Weather in France in November

France in November is a transitional time. The temperatures are dropping, rainfall is picking up, and the summer crowds are long gone. Weather patterns shift depending on where you are. Paris and the north feel cooler and damper, while places along the Mediterranean still have a bit of warmth during the day. It’s a quieter month for travel, which means fewer lines at museums and more breathing room in cafés.

France in November at a glance

Here’s a quick overview of what to expect if you're heading to France this month:

• Temperatures range from 40 to 55°F (4 to 13°C) in the north
• Southern regions stay milder, around 50 to 65°F (10 to 18°C)
• Rain is common, especially in the north and along the Atlantic coast
• Fewer tourists and more flexible travel options
• Great time for indoor activities like museums, food markets, and wine tastings

What is the weather like in France in November?

The weather in France in November is pretty cold (head south if you want it warmer). This is also one of the rainiest months of the year.

For example, Paris and Northern France typically sees 2.8 to 3.2 inches (70 to 80 mm) of rainfall in November, with Southern France (Provence, Côte d'Azur) and Western France experiencing around 3.0 to 3.6 inches (75 to 90 mm).

Meanwhile, the driest months, July and August, see an average of 0.5 to 1.5 inches (12 mm to 40 mm).

All that considered, the weather in France in November is better suited to culture-focussed trips and indoor activities. That said, it can still be a great time to plan your France itinerary.

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Average daily temperatures in November

How to plan a trip to France during this month? Temperatures in France during November really depend on where you are. In the north, including Paris, you’re looking at daytime highs between 45 to 55°F (7 to 13°C). Nights cool down to around 38 to 45°F (3 to 7°C), so you’ll want a proper coat, especially after sunset. It’s noticeably colder than summer, but not quite full-on winter yet.

Down south, the Mediterranean coast stays milder. Places like Nice, Marseille, and Montpellier often get daytime temps around 55 to 65°F (13 to 18°C), with nights rarely dipping below 45 to 50°F (7 to 10°C). You might still get some sunny days, but showers do roll in from time to time.

If you’re thinking about the beach, keep in mind that the sea is around 61 to 64°F (16 to 18°C). For most people, that’s too chilly for a swim, but walking the promenade is still pleasant if the sun’s out.

The days get noticeably shorter in November, with only about 9 to 10 hours of daylight. That, plus the likelihood of cloud cover, means it’s best to plan outdoor activities around midday, when it’s warmest and the light is best.

 

Is November a good time to visit France?

As always, the answer to this question depends entirely on what you’re hoping for from your trip.

Given the average temperatures and likelihood of detailed above, it’ll be clear that November isn’t a month to visit France if you’ve always longed to stretch out on some of the country best beaches, or were hoping to go on long hikes in glorious sunshine.

Rather, November can be good time to visit France if you want to experience the cultural aspects of the country’s best things to see and do, including wining and dining in cozy restaurants and bistros, and visiting museums and galleries.

Another important point is that November sits in a low season for tourism, which means top attractions (like museums and galleries) will be far less crowded (and cheaper) than they are in the preceding peak and shoulder season periods.

Why November is a good time to visit:

• Fewer tourists make it easier to get restaurant reservations and enjoy less crowded attractions
• Hotel prices are lower across most regions
• Seasonal menus and wine events make this a strong month for food and drink
• Christmas decorations start going up, especially in big cities like Paris
• Good weather for exploring indoors or bundling up for relaxed walks through historic areas
   

What about the crowds and cost?

As mentioned above, November is low season in France, which means crowds will be a great deal smaller than they are during the peak of summer, and during September’s shoulder season.

This makes it an ideal time to visit popular sites without long lines or heavy tourist traffic. All of which can add up to a more relaxed, authentic experience.

In addition, you’ll most likely be able to pay less for flights and accommodation in November, depending on where you’re planning to go. This can mean for some, November is the best time to visit France.

Where to go in France in November

France has a lot to explore in November, even with the cooler temperatures. It’s a good month to lean into cities, cultural events, and cozy meals. Tourist numbers are low, so you’ll have more room to enjoy popular places without the usual rush. Here are some of the best places to visit in France in November.

Paris

Paris feels calmer in November. With fewer people around, it’s easier to visit places like the Louvre or Musée d'Orsay without waiting in long lines. The weather is cool enough that cafés feel extra inviting, especially if you find one near a covered passage like Galerie Vivienne. By the end of the month, Christmas decorations start to appear around Champs-Élysées and inside department stores like Galeries Lafayette, giving the city a festive edge without the December crowds.

