Best time to go to Lyon Average weather of Lyon, Lyonnais (Around Lyon)
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 17/04/2024When is the best time to go to Lyon?
If you're wondering when to visit Lyon, the period from May to October should appeal to you. Indeed, this is when the climate is most favorable for a stay, and tourist traffic is also on the rise.
More specifically, the best time to visit Lyon is during the summer, between the months of July and September. The sun is omnipresent and temperatures are high, ranging from 18 to 28°C (83°F) on average.
Furthermore, spring and autumn are also good choices for a stay in Lyon. However, from April to June, thunderstorms are frequent. There are nearly 10 days of rain per month and almost 200 mm of rain on average in May.
In spring, you can experience beautiful sunny days, but remember to bring an umbrella just in case. Temperatures are mild: around 17°C (63°F) in April and May, reaching up to 25°C (77°F) in June.
Moreover, September and October offer favorable weather, with pleasant temperatures and less rain than in summer.
On the other hand, while traveling to Lyon in winter can be a good idea to witness the Festival of Lights and year-end festivities, the weather may not be ideal. The weather is very cold and quite humid during this season. Snowfall is frequent between December and February. For instance, in January and February, temperatures range from 1 to 8°C (47°F) , requiring you to dress warmly to explore the city.
So, when is the best time to go to Lyon? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Lyon are May, June, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- January is the coldest month of the year
- The rainiest months are May and June
Annual weather in Lyon
Weather details in Lyon month by month
Weather and climate in Lyon
Lyon is subject to a semi-continental climate, with Mediterranean influences. The weather in Lyon is characterized by hot and humid summers, and cold and dry winters, with frost present. At certain times of the year, Lyon experiences a climate similar to that of Annecy or Avignon.
Climate in Lyon in Summer
Summer in Lyon is hot and rainy, sometimes even stormy. Between June and August, the average maximum temperature is 27°C (81°F) , but the thermometer can rise up to 30°C (86°F) , making the heat sometimes stifling.
Blue skies and sunshine are generally present during this beautiful season. However, thunderstorms are frequent, especially in the late afternoon. Indeed, more than 100mm of precipitation falls during the months of June to August.
That being said, the climate in Lyon in summer remains very pleasant and will allow you to fully enjoy your stay.
Climate in Lyon in Autumn
From October to November, the mildness of autumn refreshes the atmosphere. While temperatures can still reach 18°C (65°F) at times in October, the temperature drops below 10°C (50°F) as early as November.
Nevertheless, autumn is a very beautiful season to visit Lyon. The sun is shining and the climate is drier than in summer. The months of September and October are to be favored. You will find blue skies, a certain mildness, and little rain.
Climate in Lyon in Winter
Lyon experiences harsh and quite dry winters. In January, the coldest month of the year, the temperature can drop to 0°C (32°F) , favoring snowfall. It snows about 20 days a year, but it often does not stick. In terms of temperatures, they average between 1 and 7°C (45°F) in January and February, but can drop below 0°C (32°F) at night.
Moreover, a cool wind is felt during the winter, which reinforces the feeling of cold. Although the sun is present in Lyon in winter, the weather remains quite unfavorable for a stay due to sometimes glacial temperatures.
Furthermore, even though winter is considered a dry season in Lyon, precipitation occurs about 7 days per month from November to March, often coming in the form of snow.
Climate in Lyon in Spring
Snow gradually disappears in March in Lyon and gives way to milder temperatures in April and May. Indeed, the mercury varies between about 8 and 17°C (63°F) in April and easily reaches 20°C as early as May.
As in most European countries, such as Switzerland and Luxembourg, spring in Lyon is pleasant. The thermometer can even reach up to 25°C (77°F) as summer approaches.
Sunny days are plentiful, although it must be said that spring is quite rainy in Lyon. The months of May and June, in particular, are characterized by significant showers: it sometimes rains more than 10 days in a month.
Fortunately, disturbances pass quickly, allowing ample opportunity to fully enjoy outdoor activities during this season. Ultimately, the weather is quite favorable for a stay in Lyon in spring.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Lyon
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Lyon: 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 Lyon
Find out when Lyon 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 Lyon
- Very low season in Lyon
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January, February and March. - Low season in Lyon
The months with low numbers of tourists are: April and November. - High season in Lyon
The number of visitors to Lyon is high in: May, June, September, October and December. - Peak season in Lyon
The largest number of tourists visiting Lyon is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Lyon month by month
Best time for low prices in Lyon
Average prices of hotels in Lyon month by month
Generally, December is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Lyon. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, June is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Lyon
A return flight between London and Lyon is generally cheaper if you go in march ($ 82 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 100 more for your airline ticket to Lyon if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Lyon
Average price of hiring a car in Lyon
On average, it costs $ 47 per day to hire a car in Lyon. This price varies by $ 13 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 42 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in august is $ 54.
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