When to Marseille
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January is the coolest month in Marseille with crisp winter weather. Despite being winter, temperatures remain relatively mild compared to northern France, though you'll need warm clothing for the cooler evenings. Rain is moderate but manageable for sightseeing.
February
February continues the mild winter pattern with slightly warmer days but similar nighttime temperatures. Rainfall decreases compared to January, making it one of the drier winter months. This is still considered off-season with fewer tourists around.
March
March marks the beginning of spring with noticeably warmer days and milder nights. Rainfall remains low, and the weather becomes more pleasant for outdoor activities. Tourist numbers begin to increase as the season transitions.
April
April brings comfortable spring weather with pleasant temperatures for walking and sightseeing. While rainfall increases slightly, the warmer temperatures make it an attractive time to visit. Spring flowers bloom and outdoor cafés become more appealing.
May
May offers excellent weather with warm, comfortable temperatures and moderate rainfall. This is considered one of the best months to visit Marseille as the weather is ideal for both outdoor activities and cultural exploration. Tourist season begins to pick up.
June
June delivers warm summer weather with minimal rainfall, making it perfect for beach activities and outdoor dining. Temperatures are hot but not yet at their peak, and the low precipitation ensures plenty of sunny days. Summer tourist season is in full swing.
July
July is the hottest and driest month of the year, with peak summer conditions ideal for beach lovers. The minimal rainfall and high temperatures create classic Mediterranean summer weather. This is peak tourist season with the highest crowd levels.
August
August maintains the hot summer temperatures with very low rainfall, continuing the excellent beach weather. While slightly cooler than July, it remains one of the hottest months. Tourist crowds remain at peak levels throughout the month.
September
September brings the return of more significant rainfall while maintaining warm, pleasant temperatures. This marks the beginning of autumn with comfortable weather for sightseeing and the start of the wetter season. Tourist crowds begin to thin out.
October
October continues the autumn pattern with cooler temperatures and increased rainfall. Despite the higher precipitation, temperatures remain comfortable for most activities. This is shoulder season with moderate tourist numbers and generally good weather for cultural activities.
November
November sees a significant drop in temperatures as winter approaches, along with the highest rainfall of the year. While still mild by northern European standards, this marks the transition into the cooler, wetter season. Tourist numbers drop significantly.
December
December brings winter weather with cool temperatures and moderate rainfall. While not as wet as November, the cooler temperatures and shorter days make this a quieter time for tourism. The mild Mediterranean winter still allows for comfortable sightseeing with proper clothing.