September is a simply divine month to visit France. The tourist season is winding down, but you still get most of the positive aspects of summertime like warm weather and extended hours at attractions. The prices at hotels and for airfare start to dip a little. The evenings, especially in the north, begin to have that cool, crisp touch to the air. There are numerous events, the highlight of which is the ferias, or bullfighting festivals, of the South of France. Anyone who loves Paris in the springtime would have to adore it as fall starts to tinge the tips of the French leaves.
Weather
The weather can range from hot summertime temperatures to characteristically cool fall nights. Mostly, the weather is pleasantly moderate. There are major variations in climate depending on where you are in France, but here are weather averages for some major cities:
- Paris: Average high temperature is 21 degrees celsius/70 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 13 celcius, 55 farenheit. Average rainfall is 53 millimeters, or 2.1 inches.
- Nice: Average high temperature is 24 degrees celsius/75 degrees farenheit, with the average low at 17 degrees celcius/62 degrees farenheit. Average precipitation is 66 millimeters, or 2.6 inches.
- Bordeaux: Average high temperature is 23 degrees celsius, 73 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 12 celcius/53 farenheit. Average precipitation is 84 millimeters, or 3.3 inches.
- Strasbourg: Average high temperature is 21 degrees celsius, or 69 degrees farenheit, and the average low is 11 celcius/51 farenheit. Average precipitation is 61 millimeters, or 2.4 inches.
What to pack
It can be challenging to pack for France, particularly if you will visit multiple cities. For the most part, this is a moderate time of year. Be prepared for extremes, as you could encounter hot days or cool nights. Your packing list should include:
- A hot weather outfit
- A sweater or light jacket
- Good walking shoes with nice tread (also see Top Travel Walking Shoes for Women and Top Travel Walking Shoes for Men)
Why to go in September
- Enjoy the quiet as most European (and American) tourists return to work and school
- The weather is usually warm and mild
- All museums and attractions are open, usually still with extended summertime hours
- Rates start to go down on lodging and airfare
Why not to visit France in September
- You may encounter some cool weather, or even downright chilly temperatures
- Weather is less predictable
Events and festivals
- Basque Country Music Festival, (in Saint-Jean-de-Luz) is one of France's premier music festivals and is situated in one of the country's prettiest small cities.
- Piano aux Jacobins (in Toulouse), a festival devoted to classical piano music featuring numerous concerts at the Jacobins cloister.
- Feria du Riz or Rice Feria, (in Arles) is a showcase of bullfighting traditions in Southern France. Well after fans leave the arena, the party continues into the night in this lively Provence city. Here, you not only find running of the bulls, but they are also guarded by the lovely Camargue horses.
- Paris Techno Parade, (in Paris) is France's second most popular music festival and an ode to techno music. It is part of the Rendez-Vous Electroniques Festival (from September 8-18).
- Jazz a Beaune, (in Beaune), a wonderful indulgence on the local Burgundy wines and jazz music. There are also classes offered, both on wine tasting and the jazz masters.
- Feria des Vendanges or Grape Harvest Feria, (in Nimes) is another festive bullfighting festival in a city jam-packed with historic attractions.
- Sauerkraut Festival, (in Brienne-le-Chateau) is a splendid homage to the Aube region, which produces much of France's sauerkraut annually.
- Heralding the Harvest, (in Saint-Emilion) marks the start of the harvest in one of France's key wine-producing areas. The highlights include a mass and a torchlight evening tour of the town.
