The climate and weather in France
Overall, Metropolitan France enjoys a temperate climate. The weather is often mild but there are big differences between the seasons and regions. Keep that in mind while you're packing your bags.
Very different seasons
Metropolitan France has a temperate climate. It's neither too hot nor too cold, but the weather changes significantly with the seasons.
Bring warm clothing as well as light clothing so you are ready for every season.
In the spring, from March to May, the weather is pleasant. There is mild temperature and sunshine to offset the frequent precipitation. In the summer, from June to September, it may be hot, especially in the South, but it rarely gets above 35 degrees Celsius.
From October to December, there are some beautiful days in the autumn, but it is often damp. Without being particularly hard, the winters are cold. Snow sometimes comes on the heels of rain and the temperature can dip into the negatives, especially in the mountains.
Each region has its own climate
Along the Atlantic seaboard, in the West of France, there is an oceanic climate. Temperature differences are moderate and the winters are mild but damp. It rains relatively frequently.
In the East, the climate is continental. Summers are warm, with some thunderstorms, and winters are cold. Temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius and, in the mountains, are frequently accompanied by snow.
In the South, the climate is Mediterranean. Summers are hot and winters mild and dry. The autumn often brings thunderstorms and heavy rain that can lead to flooding.
In the overseas departments, the climate is tropical and temperatures rarely dip below 20 degrees Celsius.
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