Weather in Marseille

Planning your day in Marseille? Check out the latest weather data, detailed forecasts, and clear charts in this section to make your stay in the city as comfortable as possible.

Marseille, located in the south of France, boasts a pleasant Mediterranean climate. This means the city enjoys warm, and often hot, sunny summers and mild, relatively dry winters. Distinct seasons allow you to plan your trip according to your preferences: summer months are ideal for beach holidays and outdoor activities, while spring and autumn offer comfortable temperatures for sightseeing and city walks.

Summer in Marseille, especially in July and August, is characterized by high temperatures, reaching an average of 25°C, and minimal rainfall – July can be almost completely dry. Winters here are mild, with an average temperature of about 7-8°C, and although the number of rainy days increases slightly, total precipitation remains low. Spring and autumn are transitional periods with moderate temperatures and little rainfall, making them a wonderful time to visit the city.

Overall, the weather in Marseille is favourable for tourism for most of the year. Low rainfall levels, especially during the summer months, and a high number of sunny days make it an attractive destination. Even in the "wettest" months, such as May or November, the number of rainy days is not high, and rainfall is usually not prolonged.

The temperature pattern in Marseille is distinguished by marked seasonality, typical of the Mediterranean climate. The annual temperature progression is smooth, without sharp extremes. The hottest months are traditionally July and August, when the average air temperature hovers around 25.3°C and 24.8°C respectively, and daily highs regularly exceed 30°C. The coolest period is considered to be January, with an average temperature of about 7.3°C, followed by December with a figure of 8.0°C.

Summer in Marseille, especially in the peak months of July and August, can be described as hot and sunny. Average maximum temperatures reach 30.6°C in July and 30.0°C in August, creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday. Nights bring pleasant coolness, with temperatures dropping on average to 19.9°C and 19.5°C respectively. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are quite noticeable; the difference between day and night readings can be about 10-11 degrees, ensuring comfortable rest after the daytime heat.

Winter in Marseille is characterized by its mildness. In January, the coldest month, the average minimum temperature is 3.4°C, and the maximum during the day rises to 11.2°C. In December and February, temperature readings are similar: around 4°C at night, and up to 11-13°C during the day. Frosts happen rarely, which makes winter quite comfortable for walking and sightseeing. Daily temperature variations in winter are less pronounced than in summer, amounting to approximately 7-9 degrees. Spring and autumn months are transitional, with a gradual rise or fall in temperature, offering very pleasant conditions for visiting the city.

Marseille is characterized by relatively low rainfall throughout the year, which is typical for the Mediterranean climate. There is no distinct season of torrential rains here, although there is a clear division into drier and wetter periods. Overall, the amount of precipitation is small, making the city attractive to visit at any time of year if you prefer to avoid heavy rains.

The driest month in Marseille is July, when the average rainfall tends towards zero (0 mm) and there are only about 2 rainy days. August is also distinguished by a small amount of precipitation (1 mm) and a small number of days with rain (about 3). Summer months, therefore, represent the driest period. Snow is an extremely rare phenomenon for Marseille, given the mild winter temperatures.

The greatest amount of precipitation, while remaining modest, falls in October and November – an average of 3 mm in each of these months. In terms of the frequency of rainy days, May and November stand out, when precipitation can be observed for approximately 10 days a month. However, even during these periods, rains are generally not prolonged or heavy; rather, they are light or moderate showers. In other months, rainfall ranges from 1 to 2 mm, with the number of rainy days ranging from 6 to 8.

When packing your suitcase for a trip to Marseille, it is worth considering its pleasant Mediterranean climate, but do not forget about some nuances. Regardless of the season, comfortable walking shoes will be your best friend, as the city invites long walks. The principle of layering in clothing is also relevant, especially in the off-season when the weather can be changeable. Don't forget an electrical adapter if necessary.

If your trip falls during the summer months (June-August), when hot and sunny weather reigns in Marseille with average temperatures around 22-25°C and highs reaching 30°C, your wardrobe should consist of light, breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and swimwear. Sunscreen with high SPF, a hat, and sunglasses are mandatory. Despite the minimal rainfall, a light wrap or cardigan may come in handy for evening walks by the sea, where it can be windy.

For a trip to Marseille in spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November), when the temperature is more moderate (from 10°C to 20°C), prepare for possible weather changes. You will need jeans or trousers, t-shirts, sweaters or a fleece jacket, as well as a light jacket or windbreaker – it will protect not only from the cool air but also from the possible wind characteristic of coastal cities. Although rainfall is low, a small folding umbrella or a light raincoat will not be amiss, especially in May, October, and November, when the number of rainy days increases slightly. Winter (December-February) in Marseille is mild, with average temperatures around 7-8°C. Take a warm jacket, sweaters, trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves, especially if you are sensitive to the cold or plan long walks. Winter precipitation is also not abundant, but an umbrella or waterproof jacket will come in handy.