The climate of Chartres
Located in the north-central part of
France,
Chartres enjoys a marine west coast climate with warm summers, as described by the Köppen climate classification system. Classified as Cfb, this climate type is characterized by mild, more or less evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year, and moderate temperature variations between seasons.
The city experiences a fairly constant relative humidity, hovering around the 80% mark, with minor fluctuations throughout the year. Its temperatures range from an average low of 1.3°C (34.3°F) in
January and
February to a high of 24.1°C (75.4°F) in
August. Rainfall measures between 16mm (0.63") in
September and 49mm (1.93") in
June, whereas the number of rainy days fluctuates from approximately 10 to 17 per month. Although it is not a typical feature of Cfb climates, Chartres does see snowfall in the colder months, with the most significant amounts falling in January and
December.
Chartres also offers a moderate amount of sunshine all year round, with monthly averages varying from 3.8 hours a day in January to 8.9 hours in
July and August. The corresponding ultraviolet (UV) index fluctuates from 2 in the darker months to 5 at the height of summer. Despite its westerly position, the city does not suffer from high wind speeds, as evidenced by an average monthly wind speed ranging from 11.1km/h (6.9mph) in August to 16.9km/h (10.5mph) in December.
The best time to visit Chartres
Considering the weather patterns in
Chartres,
France, the optimal time for a visit would likely be between
May and
September. This period promises more mild temperatures, with average highs ranging from 17.3°C (63.1°F) to 24.1°C (75.4°F). The amount of sunshine during this time also increases significantly, with average daily sunshine hours ranging from 7.7 to 8.9. In addition, the UV index reaches its peak of 5 between
June and
August, adding to the allure of outdoor activities. Despite these warmer temperatures, rainfall remains moderate, so visitors will not often be deterred by heavy showers.
The worst time to visit Chartres
Chartres becomes less inviting to visitors from
November through
February. During this time, temperatures can drop to an average low of just 1.3°C (34.3°F), particularly in
January and February. Days get shorter as well, with daylight hours ranging from 8.4 to 9.2 per day and average daily sunshine hours dropping to as low as 3.8 in January. Additionally, despite lower temperatures, the risk of rainfall remains high, with November recording 36mm (1.42") and February recording 24mm (0.94"). It's worth noting that the risk of snowfall also increases, especially in
December and January.
Spring weather in Chartres
Chartres experiences a gradual warming trend in the spring, with average high temperatures increasing from 11.4°C (52.5°F) in
March to 15.1°C (59.2°F) in
April and 17.3°C (63.1°F) in
May. Similarly, average lows rise from 3.4°C (38.1°F) in March to 5.5°C (41.9°F) in April and 7.7°C (45.9°F) in May. Rainfall shows a slightly increasing trend throughout the spring, ranging from 28mm (1.1") in March to 45mm (1.77") in May. The length of daylight also experiences a substantial increase, with the city seeing between 11.9 and 15.3 hours of daylight per day.
Summer weather in Chartres
Chartres enjoys warm, mild summers, with average high temperatures reaching 20.8°C (69.4°F) in
June, 23.6°C (74.5°F) in
July, and 24.1°C (75.4°F) in
August. Minimum temperatures also rise comfortably, with lows of 11.3°C (52.3°F) in June escalating to 13.4°C (56.1°F) in July and 14.3°C (57.7°F) in August. While rainfall is at its height in June at 49mm (1.93"), it diminishes in the following months to 37mm (1.46") in July and 34mm (1.34") in August. Daylight hours peak in June and July at 16 and 15.6 hours per day respectively, providing long, sunny days.
Autumn weather in Chartres
The climate in
Chartres begins to cool down during the autumn months. The city witnesses average high temperatures declining from 20.7°C (69.3°F) in
September to 16°C (60.8°F) in
October, and further to 10.2°C (50.4°F) in
November. The rainfall, however, increases slightly from 16mm (0.63") in September to 28mm (1.1") in October and 36mm (1.42") in November. Daylight hours also drastically reduce during these months, dwindling from 12.6 hours per day in September to around 9.2 hours by November.
