happy2travel

I have plans to visit France in April. I made these plans when my schedule wasn't as flexible as it is now. My husband is concerned that we might be disappointed in the weather in April -cool and rainy. I know you can't predict the weather. The last time I was in Paris in mid April it was in the mid 60s and sunny -beautiful!

However, taking his concerns into consideration, and the fact that my schedule is now more flexible, I am thinking about changing our travel plans to mid May or early June.

What do you think? I would love to read the pros and cons of visiting these regions in mid to late April, May, or early June. As much as we would like warmer weather we do not want hot weather. The last time I was in Nice -mid August- it was brutal.

Thanks in advance if you can help.

Amanda

We visited Nice in late May and then did a walking tour of Provence for 2 weeks. The weather was warm to hot through the day - about 27 to 29 degrees C - I think that's about 84 deg F, but pleasantly cool at night - about 15 to 17 deg C. It's a pleasant time to be sight seeing - you can wear shorts and t-shirts, and have a jacket at night if necessary. Paris however was cool, windy and rainy in the first week of June - week started about 22 deg C but was mainly 16 deg C through the day, not allowing for wind-chill! I wore jeans and jacket +/- rain jacket for that week! Not sure about April showers!
Have a great trip!

happy2travel

Amanda, thanks for sharing your experiences in France. I would love to get more feedback, please. Thanks very much!

maryanne1

My daughter and I spent 3 weeks in France last May all the way from a week in Paris, Loire Valley, Provence, and the Riviera. The weather was not that hot,but enough cool to wear long sleeves most of the time -the Riviera being warmer. There was no day of rain except the day we arrived in Paris. May is also a time that the great number of tourist have not arrived. Also it is spring when flowers are blooming. I definitely think May is the ideal one, but then weather can vary so much from year to year. I remember a lady telling us as we left near the end of May that we were very fortunate it had been such great weather during our stay.

Powell

Happy2travel:

Having visited all three areas a number of times it is clear there is no one month that "fits all". Weather normally is not the only factor for most travellers.

Provence: Late May would be ideal as to weather. You would miss the lavender, however, that blooms in late June/early July. Weather in Provence may be hot during the day but it retreats to the high 60's at night. There is considerably more cultural and tourist activity in late June and July. The Irish have a saying about weather:
"There is no bad weather just a wrong choice of clothing.."
Paris: Anytime. The weather can vary a bit but May is normally OK. I assume you want to see indoor things, museums, Opera, etc. and will not be outside all the time.
Nice: Hot in the summer. Not my favorite destination. If I was going there I would go to Vence and see the Mattisse Chapel; St. Paul de Vence the Meaght Foundation. If you are looking for beaches Nice not the place.

If you give some idea what you plan to see and do I could give further advice.