The climate of Nimes
Nimes, a city in southeastern
France, lies within the Köppen climate classification of Csa, denoting a Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers. Considering the geographical position, it is exposed to consistent sunshine throughout the year, a significant feature of the Mediterranean hot summer. The city's climate regime demonstrates a clear cycle of moderate to hot temperature variations and contrasting humidity fluctuations.
Temperatures span from a chilly 4.7°C (40.5°F) in the coldest months to a toasty 29.9°C (85.8°F) at the height of summer. Rainfall oscillates between 13mm (0.51") in the driest month to a peak of 85mm (3.35") in the wettest season, with the number of rainfall days varying from 6.1 days to 13.1 days. Interestingly, while the city sees mild snowfall of 3mm (0.12") primarily during the cooler months, it experiences barely any snowfall days. Light varies from a low of 9 hours of daylight in the darker months to a generous 15.4 hours in the sunniest month, whilst sunshine hours fluctuate between 5.7 hours to 11.9 hours. The city enjoys a high number of sunshine days, ranging from a minimum of 15.2 days to a high of 23.4 days.
One striking feature is the city's relative humidity that moves from a low of 57% to a peak of 76%. Despite the fluctuations in climatic conditions, visibility remains constant throughout the year at 10km (6.2mi). The proportion of cloud cover demonstrates a marked pattern, dropping from 40% to a mere 13% from the colder to warmer months. Similar dynamics are observed in the wind speed; following a fluctuating pattern, it travels from 12.9km/h (8mph) to 17.3km/h (10.7mph).
The best time to visit Nimes
Determined by individual weather preferences, the optimal time to visit
Nimes would arguably be around the warmest months of the year.
June through
August present extensively radiant conditions, seeing temperatures escalate from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), and daylight time peaking at around 15.1 hours to 15.4 hours. These months report the lowest relative humidity (57% to 59%) and cloudiness (13% to 18%), making it an ideal period for outdoor activities. The UV index during these months peaks at 6, necessitating appropriate sun protection measures.
The worst time to visit Nimes
Conversely, the least pleasant period to visit
Nimes tends to be during the colder months. With temperatures plummeting to as low as 4.7°C (40.5°F) coupled with heavy rainfall, the conditions from
November to
January might not be as welcoming for some visitors. These months experience decreased daylight hours, ranging from 9 hours to 9.7 hours, and high cloud cover that reaches up to 40% in
December.
Spring weather in Nimes
Spring in
Nimes unveils a cheerful transformation from the cold winter months.
March sees an average temperature of 14.8°C (58.6°F), and it gradually increases to 21.8°C (71.2°F) in
May. Daylight hours expand from 11.9 hours to 14.7 hours. Although rainfall persists, it lessens from 30mm (1.18") in March to 34mm (1.34") in May, across fewer rainfall days. Wind speeds in spring average between 16km/h (9.9mph) to 15.2km/h (9.4mph).
Summer weather in Nimes
Summers in
Nimes usher in the warmest conditions, with clear skies and extended daylight hours.
June through
August experiences the peak of the summer heat. Temperatures soar from 26.3°C (79.3°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F), while daylight hours remain at a high of around 15.1 to 15.4 hours. A significant reduction in cloud cover is witnessed during summer, dropping to as low as 13% in
July.
Autumn weather in Nimes
Autumn brings along a swift decrease in temperature, with
September starting at 25.2°C (77.4°F) and dipping to 14.4°C (57.9°F) by
November. Corresponding with this, daylight hours shorten from 12.5 hours to 9.7 hours. Rainfall levels begin to intensify in
October, clocking in at 85mm (3.35") and maintaining at 84mm (3.31") in November.
Winter weather in Nimes
Winter in
Nimes is marked by sharp drops in temperature and increased precipitation.
December and
January reach lows of 11°C (51.8°F) and 4.7°C (40.5°F) respectively. Throughout winter, there is a substantial decline in daylight hours, reaching its lowest at 9 hours in December. Despite the chill, relative humidity escalates to a high of 76% during these months, while cloud cover peaks at 40% in December.
Weather in January
January in
Nimes,
France, is characteristically cold with a notable dip in temperature compared to the warmth of
December. Relative humidity hits an annual high of 76%, making the cold air seem even crisper. The thermometer typically hovers between 4.7°C (40.5°F) and 10°C (50°F), marking it as one of the coldest months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February,
Nimes witnesses a slight upswing in temperature as
France begins to shrug off winter's chill. The weather shows signs of improvement, with less rainfall than
January. Temperatures usually range from 4.7°C (40.5°F) to 11.2°C (52.2°F), giving slightly more warmth to the locals and visitors.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March signals the approach of spring, bringing a noticeable upshift in weather for
Nimes. There is a significant jump in temperature and a remarkable decrease in rain compared to the past two months. The temperature range expands from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 14.8°C (58.6°F), hinting at the warmth that lies ahead.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April indicates a continued, pronounced shift in
Nimes weather, moving further into the spring season. Marked by a decrease in humidity to 68%, April ushers in increased hours of daylight and warmer temperatures. The temperature normally fluctuates from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F), a significant increase compared to
March.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May,
Nimes,
France enjoys temperate weather and spring flowers in full bloom. This month registers an impressive rise in temperature, typically displaying temperatures from 13.3°C (55.9°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). The weather remains largely dry, despite a slight increase in rainfall from
April.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June is a beautiful month in
Nimes, as the city is bathed in summer sunshine. June witnesses another steep rise in temperature, soaring between 17.2°C (63°F) and 26.3°C (79.3°F). This signals the arrival of warm, summer weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings increased warmth and decreased rainfall, marking the height of summer in
Nimes. This month's average range of temperature stretches from 19.4°C (66.9°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F), making July the hottest month. It is accompanied by the lowest relative humidity of the year, at 57%.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August allows French citizens to relish the last month of the meteorological summer. Temperatures fluctuate slightly, ranging from a warm 19.6°C (67.3°F) to a hot 29.7°C (85.5°F). The weather remains predominantly dry, with a light increase in rainfall compared to
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
In
Nimes,
September is a month of transition. Noticeable are cooler temperature, ranging from 16.4°C (61.5°F) to 25.2°C (77.4°F), indicating the shift from the summer heat to the cooler autumn. Rainfall increases in September, marking the onset of wetter autumn season.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings the authentic feel of autumn to
Nimes, with an appreciable dip in temperature and noticeable increase in precipitation. The temperature generally varies between 12.8°C (55°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F), creating a pleasant autumn atmosphere.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November further solidifies the presence of autumn in
Nimes. A substantial decrease in temperature is witnessed, ranging normally from 9°C (48.2°F) to 14.4°C (57.9°F). Humidity correspondingly increases, reaching its annual height alongside
January.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December announces the onset of winter in
Nimes. Average temperatures hover from 6°C (42.8°F) to 11°C (51.8°F), providing a brisk environment in line with the fresh wintery feel. The weather is characteristically damp, with high relative humidity similar to
November.
Weather in December » [Resources]