Carcassonne sits in the Languedoc region of southern France, 80km inland from the Mediterranean, at 110 metres above sea level. The city has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot summers, mild winters, and rainfall spread throughout the year, peaking in autumn. July is the driest month with about 25mm of rain while October averages 75mm. For the complete overview, see our Carcassonne travel guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: January
January is the coldest month with average highs of 9°C (48°F) and lows dipping to 3°C (37°F). Rainfall averages 65mm across 10 wet days. Frost is possible on clear nights but snow is rare in the city itself. Sunshine hours are limited to about 4 per day. Pack a warm coat, scarf, and waterproof shoes. For details, check our best time to visit Carcassonne guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: February
February sees a slight warm-up with highs reaching 11°C (52°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F). Rainfall drops to 55mm over 9 days. Expect about 5 hours of sunshine daily. The almond trees around the region begin to blossom toward the end of the month. For details, check our things to do in Carcassonne guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: March
Spring arrives with highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). March brings 50mm of rain over 9 days and 6 hours of daily sunshine. The wind can be noticeable, with the Tramontane wind occasionally gusting through the Aude valley. It is a good month for walking the Canal du Midi towpath before the summer crowds. For details, check our Carcassonne events and festivals guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: April
April brings pleasant daytime highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall is 65mm across 10 days but often comes as brief showers rather than all-day rain. Sunshine increases to 7 hours per day. The city’s gardens and the banks of the Aude River turn green. Easter weekend brings the first tourist surge of the year. For details, check our Carcassonne neighborhoods guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: May
One of the best months weather-wise, May averages highs of 21°C (70°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rainfall drops to 60mm over 9 days with 8 hours of sunshine daily. The longer evenings mean terrace dining at Place Carnot becomes comfortable. The medieval city walls look spectacular in the golden late-afternoon light. For details, check our where to stay in Carcassonne guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: June
Summer begins with highs reaching 26°C (79°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rainfall falls to just 40mm over 7 days, the start of the dry season. The sun shines for 9 hours daily. The UV index climbs to 7 or 8 so sunscreen is essential when walking the ramparts. June 21 brings the Fete de la Musique with free concerts across the city. For details, check our Carcassonne travel tips guide.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: July
July is the hottest and driest month. Daytime highs average 29°C (84°F) but regularly hit 33 to 35°C (91 to 95°F) during heatwaves. Lows stay around 18°C (64°F). Rainfall drops to just 25mm over 5 days, the lowest of the year. Sunshine peaks at 10 hours per day. The cobblestone streets of La Cite retain heat well into the evening. Pack light cotton clothing, a hat, and sunscreen. Carry water when walking the ramparts. This is peak tourist season with the largest crowds and highest hotel rates.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: August
August is nearly identical to July with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall increases slightly to 40mm over 6 days as occasional thunderstorms break the heat. The Festival de Carcassonne wraps up in early August, followed by the spectacular Medievales de la Cite around August 8. The Embrasement de la Cite, a massive fireworks display over the ramparts on July 14 (Bastille Day), draws 700,000 spectators and is the single biggest event of the year.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: September
September is an excellent month for visiting. Highs drop to 24°C (75°F) and lows to 14°C (57°F). Rainfall averages 50mm over 7 days. The summer crowds thin out after the first week of September, and hotel rates drop 20 to 30 percent from August peaks. The Mediterranean Sea, 80km away in Narbonne or Gruissan, remains warm enough for swimming at about 22°C (72°F). The vineyards of the Minervois and Corbieres begin their harvest season.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: October
October brings autumn colour and the wettest month of the year. Highs reach 19°C (66°F) and lows 11°C (52°F). Rainfall peaks at 75mm over 10 days, often as steady drizzly rain. Sunshine drops to 5 hours per day. The plane trees along the Canal du Midi turn golden. Pack a waterproof jacket and layers. The Carcassonne Marathon takes place in early October.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: November
November sees a noticeable chill with highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Rainfall is 60mm over 9 days with reduced sunshine at 4 hours daily. The city is quiet and many restaurants in La Cite close for annual holidays. Hotel rates are at their lowest after mid-November. The Christmas market setup begins in Place Carnot toward the end of the month.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: December
December is the second-coldest month with highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 3°C (37°F). Rainfall averages 65mm over 10 days. Frost appears on roughly 5 to 6 mornings. The Carcassonne Christmas market runs throughout December in Place Carnot with an ice rink, wooden chalets selling mulled wine and regional crafts, and festive lighting on the medieval facades. Pack warm winter layers and sturdy shoes for the cobblestones. New Year celebrations are modest compared to the summer events.
Carcassonne Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 9 | 3 | 65 | 10 | 4 |
| Feb | 11 | 4 | 55 | 9 | 5 |
| Mar | 14 | 6 | 50 | 9 | 6 |
| Apr | 17 | 8 | 65 | 10 | 7 |
| May | 21 | 12 | 60 | 9 | 8 |
| Jun | 26 | 15 | 40 | 7 | 9 |
| Jul | 29 | 18 | 25 | 5 | 10 |
| Aug | 28 | 17 | 40 | 6 | 9 |
| Sep | 24 | 14 | 50 | 7 | 7 |
| Oct | 19 | 11 | 75 | 10 | 5 |
| Nov | 13 | 6 | 60 | 9 | 4 |
| Dec | 10 | 3 | 65 | 10 | 4 |
