Weather in Perpignan

Planning your day in the city of Perpignan? Here you will find the latest weather information, including detailed forecasts and useful charts, to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in Perpignan is typically Mediterranean, making it one of the sunniest cities in France. It is characterised by hot, dry summers and very mild, relatively humid winters. Thanks to this climate, the city enjoys comfortable weather for most of the year, and sharp temperature drops or extreme weather phenomena are rare here.

There are four clearly defined seasons in Perpignan. Summer, especially in July and August, is very warm and sunny, with an average temperature of around 24°C and maximum values reaching 29°C. Winter is mild, with temperatures rarely dropping to zero, averaging 7-9°C. Spring and autumn are ideal times to visit: the weather is pleasant and not too hot, which is excellent for long walks and exploring the surroundings.

One of the main features of the local weather is the low level of rainfall throughout the year. Even in the "wettest" months, such as April or October, precipitation is minimal. This means that travellers can count on plenty of clear days in almost any season, making Perpignan a wonderful destination for those seeking sun and warmth.

The climate in Perpignan features distinct seasons with mild winters and hot summers, typical of the Mediterranean region. The annual temperature range is quite wide. The coldest months are December and January, when the average temperature hovers around 7-8°C, and nightly minimums can drop to 3.5-4.8°C. The peak heat occurs in July and August; during this time, the average temperature is 24.3°C, and daily maximums steadily hold around 29.3°C.

Summer months in Perpignan are hot and predominantly dry. Starting from June, when the average temperature already reaches 21.5°C, real summer weather sets in. Days are very warm or even sweltering, while nights remain comfortable, with temperatures rarely falling below 17-19°C. Such weather is ideal for a seaside holiday and enjoying all the charms of the south of France. Spring and autumn are periods of pleasant warmth, especially May and September, when average temperatures are 16.7°C and 20.1°C respectively.

Winter in Perpignan is very mild compared to most of Europe. During the day, the air temperature usually rises to a comfortable 11-13°C, allowing for walks even in January. However, nights are quite cool, and temperatures can approach zero. Throughout the year, there is a noticeable difference between day and night temperatures, reaching 8-10 degrees. This means that even on the warmest day, a light jacket or sweater might be needed for the evening.

Perpignan experiences a Mediterranean climate with relatively low rainfall throughout the year, so there is no distinct rainy season here. Precipitation is generally distributed relatively evenly, occurring as light and short-lived rains rather than heavy downpours. The total amount of moisture is low, making the city's climate predominantly dry.

Speaking of the wettest periods, a slight increase in rainfall is observed in April and October — about 3 mm falls during these months. The driest months of the year are February, July, August, and December, when average rainfall is just 1 mm. This means the difference between "wet" and "dry" seasons is minimal.

Interestingly, despite the low volume of rainfall, rainy days are not a rarity. The highest frequency of rain occurs in spring and early summer: in March, May, and June, there are on average about 10 days with precipitation. Rain occurs least frequently in winter, especially in January and February, when only 6 rainy days are recorded. Given the mild winter temperatures, snowfall in Perpignan is an extremely rare phenomenon.

When planning a trip to Perpignan, it is important to consider its Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. Regardless of the season, your main companion is comfortable walking shoes, as exploring the historic city centre is best done on foot. The key principle when packing is layering, as day and evening temperatures can differ noticeably. It is also worth remembering the famous Tramontane wind, due to which it can feel cool even on a sunny day. A light windbreaker or jacket will be useful almost all year round. Do not forget sun protection: sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are necessary from spring to autumn.

In summer, from June to August, hot weather settles in Perpignan. You should pack light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics: cotton or linen. Shorts, T-shirts, sundresses, and open footwear will be most appropriate. A light cardigan or shawl may be useful for evening walks or visiting air-conditioned premises. In winter, from December to February, the weather remains quite mild, without severe frosts. You will need a warm jacket, sweater, or fleece, jeans, and closed shoes. A scarf and gloves will make staying outdoors more comfortable, especially on windy days.

Spring and autumn are wonderful times to visit Perpignan, characterised by changeable weather. For these seasons, a wardrobe that is easy to mix and match works best: T-shirts, long-sleeved shirts, a jumper, and a mid-season jacket. Although heavy rains are rare here, the number of days with precipitation increases in March-May and September-November, so a compact umbrella or a light raincoat may prove useful.