Lyon weather relies on the city’s location in the Rhone-Alpes region of southeastern France. The city has cold winds blowing in from the eastern Alps, as well as warm breezes that arrive from the southeast and the Mediterranean Sea. This combination creates a temperate climate in Lyon throughout much of the year. It is also worth noting that the precipitation in Lyon can be unpredictable. While autumn is the season when you will encounter the most rain in Lyon, any time you travel to Lyon, go prepared with the right gear for potentially wet weather. When you think about Lyon weather, the best time to visit Lyon should be largely informed by what you are interested in doing when you arrive.

Winter is the driest season in Lyon and does not experience as much snow and sleet as you might imagine for a town near the Alps. It is markedly colder than the rest of the year, due largely to its inland position. The average temperature in the winter in Lyon is around 37 degrees Fahrenheit. January is the coldest month and the temperatures go up from there until the weather begins to improve in the early spring. Winds from the Alps make for biting cold on the more extreme days.

Spring sees average temperatures in the mid 50s by March. By May, the average temperature hovers right below the 70-degree mark. This is a very pleasant time in Lyon when the fauna and flora are regenerating in the warming sun and temperate climate of the Rhone-Alpes. It is not uncommon for the spring season to be wet, so if you are traveling during this time, come equipped with rain gear.

Lyon Map

Summer is the hottest season in Lyon with average temperatures around 80 degrees in July and August. This is possibly the best time to visit Lyon. This is when you will get to enjoy many of the hours of sunshine that add up to over 2,000 such hours per year in Lyon. If you wish to visit Lyon in the summer, you may want to consider either June or September. These two months are not as hot or crowded as July and August.

Autumn is the wettest season, but also the most temperate. Actual temperatures rarely go below 50 or above 70 and the landscape is particularly fetching. No matter what time of the year you choose to travel to Lyon, you will find a generally inviting climate. When it comes to Lyon weather, the best time to travel to Lyon has everything to do with what you are comfortable with on your vacation.