In the middle of the Loire River in central France lies a captivating quintessentially French region famous for its picturesque villages, wineries and châteaux. The Loire Valley extends for 280 kilometres and comprises approximately 800 square kilometres. The abundance of fruit orchards herries, apples, fields of artichokes and asparagus, and vineyards that line the banks of the river give Loire Valley the recognition of being known as the Garden of France. The weather in this region is relatively comfortable year-round, with a couple of times of year that particularly stand out for various reasons.
The Loire Valley is a great place for a holiday in the late spring as this is the time when the château gardens start blooming. Autumn is also lovely, when the produce of local hunting and harvest is served in every restaurant and the trees are aflame with rich golden hues. All through the year, visitors will find something happening in this charming valley; the charming antique markets are filled with treasures, the renowned châteaux and gardens are open to visitors and world-famous wines are available to everyone (of age!).
The historic towns of Amboise, Chinon, Angers, Nantes, Blois, Saumur and Tours are located in the Loire Valley. Most of the well-known castles lie in the western part of the region close to the Loire River and southwest from Orleans. The part of the Loire River between Chalonne and Sully-sur-Loire is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The countryside and the scenery along the Loire River can be best enjoyed on foot, bicycle or horsebackpring through autumn is ideal for these kinds of activities.
Climate
The climate remains favourable most of the year. The Loire Valley has four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn and winter. The river acts as a line defining the weather dividing it into northern and southern climates and has a significant effect on the regional climate increasing the temperature by a few degrees. The valley gets rain during the wine harvest months while the climate tends to be cool with springtime frost.
Summer Weather In Loire Valley
Temperature
The summers in the Loire Valley tend to be warm and sunny. The high temperature usually averages around 22-23°C in the afternoon, while the average minimum temperature at night drops down to a still-pleasant 12°C.
Summers can be hot. However, thanks to winds coming over from the Atlantic Ocean, hot temperatures are tempered by moderate, cool breezes. July is the warmest month of the entire year, with an average temperature of 18°C. August days are 17°C warm on average. June and September are a couple of degrees cooler, but still delightfully comfortable.
Humidity/Rain
The months of July and August are especially hot and fairly humid with an average humidity around 69%. The total amount of precipitation varies from 52mm in August to 58mm in Juneainfall is relatively low and very constant, in other words. You may expect between 11 and 16 days with some kind of precipitation per month during the summer season. The valley enjoys 7 to 9 hours of sunshine per day at this time of year.
Each and every region of this valley has unique attractions. In summer, this is a magnificent place for walking, cycling and campingany hiking and cycling trails wind their ways through the beautiful vineyard-dotted countryside or along the banks of the Loire River, taking in the châteaux on the way.
Autumn Weather In Loire Valley
The Loire Valley enjoys mild autumns. This time of year is a favourite among food and wine lovers, as this is the time of hunting, ripening of the grapes and figs, and the grape harvest, while the leaves brighten the scenery with their warm autumn colours.
Temperature
This season, the Loire Valley enjoys an average high temperature of 16°C in October, which drops to 10°C in November. The night-time low temperature drops from 7°C in October to 4°C in November. The average temperature remains comfortable throughout October, ranging around 12°Covember, on the other hand, gets chillier, with its average temperature of 7°C.
Humidity/Rain
The average humidity level during this season is around 89%. The number of rainfall days ranges between 10 and 12 days per month. Rainfall totals are basically constant all-year round, and that trend is definitely obvious in autumn. Both October and November receive 56mm of precipitation.
Sunshine Hours
Daily sunshine hours fall significantly compared to the summer months. October days get 5 hours of sunshine on average, while those in November receive only 3, which is the annual lowhis low number will continue through the winter season.
The Loire Valley is renowned for its vineyards and amazing wines and for being France's third largest wine region and the second largest for its sparkling wine. Exhibiting a fruitiness with fresh crisp flavours, a characteristic of Loire wines, these wines are enjoyed the world over and the tourists visiting the valley can have tasting tours from the hundreds of both small and large wineries in the area. Autumn is an especially great time of year to visit some wineries as this is when the grape harvest, as well as many festivals and events, take place.
Winter Weather In Loire Valley
Temperature
The winter season is tolerably chilly. During this season, tourists and locals can enjoy refreshing country walks along the Rabelais trail and the pleasure of returning to a crackling log fire afterwards. December and January are the coldest months of the yearoth have an average temperature of 4°C. Afternoons see the mercury rise to 7°C on average; nights are cold and average 0-1°C. February is generally about one degree warmer than the other two winter months.
Rain
Rainfall remains as constant as it was during autumn. Monthly totals don't vary much whatsoever and range from 44mm to 56mm. The number of rainfall days this season averages 15 per monthbout one day out of two gets some rainfall, in other words. The average daily humidity level is around 83-90%.
Sunshine Hours
This is the darkest time of year in the Loire Valley. Daily sunshine hours are at their lowest in December and January per day on average. February has 4 hours of sunshine per day.
A recommended thing to do in winter, in case the weather isn't ideal to head outside, is sampling local food and winesuisine being yet another appealing factor that contributes to the charm of the Loire Valley. Especially the local wines show their best qualities with specific food pairings. This valley is well-known for its gourmet traditions with world-famous wines and mouth-watering food.
Spring Weather In Loire Valley
Temperature
During the spring season, the Loire Valley sees temperatures increase once again. The average high temperature rises from 10°C in March to 14°C in April to 19°C in May. The average low climbs from 2°C to 8°C in the course of the season. May is definitely the most comfortable month of this season with an overall average temperature of 14°C.
Rain/Sunshine Hours
The average humidity level ranges around 76%. Rainfall totals vary between 48mm in April to 64mm in May. In terms of sunshine, March has 5 hours per day on average. May is significantly sunnier with 7 hours of sunshine per day.
Spring is a wonderful time to visit the Loire Valley, the fruit trees in the region's many orchards bursting into colour as soon as the weather warms up and gets sunnier. Suggested things to do this time of year are hiking and cycling, as well as, of course, taking the time to visit one or two of the spectacular châteaux that dot the valley.