Annecy sits at 448 metres (1,470 feet) above sea level in the French Alps, giving it a mix of oceanic and mountain-influenced climate. Summers are warm with lake water reaching 24 degrees C (75 degrees F) by August, while winters are cold with regular snow on surrounding peaks. Rainfall is spread fairly evenly through the year, though May and June tend to be the wettest months. This month-by-month breakdown covers temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, and lake conditions so you know exactly what to expect when you visit.
Annecy Weather in January
January is the coldest month in Annecy. Average highs reach 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) and lows drop to -1 degrees C (30 degrees F). Expect around 70mm of rainfall across 11 wet days. Sunshine is limited to about 3 hours per day. Lake Annecy sits at roughly 5 degrees C (41 degrees F), far too cold for swimming. Snow is common at higher elevations around the lake but rarely settles in the town centre itself. Ski resorts within 40 minutes’ drive like La Clusaz and Le Grand Bornand are in full operation.
Annecy Weather in February
February brings slightly warmer temperatures with highs of 7 degrees C (45 degrees F) and lows around 0 degrees C (32 degrees F). Rainfall totals about 65mm over 10 days, and sunshine increases to 4 hours daily. The lake remains cold at 5 to 6 degrees C. This is prime ski season, with reliable snow cover at resorts above 1,000 metres. The Semnoz ski area, just 20 minutes from downtown Annecy, typically has good conditions through late February.
Annecy Weather in March
March sees the beginning of spring with highs reaching 11 degrees C (52 degrees F) and lows of 3 degrees C (37 degrees F). Rainfall is around 65mm with 10 wet days. Sunshine increases noticeably to 5 hours per day. Lake temperature stays at 7 to 8 degrees C. Skiing continues through mid-March at higher resorts, though lower slopes begin to soften. The old town starts to come alive with outdoor cafe seating reappearing on sunny days.
Annecy Weather in April
April warms up to highs of 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) and lows of 6 degrees C (43 degrees F). Rainfall increases to about 70mm over 11 days with 6 hours of daily sunshine. Lake temperature slowly climbs to 9 to 11 degrees C. Mountain snow begins melting, feeding waterfalls at full force, making this a good month for hiking lower-elevation trails like the Gorges du Fier. Pack layers and a rain jacket as conditions shift quickly between sun and showers.
Annecy Weather in May
May brings comfortable highs of 19 degrees C (66 degrees F) and lows of 10 degrees C (50 degrees F). This is typically the wettest month with 85mm of rain over 13 days, often as afternoon thunderstorms. Sunshine reaches 7 hours per day. Lake temperature warms to 13 to 15 degrees C. The first brave swimmers enter the water at the Plage d’Albigny beach around late May. Hiking trails at mid-elevations like Mont Veyrier and Roc de Chere open up as snow clears.
Annecy Weather in June
June delivers early summer warmth with highs of 23 degrees C (73 degrees F) and lows of 13 degrees C (55 degrees F). Rainfall is about 90mm across 12 days, but it often falls in short heavy bursts rather than all-day rain. You get 8 hours of sunshine daily. Lake temperature reaches 17 to 19 degrees C, swimmable for most people. The long daylight hours (sun sets around 9:30 PM) extend sightseeing time. Boat rentals on the lake open fully, and the cycle path around the lake (Voie Verte, 42km total) is in perfect condition.
Annecy Weather in July
July is the warmest and sunniest month. Highs average 26 degrees C (79 degrees F) with occasional peaks above 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Lows stay at a pleasant 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Rainfall drops to 80mm over 9 days. Sunshine peaks at 9 hours per day. Lake temperature reaches its warmest at 22 to 24 degrees C (72 to 75 degrees F), comparable to a heated pool. This is peak tourist season. Book accommodation 2 to 3 months ahead. Beaches fill by 11 AM on weekends, and the lakefront promenade at Jardins de l’Europe gets crowded.
Annecy Weather in August
August stays warm with highs of 25 degrees C (77 degrees F) and lows of 15 degrees C (59 degrees F). Rainfall increases slightly to 85mm over 10 days, often as afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. Sunshine averages 8 hours daily. Lake temperature holds at 22 to 24 degrees C, making it the best swimming month. The first two weeks of August are the busiest, with French holidaymakers joining international tourists. Parking near the lake becomes difficult after 10 AM. Use the park-and-ride at Parc des Sports on the western edge of town.
Annecy Weather in September
September brings pleasant early-autumn weather. Highs reach 21 degrees C (70 degrees F) and lows drop to 12 degrees C (54 degrees F). Rainfall is about 85mm over 10 days. Sunshine decreases to 6 hours daily but feels generous with the lower sun angle. Lake temperature stays at 19 to 21 degrees C through mid-September, still comfortable for swimming. Crowds thin dramatically after the first week. This is one of the best months to visit, with warm water, fewer tourists, and lower hotel rates.
Annecy Weather in October
October cools significantly with highs of 15 degrees C (59 degrees F) and lows of 7 degrees C (45 degrees F). Rainfall totals about 80mm over 11 days. Sunshine drops to 4 hours per day. Lake temperature falls to 15 to 17 degrees C, with only hardy swimmers venturing in. Autumn foliage around the lake and in the surrounding mountains peaks in mid-to-late October. The Cascade d’Angon waterfall and Col de la Forclaz viewpoint are especially scenic with fall colours.
Annecy Weather in November
November brings late-autumn chill with highs of 9 degrees C (48 degrees F) and lows of 3 degrees C (37 degrees F). Rainfall is 85mm over 12 days, and sunshine shrinks to just 3 hours daily. Lake temperature drops to 10 to 12 degrees C. This is the quietest month for tourism, with many lakeside restaurants closing for the season. Ski resorts start snowmaking operations around mid-November, with opening dates typically in the first week of December.
Annecy Weather in December
December is cold with highs of 5 degrees C (41 degrees F) and lows around 0 degrees C (32 degrees F). Rainfall is about 75mm over 11 days with 2 hours of daily sunshine, the lowest of the year. Lake temperature is 6 to 7 degrees C. Snowfall in town occurs a few times per winter but rarely accumulates more than a few centimetres. The Annecy Christmas Market runs throughout December in the old town, with wooden chalets, vin chaud, and an ice skating rink at Place Francois de Menthon.
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs) | Lake (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 5/41 | -1/30 | 70 | 3 | 5 |
| Feb | 7/45 | 0/32 | 65 | 4 | 6 |
| Mar | 11/52 | 3/37 | 65 | 5 | 8 |
| Apr | 15/59 | 6/43 | 70 | 6 | 10 |
| May | 19/66 | 10/50 | 85 | 7 | 14 |
| Jun | 23/73 | 13/55 | 90 | 8 | 18 |
| Jul | 26/79 | 15/59 | 80 | 9 | 23 |
| Aug | 25/77 | 15/59 | 85 | 8 | 23 |
| Sep | 21/70 | 12/54 | 85 | 6 | 20 |
| Oct | 15/59 | 7/45 | 80 | 4 | 16 |
| Nov | 9/48 | 3/37 | 85 | 3 | 11 |
| Dec | 5/41 | 0/32 | 75 | 2 | 7 |
For more detailed climate context, see the https://theweather.guide/france/auvergne-rhone-alpes/annecy/annecy-best-time-to-visit/ guide which covers the best months for specific activities like hiking, skiing, and swimming. For additional information, see our things to do in Annecy guide. For additional information, see our Annecy events and festivals guide. For additional information, see our Annecy neighborhoods guide. For additional information, see our where to stay in Annecy guide. For additional information, see our Annecy travel tips guide.