Winter weather in Chartres
Winter in
Chartres is typically cold, with average high temperatures decreasing from 7.2°C (45°F) in
December to just 6°C (42.8°F) in
January and then making a slight recovery to 7.3°C (45.1°F) in
February. The average lows follow a similar trend, with temperatures falling to 2.7°C (36.9°F) in December and to the year's low of 1.3°C (34.3°F) in January before rebounding slightly to 1.3°C (34.3°F) in February. Chartres sees a moderate amount of snowfall, mostly in January and February. The hours of daylight are at their lowest during these months, averaging between 8.4 to 8.8 hours per day.
Weather in January
January in
Chartres,
France, sees some of the chillest temperatures of the year, reaching a high of only 6°C (42.8°F) and dropping to a chilly 1.3°C (34.3°F) at night. The city's weather pattern in this period stands out with 22 snowfall days and a significant drop in temperature from
December.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Rising from the
January chill,
Chartres in
February starts to experience a slight increase in temperature, with average high and low temperatures of 7.3°C (45.1°F) and 1.3°C (34.3°F) respectively. The amount of snowfall diminishes noticeably from January to February, indicating the gradual end of winter.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March in
Chartres appreciates a significant warming trend, marking the beginning of spring in the city. The average high temperature jumps to 11.4°C (52.5°F), while nightfalls cool down to an average low of 3.4°C (38.1°F). This month sees a dramatic decline in snowfall, dropping from 18mm (0.71") in
February to just 1mm (0.04").
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April marks the midpoint of spring and temperatures in
Chartres continue to climb, with average highs of 15.1°C (59.2°F) and lows of 5.5°C (41.9°F). A relative decrease in snowfall is noted, as the months change from
March to April, signifying a clear transition into the warmer months.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Chartres' weather in
May brings the onset of summer with temperatures peaking at 17.3°C (63.1°F) and only descending as low as 7.7°C (45.9°F). The substantial increase in rainfall from 26mm (1.02") in
April to 45mm (1.77") outlines May as the wettest month of the year.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Continuing on with the warm trend,
June in
Chartres registers an average high temperature of 20.8°C (69.4°F) and an average low of 11.3°C (52.3°F). A slight rise in rainfall from 45mm (1.77") in
May to 49mm (1.93") underlines the presence of June showers.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Chartres is the pinnacle of summer with the highest temperatures of the year, reaching up to 23.6°C (74.5°F) and not falling below 13.4°C (56.1°F) even at night. The rainfall receives a bit of a pullback from 49mm (1.93") in
June to 37mm (1.46"), making July drier than the previous month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Chartres in
August face a slight drop in average temperatures, ranging between highs of 24.1°C (75.4°F) and lows of 14.3°C (57.7°F). Although the rainfall record of 37mm (1.46") in
July only increases slightly to 34mm (1.34"), the humidity percentage falls noticeably from 75% to 70% marking one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of autumn, with temperatures in
Chartres falling from the summer peak to an average high of 20.7°C (69.3°F) and an average low of 11.4°C (52.5°F). A stark reduction in rainfall from 34mm (1.34") in
August to 16mm (0.63") ranks September as one of the driest months of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Weather in
Chartres during
October records a noticeable drop in temperature from
September, with averages ranging from highs of 16°C (60.8°F) to lows of 8.9°C (48°F). Rainfall patterns rise back up significantly, jumping from 16mm (0.63") in September to 28mm (1.1").
Weather in October »Weather in November
November witnesses further cooling trends in
Chartres,
France, as temperatures slide to an average high of 10.2°C (50.4°F) and an average low of 5.5°C (41.9°F). A continuous increase in rainfall from 28mm (1.1") in
October to 36mm (1.42") in November underlines the onset of the rainy winter season.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Chartres' weather during
December hits the year's low, with temperatures chilling to a high of 7.2°C (45°F) and a low of 2.7°C (36.9°F). The reintroduction of snowfall, from 1mm (0.04") in
November to 14mm (0.55") in December, signals the peak of winter.
Weather in December » [Resources]