The best time to visit France
The best time to visit France for warm, sunny weather is June to September, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 82/100 with daytime highs around 24°C / 75°F. May and October are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) about 4 months a year, warmest in August at 24°C.
France by month, averaged across 27 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 6 | 8° / 46°F | 72 mm | 13° | Poor |
| February | 8 | 9° / 48°F | 59 mm | 13° | Poor |
| March | 26 | 12° / 54°F | 62 mm | 13° | Mixed |
| April | 49 | 15° / 59°F | 59 mm | 15° | Good |
| May | 70 | 19° / 66°F | 67 mm | 18° | Excellent |
| June | 81 | 23° / 73°F | 50 mm | 21° | Excellent |
| July | 83 | 26° / 79°F | 43 mm | 23° | Excellent |
| August | 82 | 25° / 77°F | 46 mm | 24° | Excellent |
| September | 80 | 22° / 72°F | 52 mm | 22° | Excellent |
| October | 62 | 18° / 64°F | 79 mm | 20° | Very good |
| November | 26 | 12° / 54°F | 90 mm | 17° | Mixed |
| December | 9 | 9° / 48°F | 76 mm | 14° | Poor |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: June to September — France's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 82/100, ~24°C / 75°F days). Shoulder season: May and October — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~26°C / 79°F. Wettest: November (90 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Nice (2,760 h/yr), Toulon (2,759 h/yr), Marseille (2,628 h/yr). See where it's sunniest in France month by month, the hottest places in France, or every France destination with a full climate card.