Lyon

Lyon is a solid pick if you’re into food. This is the time to enjoy warm, filling meals at traditional bouchons, especially as the weather cools down. Vieux Lyon is easy to explore on foot, and wandering through the traboules (those hidden passageways in the old town) is a fun way to spend a chilly afternoon. The city starts to gear up for the Festival of Lights in early December, but in November, it’s still relatively low-key. 

Provence

The lavender is long gone by November, but Provence still feels like a nice break from the cities. The olive harvest begins around this time, and some local mills open for tastings and tours. Aix-en-Provence and Avignon stay lively with daytime temperatures around 55 to 60°F (13 to 16°C), so you can still walk the historic streets, visit museums, and settle in for long lunches at neighborhood bistros. 

Alsace

If you’re heading to Alsace in late November, you’ll start to see the first signs of Christmas markets going up. Strasbourg and Colmar look great with early lights and decorations strung across the half-timbered buildings. The weather gets chilly, which goes well with dishes like choucroute and a glass of local riesling. Even if it’s cloudy, the architecture keeps things interesting. 

Bordeaux and other wine regions

November is quieter in France’s wine regions, but that can be a good thing. The harvest is done, which makes it easier to get a relaxed tasting or cellar tour without a lot of other visitors around. In Beaujolais, the Beaujolais Nouveau release takes place on the third Thursday of the month, and you’ll find small events and tastings throughout the area. The best Bordeaux vineyards are turning orange and gold, and many châteaux have more time for slower, more personal visits.  

What to do in France in November

November is a quieter time in France, but that’s part of what makes it special. Without the rush of summer tourism, it’s easier to get a feel for everyday life, from wine traditions to market mornings and cozy afternoons indoors. Here are some of the best things to do in France in November.

Celebrate Beaujolais Nouveau

Every year on the third Thursday of November, France celebrates the arrival of Beaujolais Nouveau. It’s the first wine of the new harvest, and the release is marked with casual celebrations all across the country. You’ll find glasses being poured in cafés, wine bars, and even corner stores. Paris and Lyon tend to go big, but even small towns get involved. It’s a light, fruity red, meant for drinking young, and sharing with friends. 

World-class museums without the crowds

With fewer tourists around, museums are a lot more enjoyable in November. In Paris, the Louvre and Musée d'Orsay are easier to navigate, and you can actually take your time with the exhibits. Outside the capital, you’ve got great options too: the Museum of Fine Arts in Lyon, the Unterlinden Museum in Colmar, or the Fabre Museum in Montpellier. The cooler weather makes these indoor visits a comfortable way to spend the day.
 

Seasonal French cuisine

Late fall is one of the best times to eat well in France. Menus shift to richer, heartier dishes featuring game, mushrooms, chestnuts, and truffles. Look for local bistros in Burgundy serving venison or wild boar, or head to the Atlantic coast where oysters are in season. Covered food markets like Marché des Enfants Rouges in Paris are worth a visit, and smaller towns often have great morning markets packed with fresh fall produce.

Take a thermal spa retreat

November is a good time to wind down in one of France’s thermal spa towns. Places like Vichy, Aix-les-Bains, and Évian-les-Bains are quiet this time of year and have historic bathhouses where you can soak in mineral-rich waters. The cooler weather makes these warm indoor spaces even more appealing, and without the summer crowds, the whole experience feels a bit more relaxed. 
 

Planning your itinerary

France has a bit of everything, so it helps to pick a focus. For November, cities and smaller towns are still great, while the coast and countryside are quieter.

• Southern France itinerary: Fly into Marseille or Nice. Explore coastal towns, Roman ruins, and Provençal villages. Visit Aix, Arles, or Avignon, then relax in slower-paced towns like Cassis or L’Isle-sur-la-Sorgue.
• Northern France itinerary: Start in Paris, then head to Normandy for Mont-Saint-Michel and D-Day beaches. Visit Rouen or Honfleur, or go east to Reims and the Champagne region for cellar tours and countryside drives.
• 10 days in France itinerary: Spend a few days in Paris, then take the train south to Avignon or Aix. Explore nearby towns, markets, and vineyards, and finish with a night or two on the Mediterranean coast.