The climate of Avignon
Avignon, an iconic city in southeastern
France, is defined by a Mediterranean climate classified as Csa, or hot-summer Mediterranean, according to Köppen climate classification. The overall weather exhibits distinct jumps and falls across different seasons while maintaining average temperature, humidity, and rainfall levels characteristic of this classification.
Parameters like temperature, humidity, rainfall, sunshine hours, and wind speed reveal clear patterns and fluctuations throughout the year. During the summer months from
June to
August, Avignon experiences average high temperatures between 27.5°C (81.5°F) and 31.1°C (88°F) and lows from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F) providing the city's warmest climate. Moving through the calendar towards autumn and winter, temperatures slope downward; in
December, highs of around 10.5°C (50.9°F) and lows of 4°C (39.2°F) are registered.
In terms of humidity, Avignon faces the highest average relative humidity values, about 78%, in the colder months of
November and December. Rainfall patterns show higher precipitation from
October to November, the peak being 69mm (2.72") in November. Conversely, the city experiences its lowest rainfall, around 13mm (0.51"), in
July. The months of June and July exhibit a higher number of daylight hours, up to 15.4 hours in June, and sunnier periods compared to other months, with 12 sunshine hours on average.
Notably, the highest wind speeds, reaching up to 22km/h (13.7mph), are encountered in
January and
February, contributing to the crisp atmosphere during these colder months. Snowfall, while a rare occurrence, can be spotted in January or February although its average is barely above the trace level.
The best time to visit Avignon
Tourists are most likely to find
Avignon's climate favorable during late spring and early summer months, specifically from
May to
July. Average low temperatures during these months range from 11.9°C (53.4°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F), while high temperatures range from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 31.1°C (88°F). The weather remains mostly dry with rainfall levels declining from 25mm (0.98") in May to 13mm (0.51") in July. Meanwhile, the city basks in generous sunlight exposure with sunshine hours increasing from 10.8 hours in May to 12 hours in July.
Visiting Avignon during these months also means experiencing longer daylight hours, extending to 15.4 hours a day in
June, and relatively lower wind speeds at about 13.6km/h (8.5mph) in July. This time is perfect for enjoying Avignon's outdoor attractions like the iconic Palais des Papes or the Pont d'Avignon.
The worst time to visit Avignon
October and
November might be the least favorable months to visit
Avignon due to the prevalent climate conditions. These months mark a sharp rise in rainfall amounts, with November seeing the highest rainfall of the year at 69mm (2.72"). Average high temperatures decrease to 20.1°C (68.2°F) in October and further down to 13.8°C (56.8°F) in November.
These months also witness less sunshine hours, with only 7.5 hours in October, and a further decrease to 5.9 hours in November, while also experiencing shorter daylight periods. Furthermore, wind speeds pick up to 13.1km/h (8.1mph) in October and 12.7km/h (7.9mph) in November adding an additional chill to the air.
Spring weather in Avignon
Avignon welcomes spring months, from
March to
May, with gradually warming temperatures. High temperatures average from 14.8°C (58.6°F) in March to 22.5°C (72.5°F) in May. Simultaneously, low temperatures range from 5.8°C (42.4°F) up to 11.9°C (53.4°F). Rainfall remains moderate, between 20mm (0.79") to 31mm (1.22"), while the city delights in the steady increase of sunlight exposure, from 8.4 hours in March to 10.8 hours in May.
Summer weather in Avignon
The summer period from
June to
August is marked by warmth and dryness in
Avignon. High temperatures range from 27.5°C (81.5°F) to 31.1°C (88°F), while low temperatures fall between 15.7°C (60.3°F) and 18.3°C (64.9°F). Rainfall drops to the year's lowest level of 13mm (0.51") in
July before slightly increasing to 21mm (0.83") in August. There is a substantial amount of sunshine with peak daily average reaching 12 hours in July.
