Weather in Avignon

Find out what weather awaits you in Avignon! In this section, we have gathered current reports, detailed forecasts, and visual charts to help you perfectly plan your time in this beautiful city.

Avignon, located in the south of France, boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate. This means the city welcomes guests with hot, sunny summers and mild, slightly more humid winters, although overall rainfall remains low year-round. In general, the weather here is conducive to travel, offering diverse experiences depending on the season.

The summer months, especially July and August, are characterized by high temperatures, often reaching 30-32°C, and minimal precipitation. This is the ideal time for those who love the sun and warmth. Winters in Avignon are quite mild, with an average temperature of around 7-8°C; frosts occur but are rarely severe. Spring and autumn are comfortable transitional periods with moderate temperatures, perfect for excursions and walks.

One of the distinctive features of Avignon's climate is the comparatively low level of precipitation throughout the year. Even in months with a high number of "wet days," the actual amount of rain falling remains small, usually within the range of 1-4 mm. This makes Avignon an attractive destination for those who prefer to avoid prolonged rains and enjoy active outdoor recreation.

The temperature pattern in Avignon demonstrates distinct seasonal changes characteristic of a Mediterranean climate. The hottest months are traditionally July, with an average temperature of 26.4°C and maximum values reaching 32.6°C, and August, where the average temperature is 25.7°C, and the daily maximum can rise to 31.7°C. The coolest period is considered to be January with an average temperature of 7.0°C and minimum night-time readings around 3.1°C, as well as December with an average value of 7.5°C and a minimum of 3.7°C. Thus, the annual temperature course in Avignon is distinguished by a significant contrast between summer heat and winter coolness.

The summer months in Avignon, from June to August, are characterized as hot and predominantly sunny. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed the 29-30°C mark, and in July and August, they can reach 32°C and above. Nights bring pleasant relief, although they remain warm: minimum temperatures in July and August hold around 20°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in summer is quite substantial, averaging 10-12°C, which ensures comfortable rest after the daytime heat. This time is ideal for those who love warmth and sunny weather.

Winter in Avignon, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by mildness and coolness, but without severe frosts. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate in the range of 10-13°C, which is quite comfortable for walks and sightseeing. At night, the thermometer drops to 3-4°C, sometimes approaching the freezing mark, especially in January. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less pronounced than in summer but are still noticeable, amounting to about 7-9°C. Overall, winter in Avignon is not harsh, but it requires warm clothing, especially for the evening and morning hours.

Precipitation in Avignon is characterized by its moderation throughout the year. According to the provided data, the total amount of precipitation remains low, even in months with the highest indicators. Thus, the "wettest" month in terms of rainfall is October, when an average of 4 mm is recorded. On the other hand, January, February, and July are the driest, with an indicator of just 1 mm of precipitation per month.

Despite the small total amount, the frequency of rainy days in Avignon varies by season. The lowest number of days with precipitation falls on the summer months: July and August, when it rains on average only 4 days each month. Conversely, late spring and the autumn-winter period are distinguished by a larger number of "wet" days. In May, October, November, and December, the number of rainy days reaches 10. Given the low total volumes of precipitation, it can be assumed that these are typically light rains or drizzle, rather than heavy downpours.

Thus, in Avignon, there is no clearly defined rainy season in the usual sense, with prolonged and heavy rainfall. Rather, it is a matter of periods with a greater or lesser probability of short-term and low-intensity rains. The summer months offer the driest weather, while in spring and autumn, one should be prepared for more frequent, albeit light, precipitation. Snow for Avignon, given the mild Mediterranean climate and average monthly temperatures, is a rare phenomenon.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Avignon, it is important to consider the local climate features so that your journey is as comfortable as possible. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity, as the historic city centre is best explored on foot. It is also worth remembering the possible wind, especially the famous Mistral, which can blow at any time of the year, so a light windbreaker or jumper will be very useful. The principle of layering in clothing is your best ally in Avignon, allowing you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day, especially in the off-season.

In summer, from June to August, hot and sunny weather sets in Avignon. Your wardrobe should consist of light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen), shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Be sure to take headwear, sunglasses, and cream with high SPF. For evening walks, a light sweater or cardigan may come in handy. In winter, from December to February, the weather becomes cool. You will need a warm jacket (possibly with protection against wind and moisture, as the number of days with precipitation increases, even if the precipitation itself is not heavy), sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Although severe frosts usually do not occur, the morning and evening chill can be palpable.

Spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) in Avignon are pleasant times with moderate temperatures, but the weather can be changeable. During the day it can be quite warm, but evenings bring coolness. The ideal solution would be a layered wardrobe: t-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, jumpers, a light jacket, or a trench coat. Considering that during these periods the number of days with precipitation is slightly higher (although the rains themselves are usually not strong), a small foldable umbrella or a light raincoat will not be superfluous in your luggage. Do not forget about sunscreen as well, as the sun can be active even on non-hot days.