The Dordogne isn't a city, it's a region of river valleys, castles and stone villages, and you'll see it from a car and a canoe. People pack for the summer heat and forget the prehistoric caves stay cool all year and May is the wettest month. Pack for a road trip with water, rain and a cold cave in the same day.
Dordogne 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 | 10°C50°F | 12°C54°F | 15°C59°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 29°C84°F | 23°C73°F | 20°C68°F | 14°C57°F | 11°C52°F |
| Low | 2°C36°F | 3°C37°F | 6°C43°F | 8°C46°F | 11°C52°F | 16°C61°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 13°C55°F | 11°C52°F | 6°C43°F | 3°C37°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 9 | 12 | 13 | 16 | 13 | 8 | 8 | 12 | 12 | 13 | 12 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryHighs of 10–12°C (50–54°F), lows of 2–3°C (36–37°F), and 9 to 13 rain days a month. Many restaurants and canoe outfitters close, but Sarlat is quiet and the castles have no queues. Bring a warm waterproof coat and boots.
Spring
March–MayHighs warm from 15°C (59°F) to 21°C (70°F), but rain picks up, peaking at 16 rain days in May. The valleys are green and the markets are back. A rain shell and waterproof shoes are the two pieces you'll use most.
Summer
June–AugustHighs of 27–29°C (81–84°F) and lows of 16–17°C (61–63°F), with only 8 rain days in July and August. Peak season for canoeing the river past La Roque-Gageac and Beynac. Pack swim gear, water shoes and a layer for the caves, which feel cold after a hot day outside.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is 23°C (73°F), October 20°C (68°F), and November drops to 14°C (57°F), with 12 to 13 rain days a month. It's walnut and harvest season, and the crowds are gone. Bring a warm sweater and a rain shell.
What to bring to Dordogne
0 of 24 packed- Hydro Flask 32 oz Travel Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Fits the rental car's cupholder and keeps water cold all day between villages.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Its zipper is rated waterproof to 1 m for 30 minutes, the kind of seal you want for keys and a phone on a Dordogne canoe day.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Slip them on for canoe launches and pebbly river beaches, then rinse and go.
May brings 16 rain days, and this shell packs down small enough to live in the car door.
The women's shell: waterproof and small enough to carry on every village walk.
- A warm wrapClothing
Pull it on inside the cool caves, then use it as a blanket for picnics.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Rated for ticks and mosquitoes, which you'll meet on country walks and by the river.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Covers French EU sockets in your gîte or hotel, with USB ports for the whole family.
Clothing
- Quick-dry T-shirts · 4
- Shorts for canoeing · 2
- Long pants · 2
- Swimsuit · 1River swims in summer
- Sun hat · 1August highs reach 29°C
- Warm coat · 1Nov–Feb highs of 10–14°C
Footwear
- Walking shoes · 1Hilly stone villages and castle steps
Gear
- Sunglasses · 1
- Compact umbrella · 1May has 16 rain days
- Small cooler bag · 1Picnics on the road trip
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Tick remover · 1
Documents and money
- Passport
- Driver's licenseYou'll need a car
- Credit card with no foreign transaction fees
Tech
- Car phone mount and charger · 1For navigating between villages
What shoes should you pack for Dordogne?
Two pairs. Waterproof walking shoes for steep village lanes like Beynac and Rocamadour, which are slick when wet, and water shoes or slip-ons for the river. Knit sneakers won't last a rainy May.
What do people wear in Dordogne?
Country casual. Shorts and T-shirts in summer, jeans and a sweater the rest of the year. Nobody dresses up, even at the Sarlat market.
What plugs does Dordogne use?
France uses type C and E plugs at 230V. Bring a universal adapter with EU plugs, and a car charger if you're renting.
Tours and things to do in Dordogne
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Dordogne.
What should you leave at home for Dordogne?
Big rolling suitcases; medieval village streets and gîte stairs make them painful. Dressy clothes. And any plan to see it without a car, since public transport between villages is thin.
Packing for Dordogne: questions people ask
What should I wear in the Dordogne in summer?
Light clothes for highs of 27–29°C (81–84°F), swim gear and water shoes for the river, and a sweater for visits to the cool prehistoric caves.
When does it rain most in the Dordogne?
May is the wettest month with 16 rain days. Most of the year gets 12 to 13 rain days a month, while July and August drop to 8.
Do I need a jacket for the caves in the Dordogne?
Yes. Caves like Font-de-Gaume and Rouffignac stay cool all year, and it feels cold coming in from a hot summer day.
What should I bring for canoeing the Dordogne river?
Water shoes, sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof bag for your phone and keys. Outfitters often supply a watertight barrel, but a small waterproof pouch is handy.
Is the Dordogne cold in winter?
Chilly and damp. Highs are 10–12°C (50–54°F) and lows 2–3°C (36–37°F), with frequent rain. Pack a warm waterproof coat.
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