Tours records about 695mm of rain annually spread across roughly 120 days, with October averaging 62mm over 13 rain days, second only to May at 66mm. The city sees around 1,800 hours of sunshine per year, with July delivering 240 hours and December slumping to just 55 hours. Tours has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) that sits between the stronger Atlantic influence felt in Nantes and the more continental patterns of Burgundy, giving it mild winters and warm but rarely scorching summers. For timing your trip around the best conditions, see our best time to visit Tours guide to match your travel dates with specific events and crowd patterns.
Tours Weather by Month: Annual Overview
Tours has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with mild temperatures year-round and no dry season. Winters are cool but rarely freezing, with January averaging 4.7°C (40.5°F). Summers are warm rather than hot, with July peaking at an average of 20.3°C (68.5°F). The city benefits from its position at the confluence of the Loire and Cher rivers, which moderate extreme temperatures. Annual rainfall is evenly distributed with slight peaks in May and October. Spring frost can damage vineyards through mid-April, while summer heatwaves occasionally push temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for 2 to 4 day stretches. The prevailing westerly winds mean weather systems arrive from the Atlantic and typically pass through within 24 to 36 hours. For additional planning, see our things to do in Tours.
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hours) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7.3 / 45 | 2.0 / 36 | 55 | 11 | 60 |
| February | 8.4 / 47 | 1.9 / 35 | 44 | 9 | 88 |
| March | 12.1 / 54 | 3.9 / 39 | 47 | 9 | 138 |
| April | 14.9 / 59 | 5.7 / 42 | 50 | 10 | 178 |
| May | 18.8 / 66 | 9.2 / 49 | 66 | 11 | 210 |
| June | 22.3 / 72 | 12.2 / 54 | 50 | 8 | 230 |
| July | 25.0 / 77 | 14.1 / 57 | 51 | 7 | 240 |
| August | 24.9 / 77 | 13.8 / 57 | 43 | 7 | 222 |
| September | 21.4 / 71 | 11.2 / 52 | 54 | 8 | 185 |
| October | 16.5 / 62 | 8.6 / 47 | 62 | 10 | 120 |
| November | 10.7 / 51 | 4.7 / 40 | 60 | 11 | 75 |
| December | 7.6 / 46 | 2.6 / 37 | 59 | 11 | 55 |
Tours Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winters in Tours are mild by European standards but feel raw due to persistent humidity and grey skies. December temperatures range from 2.6°C to 7.6°C (37-46°F) with the Christmas market adding warmth to the old town center through Place Plumereau and Rue Nationale. January is the coldest at 2.0°C to 7.3°C (36-45°F) with 11 rain days; snow is rare, averaging 2 to 3 light dustings annually that melt within hours. February adds almost 30 extra sunshine hours (88 total) compared to January. The Loire River often runs high in winter and riverside paths can flood after sustained heavy rain. Bring a waterproof coat and layers, a heavy winter parka is overkill when you are ducking into heated cafes and museums between sights. For additional planning, see our Tours events and festivals.
Tours Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring is when Tours transforms. March warms to 12.1°C (54°F) with 138 sunshine hours, and cherry blossoms appear in the Jardin Botanique by mid-month. April reaches 14.9°C (59°F) with 178 hours of sun and is the driest-feeling month despite 50mm of rain over 10 days. Garden visits to Villandry and Chaumont-sur-Loire become rewarding from early April. May is the warmest and wettest spring month at 18.8°C (66°F) with 66mm of rain, often arriving as afternoon thundershowers that clear within 30 to 60 minutes. Long daylight stretches past 9 PM by late May, perfect for evening walks along the Loire. Pack a light rain jacket and shoes with good grip for cobblestone streets that turn slippery after rain. For additional planning, see our best neighborhoods in Tours.
Tours Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer delivers the best weather for exploring Tours and its surrounding châteaux. June averages 22.3°C (72°F) with only 8 rain days, making it the joint-driest month alongside August. July is the warmest at 25°C (77°F) with 240 hours of sunshine; heatwaves can push temperatures to 35°C (95°F) for 2 to 4 day stretches. August matches July at 24.9°C (77°F) and sees 222 hours of sun, with a slight uptick in humidity that can make afternoons feel sticky. The Loire has designated swimming spots like the Plage de Tours-sur-Loire, which opens from June through August. Mornings and evenings stay comfortable at 13-14°C (55-57°F), so bring a light sweater for riverside dinners. Châteaux visits work best in the morning before tour buses arrive between 11:00 and 15:00. For additional planning, see our where to stay in Tours.
Tours Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September is arguably the best month in Tours, with 21.4°C (71°F) highs, 185 hours of sun, and only 8 rain days. The grape harvest (vendange) begins in Vouvray and Montlouis-sur-Loire, and summer crowds thin after the first week. October shifts noticeably as temperatures drop to 16.5°C (62°F), rain increases to 62mm over 10 days, and the Loire Valley forests turn gold and russet. November is greyest, with just 75 sunshine hours and 11 rain days at 10.7°C (51°F), but hotel rates reach their annual floor. Indoor attractions like the Musée des Beaux-Arts and Les Halles food market become the focus. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket from October onward, and check château opening hours which shorten to 10:00 to 16:30 from November through March. For additional planning, see our Tours travel tips and FAQ.