Peak tourist season: warm to hot weather across the country and crowded popular destinations like Paris, the Riviera, and major heritage sites. Expect higher prices and full hotels in many places.
SeasonHigh SeasonTemperature 17-30°C (63-86°F)Crowds HighPrices High
High seasonShoulderLow season
Weather by City in July
CityLow / highRain
Paris
Mild
15°25° 60 mm
Lille
Mild
13°23° 63 mm
Strasbourg
Mild
15°26° 75 mm
Lyon
Mild
16°27° 61 mm
Grenoble
Mild
16°29° 60 mm
Bordeaux
Mild
15°27° 51 mm
Marseille
Mild
19°29° 9 mm
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Temperature map
-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across France in July.
Where to Go in France in July
Paris & Northern France
Île‑de‑France, Normandy
July is high season: warm to occasionally hot spells hit Paris with humidity at times, and Normandy is busier as British and continental tourists arrive. Bastille Day fireworks and late-night summer events push accommodation prices up; beaches are lively and marine breezes provide relief near the coast. Pack summer clothes but bring a light sweater for cooler nights and be ready for sudden brief showers.
Brittany & the Atlantic Coast
Bretagne, Saint‑Malo, Brest, La Rochelle
July brings the warmest, sunniest conditions Brittany usually sees, but coastal breezes keep it less humid than inland France-perfect for sea swims and island hopping. Popular spots like Saint‑Tropez are on the Mediterranean, but Brittany’s coastal towns get busier as French tourists visit their summer homes; book ferries and hotels early. Pack a mix of summer clothing plus windproof layers for evenings.
Loire Valley & Western Interior
Tours, Amboise, Saumur, Angers
July heats up with many châteaux and towns at full bustle; warm afternoons are great for evening river cruises but mid‑day sightseeing can be warm and occasionally humid. Festivals increase and riverside cafés buzz; plan morning or late-afternoon castle visits to avoid the hottest part of the day. Light summer clothes plus a compact umbrella handle short showers.
Bordeaux, Dordogne & Southwest
Bordeaux, Biarritz, Dordogne, Arcachon
July is peak summer: inland Bordeaux and the Dordogne can be hot, sometimes hitting high twenties to low thirties Celsius during heatwaves, while Biarritz and Arcachon stay moderated by sea breezes. Beaches and regional festivals fill up, and booking accommodation early is essential. Carry water, use afternoon shade, and expect lively evening dining scenes.
French Alps
Chamonix, Grenoble, Annecy, Val d’Isère
July sees warm days in valley bottoms and cooler temperatures at altitude-ideal conditions for long alpine hikes, via ferrata and summer ski on glaciers for those chasing it. Afternoon thunderstorms become more frequent, so start hikes early and carry waterproofs. Mountain huts and popular lakes fill up; book accommodation for weeklong treks early.
Provence & the Côte d’Azur
Marseille, Avignon, Aix‑en‑Provence, Nice, Cannes
July is high summer with hot, dry conditions inland-temperatures frequently reach the high 20s to mid‑30s°C around Avignon-while Nice and Cannes benefit from sea breezes. The mistral can still blow, especially in gusty spells that clear skies. July is festival season (Avignon festival early summer for theatre), so book early and carry water for midday heat.
Events & Festivals in July
Bastille Day
July 14th national day with parades, fireworks (notably in Paris), and widespread public celebrations.
Tour de France
The final stages and finish of the Tour de France occur in mid-July, attracting fans and increased domestic travel.
Planning a trip to France?
See how July compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.