The climate of Nantes
Nantes, located in the far west of
France, enjoys a temperate marine west coast climate, also classified as a Cfb climate according to the Köppen climate classification system. This implies that Nantes experiences mild and generally warm and temperate weather conditions. The yearly temperature swings from an average low of 2.9°C (37.2°F) in
February to an average high of 24.3°C (75.7°F) in
July and
August. The relative humidity ranged from 74% in August and
September to a high of 86% in
January and
December.
The city sees rainfall throughout the year, with a significant disparity in the amount of rainfall from month to month. The rainfall varies from a low of 21mm (0.83") in September to a high of 66mm (2.6") in December. Consequently, the number of days with rainfall fluctuates each month from a minimum of 8.2 days in September to a maximum of 16.3 days in January. Nantes sees infrequent snowfall, primarily between January and February with a snowfall of 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08").
The length of daylight spans from a minimum of 8.6 hours in December to a maximum of 15.9 hours in
June. Meanwhile, sunshine hours diverge from a low of 4.5 hours in January to a high of 10.1 hours in July. A relative variation in the UV index is observed from 2 in the cooler months to 5 in the sunnier months of the year.
The best time to visit Nantes
Given the temperate and enjoyable weather, the period from
June to
August serves as the best time for tourists to visit
Nantes. During this period, average high-temperature measures between 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F), offering warm and inviting conditions. Moreover, the city enjoys the maximum length of daylight rising to 15.5 to 15.9 hours in these months, allowing more hours for exploring the city. Relatively lower rainfall is recorded in these months, ranging from 24mm (0.94") to 38mm (1.5"), providing fewer disruptions to outdoor activities.
The worst time to visit Nantes
The colder months, particularly
January and
February, signify the less favorable time to travel to
Nantes. The average low temperature in these months drops to 2.9°C (37.2°F) to 3.4°C (38.1°F). In addition, these months also experience increased cloud cover, reduced daylight hours retracing between 8.6 hours to 9 hours, and increased rainfall measuring between 45mm (1.77") to 47mm (1.85").
Spring weather in Nantes
The spring season occurs from
March to
May in
Nantes. Average high-temperature during spring spans between 12.3°C (54.1°F) to 18.3°C (64.9°F), whilst the average low-temperature measures between 4.3°C (39.7°F) to 8.9°C (48°F). Rainfall remains constant in spring, registering between 32mm (1.26") to 40mm (1.57") each month. Sunshine hours increase gradually from 6.6 hours in March to 8.7 hours by May, providing abundant daylight for outdoor activities.
Summer weather in Nantes
The summer season, occurring from
June to
August, offers warm weather with the highest temperatures of the year. Average high-temperature ranges from 21.6°C (70.9°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). Meanwhile, relative humidity experiences a yearly low of 75% to 74% in these months. Despite minimal rainfall in June and
July, August sees a slight increase in rainfall to 25mm (0.98").
Autumn weather in Nantes
Fall commences in
September and lasts till
November. The average high temperatures during this period move from 21.8°C (71.2°F) to 12.7°C (54.9°F), witnessing a sheet of color changes throughout the city. Rainfall increases gradually from 21mm (0.83") in September to 59mm (2.32") by November. However, the city enjoys a good amount of sunshine, receiving 8.1 hours in September, which reduces to 4.6 hours by November.
Winter weather in Nantes
The winter season, defining
December through
February, exhibits chilly weather in
Nantes. The average high temperatures decline to the yearly low from 10°C (50°F) to 8.9°C (48°F), and average low temperatures reach down to 3.4°C (38.1°F) to 4.9°C (40.8°F) in this period. Despite the cooler environment, Nantes gets a minimum amount of snowfall. However, the city experiences its highest monthly rainfall of 66mm (2.6") in December, making the city quite damp in this season.
Weather in January
Nantes begins the year with relatively cold weather, yet without any extreme conditions. The city experiences a brisk onset of winter, which eases gradually as the month proceeds. Rainfall, albeit lower than the later months, is still present, making the damp conditions palpable.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning from
January,
February in
Nantes brings a slight increase in average high temperature. While rainfall remains moderately steady, the city sees a slight decrease in the number of rainy days. The trend of declining wind speeds continues into this month, giving residents a much-needed break from the biting wind chill.
Weather in February »Weather in March
Weather in
March sees
Nantes transition effectively from winter towards the more comfortable spring season. There is a certain freshness in the air as nature begins to thrust its colors. This period is marked by an increase in daylight hours, enhancing the city’s vibrancy.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The advent of
April sparks the true onset of spring in
Nantes, where the increasing amount of sunshine encourages blossoming flora. The significant rise in temperature is accompanied by moderate rainfall and declining wind speeds - a welcome change from the previously turbulent winds.
Weather in April »Weather in May
The manifestation of
May shifts the weather of
Nantes from spring to the onset of summer. The outdoor conditions become increasingly comfortable, amplifying the aura of the city. Higher temperatures support flourishing vegetation, and an increasing amount of daylight hours consent outdoor activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The glorious weather in
June marks the full arrival of summer in
Nantes. The comfortable warmth combined with an increase in sunshine hours makes this period the most favored time of the year. Cumulus clouds frequently hover over the cityscape, but the rainfall occurrence remains infrequent.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Nantes experiences the pinnacle of summer, decorated with mild weather and extensive daylight. The city’s skies usually remain clear, bathing the surroundings in abundant sunlight. As this period is considerably dry, residents often opt for outdoor activities and enjoy the warm ambiance.
Weather in July »Weather in August
August in
Nantes exhibits the last leg of summer heat, accompanied by extended hours of daylight. The weather supports a vibrant outdoor lifestyle, packed with beach visits and evening walks. As the end of the month approaches, there is a noticeable reduction in temperature, signifying the forthcoming change of season.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September harbors the transition phase from summer to autumn in
Nantes, introducing a slight chill in the air. While the sun still shines brightly during the day, evenings get cooler, as fall steadily makes its presence felt.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Nantes in
October displays early signs of the incoming winter, as cooler temperatures gradually set in. The earlier vibrant and lush green trees start morphing into shades of autumn and the city prepares for the colder months. Despite the changing weather, rainfall remains relatively constant.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Rolling into
November,
Nantes witnesses a clear intensification of cold weather. Rainfall numbers peak, making the city experience damp and cold conditions. Alongside the increasing chill, wind speeds pick up pace, reducing outdoor comfort levels.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the arrival of winter in
Nantes, bringing with it cold temperatures and a scarce amount of daylight. The city’s atmosphere orchestrates the festive period beautifully with holiday lights and decorations changing the cityscape.
Weather in December » [Resources]