The climate of Saint-Étienne
Saint-Étienne falls under the Cfb or Marine west coast, warm summer Köppen climate classification. As part of
France's eastern region, Saint Étienne experiences a blend of oceanic and continental climates reflected in its variable weather.
The city braces itself for moderate seasonal changes throughout the year. Average high temperature stays between 4.8°C (40.6°F) and 24.9°C (76.8°F), while the average low ranges from -0.9°C (30.4°F) to 13.2°C (55.8°F). This means that summers are pleasantly warm rather than harsh, and winters are relatively mild. A 13.2°C (55.8°F) average temperature in
July indicates comfortable summers, compared to frigid winters with temperature averages dropping to -0.9°C (30.4°F) in
January.
Variations can be observed in rainfall patterns, with months
March,
May,
June, July and
November showing noticeably high precipitation. November proves to be the wettest month with 58mm (2.28"), while
February stands as the driest with 27mm (1.06"). The humidity level stays fairly consistent, varying from 72% to 86% throughout the year.
Snowfall also forms a part of Saint-Étienne's weather story, with January and
December witnessing the highest amount of 64mm (2.52") and 29mm (1.14"), respectively. The number of snowfall days peaks at 8.5 days in January and then plummets to near nil during the mid-year months.
The best time to visit Saint-Étienne
The ideal time to visit
Saint-Étienne largely depends on the preference of the visitor, as the city presents varied weather conditions. If sun-loving tourists seek the best conditions for outdoor activities, the period from
June to
August makes an ideal choice. This is when peak temperatures reach between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 24.9°C (76.8°F). Additionally, an impressive daily sunlight average of 10.2 hours in
July assures plenty of sunshine.
The worst time to visit Saint-Étienne
Visitors who aren't fond of lower temperatures should avoid
Saint-Étienne during the winter months from
December to
February. Asides from the lower temperatures, these months also come with increased snowfall and reduced daylight hours, making them unsuitable for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Saint-Étienne
Spring in
Saint-Étienne, stretching from
March to
May, ushers in a steady rise in temperatures. Highs rise dramatically from 10.7°C (51.3°F) to 17.2°C (63°F) while the lows climb from 1.9°C (35.4°F) to 7.3°C (45.1°F).
The rainfall levels also increase, transitioning from 31mm (1.22") in March to 57mm (2.24") in May. Combined with an average relative humidity of around 80%, visitors can experience moderate rainfall and warming temperatures.
Summer weather in Saint-Étienne
Summer in
Saint-Étienne is relatively warm and pleasant. The period from
June to
August witnesses the highest average temperatures, soaring between 21.4°C (70.5°F) and 24.9°C (76.8°F). The rainfall patterns do not diverge significantly during this time, averaging around 49mm (1.93") across the three months. With extended daylight hours peaking at 15.6 hours and average sunshine hours at around 9 hours per day, summer is fantastic for outdoor activities in Saint-Étienne.
Autumn weather in Saint-Étienne
During Autumn, which spans from
September to
November, temperatures in
Saint-Étienne noticeably drop. Over these months, the high temperature averages decrease from 20.3°C (68.5°F) to 9.6°C (49.3°F) and the lows from 9.9°C (49.8°F) to 3.1°C (37.6°F). Despite these falling temperatures, sunshine isn't entirely lacking, still offering up to 4.6 hours a day in November.
Winter weather in Saint-Étienne
Winter in
Saint-Étienne from
December to
February is marked by its chilly average temperatures, averaging between 4.8°C (40.6°F) and 6.3°C (43.3°F) in the high range and -0.9°C (30.4°F) to 1.9°C (35.4°F) in the low range. Snowfall of 64mm (2.52") in
January increases the chill factor. However, the relative humidity remains constant near 86%, adding to the feel of the winter chill. Overall, winter in Saint-Étienne is relatively mild, with manageable conditions compared to other far northern cities.
Weather in January
January in
Saint-Étienne,
France ushers in the New Year with its coldest weather and snowfall. As the city welcomes January, the temperature nosedives, hitting record lows from -0.9°C (30.4°F) to 4.8°C (40.6°F). This is matched by an impressive snowfall totalling 64mm (2.52") and closely followed by frequent rainfall.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather remains similar between
January and
February with minor improvements as Spring approaches
Saint-Étienne. However, February brings a slightly increased average maximum temperature of 5.9°C (42.6°F) while the average minimum hovers around -1°C (30.2°F).
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, the transition period from winter to spring in
Saint-Étienne, offers quite a significant leap in temperatures. The mercury rises to a temperate 10.7°C (51.3°F), while the lower boundary moves up to a warmer 1.9°C (35.4°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings the fullness of spring to
Saint-Étienne as the weather continues to warm up significantly. The mercury sees a noticeable ascent to minimum and maximum averages of 4.5°C (40.1°F) and 14.3°C (57.7°F), respectively.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May is a notable month in
Saint-Étienne as it presents the city with warmer weather, hinting at the approaching summer season. The average temperatures increase further, ranging from 7.3°C (45.1°F) to 17.2°C (63°F). The significant increase in temperatures, prolonged daylight hours and abundant rainfall of 57mm (2.24"), signals the return of vibrant colors in the local flora and fauna.
Weather in May » Weather in June
In
June,
Saint-Étienne witnesses its longest daylight hours, which extends outdoor activities in the city. On average, the city experiences a daytime high of 21.4°C (70.5°F) and a night-time low of 10.9°C (51.6°F). The onset of mild, enjoyable weather with low humidity marks the beginning of summer, as residents and visitors alike enjoy the city's outdoor attractions to the fullest.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July greets
Saint-Étienne with some of the year's highest temperatures, marking the peak of the summer season. The average temperatures range from 13.2°C (55.8°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), bringing about an abundance of sunshine. Warm, sunny days pave the way for enjoyable outdoor activities, picnics, al fresco dining, and vibrant street festivals.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer progression in
Saint-Étienne, although indicating the seasonal shift towards autumn. The temperatures vary marginally from 13.1°C (55.6°F) to 24.9°C (76.8°F), maintaining the warmth established during
July.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September signifies the beginning of autumn in
Saint-Étienne, introducing a subtle drop in temperature. The readings move to a lower range - minimum and maximum averages of 9.9°C (49.8°F) and 20.3°C (68.5°F) respectively form this month’s norms.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, the autumn weather in
Saint-Étienne is more pronounced as lower temperatures become more prevalent with averages ranging from 6.7°C (44.1°F) to 15.5°C (59.9°F). Despite the dip in temperatures and the gradual decrease in sunshine, the city manifests its splendid array of autumn colors.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November in
Saint-Étienne exhibits significant seasonal shifts as it sets the stage for winter. Temperature averages drop sizably to a range of 3.1°C (37.6°F) to 9.6°C (49.3°F), accompanied by an increased frequency of rainfall and a lesser amount of sunshine.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Saint-Étienne welcomes the festive season with cold winter temperatures, averaging from 0.6°C (33.1°F) to 6.3°C (43.3°F), and the return of significant snowfall. It marks the end of the year with shorter daylight hours and less sunshine.
Weather in December » [Resources]