There are many reasons why France is one of the most visited countries in the world. There’s the food, the wine, the art, history and culture. There’s the rolling countryside, the lavender fields, the towering mountains and the sandy beaches. And to top it all off, there’s the weather – and South of France weather in particular is the very best the country has to offer.
(Average hours of sunshine per day. Image source: weather-guide.com)
Having lived and worked in the South of France as a property surveyor for over 30 years, I can tell you that the climate in the South of France is fabulous. With over 300 days of sunshine a year, an afternoon in January can feel like a summer’s day – and by the time summer finally arrives… the words “scorching” and “glorious” barely do it justice.
Of course, there are regions where South of France weather is a little cooler. The French Alps, for instance, have a high mountain climate – slightly higher rainfall than the rest of the region, cooler summers and colder winters with plenty of snowfall. Along the French Riviera, however, the climate is positively Mediterranean – mild winters and long, hot summers, with the Cote D’Azur being the sunniest part of all.
Let’s take a brief tour through the seasons to see what you can expect from South of France weather.
South of France Weather – Winter
Winters in the South of France are generally mild compared to those in the UK – averaging between about 12 and 15 degrees centigrade. The nights are still cold, mind you, and you can expect some damp days – however, there will be plenty of blue skies and a bright winter sun. The mountain areas, of course, are the coolest parts of the region, while the coastline, sheltered by those same mountains, enjoy the most warmth and sunshine.
South of France Weather – Spring
When springs arrives in March, the whole region starts to transform. Temperatures heat up, greenery starts to sprout and fruit trees burst into blossom. By the time April comes, you can sense that summer is just around the corner. There is still some rainfall at this time of the year – between about eight and ten days per month on average – but by May, you can expect to be eating lunch outside most days and can start hitting the beach.
South of France Weather – Summer
Joyous, bright and beaming – summertime in the South of France is to die for. The plants are bursting with colour, the days are hot and long, and you’ll spend more time in the pool and in the sea than at any other time of year. July and August are the hottest months – though temperatures rarely climb above 35 degrees centigrade, so the heat is bearable. If you’re planning a visit in summer, t-shirts, shorts, flip-flops and swimwear are an absolute must.
South of France Weather – Autumn
September is a fantastic month to visit the South of France. Though still hot, temperatures aren’t so high that you need to keep changing your clothes, the nights are more comfortable, and you can still hit the beach during the day. The weather doesn’t really start to turn until October, when average temperatures drop to around 18 degrees centigrade and rainfall increases. In November, South of France weather is bright but cold – particularly in the morning and late evening.
Charles Mackintosh South of France Property Surveyor
Compared to the UK, South of France weather is positively glorious. Summers are hotter and winters are milder – a fantastic place to live and visit. If you’re considering moving to this bright and welcoming part of the world, South of France property surveyor Charles Mackintosh is at your service. Get in touch for more information.