Climate in France

A temperate climate in the north; north-eastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snow likely in winter.

• The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate.
• Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate.
• Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cooler with heavy snows in winter.
• The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas from the Loire to the Basque region; the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall distributed throughout the year. Summers can be very hot and sunny.
• Inland areas are also mild and the French slopes of the Pyrenees are reputed for their sunshine record.
• Mediterranean climate exists on the Riviera, and in Provence and Roussillon.
• Weather in the French Alps is variable.

Continental weather is present in Auvergne, Burgundy and the Rhône Valley. Very strong winds (such as the Mistral) can occur throughout the entire region.