Today's weather for Montpellier, France8th Nov 2009 06:00

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Weather Overview for Montpellier

Montpellier, in the south of France six miles from the Mediterraean coast, enjoys a dry Mediterranean climate with long, hot summers and mild winters. The city sits in the Languedoc region.

Summer, from June till September, is baking hot and beautifully sunny. The peak of the season can be too hot; July and August have average highs of 29°C, and temperatures can often reach into the low 30s. Night times sometimes thankfully mild, but can sometimes remain near 20°C. The average low in the peak months is 17°C. June and September are gorgeous with average highs at 26°C and 25°C, and night time lows of 15°C and 14°C respectively. Clear skies and sunshine are typical of summer days, though these perfect conditions are occasionally interrupted by brief showers or thunderstorms. Overly hot weather can easily be escaped as Montpellier is so close to the Mediterranean coast and the charming beach resort of Seté. It is usually slightly cooler on the coast with a refreshing breeze.

Autumn, in October and November, sees temperatures falling from warm to cool and an increase in rainfall. It can often become overcast; the season sees sunshine levels dropping to six hours per day in October and five hours per day in November. October still has an average high of 20°C, perfect for sight-seeing, but receives the highest rainfall in the year. This is still not incredibly high but it can disrupt plans as it is quite unpredictable and often heavy. October is preferred by many wishing to avoid the crowds and heat of the peak season. The Mediterranean is still warm enough to swim in long into autumn.

Winter, from December till February, is cool with the average high temperature dropping to 11°C and the average low temperature getting down to 3°C. The sun continues to stay out for around five hours per day despite the shortened daylight hours and so much of winter is blessed with clear skies and crisp air. As long as you are prepared for the cool temperatures, there is no reason to avoid Montpellier in the winter as the sun still shines, showing off the city’s grand architecture. Rainfall lessens but continues to be unpredictable.

Spring, from March till May, is mild with gradually warmer days and increasing sunshine. The average high temperature increases to 15°C in March, to a 18°C in April, to a pleasant 22°C in May, and these months receive six, seven and eight hours of sunshine per day respectively. From the middle of the season day time temperatures are warm enough for light clothing but the nearby sea is not quite warm enough to swim in till the end of the season. Rainfall does increase in March but relents throughout the following months.

Montpellier’s pleasant climate can be attributed to its southerly location and proximity to the Mediterranean Sea. South of the Alps and the Massif Central, Montpellier is protected from the majority of rain-bearing winds from the north. The Mediterranean helps to moderate the heat of Montpellier’s summers and the cold of its winters.

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