Lyon has a humid subtropical climate (Koppen Cfa) with strong continental influences from its position at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers. Summers are warm to hot, winters are cold and grey, and rainfall is distributed throughout the year with a slight autumn peak. The city receives 825mm of annual precipitation. Lyon’s inland location, roughly 300km from the Mediterranean, means it lacks the coastal moderation of Marseille or Nice.
Lyon Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall Data
Data from Meteo France, measured at Lyon-Bron Airport. Lyon sits at 170 meters elevation at the foot of the Alps, exposed to both the cold Mistral wind from the north and warm air from the south.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Humidity (%) | Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7 / 45 | 1 / 34 | 47 | 9 | 84 | 72 |
| February | 9 / 48 | 1 / 34 | 40 | 8 | 78 | 99 |
| March | 13 / 55 | 4 / 39 | 49 | 8 | 73 | 160 |
| April | 16 / 61 | 7 / 45 | 62 | 9 | 70 | 185 |
| May | 21 / 70 | 11 / 52 | 83 | 10 | 73 | 223 |
| June | 25 / 77 | 15 / 59 | 69 | 8 | 71 | 256 |
| July | 28 / 82 | 17 / 63 | 61 | 7 | 68 | 288 |
| August | 27 / 81 | 16 / 61 | 72 | 7 | 71 | 260 |
| September | 23 / 73 | 13 / 55 | 87 | 7 | 76 | 198 |
| October | 18 / 64 | 10 / 50 | 98 | 9 | 82 | 126 |
| November | 11 / 52 | 5 / 41 | 75 | 9 | 84 | 73 |
| December | 7 / 45 | 2 / 36 | 55 | 10 | 85 | 57 |
Lyon Weather in Winter (December to February)
Cold, grey, and damp. January is the coldest month with highs of 7°C (45°F) and lows of 1°C (34°F). Snow falls 3 to 5 days per winter on average, usually melting within 24 hours. Humidity hovers at 84 to 85%, and December delivers just 57 hours of sunshine , about 1.8 hours per day.
Fog is common in the river valleys, sometimes persisting all day. The bise noire, a cold north wind, makes temperatures feel 3 to 5°C lower. December has 10 rain days (55mm), January 9 days (47mm). Hotel rates are at their lowest, excluding the Fete des Lumieres (December 8 weekend, when the city is packed).
Lyon Weather in Spring (March to May)
A slow warm-up. March still feels wintry at 13°C (55°F) highs. April improves to 16°C (61°F) with 185 hours of sunshine. May delivers the first reliably warm days at 21°C (70°F) and 223 hours of sun. Rainfall is moderate throughout (49 to 83mm), with May being the wettest spring month at 83mm across 10 days. Humidity drops from winter’s 84% to 70% by April, the lowest of the year. Cherry blossoms in Parc de la Tete d’Or peak in late March and early April. Spring is Lyon’s second-best season for visiting.
Lyon Weather in Summer (June to August)
Warm to hot, but not as oppressive as southern France. July averages 28°C (82°F) with 288 hours of sunshine. Heatwaves can push temperatures to 35 to 38°C (95 to 100°F) for 3 to 5 day stretches, particularly in late July and early August. Humidity is moderate at 68 to 71%.
Rainfall is spread across 7 days per month (61 to 72mm), often as afternoon thunderstorms. The Rhone and Saone riverbanks fill with locals picnicking and drinking at the guinguettes (open-air bars) along the Quai de Saone. Air conditioning is not universal in restaurants in Vieux Lyon , choose outdoor terraces or modern establishments in the Presqu’ile.
Lyon Weather in Autumn (September to November)
September remains pleasant at 23°C (73°F) with 198 hours of sun. October is the wettest month at 98mm across 9 days. November turns cold and grey: 11°C (52°F) highs, 84% humidity, and just 73 hours of sunshine. Autumn fog returns to the river valleys by late October. The seasonal color change in Parc de la Tete d’Or peaks in mid-October. September through early October is a good window for visiting, combining warm temperatures with fewer tourists than summer.
For travel planning, see our best time to visit Lyon guide and things to do in Lyon.
