Besancon

Planning your trip or just curious about the weather in Besançon? Here you will find the latest information on weather conditions, as well as forecasts to help you be ready for any of nature's surprises.

Besançon, located in France, is characterized by a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. This means visitors can expect warm and occasionally hot summers, and cool, damp winters. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with mild weather, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the warmest, with average temperatures around 20-21°C, and also the driest, with the least amount of precipitation and rainy days. Winter, by contrast, brings cooler weather, with average temperatures in the 3-6°C range, and is a wetter time of year. While precipitation is possible at any time, its amount and frequency are slightly higher in the winter and autumn months, as well as in May.

The climate in Besançon is characterized by distinct seasonal temperature changes throughout the year. The coldest month is typically January, with an average temperature of about 3.5°C, while night minimums can drop to 0.9°C and daytime highs reach around 6.1°C. December is also cold, with an average temperature of 4.4°C. In contrast, the hottest months are July and August. In August, the average temperature reaches 21.0°C, with daytime highs regularly rising to 26.1°C and nighttime temperatures staying around a comfortable 15.9°C.

Summer months in Besançon are usually warm and pleasant. From June to August, daytime air temperatures often range from 24°C to 26°C, creating excellent conditions for outdoor activities and exploring the city. A characteristic feature of the summer period is the noticeable daily temperature fluctuations: after a hot day, nights bring refreshing coolness, with the thermometer dropping by 10-11 degrees compared to daytime peaks. For example, in July and August, the difference between the average maximum (26.1°C) and the average minimum (15.7°C - 15.9°C) temperature is about 10 degrees.

Winter in Besançon is cool but without extreme frosts. From December to February, average daytime temperatures stay in the range of 6°C to 9°C, while nighttime temperatures often drop close to the freezing point, ranging from 0.9°C to 1.9°C in January and December. In the transitional seasons, spring and autumn, a gradual change in temperatures is observed. For example, in April, the average temperature is already 10.6°C, and in October, it is a comfortable 13.3°C. Daily temperature fluctuations also remain noticeable, especially in spring, when the difference between daytime and nighttime figures can be significant.

In Besançon, precipitation is distributed throughout the year, although certain patterns can be observed. There is no distinct dry or rainy season, but rainfall amounts and the number of rainy days vary from month to month.

The highest amount of precipitation usually falls in December, which sees an average of 5 mm and about 18 wet days. January, May, June, and November are also relatively wet, with an average monthly precipitation of about 4 mm. July and August are considered the least rainy months: during this period, only 2 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days decreases to 10-12. In general, precipitation is more frequent in the winter months and in late spring.

Precipitation in Besançon primarily falls as rain. Given that the average minimum temperatures in January (0.9°C), February (1.7°C), and December (1.9°C) are close to freezing, snowfall is possible during these winter months. In other periods of the year, precipitation is usually in the form of rain. The frequency of precipitation remains notable for most of the year, with peaks in wet days during the winter and in May.

When planning a trip to Besançon, it's important to prepare for changeable weather and keep in mind that rain is not uncommon throughout the year. Regardless of the season, your main essential will be comfortable walking shoes, as the city is ideal for long and fascinating walks. Given that the number of days with precipitation can reach 10-18 per month, a compact umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be indispensable companions. The principle of layering your clothes will allow you to easily adapt to temperature changes that may occur throughout the day.

In the winter months (from December to February), when the average temperature hovers around 3-5°C and minimums can drop almost to zero, be sure to bring warm clothes: sweaters, fleeces, perhaps thermal underwear, as well as a warm, waterproof, and windproof jacket, a hat, gloves, and a scarf. In summer (from June to August), Besançon enjoys comfortably warm weather with average temperatures of 19-21°C and maximums reaching 26°C. Light, breathable clothing is perfect for this period: t-shirts, shorts, dresses; also, don't forget sunscreen and a hat. However, even summer evenings can be cool, so a light sweater or jacket won't go amiss. For spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) trips, when the weather is particularly fickle, layering is your best choice. Combine t-shirts, long-sleeves, jumpers, and a mid-season jacket to feel comfortable regardless of the weather's whims.