France - Climate

A temperate climate in the north, the northeastern areas have a more continental climate with warm summers and colder winters.

Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with some snow likely in winter. The Jura Mountains have an alpine climate. Lorraine, sheltered by bordering hills, has a relatively mild climate. Mediterranean climate in the south; mountains are cooler with heavy snow in winter.

The Atlantic influences the climate of the western coastal areas, where the weather is temperate and relatively mild with rainfall throughout the year.

Summers can be very hot and sunny. Inland areas are mild and the French slopes of the Pyrenees are renowned for their sunshine record. A Mediterranean climate exists on the Riviera can be very hot and sunny.

Inland areas are mild and the French slopes of the Pyrenees are renowned for their sunshine record.