Best Time to Visit France

France is a country that offers something magical in every season — from snow-covered Alpine peaks to sunny Mediterranean beaches and romantic city streets. The best time to visit France depends on your plans: sightseeing, skiing, food and wine, or avoiding the crowds. Here’s a month-by-month guide to help you decide when to go.

France by Season: A Complete Guide

🌸 Spring (March – May): Blossoms and Cultural Charm

Spring is one of the most delightful times to explore France. The weather is mild, flowers bloom across the countryside, and cafés spill out onto the pavements once more. Paris, Provence, and the Loire Valley are particularly beautiful during these months.

• Highlights: Mild temperatures (12–20°C), ideal for city sightseeing and countryside drives, fewer tourists and lower prices than summer, famous events like the Cannes Film Festival and floral celebrations.

☀️ Summer (June – August): Sunshine and Seaside Escapes

Summer brings long, sunny days, lively festivals, and vibrant beach resorts. The French Riviera, Brittany, and Corsica are in full swing, while cities buzz with music, food, and art events. Expect high temperatures and larger crowds, especially in July and August.

• Highlights: Hot weather (25–35°C in southern regions), best for beach holidays, road trips, and open-air festivals, Bastille Day celebrations (July 14th) and the Tour de France.
• Tip: Be aware that many locals, especially in Paris, take their main holiday in August (*les grandes vacances*), so some smaller shops may be closed.

🍂 Autumn (September – November): Wine, Colours, and Calm

Autumn is a peaceful and scenic time to visit France. The vineyards of Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne come alive with the grape harvest (*les vendanges*), and the countryside glows in golden shades. It’s also a great time for culture, food, and wine lovers.

• Highlights: Pleasant temperatures (15–25°C in September, cooler later), perfect for wine tasting and cultural breaks, fewer crowds and lower accommodation costs, harvest festivals and the Montmartre Wine Festival.

❄️ Winter (December – February): Skiing and Festive Magic

Winter transforms France into a wonderland. The Alps and Pyrenees offer world-class skiing, while Strasbourg, Colmar, and Paris sparkle with Christmas markets and lights. It’s a romantic and quieter time to explore major cities and enjoy cosy cafés.

• Highlights: Ideal for ski holidays and festive getaways, Christmas markets and seasonal events, lower travel costs in January and February, cold temperatures (0–8°C in most regions).

Whether you dream of sipping coffee in a Parisian café, relaxing on the Riviera, or skiing in the Alps, France has something for every traveller — and every season brings its own charm.

Top Travel Tips for France

• Always Say "Bonjour": In France, it's considered polite to greet staff with "Bonjour, madame/monsieur" (hello) *before* asking a question or ordering. Forgetting this can be seen as rude.
• Book TGV Trains in Advance: For long-distance travel, the high-speed TGV trains are fantastic. Book your tickets several weeks or even months in advance for the best prices, as last-minute fares can be very expensive.
• Embrace Café Culture: When you order a coffee at a café, you're welcome to sit for as long as you like. Note that prices are often cheaper if you stand at the bar (*au comptoir*) than if you sit at a table (*en salle*).
• Visit the *Boulangerie*: Don't miss starting your day with a fresh croissant or *pain au chocolat* from a local bakery (*boulangerie*). These are often the heart of a neighbourhood.
• Watch for Restaurant Hours: Many restaurants, especially outside major tourist centres, close between lunch and dinner (typically from 2 PM to 7 PM). Plan your meals accordingly.

Things to do in France

From the iconic Eiffel Tower and the art of the Louvre to wine tasting in Bordeaux and the lavender fields of Provence, here are some of France's most popular activities, book easily via our trusted partners: