Weather in the South of France

The South of France is a summer holiday favourite and famous because of its hot Mediterranean climate, pristine beaches and idyllic vineyards. Known colloquially as Le Midi, the South of France comprises of seven regions, including Aquitaine, Corsica, Languedoc-Roussillon and Provence. The most popular holiday destinations are concentrated along the coast but there are world-renowned vineyards further inland, as well as the Southern Alps in Provence. This is the best year-round destination in France because of the hot and typically dry weather.

Spring in the South of France is warm and, while there is a little rain, it is dry by French standards. The average temperatures range from 6°C (43°F) lows in early spring to highs of 22°C (72°F) by the end of May. Rainfall in the South of France averages around 50mm during spring and occasional flooding has occurred in recent years. Humidity in spring in the South of France is around 60 percent and this is characteristic of the whole year.

Summer is a glorious time in France,nowhere more so than in the South. Many people choose to have a holiday in the South of France during summer because temperatures remain pretty constant in the mid 20s (around 77°F). There is little rainfall in the summer and the sun shines well into the evening, often only setting at nine o’ clock.

A holiday in the South of France during autumn is warm and the summer crowds have left. Average temperatures can reach highs of 25°C (77°F) in the early autumn and drop to lows of 7°C (45°F) right before winter. Autumn is the wettest time of year in the South of France, with rainfall often exceeding 100mm (3.9in), but there are still plenty of sunny days.

Winter in the South of France is the mildest in the country, but temperatures can drop to 3°C (37°F ). Rainfall averages around 80mm (3.1in), which is significantly lower than in autumn.  

Travel in the South of France is easy because of the extensive and cheap public transport network. However, some towns do not have direct rail or coach links and will require private transport.

 

When is the best time to go to the South of France?

Summer is the best time to go to France and the southern coastlines, but the region’s terrain is so diverse that travellers can comfortably ski in the Alps on Monday and bake in the sun at the beach on Tuesday. Towns in the South of France have maintained an authentic feel and the summer weather is ideal for exploring the rustic parts of this region. This is peak season, so accommodation and airfare won't come cheap and there will be large crowds.

Late spring and early autumn have some of the weather of summer in the South of France as well as lower accommodation and airfare costs and fewer crowds. There is little rain in late spring or early autumn and there are many festivals at this time of year celebrating the first harvests of autumn or the spring floral blooms.

 

What to pack for a holiday in the South of France

Pack light clothing for summer in the South of France, including T-shirts and shorts, skirts and summer dresses, short-sleeved tops, a light jersey for the evening, and a hat, sunglasses and some sunscreen for sun protection. Sandals and breathable walking shoes are suitable footwear and always pack a raincoat or an umbrella because there are occasional showers and thunderstorms in summer.

The rest of the seasons are colder and require some extra layers of clothing. Pack jeans and trousers, long-sleeved shirts, a warm jersey and coat, long skirts, dresses and leggings for the winter, autumn and early spring months. Some comfortable closed toe shoes and trainers, as well as a raincoat or strong umbrella should keep travellers comfortable and dry during these seasons. 

Hikers should pack sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots and some extra layers if planning to travel in the South of France during spring, autumn or winter, as well as for travel in the alpine regions. Finally, some events may require formal attire, so pack smart clothing for a special night out.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in January

Average temperature in the South of France in January: 3°C to 11°C, 37°F to 52°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in January: 13°C, 55°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in January: 40mm to 50mm, 1.6in to 2in
Note: Areas like St Tropez and Montpellier have substantially more rainfall than others, around 80mm (3.1in), so be prepared for heavy showers during the rainy season in France.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in February

Average temperature in the South of France in February: 4°C to 12°C, 39°F to 54°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in February: 13°C, 55°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in February: 40mm to 50mm, 1.6in to 2in
Note: February is a great time for a budget holiday in the South of France. 

Events: Join one of the biggest festivals in the South of France, the Nice carnival, for 15 days of festivities and revelry. The Menton Fête du Citron draws over 200,000 people for this grand display of innovative design, taking place in mid February. Don’t forget to make 14 February an extra special day when celebrating Valentine’s Day in the romantic South of France.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in March

Average temperature in the South of France in March: 6°C to 15°C, 43°F to 59°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in March:13°C, 55°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in March: 40mm to 50mm, 1.6in to 2in
Note: Some towns or areas will have up to 70mm (2.6in) rainfall so prepare for short showers in the region. March is a good time to go to the South of France for a budget holiday.
Events: Le Poulain festival is a mardi-Gras style celebration in spring with an emphasis on the season’s best wines and local culture. The Feria de Primavera festival will have traditional bull fighting and street festivities during March in the city of Nimes.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in April

Average temperature in the South of France in April: 8°C to 18°C, 46°F to 64°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in April: 16°C, 61°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in April: 40mm to 50mm, 1.6in to 2in
Note: Some towns or areas will have up to 70mm (2.6in) rainfall.
Events: Some of the biggest names in tennis will be attending the Monte Carlo Masters in Monaco, and it is both a great place to visit as well as an opportunity to see some of the best tennis of the year.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in May

