Best time to go to Besancon Average weather of Besancon, Franche-Comté
Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Besancon?
The best time to visit Besançon depends on both the weather and your preferences in terms of activities and tourist traffic. If you prioritize good weather, it is recommended to plan your stay between May and September, when temperatures are pleasant and the climate is generally milder.
However, if you prefer to avoid crowds, it would be wise to consider the months bordering the peak tourist season which extends from April to October. By choosing to visit Besançon in April or October, you will still benefit from relatively mild weather while avoiding the influx of the most popular months.
In summer, the pleasant temperatures will allow you to fully enjoy outdoor activities. You can stroll through the old town, visit the Citadel of Besançon and the city's numerous museums, or take a cruise on the Doubs. Additionally, July and August are prime months for cultural events such as the Besançon Music Festival.
If you are a nature lover and not deterred by slightly cooler and wetter weather, autumn can be an excellent choice. The autumn colors of Franche-Comté are simply stunning, and hiking in the surroundings of Besançon will be a true feast for the eyes.
Finally, although winter in Besançon can be harsh, it is also an opportunity to discover the city in a different light, with fewer tourists and a more peaceful atmosphere. Furthermore, if you are a fan of winter sports, the Jura ski resorts are just an hour's drive away.
In conclusion, each season in Besançon has its own charms and activities to offer. It is up to each traveler to determine the best time for them based on their interests and climatic preferences.
So, when is the best time to go to Besancon? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Besancon are May, July, August and September
- On average, the warmest months are June, July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are May, June and December
Annual weather in Besancon
Weather details in Besancon month by month
Weather and climate in Besancon
Located in Franche-Comté, Besançon benefits from a temperate oceanic climate according to the Köppen-Geiger classification. The four seasons are well marked, offering a variety of weather conditions throughout the year.
Winter in Besançon (December to February)
Winter in Besançon is characterized by fairly low temperatures ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 7°C (45°F) . The months of January and February can be particularly harsh. The weather is generally unfavorable with often cloudy days and the possibility of snow. The winter months are also marked by quite significant precipitation, especially in January.
Spring in Besançon (March to May)
Spring is characterized by a gradual increase in temperatures. March is still cool, with temperatures ranging from 3°C (38°F) to 11°C (52°F) , but by May, they reach between 11°C (52°F) and 18°C (65°F) . Although the weather improves, the month of May is often marked by significant rain showers.
Summer in Besançon (June to August)
The summer months in Besançon offer a more favorable climate. Daytime temperatures generally range from 15°C (59°F) to 25°C (77°F) , with mostly sunny days. However, summer is not without rain, with an average of 10 rainy days in July and 8 in August. The month of August is often the most pleasant, with the highest number of sunny days.
Autumn in Besançon (September to November)
Autumn in Besançon is characterized by a gradual cooling of temperatures and an increase in rainy days. September is generally quite mild, with temperatures ranging from 12°C (54°F) to 21°C (70°F) , but by November, they drop to lows of 5°C (41°F) . November can be particularly wet, with an average of 8 rainy days.
In summary, Besançon offers a variety of weather conditions throughout the year, with cold and humid winters, mild but rainy springs, relatively warm and sunny summers, and cool and humid autumns. For visitors, the summer months, especially August, are often the most pleasant to discover the city.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Besancon
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Besancon: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Besancon
Find out when Besancon has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Besancon
- Very low season in Besancon
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in Besancon
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April, November and December. - High season in Besancon
The number of visitors to Besancon is high in: May, June, September and October. - Peak season in Besancon
The largest number of tourists visiting Besancon is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Besancon month by month
Best time for low prices in Besancon
Average prices of hotels in Besancon month by month
Generally, January is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Besancon. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price of hiring a car in Besancon
On average, it costs $ 58 per day to hire a car in Besancon. This price varies by $ 6.2 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 55 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 61.
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