When to visit Provence
 

I've only ever been to Provence in the summer but now that i'm retiring I can go in the fall! Does it matter if I go in September or October for the weather? When is the latest I could go without dealing with the cooler weather and the mistral wind I've heard of? Merci.

You can be more certain of good weather in September than October, according to our local friends. However, I love Provence in October. The mistral usually doesn't arrive until winter.

the rub is the mistral can even arrive in August, happened to me one year. September has been good to us through the years and you can still dine outside.

We have been to Provence in March, twice. I find it a joy any time although the Mistral can be quite the experience. In 2002, when we stayed in Arles, we had 2 days of mistral out of about 5 days. A year ago, 2008, not even one day out of 9, although it was somewhat overcast. Our base was Collobrieres in the Var, slightly inland from the Cote d'Azur.

Ultimately, I think September and October should both be wonderful because it ISN'T summer! One advantage of September is a slightly longer day. For some historic sites, that can be an advantage.

Bon voyage!

September is usually good but I prefer May - not too many tourists, lovely wheather!

> the mistral can even arrive in August,

Yes, recent ones I had, in September and October 2008, both times I was hiking on the calanques. In september, due it, the entrance to the farther calanques were restricted.

The Mistral can and does blow any time of the year. During the summer months, it's actually kind of a good thing (unless you were planning to hang out on the beach) as it cools things down a bit.

As for Sept vs. Oct - weatherwise, September is a better bet. And as mentioned, the days are still quite long which is nice. October is nice since the vineyards start to change color - though you can get rain. If it's a help, high temps in September on average are 24 degrees and in October 19, to give you an idea.

-Kevin

I have been to Provence twice, and the mistral was blowing both times--in June the first time and September the second. Both times it blew a little cooler than I would have liked, but it lasted only three days. I just consider it part of the experience;however, beware if you are wearing skirts. We have great pictures of my daughter trying to keep her full skirt in it's proper place. The mistral will never keep me away from Provence. It is my favorite place in the world.