Weather in Provence

climate and weather in provenceProvence is a region with a primarily Mediterranean climate, which make it perfect for a summer holiday in France. There are several microclimates in this region, most notably the French Alps. Nonetheless, Provence in summer is hot and dry, while Provence in winter is mild and winter is the rainy season.

Spring weather in Provence is mild, temperatures are below 15°C (59°F) and it is quite rainy, especially in early spring. The weather can be unpredictable but the spring flower bloom is a great attraction to many travellers.

Summer temperatures in Provence peak in July and August and can get up to 30°C (86°F), especially at the coast. This is the dry season in Provence and there is an abundance of sunshine during the summer months. 

Autumn in Provence has very unpredictable weather but generally has mild temperatures with high rainfall. Some travellers find this the best time of year to visit Provence because of the natural beauty brought about by red and orange hues of the autumn leaves. 

Winter is coldest over December and January with an average temperature of 8°C (46°F) and ranges from 3°C to 11°C (37°F to 52°F). The alpine and elevated areas can be especially cold in winter. 

Winter in Provence has high amounts of rainfall, between 80mm and 100mm (3.1in and 3.9in), and it rarely snows in this part of France. Most coastal towns will experience heavier showers than inland areas during this rainy season in Provence. An icy winter wind dubbed ‘the mistral’ can drastically affect winter in Provence and the wind sometimes persists for a few weeks blowing at up to 100km/h (62mph).

The best way to travel in Provence is by car, but the efficient public transport network makes it easy and safe to travel across the region without private transportation.

 

When is the best time to go to Provence?

Summer in Provence is a magnificent season for great weather in the South of France, but the best time to travel to Provence is ultimately dependent on the tourist’s destination and purpose, as different parts of this region are best in different seasons. The peak summer months of July and August are perfect for a beach holiday but coastal towns will be crowded and expensive. Visiting from May to June, or in September, means prices will be a little lower and towns less busy.

Summer in the Alps is ideal for walkers and hikers as the dry weather, clear skies and lack of mist or fog, allow for full enjoyment of the idyllic scenery. The best time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit the Alps is winter in Provence, which runs from November to January.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Provence

Light clothing is advised for the spring and summer in Provence, but always prepare for a sudden turn of cold or wet weather. Beachwear, T-shirts, shorts, comfortable sandals, sunscreen and hats are all essential summer items for a summer holiday in Provence. Light jerseys are appropriate for the evenings, especially outside of the peak months of July and August. Also pack an umbrella or raincoat as it rains in Provence throughout the year.

Warm jerseys and coats, trousers and jeans, comfortable walking shoes or boots and rainwear will ensure a comfortable trip to Provence in winter. All visitors, but especially those travelling for winter sports, will also need to pack gloves, scarves and hats. It’s always a good idea topack a stylish dress, or a pair of smart trousers and shirts in case a traveller heads to a more formal restaurant.

 

Climate and Weather in Provence in January

Average temperatures in Provence in January: 3°C to 11°C (37°F to 52°F)

Average sea temperatures in Provence in January: 13°C (55°F)

Average rainfall in Provence in January: 50mm to 75mm (2in to 3in)

Events: A horticulturalist’s dream, Mimosalia, celebrates the botanical gems of France in St-Tropez during late-January. 

 

Climate and Weather in Provence in February

Average temperatures in Provence in February: 2°C to 12°C (36°F to 54°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in February: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in February: 50mm to 75mm (2in to 3in)
Events: One of the world’s major carnival events takes place in Nice in February. Fête du Citron is another spectacular February event; held in Menton from mid February to early March, the town parades artistic creations and structures made entirely of citrus fruits through the streets.

 

Climate and Weather in Provence in March

Average temperatures in Provence in March: 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in March: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in March: 50mm to 75mm (2in to 3in)
Events: Marseille’s premier annual carnival is held in late March or early April.

 

Climate and Weather in Provence in April

Average temperatures in Provence in April: 7°C to 17 °C (45°F to 63°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in April: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in April: 50mm to 65mm (2in to 2.6in)
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in May

Average temperatures in Provence in May: 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in May: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in May: 50mm to 55mm (2in to 2.2in)
Events: Tourists can play spot-the-celebrity at the Cannes Film Festival held in May.
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in June

Average temperatures in Provence in June: 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in June: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in June: 35mm to 50mm (1.4in to 2in)
Events: Hundreds of thousands of people flock to Provence to enjoy dance and drama performances at the Festival d’Avignon. Travellers can also join classical music enthusiasts at the world-renowned Festival International d'Art Lyrique d'Aix-en-Provence.
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in July

Average temperatures in Provence in July: 17°C to 27°C (63°F to 81°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in July: 21°C (70°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in July: 18mm (0.7in)
Note: July and August are the best months to visit Provence’s beaches, but it’s also the busiest time of year, with throngs of crowds almost everywhere. Temperatures can reach above 30°C (86°F) along the coast and it can be very humid.

Events: The Festival d’Art Pyrotechnique draws over 200,000 spectators during July and August to witness one of the biggest fireworks displays in the world at the Bay of Cannes.
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in August

Average temperatures in Provence in August: 16°C to 27°C (61°F to 81°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in August: 22°C (72°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in August: 35mm (1.4in)
Events: Les Chorégies d'Orange is an opera and choral festival hosted in Orange, but bookings need to be made several months in advance as tickets sell out quickly. 
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in September 

Average temperatures in Provence in September: 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in September: 21°C (70°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in September: 68mm (2.7in)
Events: The Ban des Vendanges celebrates the first grape harvest of the season, on the first Sunday in September, with wine tasting, Mass and street processions held in Cassis.
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in October

Average temperatures in Provence in October: 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in October: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in October: 85mm to 100mm (3.3in to 3.9)
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in November

Average temperatures in Provence in November: 6°C to 15°C (43°F to 59°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in November: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in November: 80mm to 100 (3.1in to 3.9in)
 

Climate and Weather in Provence in December

Average temperatures in Provence in December: 3°C to 12°C (37°F to 54°F)
Average sea temperatures in Provence in December: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainfall in Provence in December: 60mm to 85mm (2.4in to 3.3)
Note: Winter in Provence is the best time to ski in the Alps, and coastal areas are usually a little warmer than places inland.

Comments

Provence a winning

Provence a winning holiday.
Provence is always a beautiful place to go, whatever the weather. The French flock south in their millions in July and August, as do a few Brits, but it's a bit place and it's only crowded down on the coast where the beaches can get packed and the traffic is a nightmare, particularly when getting to St Tropez and other popular resorts. But it is the best time to go weather wise. Those without the constraints of school holidays should go in June or September when its quieter and the climate is still fantastic. Also September is when the massive motor yachts in St Tropez are replaced by the stunning sailing boats. The markets in Aix en Provence and elsewhere are still busy, but not so packed, and you'll also pay a bit less. Enjoy.