Avignon has a classic Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.. best time to visit Avignon Sitting in the Rhone Valley about 80 km (50 miles) from the Mediterranean coast, the city gets around 2,800 hours of sunshine per year and roughly 680 mm (27 inches) of annual rainfall. The mistral wind, a strong northerly that funnels down the Rhone Valley, can make winter days feel much colder than the thermometer suggests, especially from November through March. July is the hottest month (31°C/88°F average high), while January is the coolest (10°C/50°F high).
Avignon Weather by Month: Climate Table
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs/day) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10 / 50 | 2 / 36 | 50 | 6 | 4 |
| February | 12 / 54 | 3 / 37 | 40 | 5 | 5 |
| March | 16 / 61 | 6 / 43 | 45 | 6 | 7 |
| April | 19 / 66 | 8 / 46 | 55 | 7 | 8 |
| May | 23 / 73 | 12 / 54 | 50 | 7 | 9 |
| June | 28 / 82 | 16 / 61 | 35 | 5 | 11 |
| July | 31 / 88 | 18 / 64 | 25 | 3 | 12 |
| August | 30 / 86 | 17 / 63 | 40 | 4 | 10 |
| September | 26 / 79 | 15 / 59 | 70 | 6 | 8 |
| October | 20 / 68 | 11 / 52 | 100 | 8 | 6 |
| November | 14 / 57 | 6 / 43 | 70 | 7 | 4 |
| December | 10 / 50 | 3 / 37 | 55 | 6 | 4 |
Avignon Weather by Month: Seasonal Breakdown
Winter (December to February)
Winters in Avignon are mild by European standards but can feel biting when the mistral blows.. things to do in Avignon December and January average 10°C (50°F) for highs with overnight lows around 2-3°C (36-37°F). Frost is occasional but snow is rare in the city itself. Rainfall runs 40 to 55 mm per month across 5 to 6 rain days. The mistral wind, which can gust above 90 km/h (56 mph), is most frequent in winter , pack a windproof layer even if the temperature looks manageable. Sunshine drops to just 4 hours per day in December and January.
Spring (March to May)
Spring is the most comfortable season for sightseeing.. Avignon events and festivals March starts cool with highs of 16°C (61°F), climbing to 23°C (73°F) by May. Overnight lows rise from 6°C (43°F) to 12°C (54°F). Rainfall is moderate at 45 to 55 mm per month, and rain days increase to 7 in April-May. The mistral can still kick up in March and April but becomes less frequent as summer approaches. Sunshine increases to 9 hours per day by May. This is the season when Provence turns green and wildflowers bloom.
Summer (June to August)
Summers are hot and dry , the classic Mediterranean pattern.. where to stay in Avignon July peaks at 31°C (88°F) average high, but heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C (95°F) for several consecutive days. Overnight lows stay around 17-18°C (63-64°F), so air conditioning is recommended for hotel rooms. July is the driest month with just 25 mm of rain over 3 days, while June and August see 35 to 40 mm. Sunshine is abundant at 10 to 12 hours per day. The mistral is less common in high summer but can occasionally bring a welcome cooling breeze.
Autumn (September to November)
September remains warm and pleasant with highs of 26°C (79°F), but October sees a sharp drop to 20°C (68°F).. Avignon travel tips Rainfall peaks in October at 100 mm (8 rain days) , this is the wettest month of the year, with heavy downpours possible. November averages 70 mm and 7 rain days with highs of just 14°C (57°F). The mistral returns in force by late October. Sunshine drops to 8 hours in September, 6 in October, and just 4 in November. October can deliver spectacular clear days between rain events, perfect for photography and wine tasting.
The Mistral Wind: What to Expect
The mistral is a strong, cold northwesterly wind that funnels down the Rhone Valley and hits Avignon with particular force.. Avignon neighborhoods guide It can blow for 3, 6, or even 9 consecutive days, with sustained speeds of 50 to 60 km/h (31-37 mph) and gusts exceeding 90 km/h (56 mph). The mistral is most common from November through April but can occur in any month. When it blows, it clears the sky to a brilliant blue and drops the perceived temperature significantly , a 12°C (54°F) day can feel like 5°C (41°F) with wind chill. It also dries the air, so lip balm and moisturizer are useful even in summer when a mistral day arrives. For more on Avignon travel guide, see our Avignon travel guide.
