Lyon has a semi-continental climate, with annual temperatures ranging between 0°C and 26°C and four fairly distinct seasons. Summer (June–September) is warm and can be intense, with average highs reaching 25–27°C in July and occasional heatwaves pushing temperatures above 35°C, along with frequent thunderstorms. Winter (December–February) is cold, with average January temperatures of 0–7°C and occasional snowfall — though generally milder than further north. Annual rainfall is approximately 855mm, spread fairly evenly throughout the year, with October being the wettest month. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the ideal times to visit, offering comfortable temperatures of 10–22°C and more frequent sunny days perfect for outdoor sightseeing.
Lyon Weather by Season
Spring (March – May)
Spring is Lyon’s most unpredictable season, with temperatures fluctuating between 10–20°C and sunny days alternating irregularly with rainy ones. March still carries a winter chill, with frequent rain and gusty winds, but from April the riverbanks of the Rhône burst into bloom and warm sunshine becomes more common. Around 52% of spring skies remain overcast, so make the most of clear days for outdoor sightseeing. May brings warmer temperatures and marks the beginning of the main travel season, but it is also one of the rainiest months of the year — an umbrella is a must. Throughout spring, daily temperature swings can be significant, so a light outer layer and a waterproof jacket are both essential.
Summer (June – August)
Summer is Lyon’s hottest and driest season, with average temperatures climbing to 25–30°C. July is the sunniest month of the year, with average highs of 27°C and warm nights around 17°C. August is the driest month, with only around 7 rainy days, and river breezes keep conditions feeling reasonably comfortable despite the heat. However, heatwaves approaching 40°C and sudden afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon in July and August — plan outdoor activities in the morning hours to avoid the worst of the heat. Being peak tourist season, accommodation and flights are at their most expensive, and popular restaurants and attractions fill up fast.
Autumn (September – November)
Autumn is, alongside spring, the best time to visit Lyon. Temperatures settle at a comfortable 10–22°C and the summer heat fades, making outdoor exploration very pleasant. September still has a summery feel — outdoor café terraces along the Rhône are at their liveliest, and the days are long and warm. From October, autumn foliage begins to colour the Rhône riverbanks and Fourvière Hill, offering some of the city’s most beautiful scenery, with average highs of 17°C and lows around 6°C. November brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and more frequent rain — the city begins to prepare for the festive season, and Christmas markets start appearing. A warm coat and layered outfits become essential from late October onward.
Winter (December – February)
Winter is Lyon’s coldest and cloudiest season, with average temperatures of 1–8°C. January and February are the coldest months, with temperatures occasionally dropping to -2°C and light snowfall possible. December has the highest number of rainy days in the year (around 13), with overcast skies and frequent fog making outdoor sightseeing less appealing. However, the Fête des Lumières (Festival of Lights), held annually in early December (around the 5th–8th), transforms the entire city into a spectacular outdoor art exhibition — an unmissable winter experience. Outside of festival periods, winter brings fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodation and flights, making it a quiet and budget-friendly time to visit the city.
Best Time to Visit Lyon
The best times to visit Lyon are spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October), when temperatures of 15–25°C create ideal conditions for outdoor activities and sightseeing.
April and May offer perfect weather for strolling along the Rhône, taking a river cruise, or exploring the cobbled streets of Vieux-Lyon (Old Lyon). Days are long and temperatures are mild at 10–20°C, though May is one of the rainiest months, so always carry an umbrella. June is a wonderful month to enjoy Lyon’s celebrated food culture at outdoor terraces — the weather is warm and pleasant, and the city hasn’t yet reached peak tourist season, so you can explore at a relaxed pace.
September and October are widely regarded as Lyon’s golden travel season. Summer heat gives way to stable, comfortable temperatures of 15–23°C and clear, crisp skies — the view from the Fourvière Hill viewpoint over the city is at its most stunning. Flights and accommodation prices drop compared to summer, and the city is noticeably less crowded, making for a more enjoyable visit overall.
Summer (July–August) brings the highest temperatures (up to 25–27°C), occasional heatwaves and thunderstorms, and the largest crowds. Accommodation prices peak and popular venues require advance booking. Winter (December–February) is cold with frequent cloud and rain, though the Fête des Lumières in early December makes a visit during this period truly special and memorable.
Lyon Monthly Weather & What to Wear
January
January is Lyon’s coldest and gloomiest month, with average temperatures of 1–7°C. There are around 11 rainy days, and fog and low cloud reduce sunshine considerably. Temperatures can occasionally drop below freezing, and light snow is possible. Rainy days are best spent at indoor museums and exploring Lyon’s famous gastronomy scene.
