Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Lyon
🇫🇷 Lyon, France · Europe
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
7°
0°
Poor
Feb
9°
1°
Good
Mar
13°
3°
Great
Apr
16°
6°
Great
May
20°
10°
Great
Jun
24°
14°
Great
Jul
27°
16°
Great
Aug
27°
16°
Great
Sep
22°
13°
Great
Oct
17°
9°
Great
Nov
11°
4°
Good
Dec
7°
1°
Fair
Month-by-Month Weather in Lyon
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 7°C | 0°C | 13 | 5h | 65% | 1 | Poor | View |
| February | 9°C | 1°C | 10 | 7h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| MarchRecommended | 13°C | 3°C | 11 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| AprilRecommended | 16°C | 6°C | 12 | 10h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| MayRecommended | 20°C | 10°C | 13 | 11h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| JuneRecommended | 24°C | 14°C | 12 | 12h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 27°C | 16°C | 10 | 13h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 27°C | 16°C | 9 | 12h | 65% | 10 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 22°C | 13°C | 9 | 9h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| OctoberRecommended | 17°C | 9°C | 11 | 7h | 65% | 6 | Great | View |
| November | 11°C | 4°C | 12 | 6h | 65% | 1 | Good | View |
| December | 7°C | 1°C | 12 | 5h | 65% | 1 | Fair | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Lyon
Spring (March to May)
Avg: 16°C high, 6°C low
Spring in Lyon brings gradually mild temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 16°C (61°F) while nights cool to 6°C (43°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (June to August)
Avg: 26°C high, 15°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Lyon, with temperatures reaching 26°C (79°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (September to November)
Avg: 17°C high, 9°C low
Fall in Lyon is one of the best times to visit. Temperatures settle around 17°C (63°F) during the day and 9°C (48°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (December to February)
Avg: 8°C high, 1°C low
Winter in Lyon brings the coolest weather of the year. Layers are essential, and some outdoor attractions may have reduced hours. However, hotel prices typically drop and popular sites are less crowded.
When to Avoid Lyon
The least favorable time to visit Lyon is January and December. During this period, you can expect cold weather, frequent rain.
January
Challenges: cold weather, frequent rain
December
Challenges: cold weather, frequent rain
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Lyon
Packing recommendations for visiting Lyon during the best travel months (April, June, July), when temperatures range from 12°C to 22°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +Waterproof jacket and an umbrella (rain is frequent)
- +Waterproof shoes or boots
- +Sunscreen (SPF 30+), sunglasses, and a wide-brim hat
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Lyon Year-Round Climate Overview
Lyon has a temperate oceanic climate (Koppen classification: Cfb). The warmest month is August with highs of 27°C, while the coldest month is December at just 7°C. Annual rainfall averages 947mm across approximately 134 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 7 | 9 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 27 | 27 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 7 |
| Low °C | 0 | 1 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 14 | 16 | 16 | 13 | 9 | 4 | 1 |
| Rain Days | 13 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 12 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 69 | 55 | 59 | 80 | 90 | 81 | 76 | 76 | 92 | 99 | 98 | 72 |
| Sun h/day | 5 | 7 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
| Humidity % | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 | 65 |
| UV Index | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 1 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Lyon? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Lyon?+
The best time to visit Lyon is April, June, July. During these months, temperatures average 22°C (72°F) with 12 hours of daily sunshine and only 11 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Lyon?+
The least ideal time to visit Lyon is January and December. During this period, you can expect cold weather, frequent rain. While Lyon can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Lyon good to visit in summer?+
Summer in Lyon (June to August) brings temperatures of 26°C (79°F) highs and 15°C (59°F) lows, with about 12 hours of sunshine and 10 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Lyon?+
Lyon does not have a distinct rainy season. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, averaging 11 rain days per month.
What should I pack for Lyon?+
When visiting Lyon during the best travel months (April, June, July), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. A waterproof jacket and umbrella are essential. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended, especially given the high UV index.
Is April a good time to visit Lyon?+
Yes, April is one of the best months to visit Lyon. Expect average highs of 16°C (61°F), 10 hours of daily sunshine, and only 12 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Lyon
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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