Car Rentals France - Weather in France

France’s varied regions cope with differing weather conditions, however winter sports makes it popular in both summer and winter.

The south enjoys the best climate, particularly along the Mediterranean coast; the summer is warm and without rain, while spring and autumn bring sudden brief downpours. The Atlantic has a profound impact on the north-west, where the weather is characterised by high humidity, often violent westerly winds and lots of rain.

The northeast typically has relatively hot summers and cold winters. Paris enjoys the lowest average rainfall in the country but temperatures get into negative figures in winter, summers however are warm and dry.

A cold, dry wind known as ‘the mistral’ blows relentlessly down the Rhône Valley for most of spring. The Alps enjoy excellent skiing weather towards the end of winter, snow remains on the peaks year round but skiers clear out in May and make way for hikers and climbers.

Summer days are long (6am – 9pm), but August gets busy throughout the country. Spring offers the best weather to visitors.