What to wear: Heavy coat or puffer jacket, knitwear, thermal underlayers, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots.
February
February is similarly cold, but with slightly fewer rainy days (around 8) and a gradual increase in sunny spells. Average temperatures are 2–11°C, and February can record the year’s lowest temperatures (down to -2°C). The first hints of spring begin to appear around the city, but warm layers remain essential.
What to wear: Heavy coat, layered knitwear, scarf, gloves, warm footwear.
March
March marks the start of spring, but winter cold lingers with temperatures of 4–14°C and significant daily swings. Rain and gusty winds are frequent, and the wind chill can make it feel much colder than the thermometer suggests. On clear days, a riverside walk is very pleasant — but be prepared for sudden gusts in the afternoon.
What to wear: Coat or light padded jacket, thin layered knitwear, scarf, umbrella.
April
April is one of the best months to visit Lyon. Temperatures rise to 7–17°C and sunny days become more frequent. Outdoor café terraces and Rhône riverside walks are at their most enjoyable. With around 10 rainy days, an umbrella should always be on hand, and the temperature difference between afternoon and evening means layering is key.
What to wear: Trench coat, leather jacket, chunky cardigan, long-sleeve shirt, foldable umbrella.
May
May is warm and comfortable at 11–21°C, and one of the best months for travel. Mornings and evenings can still be cool, making layered outfits the most practical choice. It is one of the rainiest months of the year (around 11 rainy days), so a waterproof jacket or compact umbrella is essential.
What to wear: Long-sleeve shirt, thin knit, light jacket, chinos or jeans, foldable umbrella, sunscreen.
June
June is warm and inviting at 16–26°C, with long sunny days ideal for exploring outdoor attractions. The city is lively but not yet overwhelmed by peak-season crowds. Rain falls on around 11 days, usually in brief showers.
What to wear: T-shirt or light long-sleeve top, thin cardigan, sunglasses, hat, foldable umbrella.
July
July is Lyon’s hottest month, with average temperatures of 17–28°C and daytime highs frequently exceeding 30°C. It is the sunniest month of the year, though afternoon thunderstorms can arrive suddenly. Evenings cool down slightly after sunset, so a light layer is worth packing.
What to wear: Short-sleeve tops, shorts or a light dress/skirt, sandals, sunglasses, hat, thin cardigan.
August
August is the driest month of the year, with only around 7 rainy days and average temperatures of 17–28°C. Daytime heat above 30°C is common, but river breezes make conditions outside the midday hours quite manageable. It is peak tourist season — popular restaurants and attractions should be booked in advance.
What to wear: Breathable short-sleeve tops, linen clothing, sandals, sunglasses, hat, light jacket for evenings.
September
September is one of the best months to visit Lyon. Summer heat eases to a comfortable 13–23°C and clear, sunny days are frequent. Rainy days number around 10, but all-day rain is rare — outdoor terraces and riverside activities are at their most enjoyable.
What to wear: T-shirt during the day, long-sleeve shirt or light jacket for evenings, foldable umbrella.
October
October brings cooler temperatures of 10–18°C as autumn deepens. Autumn foliage begins to colour the Rhône riverbanks and Fourvière Hill beautifully. Around 10 rainy days and increasing cloud mark the shift toward late autumn. Crowds thin out and the city takes on a more relaxed atmosphere.
What to wear: Trench coat, chunky sweater, long-sleeve shirt, scarf, loafers or ankle boots, umbrella.
November
November is cool at 5–11°C, with frequent overcast skies and rain. Days shorten noticeably and cool winds set in, making indoor sightseeing and Lyon’s world-renowned food scene the highlight of a visit. Christmas markets begin to appear around the city, creating a cosy festive atmosphere.
What to wear: Heavy coat, knitwear, scarf, waterproof shoes, umbrella.
December
December is cold (2–8°C) and the rainiest month of the year, with around 13 wet days. Despite the grey skies, the Fête des Lumières, held annually in early December (around the 5th–8th), transforms Lyon into one of the most spectacular destinations in Europe — the entire city becomes a canvas for large-scale light installations and art projections. Accommodation prices spike sharply during the festival, so early booking is strongly recommended.
What to wear: Heavy padded coat or wool overcoat, thermal underlayers, knitwear, scarf, gloves, waterproof boots.