The climate of Arles
Arles is set at the heart of the Mediterranean and follows the Csa Köppen climate classification, commonly known as the hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The town experiences large fluctuations throughout the year from its high summertime temperatures ranging from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to a sizzling 29.6°C (85.3°F) during
June to
August, to cooler and mild wintertime temperatures oscillating between the ranges of 4.9°C (40.8°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F) over
December and
February.
The annual cycle of Arles presents a relatively high humidity level, frequently recorded between 58% to 76% relative humidity. Little variation is seen in the pressure system in Arles, with values consistently staying between 1014.7mb and 1020.1mb throughout the year. Arles also witnesses moderate wind speeds that typically revolve around 13.8km/h (8.6mph) to 19.1km/h (11.9mph), with notable gusts escalating up to 28.1km/h (17.5mph).
Rainfall in Arles shows a periodic pattern with the months of
November and December housing the maximum rainfall of 80mm (3.15") and 71mm (2.8") respectively. This contrast is further amplified by the summer months from June to August which carry the least rainfall (between 15mm (0.59") and 26mm (1.02")). Meanwhile, snowfall is virtually absent in Arles with only rare occurrences in February.
The best time to visit Arles
In light of the climatological data at hand, the ideal time to plan a visit to
Arles would be from
June to
August. Within this period, Arles experiences generous hours of daylight, between 13.9 to 15.4 hours, and high temperatures hovering from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F). This timeframe is the warmest part of the year and sports the least rainfall accumulation, making it optimal for outdoor activities such as sightseeing and recreation.
The worst time to visit Arles
The month of
November is probably the least favorable for a visit if one were to base it upon the weather conditions. Rainfall records peak in this month with precipitation amounting to 80mm (3.15") — the highest all year. Additionally, this time of the year also coincides with lesser daylight hours and lower UV index, leading to overcast and gloomy weather conditions.
Spring weather in Arles
The springtime in
Arles, starting from
March till
May bears a pleasant and favorable climate. Moderate temperatures prevail within this period, starting at 15°C (59°F) in March and progressively warming up to 21.8°C (71.2°F) in May. Rainfall gradually decreases from 42mm (1.65") in
April to 38mm (1.5") in May. Moreover, the daylight duration continues to lengthen, reaching up to 14.7 hours by May which is a significant increase from the 11.9 hours noted at the start of springtime.
Summer weather in Arles
Summer in
Arles, from
June to
August, is characterized by high-temperature and sunshine-rich days. Daylight is maximized during this period, extending up to 15.4 hours in June. The temperatures soar from 26.2°C (79.2°F) in June to a hot 29.6°C (85.3°F) in
July and August. Moreover, this season is also blessed with the least amount of rainfall of the year, ranging from 15mm (0.59") to 26mm (1.02").
Autumn weather in Arles
The arrival of Autumn from
September and lasting through
November in
Arles brings a drop in temperatures. Starting at a comfortable 25.1°C (77.2°F) in September, the mercury descends down to 14.5°C (58.1°F) by November. While daylight hours shorten from 12.5 hours in September to 9.7 hours in November, rainfall dramatically increases with it peaking at 80mm (3.15") in November.
Winter weather in Arles
Winter in
Arles, ushered in
December and continuing until
February, brings the mildest conditions of the year. Temperatures stay cooler, fluctuating between 4.9°C (40.8°F) and 6.2°C (43.2°F). Meanwhile, daylight hours dwindle down to 9 hours by December. Despite the lesser hours of sunshine, rainfall remains moderate during this period, ranging from 27mm (1.06") in December to 24mm (0.94") in February.
Weather in January
January in
Arles introduces a fresh start with a drop in temperatures, indicating the beginning of a cold season. As the city bids goodbye to the festivities of
December, it embraces colder temperatures that range between 4.9°C (40.8°F) and 10.1°C (50.2°F).
Weather in January » Weather in February
As
Arles transitions into
February, the weather makes a slight change towards the warmer side. The city witnesses an incremental rise in temperatures, situated from 4.8°C (40.6°F) to 11.4°C (52.5°F). Discover the milder winter in the city, with temperatures gently inching towards the warmth of spring.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings the fragrance of spring to
Arles, impregnated by a noticeable rise in temperatures. Positioned from 7.7°C (45.9°F) to 15°C (59°F), temperatures flex the promising onset of a beautiful spring. This period allows a sneak peek into the start of blooming flowers and sunnier days, maintaining Arles' allure.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Arles signifies the full bloom of spring, manifesting warmer days and flowers in their prime. A further surge in temperatures records a range from 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F). The advent of longer days and beautiful sunsets sets the stage for outdoor activities and leisurely walks.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Arles promises a delightful weather scenario, leaning towards the welcoming warmth of summer. This month finds the temperature scale stretching between 13.5°C (56.3°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). The month yields an impeccable time to explore the cobblestone streets of Arles, with the weather playing along perfectly.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June, being the gateway to summer, brings to
Arles a vivid contrast in weather conditions. The temperatures now range from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 26.2°C (79.2°F), an immediate climb from the previous month. The signature cobalt blue skies of
France are at their peak, beckoning travelers to lose themselves in the city's classic French charm.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Arles signals the acme of summer, represented by soaring temperatures and captivating sunsets. This month, the city basks in ultimate warmth, with temperatures lying between 19.8°C (67.6°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F). Despite the scorching heat during the day, the evenfall brings a comforting chill to the air.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues to unfurl the summer saga of
Arles, with the tumult of heat waves mellowing down. The temperature range still reads from 20°C (68°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F), the heat persisting with a prominent presence. Amidst the warmth, the city-wide renowned art festival brings together crowds in celebration.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September heralds the decline of the summer season in
Arles, while acknowledging the onset of milder days. The temperature scale slips down to a range from 16.7°C (62.1°F) to 25.1°C (77.2°F). The transition into this month is adorned with cooler nights and diminishing daylight hours.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Arles is embellished with an array of autumnal hues, under a cooler climate. A significant drop in temperatures at the thermometer sees numbers from 13.4°C (56.1°F) to 20.3°C (68.5°F). The city wraps itself in a quintessential autumn spirit, complemented by the chill in the weather.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November observes a pronounced stride towards the winter season in
Arles. It displays a more significant decline in temperatures from 9.3°C (48.7°F) to 14.5°C (58.1°F). With an increasing number of rainfall days to 12.1, the city embraces the chill of winter.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the arrival of winter in
Arles, tying up the year with the festive spirit. With the mercury dropping to a range between 6.2°C (43.2°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F), the weather significantly cools down. Though snowfall is rare, the festive season imparts a winter wonderland feel with seasonal decorations.
Weather in December » [Resources]