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Perpignan sits in the Roussillon plain of southern France, just 13km from the Mediterranean Sea, and has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate (Köppen Csa). The city averages 2,500 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunniest cities in France. The defining weather feature is the Tramontane, a strong northwesterly wind that blows on more than 100 days per year, most frequently in winter and spring, with gusts regularly exceeding 100 km/h. Summer is hot and dry, winter is mild with occasional rain, and autumn brings the heaviest rainfall of the year. For more, visit our complete Perpignan travel guide. Check our best time to visit Perpignan for seasonal planning.
Perpignan Weather by Month: January
January is the coldest month in Perpignan, with average highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 4°C (39°F). The city sees about 50mm of rain over 5 wet days. Sea temperature drops to 13°C (55°F), too cold for swimming. The Tramontane wind is at its strongest, with an average of 12 windy days. Snow is extremely rare in the city center, averaging less than one day per year, though the nearby Pyrenees get reliable snow cover above 1,800m. Sunshine averages 4.5 hours per day. Our things to do in Perpignan covers attractions and day trips.
Perpignan Weather by Month: February
February brings a slight warm-up with highs reaching 13°C (55°F) and lows at 5°C (41°F). Rainfall decreases to about 35mm across 4 wet days. The Tramontane remains frequent, and sea temperature stays at 13°C (55°F). The almond trees begin to bloom in the Roussillon countryside in mid-February, an early sign of spring. Sunshine increases to 5.5 hours per day. See our Perpignan events and festivals calendar for annual happenings.
Perpignan Weather by Month: March
March sees a noticeable shift toward spring, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 7°C (45°F). Rainfall increases to about 45mm over 5 wet days. The Tramontane begins to moderate slightly, though it still blows on roughly 8 to 10 days of the month. Sea temperature remains cold at 13°C (55°F). Sunshine jumps to 6.5 hours per day, and the first outdoor cafe terraces fill up on calm days. Read our Perpignan neighborhoods for area profiles.
Perpignan Weather by Month: April
April brings pleasant spring weather with highs of 18°C (64°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall averages 50mm over 6 wet days, and the Tramontane begins to fade. Sea temperature reaches 14°C (57°F). Sunshine averages 7 hours per day. This is the start of the outdoor season; the Palace of the Kings of Majorca gardens are at their best. Pack a light jacket for evenings, which still cool down to single digits. Find hotels in our where to stay in Perpignan.
Perpignan Weather by Month: May
May is warm and increasingly dry, with highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 13°C (55°F). Rainfall drops to about 45mm over 5 wet days. The Tramontane is significantly less frequent, averaging only 3 to 4 windy days. Sea temperature rises to 17°C (63°F), still cool but swimmable for the brave. Sunshine reaches 8 hours per day. May is one of the best months for outdoor sightseeing before summer crowds arrive. Practical information is in our Perpignan travel tips.
Perpignan Weather by Month: June
June marks the start of summer, with highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall is minimal at about 25mm over 3 wet days. Sea temperature climbs to 20°C (68°F), making beach trips to nearby Canet-en-Roussillon enjoyable. The Tramontane is at its weakest in June, and sunshine peaks at 9.5 hours per day. The Fete de la Saint-Jean on June 23-24 brings bonfires and celebrations across the city.
Perpignan Weather by Month: July
July is the hottest and driest month, with highs averaging 29°C (84°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Heat waves can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for several days at a time. Rainfall is the lowest of the year at just 15mm over 2 wet days. Sea temperature peaks at 22°C (72°F). Sunshine averages 10 hours per day. The city hosts Les Jeudis de Perpignan, free Thursday evening concerts throughout the historic center. Air conditioning is essential in hotels and restaurants.
Perpignan Weather by Month: August
August matches July for heat, with highs of 29°C (84°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F). Rainfall increases slightly to about 30mm, typically coming in short but intense thunderstorms in the second half of the month. Sea temperature stays at 22°C (72°F). Sunshine averages 9 hours per day. The annual Visa pour l’Image photojournalism festival begins in late August, bringing international visitors to the city. Humidity can make the heat feel more intense than the thermometer suggests.
Perpignan Weather by Month: September
September brings a pleasant transition to autumn, with highs of 26°C (79°F) and lows of 17°C (63°F). Rainfall increases to about 45mm over 5 wet days as autumn storms begin. Sea temperature remains warm at 21°C (70°F), making early September excellent for beach visits. The Tramontane begins to return with 4 to 5 windy days. Sunshine averages 7.5 hours per day. The tourist crowds thin out significantly after the first week.
Perpignan Weather by Month: October
October is the wettest month in Perpignan, with 65mm of rain over 6 wet days. Highs drop to 21°C (70°F) and lows to 13°C (55°F). Sea temperature cools to 19°C (66°F). The Tramontane picks up again, blowing on 6 to 8 days. Sunshine averages 5.5 hours per day. Sudden heavy downpours are common, particularly in the second half of the month, as Mediterranean autumn systems move in from the Gulf of Lion. Pack a waterproof layer.
Perpignan Weather by Month: November
November sees a sharp cooling, with highs of 16°C (61°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). Rainfall averages 50mm over 5 wet days. Sea temperature drops to 16°C (61°F). The Tramontane is frequent again with 8 to 10 windy days. Sunshine drops to 4 hours per day. The autumn colors in the Pyrenean foothills make this a good month for day trips inland, but pack warm layers for the city.
Perpignan Weather by Month: December
December is mild by European winter standards, with highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). Rainfall averages 45mm over 5 wet days. Sea temperature drops to 14°C (57°F). The Tramontane blows on roughly 10 days. Sunshine is at its annual low of 3.5 hours per day. The Christmas market in Place de la Republique runs from late November through December 24, with festive lights throughout the old town. Snow is essentially unheard of in the city.
Perpignan Monthly Weather Averages at a Glance
| Month | High (°C/°F) | Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Sea (°C) | Sun (hrs) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12 / 54 | 4 / 39 | 50 | 13 | 4.5 |
| Feb | 13 / 55 | 5 / 41 | 35 | 13 | 5.5 |
| Mar | 16 / 61 | 7 / 45 | 45 | 13 | 6.5 |
| Apr | 18 / 64 | 9 / 48 | 50 | 14 | 7 |
| May | 22 / 72 | 13 / 55 | 45 | 17 | 8 |
| Jun | 26 / 79 | 17 / 63 | 25 | 20 | 9.5 |
| Jul | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 15 | 22 | 10 |
| Aug | 29 / 84 | 20 / 68 | 30 | 22 | 9 |
| Sep | 26 / 79 | 17 / 63 | 45 | 21 | 7.5 |
| Oct | 21 / 70 | 13 / 55 | 65 | 19 | 5.5 |
| Nov | 16 / 61 | 8 / 46 | 50 | 16 | 4 |
| Dec | 13 / 55 | 5 / 41 | 45 | 14 | 3.5 |
