Orléans Weather by Month

Orléans has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with mild summers, cool winters, and rainfall spread evenly throughout the year. The city sits on the Loire River at roughly 120 metres elevation, about 130 km southwest of Paris. Like the rest of the Centre-Val de Loire region, Orléans experiences four distinct seasons with no real dry period. The wettest months (May and October) receive around 60-65mm of rain. Even the driest months (February and August) get roughly 40-45mm. Temperatures are moderated by Atlantic influence and the Loire River, but Orléans is far enough inland to see occasional frost in winter and heat spikes above 32°C (90°F) at the height of summer. This guide breaks down what to expect each month so you can plan your visit to Joan of Arc’s city.

Orléans Weather by Month: December to February (Winter)

December through February are the coldest months. January is the chilliest with average highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). Frost occurs on roughly 12 nights per month. Snow is rare , the city averages 2-3 snow days per winter, and any accumulation usually melts within 24 hours. Rainfall totals 42-56mm monthly across 10-12 rainy days. The Loire often runs high and riverbank paths can be muddy. The Orléans Christmas market runs in Place du Martroi from late November through December 24, with wooden chalets selling mulled wine and regional crafts. January and February are the quietest months for tourism , you’ll have the Cathédrale Sainte-Croix and Musée des Beaux-Arts nearly to yourself on weekday mornings. Bring a waterproof coat, warm layers, and waterproof shoes. Daylight is limited to 8-9 hours in December and January.

Orléans Weather by Month: March to May (Spring)

Spring warms steadily from 12°C (54°F) in March to 19°C (66°F) by May. March still sees overnight lows around 3°C (37°F) with 11-12 rainy days, but by April the frost risk drops sharply. May is the wettest month of the year with 62mm of rain, often falling as afternoon showers rather than all-day drizzle. Daylight extends from 12 hours in March to 15 hours by late May. The city’s green spaces , Parc Pasteur, Jardin des Plantes, and the riverbank paths , come alive in April and May. The Parc Floral de la Source, 8 km south of the centre, is at its best from mid-April with tulips and flowering shrubs. This is also when cyclists begin appearing on the Loire à Vélo route, which passes through Orléans on its 900 km journey from Nevers to the Atlantic. Layer your clothing , mornings can be chilly at 5-9°C (41-48°F) even when afternoons reach 19°C (66°F).

Orléans Weather by Month: June to August (Summer)

Summer brings the warmest and sunniest weather. June averages 22°C (72°F) with 8 hours of daily sunshine. July and August both peak at 25°C (77°F) with overnight lows around 14°C (57°F). Heatwaves can push daytime temperatures above 32°C (90°F) for 3-5 days at a time , the city recorded 38°C (100°F) during the July 2019 heatwave. Rainfall is moderate at 43-54mm monthly, often falling as short thunderstorms in the late afternoon. The Loire’s water level drops significantly, exposing sandbars that locals use as informal beaches, particularly near the Pont George-V. Air conditioning is not universal in budget hotels , the Empreinte Hotel & Spa and Mercure Orléans Centre Bords de Loire both have it, but older guesthouses in the historic centre may not. Bring a reusable water bottle: there are public drinking fountains in Place du Martroi and along the riverbank.

Orléans Weather by Month: September to November (Autumn)

September holds on to summer warmth at 21°C (70°F), with 6 hours of daily sunshine and comfortable 11°C (52°F) nights. This is an ideal month for cycling the Loire à Vélo , the crowds thin out, hotel rates drop 10-15% from August peaks, and the weather is still warm enough for shorts during the day. October cools to 16°C (61°F) with 60mm of rain, the year’s second-wettest month. The Loire Valley’s vineyards turn gold and red, and the Orléans-Cléry AOC hosts its harvest festival in early October. November falls to 10°C (50°F) with grey skies dominating , it averages only 2 hours of daily sunshine and 55mm of rain across 13-14 wet days. Autumn fog is common along the Loire in the early morning. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers that you can add or remove as temperatures swing from 3°C (37°F) in the morning to 16°C (61°F) in the afternoon (typical for October).