Today's weather for Monte Carlo, Monaco8th Nov 2009 08:30

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Weather Overview for Monte Carlo

Monaco has an amazing Mediterranean climate. Due to its ideal geographical location between the Mediterranean and the foot of the Southern Alps, Monaco flourishes in amazing sunny summers and fairly mild winters. Monte Carlo's weather is fairly typical of a coastal Mediterranean city- however the allure and charm of the region seem to heighten the beauty of the weather. Monte Carlo boasts 300 days of sunshine per year, glorious summers and nights which are cooled by sea breezes.

Monte Carlo plays host to the glitz and glamour of the Monaco Grand Prix each year in late May. Being one of Europe's premier social highlights means that you better loosen your purse strings if you choose to visit during this period- prices sky rocket and the city as a whole, books out fairly early. The circuit of the race finds drivers winding through the narrow famous streets of Monte Carlo- past the Mairie, the Casino, through the tunnel and around the port side swimming pool. The weather during this time is glorious as is the ambience, which is what you will find you self paying top dollar for if you visit during this period.

SUMMER

Summer in Monte Carlo attracts Europe’s wealthiest and most beautiful, and it is no wonder; with day time temperatures throughout June, July and August averaging 20°C – 23°C and water temperature often reaching up to 26 °C  it is an ideal place to soak up the sun and work on ridding of your tan lines.

Monte Carlo itself experiences minimal rainfall throughout summer, averaging one or two days of rain throughout the height of summer and three or four days of rain in June and September. It also averages a relative humidity of 75% which is not a level that causes particular discomfort.

Its location on the Mediterranean means that the area is cooled by an evening sea breeze, which makes sitting on the promenades, enjoying the regions national drink of champagne, a very relaxing experience (obviously more relaxing if you negate the price of the glass of champagne.)

WINTER

Monaco only averages sixty days a year of precipitation, which is relatively low for a Mediterranean climate. Generally this weather consists of hot/dry summers and cooler, wetter winters.

December through to February has an average temperature of 9.5°C with January generally being the coolest month with an average minimum of 8°C and an average maximum of 12°C. December sees the region experiencing the lowest hours of daily sunshine, averaging four hours a day and this picks up to 5 hours a day come January and February.

Winter in Monte Carlo is still a very pleasurable time to visit. Like any coastal European city, the winter time sees less tourists and cheaper rates. Visiting Monte Carlo in the winter will see you saving on room rates, allowing you more money to spend at the extravagant Casinos and restaurants. The other benefit of Monte Carlo in the winter is its close proximity to the Southern Alps, meaning by driving just an hour you can visit neighbouring French ski resorts.

AUTUMN/SPRING

If you’re not fond of the hype that a European glamour city attracts in the height of summer, than the shoulder seasons of autumn and spring would be the best time to visit Monaco. April/May and September/October has Monaco experiencing milder temperatures and can be considered the best time to visit.

Autumn sees Monte Carlo enjoying clear skies and average temperatures of 15°C to 21°C. October and November are generally Monte Carlo’s wettest months, averaging 113mm and 123mm precipitation (respectively) which is almost twice as much as the rainfall in September. The temperature is still relatively warm but you will find the beaches are empty and the hotels not as full.

Spring in Monte Carlo is slightly cooler, part due to the infamous ‘le mistral’ wind that blows through blowing from the northwest of Europe through the valley of the Rhone and through to the Mediterranean. This wind is not as strong in Monte Carlo as it is in parts of Southern France but it does have a cooling affect.

The benefit of le mistral is that with the wind also comes clear sunny weather. The wind has the effect of clearing the sky and drying the air which accounts for the crisp refreshing feel in Monte Carlo in the spring.

Keep in mind that the second last weekend in May sees some of Europe's finest flock to Monte Carlo to share in the glitz, glamour and prestige of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix. The weather during this time is idyllic. The culmination of the clear Spring skies and near perfect weather with the glamour and class of the Grand Prix makes May an exciting time to visit - albeit more expensive. You can generally count on the weather staying mild and enjoyable during this time, though there has been known to be periods of freak rain- one of these falling during the infamous 1997 Grand Prix which saw Michael Schumacher complete an astounding drive in the rain to see him in the lead throughout the entirety of the race.

March sees an average daily temperature of 11 °C , April averages 13 °C  moving into May which sees the region heating up slightly and averaging 17 °C .

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