Nantes has a temperate oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) shaped by its position 50 km inland from the Atlantic Ocean and the Loire River running through the city. Expect mild, damp winters and warm, moderately dry summers. Annual rainfall averages 820 mm spread across 130 rainy days, with no true dry season. The city records roughly 1,900 hours of sunshine per year, making it one of the sunnier cities in northern France. For seasonal guide, see our best time to visit Nantes.
Nantes Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 9°C (48°F) | 3°C (38°F) | 87 | 13 | 73 |
| February | 10°C (50°F) | 3°C (38°F) | 70 | 11 | 98 |
| March | 13°C (56°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 63 | 11 | 145 |
| April | 16°C (60°F) | 7°C (44°F) | 57 | 10 | 182 |
| May | 19°C (67°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 66 | 11 | 210 |
| June | 23°C (73°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 45 | 8 | 230 |
| July | 25°C (77°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 44 | 7 | 248 |
| August | 25°C (77°F) | 15°C (58°F) | 47 | 7 | 235 |
| September | 22°C (72°F) | 12°C (54°F) | 62 | 9 | 189 |
| October | 17°C (63°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 86 | 12 | 124 |
| November | 12°C (54°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 89 | 13 | 81 |
| December | 9°C (48°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 92 | 13 | 64 |
Winter Nantes Weather (December to February)
Winter temperatures in Nantes hover between 3°C and 10°C (37-50°F), with January being the coldest month. Snow is rare , the city averages only 3 snow days per year, and accumulation is typically a light dusting that melts within hours. December is the wettest month at 92mm. Daytime lasts from 08:45 to 17:15 in late December. The Christmas Market in Place Royale runs from late November through December 24, drawing crowds despite the chill. Pack a waterproof coat and layers , umbrellas are useful but can be useless in Atlantic wind gusts. For attractions and landmarks, see our things to do in Nantes.
Spring Nantes Weather (March to May)
Spring is Nantes’s driest season, with rainfall dropping to 57-66mm per month and sunshine climbing from 145 hours in March to 210 hours in May. March still feels chilly with highs of 13°C (56°F), but by May afternoons reach 19°C (67°F). The Jardin des Plantes explodes with magnolia and camellia blooms in April. This is the best season for cycling along the Loire and Erdre rivers , the Loire à Vélo route is fully accessible by late March. Light jacket weather dominates; you’ll want layers for cool mornings that give way to pleasant afternoons. For annual calendar, see our Nantes events and festivals.
Summer Nantes Weather (June to August)
Summers are warm but rarely oppressive, with daytime highs averaging 23-25°C (73-77°F) and occasional spikes to 30°C+ (86°F+) during heatwaves that last 3 to 5 days. June and July are the driest months at 44-45mm. August humidity can make 25°C feel stickier, especially in the city center where stone buildings trap heat. The Loire riverbanks and the Île de Versailles Japanese garden provide the best natural cooling. Nantes gets 235-248 sunshine hours in July and August , the most of any French city north of Bordeaux. Outdoor terraces along the Bouffay district and the Machines de l’Île are packed from 18:00 onward. For area guide, see our best neighborhoods in Nantes.
Autumn Nantes Weather (September to November)
September delivers pleasant conditions with highs of 22°C (72°F) and manageable rainfall at 62mm , one of the best months for sightseeing. By November, temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) highs and rain increases to 89mm, the second-wettest month. The Jardin des Plantes and Parc de Procé put on strong autumn color through October. Atlantic storms become more frequent from mid-October, bringing 2 to 3 days of sustained rain at a time. Pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof shoes for November visits. For hotel recommendations, see our where to stay in Nantes. For practical information, see our Nantes travel tips.
