When to Visit Lyon
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Spring (Mar-May)
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Winter (Dec-Feb)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the coldest month in Lyon, with temperatures hovering around 44°F during the day and dropping to 33°F at night. You'll likely encounter some gray, drizzly days, and fog isn't uncommon along the rivers. It's quiet for tourism, which means you'll have museums and restaurants largely to yourself.
February
February stays chilly but you'll notice the days getting slightly longer and occasionally milder, reaching up to 48°F. Rainfall drops a bit compared to other months, though when it does rain, it's that cold, penetrating kind. The city starts waking up from winter hibernation, but tourist numbers remain low.
March
Spring begins to show itself in March, with temperatures climbing to 56°F and noticeably longer daylight hours. You'll still need layers as mornings can be quite cool at 39°F, and rain is fairly regular. The city's parks start greening up, and terraces begin opening for the season.
April
April brings proper spring weather with highs around 63°F, though you'll want to keep that rain jacket handy as showers are common. The city really comes alive this month with café culture in full swing and cherry blossoms appearing in parks. Evenings can still be cool, dropping to 44°F.
May
May is genuinely lovely in Lyon, with temperatures reaching 70°F and the city's gardens in full bloom. It's one of the wetter months at over 3 inches of rainfall, but the showers tend to be intermittent rather than all-day affairs. Tourist numbers pick up but haven't hit summer peak yet.
June
June marks the start of summer with warm 78°F days and comfortable evenings around 59°F. You'll still see some rain, but there's plenty of sunshine for outdoor dining and exploring. This is when Lyon's rooftop bars and riverside areas really come into their own.
July
July brings Lyon's warmest weather, typically hitting 82°F, though it rarely feels oppressive thanks to relatively low humidity compared to other European cities. Occasional thunderstorms provide dramatic relief from the heat. The city is busy with tourists and locals on holiday, and many Lyonnais head out of town.
August
August matches July's heat at 82°F, and you'll find the city takes on a slightly sleepy character as many locals vacation elsewhere. Tourist sites remain busy, but some smaller restaurants and shops close for annual breaks. Evenings are perfect for riverside strolls at around 61°F.
September
September is arguably one of Lyon's best months, with temperatures cooling to a comfortable 73°F and the city returning to its normal rhythm after August. You'll get some rain, but the light takes on that beautiful autumn quality. Crowds thin out while the weather remains excellent for sightseeing.
October
October brings proper autumn with temperatures around 63°F and the year's highest rainfall at nearly 4 inches. The fall colors in Parc de la Tête d'Or are stunning, though you'll definitely need waterproof gear. Evenings turn noticeably cooler at 49°F, so layers become essential.
November
November sees Lyon transitioning into winter, with temperatures dropping to 52°F during the day and 40°F at night. Rain is frequent and the days get noticeably shorter. That said, the city's covered traboules (passageways) and excellent indoor dining scene make it quite manageable.
December
December brings cold weather with highs around 45°F, but the famous Festival of Lights (Fête des Lumières) in early December draws huge crowds and transforms the city into a magical spectacle. After mid-December, things quiet down considerably despite the Christmas markets. Bundle up for those 35°F evenings.