Weather in Saint-Étienne

Planning your day in Saint-Étienne? Here you will find the most up-to-date weather information. Check out the current data and forecasts to make your trip as comfortable as possible.

The city of Saint-Étienne enjoys a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. It is characterized by warm, pleasant summers and cool, wet winters. Thanks to the absence of extreme temperatures, the city is comfortable to visit at any time of year, though each season offers its own unique weather conditions.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the warmest and sunniest. The average temperature during this period stays around 20.4°C, while daily highs can reach a comfortable 26°C. Winter, by contrast, is cool, with average temperatures ranging from 2.8°C to 4.6°C. Night frosts are not uncommon, so it is worth packing warm clothes for a winter trip.

A characteristic feature of the local climate is the even distribution of rainfall throughout the year. Although the number of rainy days can be significant (especially in May and December), heavy downpours are rare here. Most often, it is a light, drizzling rain. Therefore, when planning a trip to Saint-Étienne, it is recommended to carry an umbrella or raincoat regardless of the season.

The temperature regime in Saint-Étienne is distinguished by pronounced seasonal fluctuations typical of a temperate climate. The annual range of average temperatures is quite perceptible, spanning more than 17 degrees—from a cool 2.8°C in January to a comfortable 20.4°C at the height of summer, in July and August. This ensures a clear change of seasons, each having its own unique weather conditions.

Summer in the city can be described as pleasantly warm, without exhausting heat. In the warmest months, the daytime temperature averages up to 26°C, creating excellent conditions for exploring the city. A distinctive feature of the local climate is significant diurnal variations: summer nights bring refreshing coolness, with the thermometer dropping to 13–15°C. This feature makes evening walks particularly pleasant, though it is worth having a light jacket or sweater with you.

Winter in Saint-Étienne is cool and damp. From December to February, daytime readings usually hold in the 5–9°C range, while nights are often frosty, especially in January when the temperature regularly drops below zero. The transitional seasons demonstrate a smooth shift: spring brings gradual warming, and autumn delights with mild weather in September, after which the temperature begins to decline smoothly, preparing the city for winter.

In Saint-Étienne, precipitation is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, so there is no clearly defined rainy season or drought period. A characteristic feature of the local climate is the high frequency of precipitation with low volume, which means travellers should be prepared for frequent but usually light rain or drizzle at any time of year.

The wettest times of the year can be considered late spring and early winter. May and December stand out with the highest number of rainy days—an average of 16 days in each. At the same time, May also leads in total rainfall volume. In winter, especially in January when the average minimum temperature drops below zero, light snow or sleet may fall instead of rain.

The driest and sunniest month in Saint-Étienne is August. At this time, the number of rainy days drops to a minimum—averaging just 8 for the month. This makes the end of summer the most favourable period for visiting the city if you want to catch clear weather. However, even at this time, brief showers are not excluded, so a light raincoat will not be amiss in your luggage.

When planning a trip to Saint-Étienne, it is worth preparing for changeable weather with four distinct seasons. The key principle when packing your suitcase is layering. This will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes throughout the day. Regardless of the season, you will need comfortable shoes for walking around the city. Considering that precipitation is possible year-round (from 8 to 16 rainy days per month), a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will become your faithful companions.

In summer, from June to August, the weather in Saint-Étienne is warm and pleasant. During the day, you will be comfortable in t-shirts, light dresses, and shorts. However, evenings can be cool, so do not forget to bring a light sweater or cardigan. Sunscreen and a hat for sun protection will also come in handy. In spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), the weather is more unpredictable. In these seasons, your wardrobe should include jeans, t-shirts, sweaters, and a mid-season jacket. A scarf will not only add French charm to your look but also protect against the cool wind.

Winter in Saint-Étienne, from December to February, is quite cold, with temperatures often dropping to zero. For a comfortable stay in the city, you will definitely need a warm jacket or coat, hat, gloves, and a scarf. Fleece tops or warm sweaters are excellent as additional layers of clothing. It is also recommended to bring waterproof shoes in case of rain or sleet.