Climate and monthly weather forecastBesançon, France

The climate of Besançon

Besançon, situated in France, endures a Marine West Coast, warm summer climate, per the classification by Köppen climate as Cfb. Throughout the year, the city experiences mild to warm temperatures and significant rainfall, characteristic of this climate zone.

Analyzing the monthly average figures, Besançon climate reveals an interesting pattern. The highest average temperatures range from 5.2°C (41.4°F) in January to a peak of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in July, then drop down to 5.7°C (42.3°F) in December. Low temperatures show a similar pattern, from -0.7°C (30.7°F) in January, peaking at 14.5°C (58.1°F) in July and then decreasing again to 0.4°C (32.7°F) in December.

Humidity remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with minor variations ranging between 74% in April to 88% in December. A significant figure of rainfall is also observed each month. The lowest recorded is 80mm (3.15") in February escalating to a maximum of 116mm (4.57") in October. The city has a considerable number of rainfall days each month, minimum being 9.8 days in September and maximum extending to 13.4 days in both May and December.

Notably, daylight hours extend from 8.6 hours in December to 15.9 hours in June. Correspondingly, sunshine hours vary significantly from as low as 1.7 hours in December to as high as 7.9 hours in July. These conditions reflect the city's position in the northern hemisphere, with longer days in the summer months and shorter days in winter.

The best time to visit Besançon

Based on the weather data, the optimal time for visiting Besançon is between June and August. During this period, the city experiences the highest average temperatures, ranging from 22.8°C (73°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). The daylight hours are long, ranging from 14.2 hours to 15.5 hours. This provides ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Humidity levels are moderate, and rainfall is lower than the yearly average.

The worst time to visit Besançon

The least favorable time to visit Besançon is during the winter months, particularly between January and February. The average temperatures are at their lowest, ranging from -0.7°C (30.7°F) to 7°C (44.6°F). The daylight hours dwindle to a yearly low, ranging from 9 to 10.3 hours, limiting the time available for outdoor activities. Additionally, the city experiences one of its highest levels of relative humidity, making the cold weather feel even chillier.

Spring weather in Besançon

In Besançon, spring months are from March to May. During this period, average high temperatures rise steadily from 11.4°C (52.5°F) in March to 19.5°C (67.1°F) in May. Concurrently, average lows improve from 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Rainfall increases over this period, starting from 92mm (3.62") in March to 115mm (4.53") in May. The number of daylight hours also increase, providing more opportunities for exploring the city.

Summer weather in Besançon

Summer in Besançon, from June to August, brings warm temperatures, extended daylight hours, and relatively less rainfall. Average high temperatures soar from 22.8°C (73°F) in June to the yearly peak of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in July before decreasing to 25°C (77°F) in August. Similarly, sunshine hours are at their peak during the summer, reflecting the longest days of the year. Rainfall during this period is comparatively lower, averaging between 90mm (3.54") in July to 102mm (4.02") in June.

Autumn weather in Besançon

Autumn, extending from September to November, ushers in cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in Besançon. Average high temperatures decline steadily from 20.7°C (69.3°F) in September to 9.5°C (49.1°F) in November. Rainfall also rises during this period from 107mm (4.21") in September to 105mm (4.13") in November. Sunshine hours reduce significantly, reflecting the shortening days.

Winter weather in Besançon

Winter in Besançon, lasting from December to February, is characterized by chilly temperatures, short daylight hours, and substantial rainfall. Average high temperatures range from 5.2°C (41.4°F) in January to 7°C (44.6°F) in February. Sunshine hours dwindle to their yearly lowest in December at 1.7 hours, increasing slightly to 3.4 hours by February. Rainfall remains consistently high during this period, with an average of 108mm (4.25") in February. This continued high volume of rainfall coupled with freezing temperatures fuels the city's frosty winter reputation.

Weather in January

January is the middle of winter in Besançon, France, characterized by a chill in the air and frequent precipitation. Temperatures generally range between -0.7°C (30.7°F) at night and 5.2°C (41.4°F) during the day. This month has the highest relative humidity, reading 87%, translating to misty, foggy mornings. Weather in January »

Weather in February

The grip of winter starts to loosen slightly in February, with temperatures beginning to climb. A noticeable change from January occurs, as the average low temperature increases, albeit not significantly. However, relative humidity decreases, making the air less saturated. Weather in February »

Weather in March

With the arrival of spring in March, the weather starts to become more pleasant. It sees a significant rise in temperature, and the amount of sunshine is substantially higher than in the previous months. The increased daylight hours are indicative of the approach of warmer months. Weather in March »

Weather in April

April signifies a pronounced shift in the weather, providing residents of Besançon with more favorable patterns. Considering previous months, it is discernibly warmer and brings more daylight hours. However, the rainfall amount does not see a major change from March, so April showers are still quite prevalent. Weather in April »

Weather in May

The transition into summer starts in May with a noticeable rise in temperatures. The weather experiences a significant soothing shift compared to April. It should be noted that May is the month with the highest rainfall of 115mm (4.53") in the year, contributing to the city's lush greenery. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June sets the tone for the most awaited summer season in Besançon. Pleasing warmth dominates the month, a significant update from May's variable conditions. June has the longest daylight hours in the year, meaning more time for leisure and exploration. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is the warmest month in Besançon, giving the city a bountiful sunlit experience. Demonstrating a clear contrast to June, July registers the highest temperatures of the year, hitting the pinnacle of summer heat. The extended daylight, combined with slightly less average rainfall, makes the outdoors more inviting than ever. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August continues the summer dominance, although not as hot as July, still the temperature reaches similar highs. Compared to July, both the average high temperature and average low temperature show minor variance. Meanwhile, daylight hours start to shrink slightly, signifying the approach of autumn. Weather in August »

Weather in September

By September, autumn begins to make its mark on Besançon's climate. The weather cools off a bit after the summer heat, offering a respite to the residents. September experiences a spike in rainfall, which contributes to the city's vibrant fall foliage. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Besançon sees a distinct weather shift as the autumn fully sets in. It's a notably cooler month compared to September, a sign of the impending winter. October has the highest rainfall of the year, registering 116mm (4.57") on average along with increased humidity levels. Weather in October »

Weather in November

As winter approaches in November, the weather in Besançon turns chilly. With a significant drop in the average high temperature from October, the increasing cold becomes evident. It's one of the rainiest months but with reduced daylight hours compared to October. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December marks the onset of winter in Besançon, with a significant drop in temperatures compared to November. This month has the shortest daylight span of 8.6 hours, contributing to cold, crisp days. It experiences a relatively high amount of rainfall, offering snowy scenes across the city's landscape. Weather in December »