The best time to visit France
The lavender fields of Provence turn deep purple in June and are all aflutter with bees and butterflies – and photographers.
For most people, the best time to visit France is summer (June to August). Of course, deciding exactly when to go depends on what you want to do when you’re there. May and June are France’s spring, a temperate time for walking when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Trekking between mountain refuges across lofty terrain reaches fever pitch in mid-July, when the snow has cleared and the risk of avalanches are minimal. If you’re heading to the South of France, May to July is the best time to visit the French Riviera for warm sunshine and a less crowded coastline. Late November to early April is winter: the optimum time for cross country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain sports in the Alps and Pyrenees.
When to go to France, a month by month guide
January in France
January is great for a winter activity vacation in the French Alps
February in France
March in France
April in France
May in France
June in France
June is great for Mont Blanc hiking
The spring reawakening after winter is the favourite time for folk living in the countryside
– Peter Roche, from our partner Moulin du Chemin
July in France
August in France
August is great for a France family adventure vacation
September in France
October in France
November in France
December in France
Upper Provence walking vacation in France
Walks through fragrant, colourful lavender landscapes
From
€870 to €1315
7 days
ex flights
River Lot family cycling tour in France
A historical biking family vacation in France at river’s side
From
€715 to €1170
7 days
ex flights
Self guided walking vacation in France
Idyllic walking in France with great food and wine included
From
€1550
6 days
ex flights
Brittany coastal walking vacation in France
Discover the unique setting of the Gulf of Morbihan
From
€1025 to €1505
8 days
ex flights
Winter activity vacation in the French Alps
A flexible winter multi activity vacation in the French Alps
From
€698
7 days
ex flights
Family cycling vacation in Alsace, France
Cycling vacations along the wine route
From
€555 to €945
5 days
ex flights
French Alps Weather Chart
MIN °C
MAX °C
RAIN (mm)
JAN
-3
3
75
FEB
-1
5
75
MAR
0
9
75
APR
4
13
74
MAY
7
17
85
JUN
11
22
95
JUL
12
25
75
AUG
11
23
90
SEP
10
20
90
OCT
6
14
80
NOV
1
9
95
DEC
-2
4
85
Contact Us
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Best times to visit France for festivals & events
Fancy celebrating a French festival while on vacation? Remember to book well in advance for major national events such as Carnival and Bastille Day.