France in September: Weather, Tips & Great Bargains
France in September offers warm weather with the added benefit of thinner crowds – a much-needed breather from the congested month of August. With summer in its twilight and autumn just around the corner, there are a host of wine-related festivals to take part in and mild water temperatures off the country’s coast beckon you to dive in. Now is a great time to explore Bordeaux and its wine-producing regions. You can also make the most of your stay in the country with a trip to the stunning French Riviera after the crowds have left.
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France Weather in September
The weather in much of France in September feels very much like August – sun-kissed, warm and inviting – especially during the first week or two. The month’s second half, however, sees colder evenings and an overcast sky as fall begins to rear its chilly head.
The northeastern region of the country bears the brunt of the autumnal cold, with average temperatures of 10 to 21°C. Elsewhere, the weather is still pleasant, with average temperatures of 12 to 23°C and 17 to 25°C in Bordeaux and Nice respectively. With thinner crowds, now is a great time to explore Paris, go on a wine tour in Burgundy and the Loire Valley, or take a dip in the crystal clear waters of Corsica.
For a seasonal overview, read our travel article on the best time to visit France.
Weather in France in September - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 7 | 8 | 12 | 16 | 20 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 21 | 16 | 11 | 8 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 3 | 3 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 10 | 6 | 3 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 45 | 47 | 54 | 61 | 68 | 74 | 77 | 77 | 70 | 61 | 52 | 47 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 38 | 38 | 41 | 45 | 52 | 58 | 61 | 61 | 56 | 50 | 43 | 38 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 18 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 21 | 16 | 25 | 22 | 26 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 25 | 21 | 16 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 16 | 13 | 10 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 77 | 70 | 61 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 61 | 56 | 50 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 21 | 16 | 25 |
Why Visit France in September
With pleasant weather and thinner crowds, September in France is a great month for travelers looking for a relaxing vacation. This month offers respite from the choking heat and humidity that Paris can see in July and August, which means that you can enjoy a sightseeing tour of the city without sweating buckets. For thinner crowds and better bargains, consider visiting France during the month’s latter half, when it is closer to the low season. Below are the reasons why you should visit France in September.
- Great weather: September offers warmth, but not the humid kind that most of the country sees in July and August. Now is an excellent time to explore Paris’ attractions without having to fear heatwaves. Visit the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower and marvel at Arc de Triomphe.
- Fewer crowds: With summer drawing to a close, children go back to school and locals return to work. Take this time to explore summer destinations like Corsica and the French Riviera.
- Wine country comes to life: The grape harvest season is in full swing throughout France’s wine country in September and wine-related festivities abound! Enjoy wine with jazz music in Burgundy’s Jazz a Beaune or go for an evening tour of Saint Emilion to celebrate its annual grape harvest.
- Extended hours: Attractions and museums throughout France are open in September, with several still offering extended hours to cater to travelers. Now is a great time to go museum-hopping!
- Great bargains: With summer crowds leaving the country, rates on airfare and accommodation plummet in September (especially during the month’s latter half). Secure good rates by booking in advance!
Where to go and what to do
Visiting France's wine-producing regions is one of the most popular things to do in France in September. Book a chateau in Burgundy and explore its architectural wonders and Michelin-starred restaurants, or head to the Loire Valley for a wine tour and gawk over its lavish royal castles surrounded by rows of vineyards. Bordeaux, the world's second-largest wine-growing region, is especially beautiful during this time of year. Explore Beaune, the region’s museums and enjoy wine-tasting sessions.
With fewer tourists, September is an exceptional time to discover some of the best places in France. Consider visiting Paris during European Heritage Days, where its city hall and various other government buildings are open to the public.
A trip to France in September is not complete without taking a dip in the Mediterranean. Now is a great time to kick back on the beaches of Corsica and the French Riviera.
What to bring
When thinking about what to pack for a trip to France in September, think summer days with chilly evenings. You can get by wearing light fabric and smothering some sunblock during the day. However, make sure that you pack a couple of warm clothes for cooler nights. Also, a lightweight raincoat and an umbrella would come handy when touring, especially in the northeast region, where there are chances of rain.
September is a great time to visit France as it offers everything you want from a great vacation - warm weather conditions, thinner crowds, a bevy of festivities, and cheaper prices towards the end of the month. In addition to all these, September is also when grapes are harvested, meaning you can be part of a host of wine-related activities in the country's most popular wine-producing regions.
While the beaches in the country’s south are not free of visitors during this time of the year, there are less crowds on the country’s sandy stretches compared with August, making it an ideal time to relax along the Mediterranean coast.
Browse through our collection of tour itineraries in France, or connect with our travel experts in the country to get a customized trip to France.
If you're interested, you may want to check out our France trips in September.
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