Visiting France in summer is a popular trend among tourists from around the world.
Needless to say, it is best to avoid the peak season from May to September when the crowds are spilling over to the streets and accommodations are more expensive. Opt for low season from December to March if you want smaller crowds and discounted hotel rates.
The climate in France is considered temperate, but it may still vary from one region to another.
The central regions, including Paris, have warm summers and relatively cold winters.
Frigid temperatures during winter and a good amount of heat during summer are felt in the Alpine regions due to the semi-continental climate.
Along the coasts of the channel and the Atlantic, summers are cooler, but humidity levels are high. Down south, the Mediterranean climate brings beaches and seaside towns blistering hot summers and generally cool and calm winters.
The warmest average high temperature is 25 °C (77 °F) occurring in July, while the coolest climate gets an average temperature of 1 °C (34°F) between January to February.
World-renowned sporting events are guaranteed to draw large crowds. The Tour de France is held during July or August. The French Open, one of the Grand Slam events in tennis, occurs between late May and the early part of June.
Furthermore, take note of public holidays, as commercial activities tend to wane in these days; a majority of businesses and shops are closed.
Remember that religious events such as Easter Monday, All Saints Day, Ascension Day and Christmas are holidays in France. World War II Victory Day in May and Bastille Day on July 14 are national holidays as well.
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