This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for supporting our small business.
Nimes has a classic Mediterranean climate (Koppen Csa) with hot, dry summers a For more details, see our best time to visit guide. For more details, see our things to do guide.nd mild, wetter winters. The city averages 2,700 hours of sunshine per year and receives about 735mm of rain annually, most of it falling in autumn. The Mistral wind is a defining feature of Nimes weather , it blows from the north/northwest an average of 100 days per year, strongest in winter and spring, regularly exceeding 60 km/h. July and August are the hottest and driest months, while October is typically the wettest. For the complete Nimes overview, see our Nimes city guide.
Nimes Weather by Month: Monthly Breakdown
January
Average high 12°C For more details, see our events and festi For more details, see our neighborhoods guide.vals guide. (54°F), low 3°C (37°F). January is Nimes’ coldest month. Expect about 55mm of rain over 6 wet days. Sunshine averages 4.5 hours per day. The Mistral can make it feel much colder than the thermometer suggests , wind chills drop to near freezing. Pack layers, a warm coat, and a windproof jacket. The Roman monuments are blissfully crowd-free.
February
Average high 13°C For more details, see our where to For more details, see our travel tips guide.stay guide. (55°F), low 4°C (39°F). About 45mm of rain. Sunshine increases to 5.5 hours per day. Still chilly, with the Mistral gusting 60+ km/h on some days. The almond trees begin blooming in the surrounding countryside in late February , an early sign of spring. Hotel rates remain at winter lows.
March
Average high 16°C (61°F), low 6°C (43°F). About 40mm of rain , one of the drier months. Sunshine jumps to 7 hours per day. The weather is transitional: some days feel like spring, others still have a winter bite. Outdoor cafe terraces start filling up on sunny afternoons. A light jacket is usually enough by late March.
April
Average high 19°C (66°F), low 8°C (46°F). About 55mm of rain. 7.5 hours of daily sunshine. Pleasant spring weather , warm enough for outdoor sightseeing without summer crowds. The Jardins de la Fontaine are at their peak in April. Occasional rain showers pass quickly; carry a small umbrella but don’t let it stop plans.
May
Average high 23°C (73°F), low 12°C (54°F). About 50mm of rain. 9 hours of daily sunshine. One of the best months to visit. Warm but not hot, with long sunny days perfect for exploring the Arena and Maison Carree. The Feria de Nimes (Pentecote weekend, usually late May) draws huge crowds , book hotels 3+ months ahead if visiting during the feria.
June
Average high 28°C (82°F), low 16°C (61°F). Only 30mm of rain , the dry season begins. 10.5 hours of daily sunshine. Hot but not oppressive. The days are long (sunset around 9:30 PM), ideal for evening strolls and outdoor dining. UV index reaches 8-9 , sunscreen is essential.
July
Average high 31°C (88°F), low 19°C (66°F). Only 20mm of rain , the driest month. 11.5 hours of daily sunshine, the sunniest month of the year. Peak summer heat: midday temperatures can hit 35°C (95°F). The Mistral is weakest in July, offering some relief, but humidity is low so the heat is dry rather than sticky. Plan sightseeing for mornings and evenings. The Festival de Nimes runs through July with concerts in the Roman Arena.
August
Average high 31°C (88°F), low 18°C (64°F). About 30mm of rain, often as brief thunderstorms. 10 hours of daily sunshine. Similar to July but with a slightly higher chance of afternoon storms. Many local businesses close for the first two weeks (French holiday period), though tourist attractions remain open. The beaches of the Mediterranean coast (Le Grau-du-Roi, 35 minutes by car) are packed.
September
Average high 26°C (79°F), low 15°C (59°F). About 65mm of rain , autumn rains begin. 8 hours of daily sunshine. Early September still feels like summer, but by late September temperatures drop noticeably. The tourist crowds thin out. Sea temperatures off the coast remain warm at 21°C (70°F) through mid-September. An excellent month for combining city sightseeing with beach trips.
October
Average high 21°C (70°F), low 12°C (54°F). About 110mm of rain , the wettest month. 6 hours of daily sunshine. October brings the heaviest rainfall of the year, often in intense episodes called ‘cevenol’ storms that can dump 50mm+ in a few hours. These are Mediterranean autumn deluges driven by warm sea air hitting the Cevennes mountains. Between storms, days are pleasantly warm. Pack a proper raincoat.
November
Average high 15°C (59°F), low 7°C (45°F). About 70mm of rain. 4.5 hours of daily sunshine. Cooler and noticeably shorter days (sunset around 5:15 PM). The Mistral picks up again. Hotel rates drop to their lowest of the year alongside January. The autumn foliage in the surrounding garrigue (Mediterranean scrubland) can be beautiful in early November.
December
Average high 12°C (54°F), low 4°C (39°F). About 55mm of rain. 4 hours of daily sunshine (the least of the year). The Christmas market in Place de l’Horloge runs through December. Snow in Nimes itself is rare (once every few years, and it rarely sticks) but the Cevennes foothills 45 minutes north get reliable snow. The Arena and Maison Carree are lit up for the holidays.
Nimes Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12 / 54 | 3 / 37 | 55 | 4.5 |
| Feb | 13 / 55 | 4 / 39 | 45 | 5.5 |
| Mar | 16 / 61 | 6 / 43 | 40 | 7.0 |
| Apr | 19 / 66 | 8 / 46 | 55 | 7.5 |
| May | 23 / 73 | 12 / 54 | 50 | 9.0 |
| Jun | 28 / 82 | 16 / 61 | 30 | 10.5 |
| Jul | 31 / 88 | 19 / 66 | 20 | 11.5 |
| Aug | 31 / 88 | 18 / 64 | 30 | 10.0 |
| Sep | 26 / 79 | 15 / 59 | 65 | 8.0 |
| Oct | 21 / 70 | 12 / 54 | 110 | 6.0 |
| Nov | 15 / 59 | 7 / 45 | 70 | 4.5 |
| Dec | 12 / 54 | 4 / 39 | 55 | 4.0 |