Autumn weather in Avignon
In
Avignon, autumn takes a turn towards cooler weather and more rainfall. The range of high temperatures from
September to
November goes from 25.5°C (77.9°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F) and the lower limit dips from 14.7°C (58.5°F) in September to 7°C (44.6°F) in November. November being the wettest month of the year with 69mm (2.72") of rainfall is accompanied by reduced daylight and sunshine duration.
Winter weather in Avignon
Avignon winters,
December through
February, showcase colder temperatures, with average highs ranging from 10.5°C (50.9°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F) and lows from 4°C (39.2°F) to 2.8°C (37°F). Even though rainfall decreases from 29mm (1.14") in December to 20mm (0.79") in February, the humidity remains high at 78%. Light icing can be observed with snowfall just above trace levels and short day lengths ranging from 9 hours to 9.3 hours. Despite the cool climate, the winter months receive a decent amount of sunshine - around 6 hours per day on average.
Weather in January
January is infamous for its chilly temperatures in
Avignon,
France. Known as the coldest month, the mercury dips as low as 2.8°C (37°F) and seldom exceeds 9.3°C (48.7°F). Unpredictable winter weather could sometimes accompany snowflakes, even though the quantity is not substantial.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the climate becomes milder when compared to
January. The temperatures record a slight increase to 2.9°C (37.2°F) to 10.6°C (51.1°F), hinting at the approaching spring. In February, the city receives slightly more sunlight than in January, paving the way for longer outdoor excursions.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With spring beginning to reveal itself, the weather in
March deviates from the colder months. The pleasantly mild temperatures range from 5.8°C (42.4°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F), liberating citizens from their winter gear. An area where March clearly distinguishes itself is receiving no snowfall, making it stand out from the preceding months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the city wears a jovial spring atmosphere, departing from the colder, more dormant, winter months. The temperatures hover between 8.9°C (48°F) and 18.6°C (65.5°F), much to the delight of residents and visitors. It is also the month with a precipitous hike in rainfall, with 31mm (1.22") making it the wettest spring month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings the true spirit of spring to
Avignon,
France. The temperatures embrace a warm pattern, fluctuating between 11.9°C (53.4°F) and 22.5°C (72.5°F), which is a significant rise from the
April temperatures. This rise in temperature is coupled with a decline in rainfall to 25mm (0.98"), making the city less damp.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a herald of summer, completely divorcing itself from the attributes of spring.
Avignon basks in a summer glow, with temperatures hovering from 15.7°C (60.3°F) to 27.5°C (81.5°F). June is distinctive by having 15.4 hours of daylight, the highest throughout the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July reserves its place as the hottest month of the year in
Avignon. The temperature needle jolts between 18.3°C (64.9°F) and 31.1°C (88°F), setting an annual high record. With merely 13mm (0.51") of rainfall, July also stands out as one of the driest months.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August carries forward the scorching legacy of
July, with temperatures oscillating from 18.2°C (64.8°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F). While the temperatures descend slightly from July, the heat is far from vanishing. Maintaining the summer tradition, August also sees a meager amount of rainfall.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
September,
Avignon witnesses a weather transition from summer to autumn. The temperatures begin to moderate, rising from 14.7°C (58.5°F) to a maximum of 25.5°C (77.9°F). A notable feature of September is the increased rainfall estimate, receiving 27mm (1.06") throughout the month.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October fully embraces the fall, stepping away from the warmth of
September. The temperatures comfortably sit in the range of 11.1°C (52°F) to 20.1°C (68.2°F), more bearable after the scorching summer. However, October raises an alert with the highest rainfall of 54mm (2.13") in the year.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Rolling into
November,
Avignon starts feeling the early signs of winter. The temperatures dip from 7°C (44.6°F) to 13.8°C (56.8°F) in response to the changing season. Rainfall continues to be frequent, only slightly lower than
October at 69mm (2.72"), creating a moist environment.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December witnesses the return of winter, with temperatures plummeting from 4°C (39.2°F) to 10.5°C (50.9°F). Emulating the onset of
January, December reinstates the chilly winter weather. However, the snowfall remains negligible, thus not posing a barrier for locals and visitors.
Weather in December » [Resources]