Reims has an oceanic climate with continental influences, bringing mild summers and cool winters. As the unofficial capital of the Champagne region in northeastern France, the city sees about 600mm (24 inches) of rainfall spread evenly across the year — roughly 160 rainy days annually. Summer temperatures average 19°C (66°F) with highs reaching 25°C (77°F) in July, while winter lows hover around 1°C (34°F) in January. Snow falls occasionally but rarely sticks for more than a couple of days. The city gets roughly 1,700 hours of sunshine per year, with June and July being the sunniest months at about 7-8 hours per day. For an overview of the city, see the Reims travel guide.
Reims Weather by Month: January
January is Reims’ coldest month. Average temperatures range from 1°C (34°F) at night to 6°C (43°F) during the day. You’ll see about 45mm of rainfall across 15 rainy days. Snow is possible but infrequent — most years see 2-3 light snowfalls that melt within a day. Sunshine is limited to about 2 hours daily. Pack a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes. The champagne houses are open year-round, and January is the quietest month for cellar tours — no queues and more personal attention from guides. Also see our best time to visit Reims guide.
Reims Weather by Month: February
February remains cold with average temperatures of 1.5°C to 7°C (35°F to 45°F) and about 40mm of rain over 13 days. This is statistically the driest month in Reims. Days start to lengthen noticeably, with about 3 hours of daily sunshine by month’s end. Frost is common on 10-12 mornings. The Reims Cathedral looks particularly dramatic against grey winter skies. Hotel rates are at their lowest of the year. Also see our things to do in Reims guide.
Reims Weather by Month: March
March brings the first hints of spring. Average temperatures climb to 4°C to 11°C (39°F to 52°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 45mm across 14 days. Sunshine jumps to about 4 hours daily. The champagne vineyards begin their pruning season, and you’ll see workers in the rows between Reims and Epernay. Pack layers — mornings can still be frosty at 0°C while afternoons might reach 14-15°C on sunny days. Wind from the east can make it feel several degrees colder. Also see our Reims events and festivals calendar.
Reims Weather by Month: April
April sees a real warming trend with averages of 5°C to 14°C (41°F to 57°F). Rainfall sits at 45mm over 13 days — classic April showers. You’ll get about 5-6 hours of sunshine daily. Cherry blossoms appear in the city’s parks, and outdoor cafe terraces on Place Drouet d’Erlon start filling up. April is the start of the main tourist season for champagne tours. Bring a compact umbrella and a light jacket you can shed by afternoon.
Reims Weather by Month: May
May is one of the best months to visit. Temperatures average 8°C to 18°C (46°F to 64°F). Rainfall increases to 55mm over 15 days — the wettest month alongside June, July, and October. Sunshine reaches 6-7 hours daily. The Joan of Arc Festival (Fetes Johanniques) takes place in late May/early June, filling the cathedral square with medieval pageantry. Book champagne tours at least a week ahead during May — this is when demand starts surging.
Reims Weather by Month: June
June offers the best balance of warm weather and manageable crowds. Averages range from 12°C to 21°C (54°F to 70°F) with 55mm of rain over 14 days — most rain comes in short afternoon showers. Sunshine peaks at 7-8 hours per day, with daylight stretching past 10pm around the summer solstice. The longest day (June 21) gives you nearly 16 hours of daylight. This is prime champagne tour season — book the popular houses (Veuve Clicquot, Taittinger) 2-3 weeks ahead.
Reims Weather by Month: July
July is the warmest month with averages of 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F). Afternoon highs frequently hit 28-30°C (82-86°F) during heatwaves, though the champagne cellars stay at a constant 10-12°C (50-54°F) — a welcome escape. Rainfall is 55mm over 13 days. Sunshine averages 7-8 hours daily. The city is busiest with tourists, and hotel prices peak. The Reims Cathedral light show (Regalia) runs on summer evenings. Air conditioning is not universal in French hotels — confirm when booking.
Reims Weather by Month: August
August is nearly identical to July: averages of 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F), roughly 50mm of rain over 12 days, and 7 hours of daily sunshine. The key difference is that many smaller French-run restaurants and shops close for 2-3 weeks as owners take their own holidays. The larger champagne houses and the cathedral stay open. French domestic tourists fill hotels alongside international visitors. Book accommodations 4-6 weeks in advance for August stays.
Reims Weather by Month: September
September is the wine harvest month (vendange) and one of the most atmospheric times to visit. Temperatures average 11°C to 20°C (52°F to 68°F). Rainfall drops to 50mm over 12 days. Sunshine holds at about 5-6 hours daily. The champagne harvest typically runs from early to mid-September, depending on ripening. You’ll see pickers in the vineyards and trucks loaded with grapes heading to pressing centers. Tourist crowds thin significantly after the first week of September, but the weather remains pleasant for walking tours.
Reims Weather by Month: October
October brings autumn color to the Champagne vineyards. Averages range from 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F) with 55mm of rain over 15 days. Sunshine drops to about 3-4 hours daily. Morning fog is common in the Marne River valley. This is the shoulder season with lower hotel rates and quieter tasting rooms. The Champagne Day celebrations (late October) bring special events across the region. Pack a waterproof jacket and warm layers for cellar tours — the constant 10°C underground feels colder when you’re coming in from a damp autumn day.
Reims Weather by Month: November
November is grey and damp. Averages of 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F) with 50mm of rain over 16 days — the rainiest month by number of wet days. Sunshine is scarce at about 2 hours daily. The Reims Christmas Market begins in late November on the cathedral square (parvis), bringing about 140 wooden chalets selling crafts, regional food, and vin chaud (mulled wine). This is the quietest month for champagne tourism, and many smaller houses offer walk-in availability.
Reims Weather by Month: December
December averages 2°C to 6°C (36°F to 43°F) with 55mm of rain over 15 days. Snow falls on 2-3 days but rarely accumulates significantly. Sunshine is minimal at about 1.5 hours daily. The Christmas Market runs through December 24, and the cathedral hosts Advent concerts. Champagne houses are festively decorated, and this is a popular month for champagne-tasting weekends. Hotel rates are low except during Christmas market weekends. Book restaurants for Christmas Eve dinner well ahead — this is a major celebration in France.
| Month | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Avg High (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 1°C / 34°F | 6°C / 43°F | 45 | 15 | 2.0 |
| Feb | 1.5°C / 35°F | 7°C / 45°F | 40 | 13 | 3.0 |
| Mar | 4°C / 39°F | 11°C / 52°F | 45 | 14 | 4.0 |
| Apr | 5°C / 41°F | 14°C / 57°F | 45 | 13 | 5.5 |
| May | 8°C / 46°F | 18°C / 64°F | 55 | 15 | 6.5 |
| Jun | 12°C / 54°F | 21°C / 70°F | 55 | 14 | 7.5 |
| Jul | 14°C / 57°F | 24°C / 75°F | 55 | 13 | 7.5 |
| Aug | 14°C / 57°F | 24°C / 75°F | 50 | 12 | 7.0 |
| Sep | 11°C / 52°F | 20°C / 68°F | 50 | 12 | 5.5 |
| Oct | 7°C / 45°F | 15°C / 59°F | 55 | 15 | 3.5 |
| Nov | 4°C / 39°F | 9°C / 48°F | 50 | 16 | 2.0 |
| Dec | 2°C / 36°F | 6°C / 43°F | 55 | 15 | 1.5 |
