travelers going to France should first familiarize themselves with the climate of the city or region where they are staying so they can best prepare what to pack and what activities to plan. Most travelers agree that the best time to go to France is during the spring season, between the months of April to June. Another peak season to go is in the fall, between the months of September to November. During this time, the temperatures are pleasant and the city isn’t as crowded compared to the peak travel season during summer. If you want to avoid the crowds, then don’t go to France during July and August, which is the summer season. This time of year, Parisians leave the city and it is instead filled with tourists. In the winter, travelers head up to the mountains to enjoy a bit of snow and engage in a few winter sports.

Between November to February, the weather tends to be wetter. However, it hardly snows in Paris even in the winter season. In France, the snow generally stays in the areas of Strasbourg, Megève and Chamonix, which receives the most snowfall in the country. On the other hand, Brittany and Brest enjoy the wettest weather and receive the most precipitation in the country. If you’re going to this part of France, pack an umbrella and raincoat no matter what time of the year you are going, but it is especially necessary during October to December.

The climate in France is generally influenced by the Atlantic breeze on the north as well as the Mediterranean Sea on the south. Because of the location of France, the country enjoys three different climatic types. These are Oceanic, Continental and Mediterranean.

In Paris, the average temperature is a cool 12 degrees C, although in the summer months, the temperature can go up as high as 30 degrees C. At its coldest, Paris averages a temperature of only about 2 to 3 degrees C. Between May to October, the temperatures in Paris range only to a comfortable 20 degrees C to 26 degrees C. The Paris basin is an area characterized by dry weather and the area receives the least amount of rainfall a year. However, travelers are still advised to bring a light rain jacket or a small foldable umbrella, as rain showers have been known to happen all throughout the year. October is the wettest time of the year to visit the city.

Travelers going to the western coast toward Normandy and Brittany are likely to enjoy winters that are mild and summers that are cool and breezy. The northwestern region tends to have a temperate Oceanic climate, as this part is often influenced by the Atlantic Ocean.

Those going to the Mediterranean side will notice that the temperatures are noticeably warmer. It is warmer is the South of France than it is up north. It tends to be hotter and more humid during the summer, while the winters are mild. This part of France enjoys a pleasant Mediterranean climate. The cities that fall under this type of climate are those on the Riviera, Provence and Roussillon. Travelers who want to visit Cannes and other parts of the South of France should be prepared for rainfall during the spring and autumn months. The cities of Perpignan and Nice tend to be the warmest in the country. On the other hand, the coldest temperatures are often recorded in Strasbourg and Rouen.

The middle part of France tends to enjoy a Continental climate. This makes the region perfect for growing its world famous grapes used in the production of French wine and champagne. The Rhône Valley, Auvergne and Burgundy enjoy the benefits of the Continental climate.

January tends to be the coldest time of the year, especially inland and up in the mountains. On the French Alps, the temperature drops as the altitude increases. The northern side of the Alps experiences oceanic influences while the Southern Alps has a more Mediterranean climate. For example, Briançon experiences cold winters and a lot of snowfall, with temperatures dropping to about -2 degrees C in January. In the summer month of July, it is still a cool 17 degrees C.

Travelers going to France need to dress in layers. This way, when moving from city to city, you can still be cool and comfortable. A waterproof rain jacket and umbrella are a must during October. Those going to the south of France in the summer need only pack for warm beach weather, with a scarf, hat and lots of sunscreen. A shawl is also a good item to have since the evenings tend to be cooler as the temperature drops.

When traveling to France, you need to know the exact city where you are going. Because of the variations in French weather, it’s best to be prepared and pack appropriately. Check the weather forecasts during the week of your visit or trip to the country so you can anticipate any weather. Knowing the climate in France and the temperature in France will help you prepare for what to expect, what activities to plan and what attire to wear so you can have an enjoyable stay in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich countries in Europe.