Provence sounds warm, so people pack for sun. In Avignon the thing that catches you out is the mistral, a cold, strong wind from the north that can make a sunny 13°C (55°F) day feel far colder than it is. Pack a windproof layer, and you'll be fine in any season.
Avignon weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 11°C52°F | 13°C55°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 22°C72°F | 29°C84°F | 31°C88°F | 32°C90°F | 25°C77°F | 21°C70°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F |
| Low | 3°C37°F | 5°C41°F | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 13°C55°F | 18°C64°F | 20°C68°F | 20°C68°F | 15°C59°F | 13°C55°F | 7°C45°F | 4°C39°F |
| Rain days | 7 | 6 | 11 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 7 | 11 | 8 | 8 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 11–13°C (52–55°F), lows of 3–5°C (37–41°F), and 6 to 8 rain days a month. When the mistral blows it feels much colder than the number, especially up on the Rocher des Doms. Bring a warm coat, a scarf and a windproof shell.
Spring
March–MayHighs go from 16°C (61°F) to 22°C (72°F), with 9 to 11 rain days a month. The mistral is still common in spring. Pack layers, a shell that blocks wind and rain, and comfortable shoes for the walk around the ramparts.
Summer
June–AugustHot and dry: highs of 29–32°C (84–90°F) and only 3 rain days in July and August. July is the Festival d'Avignon, when the old town fills with crowds and street shows late into the night. Bring a hat, a cold water bottle and a fan for queues in the sun.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is a lovely 25°C (77°F), then October cools to 21°C (70°F) with 11 rain days and November drops to 14°C (57°F). It's harvest season in Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Pack a sweater, a rain shell and a warmer layer for late in the season.
What to bring to Avignon
0 of 23 packedWaterproof nylon also stops the mistral cutting through you on the ramparts.
The women's shell packs down small and comes out the minute the wind picks up.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Cushioned and breathable for long, dry days on the old town's stone streets.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold for 24 hours during July's festival crowds and 31°C (88°F) afternoons.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
A handheld fan for festival queues and hot afternoons at the Pont du Gard.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
Keeps your phone and wallet close in festival crowds without a backpack in the heat.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Covers French EU sockets and charges your phone and laptop at once.
Clothing
- Windproof layerThe mistral blows cold in winter and spring
- Warm sweater · 1Dec–Feb lows of 3–5°C
- Breathable short-sleeve tops · 4Jul–Aug highs reach 31–32°C
- Light pants or skirt · 2
- Scarf · 1Blocks the mistral, covers shoulders in churches
Footwear
- Comfortable walking sandalsFor summer heat on cobbles
- Wool socks · 3 pairsFor cool, windy months
Gear
- Sun hatStrong Provence sun in summer
- Sunglasses
- Compact umbrellaMarch, May and October have 11 rain days
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Lip balmThe dry mistral chaps lips
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless card
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
- Power bank
What shoes should you pack for Avignon?
Cushioned sneakers. The old town inside the walls is stone streets and squares, and you'll walk a lot between the Palais des Papes, the Pont Saint-Bénézet and Les Halles. Summer is dry, so breathable shoes work well.
What do people wear in Avignon?
Relaxed Provençal style: linen, light dresses, espadrilles in summer, a good jacket and scarf in winter. It's casual, but people look put together at dinner.
What plugs does Avignon use?
France uses type C and E plugs at 230V. A universal adapter with EU plugs is all you need.
Tours and things to do in Avignon
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Avignon.
What should you leave at home for Avignon?
A flimsy umbrella that the mistral will snap. Heavy winter gear in summer. And a car if you're only staying in town; the old town is walkable and parking inside the walls is tight.
Packing for Avignon: questions people ask
What is the mistral in Avignon?
A strong, cold wind that blows down the Rhône valley, mostly in winter and spring. It makes it feel much colder than the thermometer says, so pack a windproof layer.
What should I wear in Avignon in July?
Light, breathable clothes for highs around 31°C (88°F), a hat and sunscreen. Bring good walking shoes for festival crowds on stone streets.
Does it rain much in Avignon?
Not a lot. March, May and October are the wettest with 11 rain days, while July and August get just 3.
Is Avignon cold in winter?
Highs are 11–13°C (52–55°F) and lows 3–5°C (37–41°F), but the mistral can make it feel bitter. A warm coat and scarf help.
What should I pack for day trips from Avignon?
Water, sun protection and a light shell. The Pont du Gard and the Luberon villages have little shade in summer and can be windy the rest of the year.
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