Average temperature in the South of France in May: 12°C to 22°C, 54°F to 71°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in May: 16°C, 61°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in May: 40mm to 50mm, 1.6in to 2in
Note: May is a good time to go to the South of France because the weather is warm and the bulk of tourists have not yet arrived for their summer holiday in France.
Events: The world famous Cannes Film Festival will take place in May and is bound to draw in many international celebrities and film buffs. The Monaco Grand Prix will take place in Monaco and is the largest Formula One event in the world, not to be missed if only because of its grand scale.  The Cavalcade Festival celebrates medieval culture with parades and markets in Pezenas, and guests can expect some jousting and feasting to entertain the crowds. Feria de Pentecost festival is Nimes biggest festival, full of bullfighting, dancing and food, which is a local traditional festival that is not to be missed.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in June

Average temperature in the South of France in June: 16°C to 26°C, 61°F to 79°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in June: 20°C, 68°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in June: 30mm to 40mm, 1.2in to 1.5in
Note: This is the start of the summer holiday in the South of France.
Events: Nimes will host street festivals and parades for five days at the Feria de Pentecôte, another of Nimes annual traditional bullfighting festivals. La Fête de la Musique is a street festival celebrating the summer solstice that will be happening throughout the region.
The Beaucaire Fête du Draccelebrates the town’s mascot, a fire-breathing dragon, with parades in the streets.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in July

Average temperature in the South of France in July: 18°C to 29°C, 64°F to 84°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in July: 22°C, 72°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in July: 20mm to 30mm, 0.8in to 1.2in
Note: This is the hottest month during summer in the South of France, and the beaches will be packed with tourists creating a great atmosphere.  
Events: Bastille Day celebrations will take place in the height of summer and this is one of the biggest festivals in the South of France during the year. The Festival D’Art Pyrotechnique will dazzle locals and visitors alike in Cannes, with great fireworks displays. The Nice Jazz Festival in Nice and the Jazz-á-Juan festival in Juan les Pins will entertain audiences with top international Jazz acts during July. The streets of Mougins display the best artwork in the region for a three-day festival.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in August

Average temperature in the South of France in August: 18°C to 28°C, 64°F to 82°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in August: 24°C, 75°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in August: 20mm to 30mm, 0.8in to 1.2in
Note: August is one the hottest months in the South of France and is great for a summer holiday in France. 
Events: The Ramateulle Jazz Festival is in the Ramateulle department close to South of France and has some of the best food, wine and all that jazz in France in August. The Lavender Festival in Digne-les-Baines celebrates the seasons lavender harvest and is an event that will immerse travellers in some memorable local traditions. The Carcassonne Festival is one of the biggest in the region with almost 100 concerts and shows. The Avignon Festival is one of the longest running festivals in the South of France and there will be events and shows for French as well as non-French speakers.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in September

Average temperature in the South of France in September: 15°C to 25°C, 59°F to 77°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in September: 21°C, 70°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in September: 50mm to 65mm, 2in to 2.6in
Note: September is a good time to go to the South of France because the summer crowds have left the summer behind for the locals to enjoy.
Events:  The Ferias des Vangas celebrates the wine harvest with bull-fighting, large markets, street parades and concerts during September. The Camargue South France Festival will have a number of equestrian, bull fighting and lively street party events during September in Camargue.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in October

Average temperature in the South of France in October: 12°C to 20°C, 54°F to 68°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in October: 19°C, 66°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in October: 80mm to 100mm, 3.1in to 3.9in
Note: Autumn is the rainy season in the South of France so prepare for heavy rainfall in some areas.
Events: The Montpellier Festival du Cinema Mediterranean displays some of the region’s best cinematic projects as well as foreign works and Les Primeurs d'Oc festival in Languedoc will showcase some of the seasons best wines while hosting many dance, music and theatrical events. Experience a culture shock and see local residents dressed in their distinctive garb at the medieval and bullfighting festival in Aigues-mortes.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in November

Average temperature in the South of France in November: 7°C to 14°C, 45°F to 57°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in November: 16°C, 61°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in November: 30mm to 40mm, 1.1in to 1.6in
Note: St Tropez, Aix-en-Provence and other areas have up to 100mm (3.9in) of rainfall so prepare for heavy showers during this rainy season in France.

 

Climate and weather in the South of France in December

Average temperature in the South of France in December: 4°C to 11°C, 39°F to 52°F
Sea temperature in the South of France in December: 14°C, 57°F
Average rainfall in the South of France in December: 40mm to 60mm, 1.6in to 2.4in
Note: St Tropez, Aix-en-Provence and other areas have up to 80mm (3.1in) of rainfall, so prepare for heavy showers during winter in the South of France.
Events: Carcassonne will be having a lively Christmas festival, the March au Gras, to celebrate the holiday season. The Occitan Christmas Festival will feature many local traditions and is a great festive event in Languedoc.