Weather in France in July

Sitting slap-bang in the middle of peak tourist season, July is one of the busiest (and most expensive) times to visit France. Offering long sunny days, balmy evenings, and a bounty of festivals, it’s also an excellent time to take advantage of basically everything the country has to offer, from blissing out on beautiful beaches, to exploring soul-stirring wine landscapes and mountains. Tempted to visit? Read on for detail on the weather in France in July.

France in July at a glance

• Average low temperature range: 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C); average high: 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C).
• Expect plenty of sunshine and minimal rainfall.
• This is a peak month for tourism, so crowds and costs will be at their highest.

What is the weather like in France in July?

The weather in France in July is hot and sunny, with northern regions and coastal areas slightly cooler than the interior and south.

July also sees minimal rainfall, though occasional thunderstorms can happen — they’re more likely in interior regions. 

In terms of the numbers, Paris and Northern France typically see 1.4 to 2.0 inches (35 to 50 mm) of rainfall through the month, while Southern France experiences up to 0.8 to 1.4 inches (20 to 35 mm).

For comparison, in the wettest months — November and December — France’s northern and western regions regularly receive over 3.0 inches (75 mm) of rain.

Generally, though, rainfall is minimal in July, and sunny days are the norm.

Keen to kickstart your France vacation? Talk to our local experts to start curating your dream trip.

Average daily temperatures in July

The weather in France in July experiences an average low temperature range of 60°F to 70°F (16°C to 21°C), and an average high of 75°F to 90°F (24°C to 32°C).

This compares with May’s average highs spanning 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C), and June’s highs of 70°F to 80°F (21°C to 27°C).

So, if you prefer it warm rather than scorching-hot, you might want to pass on July and visit France earlier in the season. 

At the other end of the scale, December sees average lows ranging from 30°F to 40°F (-1°C to 5°C), while average highs typically range from 40°F to 50°F (4°C to 10°C).

But back to July. Read on for a run-down of regional temperature variations in France during this peak-season month.

Paris and Northern France

• Highs: 75°F to 80°F (24°C to 27°C)
• Lows: 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C)

Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur)

• Highs: 85°F to 90°F (29°C to 32°C)
• Lows: 65°F to 72°F (18°C to 22°C)

Western France (Bordeaux, Loire Valley)

• Highs: 80°F to 85°F (27°C to 29°C)
• Lows: 60°F to 65°F (16°C to 18°C)

Eastern France (Lyon, Alsace)

• Highs: 82°F to 88°F (28°C to 31°C)
• Lows: 62°F to 68°F (17°C to 20°C)

French Alps and Pyrenees

• Highs: 70°F to 78°F (21°C to 26°C)
• Lows: 50°F to 60°F (10°C to 15°C)

Want an overview of the weather in France around the year? Read up on the best time to visit France.

Is July a good time to visit France?

Falling at the height of France’s warm, sunny summer season, July is certainly a popular time to visit France. Whether it’s a good time for you to visit depends entirely on your proclivity for bigger crowds, and your budget.

And the reasons? July sees France attract big visitor numbers, and increased demand brings increased prices. 

Conversely, if you relish livelier vibes, hot weather, and have your budget in hand, July is a wonderful month to enjoy pretty much all the best things France has to offer.

First up, the weather in France in July is ideal for hitting some of the best beaches in France, including those along the captivating Côte d'Azur and Brittany.

Want a more active vacation? While hot, July is a top time to hike the Alps, explore the enchanting lavender fields of Provence, stroll Loire Valley river routes, and bike the vineyards of Alsace by bike. 

Simply rise early to avoid the heat of the peak heat of the day, and plan your itinerary to wind up at a vineyard for lunch and a wine-tasting experience.

On that subject, the wine regions of Bordeaux, Burgundy, Champagne and the Rhône Valley are simply stunning at this time of year. Before booking your trip, check out the best Bordeaux vineyards.

Keen to uncover cities? While still Paris befits its status as one the most romantic places in the world when it’s packed with tourists in July, consider visiting Lyon as an alternative.

This charming city that has it all is a wonderful weekend break destination, and also makes a fabulous base for longer trips.

In summary, whether July is a good time to visit France depends entirely on your personal preferences. 

You just have to balance the downsides of big crowds and costs with the big benefits of fine weather, buzzy vibes, and fascinating festivals — keep reading for more on them.

Not set on France? Browse more suggestions for the best places to travel in July, and discover some of the best summer destinations in Europe.

What about the crowds and cost?

Here’s the thing — July is peak tourist season in France, which means you should expect crowds to be at their biggest, most notably in popular destinations like Paris and the French Riviera. 

At the same time, the cost of flights and accommodation tend to be higher in July. 

While it’s always best to book well ahead of traveling, that’s especially pertinent if you’re planning to visit France in July or August. 

On a budget? Discover great things to do in Paris for FREE!

Festivals and events in France in July

Here are some the festivals and events that might tempt you to visit France in July.

Bastille Day 

Marked across the country on 14^th July, Bastille Day — France’s national day — is celebrated with grand military parades, fireworks and concerts. 

Head to Paris for the most elaborate events, among them a huge parade on the Champs-Élysées and fireworks around the Eiffel Tower.

Festival d'Avignon

One of the most esteemed performing arts festivals in the world, the Avignon Festival features theater, dance, and music performances in charming historic venues around the city.

Jazz à Juan

Held in Juan-les-Pins on the French Riviera in mid-July, this prestigious jazz festival boasts a stunning seaside setting and attracts world-renowned jazz musicians.

Festival de Carcassonne

Held in the handsome, historic city of Carcassonne, Languedoc, the annual Festival de Carcassonne attracts some 200k revellers to its UNESCO World Heritage Site setting.

Expect 120+ shows ranging from opera and theater, to dance and classical music, 80 of them free.

Les Vieilles Charrues

One of France’s largest music festivals, Les Vieilles Charrues (Old Plough’s) festival attracts big-name acts and around 300K visitors to Carhaix, Brittany, for a music-packed weekend.

Festival de Cornouaille

Since 1923, Quimper has played host to this exuberant celebration of Celtic Breton culture across a week in July.

Expect traditional dancing and costumes, bagpipers, bell-ringers, and much merry-making on the streets and squares of this Finistere coast treasure.

Ready for your dream trip to France?

Before booking you dream trip to France, browse our France itineraries for inspiration. Using our tailor-made trip platform means you’ll cut out the hassle of planning. 

Here are a few sample itineraries:

• Active Walking Tour from Paris to Southern France: this active itinerary will see you explore the length of France. After spending a few days in Paris, your southbound journey will see you traverse scenic hills, mountains and villages en route to Uzés and Avignon, with opportunities to enjoy adventure activities and cultural experiences long the way.
• A Taste of Eastern France: kicking off in Lyon, this 4-day walking itinerary combines fine food and fresh-air experiences in immersive style. After enjoying delicious food tours in Lyon, you’ll embark on a scenic walk through the beautiful Beaujolais region, with pretty much every day rounded off with a wine-tasting experience.
• Scenic Southern France: this spectacular tour starts in the coastal city of Marseille. After taking a walking tour of the city, you’ll uncover captivating Cassis by bike before venturing to the Alpilles to explore Provence, taking in Les Baux and St Remy, ending your trip in Avignon.

Inspired? Contact our local experts to start curating your own dream trip to France.