Colmar sits in the Alsace region of northeastern France, at the foot of the Vosges mountains. Its semi-continental climate gives the city warm summers and cold winters, but the real story is the rain shadow effect: the Vosges block Atlantic moisture, making Colmar one of the driest cities in France with just 530mm (21 inches) of annual rainfall. That is roughly half of what Paris gets. Sunshine hours average 1,750 per year, high for a northern French city.
The table below breaks down Colmar’s weather month by month with actual temperatures (in Celsius and Fahrenheit), rainfall in millimetres, and daily sunshine hours so you know exactly what to pack.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 5°C (41°F) | -1°C (30°F) | 30mm | 2 |
| February | 7°C (45°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 29mm | 3 |
| March | 12°C (54°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 32mm | 5 |
| April | 16°C (61°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 40mm | 6 |
| May | 20°C (68°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 65mm | 7 |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 65mm | 8 |
| July | 26°C (79°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 60mm | 8 |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 14°C (57°F) | 58mm | 7 |
| September | 21°C (70°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 52mm | 6 |
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 48mm | 4 |
| November | 9°C (48°F) | 3°C (37°F) | 42mm | 2 |
| December | 6°C (43°F) | 0°C (32°F) | 38mm | 2 |
Colmar Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter in Colmar is cold and crisp. December through February see average highs of 5 to 7°C (41 to 45°F) and overnight lows dropping below freezing to -1°C (30°F) in January. Snowfall is light (2 to 4 days per month) and rarely exceeds a few centimetres. The winter sun is weak, producing just 2 to 3 hours of daily sunshine, but the dry air makes the cold feel less penetrating than in coastal cities like Le Havre. Rain is low too, around 30mm per month, so you are more likely to see frost on the cobblestones than puddles. The Christmas market season (late November to late December) draws the biggest winter crowds despite the chill. For more detail, see our Colmar events and festivals calendar.
Colmar Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
March kicks off with 12°C (54°F) highs and by May you will get 20°C (68°F). This is the fastest-warming season, but also the wettest, May and June both average 65mm of rain over 12 to 14 days each. April is noticeably drier at 40mm. Sunshine jumps from 5 hours daily in March to 7 in May. Late March and April are ideal for walking the Alsace Wine Route before the summer crowds arrive, though bring a waterproof jacket, spring showers are a regular feature. Overnight lows stay chilly through April (6°C/43°F), so pack layers. For more detail, see our Colmar travel tips.
Colmar Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is warm but rarely oppressive. July peaks at 26°C (79°F) average high, with August at 25°C (77°F). Heatwaves can push daytime temperatures into the mid-30s (95°F) for a few days, but humidity stays moderate at 65 to 70 percent thanks to the semi-continental air mass. Rain is moderate at 58 to 65mm, but it often falls in short afternoon thunderstorms rather than all-day drizzle. With 7 to 8 hours of daily sunshine, summer is the season for terrace dining along the Lauch River and day trips to the Haut-Koenigsbourg castle. Evenings cool to 13 to 15°C (55 to 59°F), so a light jacket is useful after sunset.
Colmar Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September holds onto summer warmth with 21°C (70°F) highs and 6 hours of daily sun, making it one of the best months for vineyard walks during the grape harvest. By October, highs drop to 15°C (59°F) and November brings 9°C (48°F). Rainfall is steady at 42 to 52mm per month, spread over 10 to 12 days. The Vosges forests turn gold and red in October, creating excellent hiking conditions before the November chill sets in. Fog can roll into the Rhine valley on windless autumn mornings and linger until midday. For more detail, see our Colmar neighborhoods guide.
Colmar Weather by Month: Humidity, Fog, and Wind
Humidity in Colmar ranges from 70 percent in summer to 85 percent in late autumn and winter, which is typical for a continental-influenced valley. November is the most humid month at 85 percent. Fog is common in October and November mornings due to the Rhine plain’s geography and the Lauch River. Wind speeds average 6 to 10 km/h year-round, with stronger gusts in March and November. The Vosges mountains shield the city from the strongest Atlantic storm systems, so severe wind events are rare. For more detail, see our where to stay in Colmar.
What to Pack for Colmar Weather by Month
For winter trips, bring a warm coat, scarf, and gloves, temperatures below freezing at night are normal. Waterproof boots help with occasional snow and frost. Spring visitors need layers and a waterproof jacket, mornings at 3°C (37°F) in March can feel very different from 20°C (68°F) May afternoons. Summer calls for light clothes, sunglasses, sunscreen (UV index reaches 7 in July), and that evening jacket for terrace dinners. Autumn visitors should pack similarly to spring, layers plus rain gear for vineyard walks. Comfortable walking shoes are essential year-round, Colmar’s cobblestone streets are uneven. For related planning, see our best time to visit Colmar guide. For related planning, see our things to do in Colmar guide.
