Carcassonne enjoys a temperate oceanic climate with hot, dry summers and mild, humid winters. Summer highs reach 28–30°C, while winter lows can dip to 2–4°C. Rain falls year-round, peaking in autumn and spring, while sunshine is most abundant from May to August. The city’s climate offers distinct, pleasant seasonal contrasts for travellers.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Carcassonne, set in the south of France at 348 metres elevation, experiences four well-defined seasons. Summers (June–August) are hot and mostly dry, with average highs of 28–30°C and lows around 16–17°C. July and August are the sunniest and driest months, each offering up to 9–10 hours of sunshine daily and only 3–5 rainy days. Occasional heatwaves can push temperatures above 35°C, but humidity remains moderate, and evenings are comfortable for outdoor dining. The Mediterranean influence brings clear skies and long daylight, ideal for exploring the medieval city and attending summer festivals.
Winters (December–February) are mild and humid, with average highs of 10–12°C and lows of 2–4°C. Rain is more frequent, especially in January and November, but snow is rare and short-lived. Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are transitional, featuring mild to warm temperatures (14–25°C), increased rainfall, and blooming or colourful landscapes. Rain peaks in April and October, but showers are usually brief, and sunshine returns quickly. Winds, especially the Tramontane from the northwest, can be brisk in winter and spring, clearing the skies and bringing a fresh feel. Carcassonne receives about 650–850 mm of rain annually and enjoys over 2,100 hours of sunshine. Daylight ranges from 9 hours in winter to over 15 hours in midsummer.
| Average climate data for Carcassonne, France | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 10 | 11 | 14 | 17 | 21 | 25 | 29 | 28 | 25 | 19 | 13 | 10 | 29 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 3 | 3 | 5 | 8 | 11 | 15 | 17 | 17 | 14 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 3 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 69 | 54 | 55 | 73 | 56 | 46 | 28 | 42 | 43 | 60 | 59 | 63 | 648 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 9 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 8 | 5 | 4 | 5 | 5 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 88 |
| Average snowfall days (days) | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 8 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 82 | 80 | 74 | 75 | 71 | 69 | 63 | 69 | 74 | 79 | 82 | 85 | 75 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 9 | 10 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 9 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 5 |
| Average UV index | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 7 | 5 | 4 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
The best time to visit Carcassonne is from May to September, when temperatures are warm (20–30°C), rainfall is low, and sunshine is abundant. These months offer ideal conditions for sightseeing, outdoor dining, and enjoying festivals, with long days and lively city life. Spring and early autumn are especially pleasant for fewer crowds and comfortable weather.
The least favourable time to visit is from November to February, when days are shortest, temperatures are coolest (highs of 10–12°C, lows of 2–4°C), and rain is more frequent. While winters are mild, the city is quieter, and some attractions may have reduced hours, but it offers a peaceful, authentic experience.
Carcassonne has hot, dry summers (highs 28–30°C) and mild, humid winters (highs 10–12°C, lows 2–4°C). Rain falls year-round, peaking in autumn and spring, while sunshine is most abundant from May to August.
Snow is rare in Carcassonne, with most winter precipitation falling as rain. When snow does occur, it is usually light and melts quickly, leaving the city’s medieval charm undisturbed.
July and August are the sunniest months, with up to 9–10 hours of sunshine daily and long daylight hours. Even in spring and autumn, Carcassonne enjoys several hours of sun per day.
Carcassonne receives about 650–850 mm of rain annually, with the wettest months in April and October. July and August are the driest, each with only 3–5 rainy days and less than 45 mm of rain.
Yes, Carcassonne is known for the Tramontane, a strong northwest wind, especially in winter and spring. It clears the skies, brings fresh air, and can make temperatures feel cooler.
Pack light, breathable clothes and sun protection for summer, layers and a rain jacket for spring and autumn, and a warm coat for winter evenings. Comfortable shoes are useful year-round for exploring the city.
Carcassonne is least crowded in winter (November–February) and early spring. These periods offer quieter attractions and better prices, but weather may be cooler and some services limited.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is July (28.7 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (9.8 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 18.6 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is July (17.1 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (3.1 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 9.6 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is April (73.3 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is July (28.5 mm). Over the whole year there are 648.5 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is January (9.4 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is July (4 days). Over the whole year there are 87.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the most days of snowfall is January (2.2 days). The months with the fewest days of snowfall are June, July and September (0 days). Over the whole year there are 7.9 days of snowfall on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is December (85.1 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is July (63.5 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 75.3 %.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 15 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is December (Average daylight: 9 h). Over the whole year there are 11.9 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is July (Average sunshine: 8.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is November (Average sunshine: 3 h). Over the whole year there are 5.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
The months with the highest average UV index are June and July (UV index: 8). The months with the lowest average UV index are January and December (UV index: 1). Over the whole year the average UV index is 4.6.
