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Nancy is the historic capital of the Duchy of Lorraine in the Grand Est region of northeastern France, a UNESCO-listed city of about 105,000 people (260,000 across the metro) built around the 18th-century squares of Place Stanislas, Place de la Carriere and Place d’Alliance. The climate is oceanic and mild: an annual average of 10.6°C (51°F), roughly 897 mm of rain spread evenly through the year, and about 1,684 hours of sunshine. Winters are cool and grey, summers are warm without extreme heat, and rain falls in every month. This page is a quick orientation, with links to seven detailed guides covering the weather, the best time to come, what to see and where to bed down.
Nancy Weather at a Glance
Nancy’s weather is the continental-edge version of the French oceanic climate: mild but changeable year-round. January averages 2.7°C (37°F) with daytime highs near 5°C (41°F), while July, the warmest month, averages 20.0°C (68°F) with highs around 25°C (77°F). The hottest days rarely pass 31°C (88°F). Rain is a constant: December is the wettest month at about 95 mm (3.7 in), April the driest at 67 mm (2.6 in), and no month averages under 50 mm. Expect clouds and showers in any season, and carry a folding umbrella from September through May.
Nancy Seasonal Snapshot
- Spring, March to May: temperatures climb from 7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F), April is the driest month, and the flowerbeds of Place Stanislas bloom through May.
- Summer, June to August: the warmest and brightest season, 19°C to 20°C averages with 220 hours of sunshine in July and August, plus short afternoon thunderstorms.
- Autumn, September to November: mild September, cooling to 6°C (43°F) by November, with rising rainfall and the best autumn foliage in October.
- Winter, December to February: cold and grey, January averaging 2.7°C (37°F) with frost and light snow, and December the wettest month at 95 mm.
Your Nancy Guides
- Nancy Weather by Month: a full month-by-month breakdown with temperatures, rainfall and sunshine in a comparison table.
- Best Time to Visit Nancy: which months win on weather, prices and crowds, including the Saint Nicolas festival window.
- Things to Do in Nancy: the UNESCO squares, the Museum of Fine Arts and the Art Nouveau trail, with hours and ticket prices.
- Nancy Events and Festivals: the Saint Nicolas parade, Nancy Jazz Pulsations and the year-round market calendar.
- Nancy Neighborhoods: the old town, the centre, the station district and where each suits you.
- Where to Stay in Nancy: area-by-area hotel picks from luxury on the square to budget chains in Laxou.
- Nancy Travel Tips and FAQ: airport transfers, money, tipping, safety and getting around.
Where Nancy Is and What Shapes Its Weather
Nancy lies on the Meurthe river in the Lorraine plateau, about 125 km (78 miles) west of the German border and 300 km (186 miles) east of Paris. Its position just east of the watershed between the Seine and Rhine basins, in the lee of the Vosges mountains to the southeast, gives it a semi-continental tilt: slightly colder winters and warmer summers than cities on the Atlantic coast like Nantes. The Vosges also channel cold easterly air in winter, which is why Nancy can feel raw even when the thermometer reads a few degrees above freezing.
Quick Facts
- Warmest month: July, average 20.0°C (68°F)
- Coldest month: January, average 2.7°C (37°F)
- Wettest month: December, about 95 mm (3.7 in)
- Driest month: April, about 67 mm (2.6 in)
- Annual rainfall: about 897 mm (35 in)
- Annual sunshine: about 1,684 hours
- Best overall months: May, June and September
Suggested Hotels in Nancy
Three reliable hotels cover the luxury, mid-range and budget tiers, all within a short walk of Place Stanislas.
Grand Hotel de la Reine
A 4-star set in an 18th-century palace directly on Place Stanislas, with a shared lounge, banqueting hall and views of the illuminated square through the window. Best for couples wanting a landmark address. Check rates and availability
Hotel Stanley by HappyCulture
A 3-star two minutes from the Nancy-Ville station and five minutes on foot from the square, with free Wi-Fi and a daily breakfast buffet. Best for train travellers and short city breaks. Check rates and availability
ibis budget Nancy Centre
A compact, recently renovated budget chain in the centre with a 7.9 guest rating and the lowest central rates. Best for solo travellers watching cost. Check rates and availability
