Weather in Lyon

Planning a trip or simply curious about the weather in Lyon? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as detailed forecasts and useful charts.

The climate in Lyon can be described as temperate continental with a noticeable Mediterranean influence, especially during the summer months. This means the city experiences all four seasons, each with its own distinct features, allowing tourists to choose the most comfortable time to visit based on their preferences.

Summer in Lyon is generally warm and quite sunny, particularly in July and August, when the average temperature reaches 22.2°C, and maximums can rise to 27-28°C. Winters, on the other hand, are cool and damp. The average temperature in January is around 4.0°C, with minimum values dropping to 1.0°C. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with pleasant but changeable weather.

Regarding precipitation, it is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, although the number of rainy days is slightly higher in the winter months (for example, 17 days in December) and in May (15 days). The average monthly rainfall amount is low, usually within the range of 2-4 mm, indicating frequent but not overly intense rains. This means that a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella can be useful at any time of the year.

The temperature regime in Lyon demonstrates a clearly defined change of seasons, offering diverse conditions throughout the year. The annual temperature range is quite wide: from cool winters to hot summers. The coldest month is typically January, with an average temperature of around 4.0°C and minimum night-time temperatures dropping to 1.0°C. Conversely, the peak heat occurs in July and August, when the average temperature is 22.2°C, and daily highs regularly reach 27.6°C, and sometimes even higher.

The summer months in Lyon, especially June, July, and August, are characterised by warm, and often hot weather. Daytime temperatures in July and August can rise to 27-28°C, creating ideal conditions for summer activities, although at times it can feel quite sweltering. An important feature of the summer period is the noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuation. After a hot day, the nights bring pleasant coolness, with average minimum temperatures around 15.0°C in June and 16.7°C in July and August. This difference between the daytime heat and night-time freshness, reaching 10-11°C, makes the evenings particularly comfortable.

Winter in Lyon, spanning from December to February, is distinguished by cool weather conditions. The average temperature in January holds at 4.0°C, while in December and February it is slightly higher – 4.9°C and 5.8°C respectively. Night-time temperatures in the winter months often approach zero or drop slightly below (1.0°C - 2.0°C), making light frosts possible. Daily maximums usually remain positive, fluctuating in the range of 7.0°C to 10.0°C. Daily temperature variations in winter are less significant than in summer, amounting to approximately 6-8°C, but are still perceptible, especially when transitioning from a relatively mild day to a cold night.

Precipitation in Lyon falls throughout the year, and the city does not experience distinct rainy or dry seasons in terms of total volume. The monthly amount of precipitation remains consistently low, fluctuating in the range from 2 mm (for example, in February, April, July, and August) to 4 mm (in May and December). This suggests that heavy and prolonged downpours are rare here; rather, one should expect moderate or light precipitation.

Despite the relatively even distribution of the total amount of precipitation, the frequency of its occurrence varies noticeably by month. The highest number of days with precipitation occurs in December (an average of 17 days) and May (15 days), as well as January (14 days). During these periods, the probability of encountering rain or, in winter, wet snow is slightly higher. Conversely, July and August are the "sunniest" months in this regard, with only 9 rainy days in each. The nature of the precipitation is most often moderate or light, spread over several days.

In winter, especially from December to February, when average minimum temperatures drop to 1-2°C, precipitation can fall not only as rain but also in the form of snow. Although a sustained snow cover is not very characteristic for Lyon, short-term snowfalls are quite possible. Summer precipitation, though less frequent, usually comes in the form of brief rains that can bring pleasant freshness on hot days. Overall, a light waterproof jacket or an umbrella can prove to be useful companions on a trip to Lyon at any time of the year.

When planning a trip to Lyon, it is important to consider the variability of the weather and prepare a wardrobe that will allow you to feel comfortable at any time of the year. The key principle is layering: light sweaters, cardigans, or fleeces that can be put on or taken off depending on the temperature will be very handy. Since precipitation in the form of light rain or drizzle happens quite often throughout the year (from 9 to 17 rainy days per month), do not forget to bring a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket. And, of course, comfortable walking shoes are your main ally in exploring the charming streets of Lyon.

In the cold season, from late autumn to early spring (approximately from November to March), when average temperatures fluctuate from 4°C to 8°C, and minimums can drop to 1-3°C, you will need warmer clothing. Be sure to pack a warm jacket or coat, sweaters, a scarf, gloves, and a hat, especially for evening walks. Waterproof footwear will also be very useful, given the increased number of rainy days during this period. In the coldest months, January and December, warm socks and possibly thermal underwear will make your stay more comfortable.

The summer months in Lyon, from June to August, delight with warm, and sometimes hot weather with average temperatures around 20-22°C and maximums up to 27-28°C. During this period, your suitcase should contain light clothing made of natural fabrics: t-shirts, shorts, dresses, and sundresses. Do not forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for protection from the sun. Despite the warmth, evenings can be cooler (around 15-17°C), so a light cardigan or jumper will not go amiss. In spring (April-May) and early autumn (September-October), the weather is mild but still requires layering: it can be warm during the day (15-20°C), while mornings and evenings are cool, so a light jacket, jeans, and closed shoes will be appropriate.