Angouleme has a semi-oceanic temperate climate with all four seasons, moderate rainfall and no extremes of temperature. The city sits in west central France in the region of Charente, southeast of Bordeaux, just west of Limoges.
Summer, between June and September, is pleasantly hot and sunny. The average high temperature rises from 24°C in June to a peak of 27°C in August and gets back down to 23°C in September. Night time lows drop the low teens in June and September and stay around 15°C during the peak months. The mild nights are the perfect compliment to the hot days. It is rarely uncomfortable in Angouleme. From June till July it is sunny most of the time while September will see a few overcast days. Rainfall is low but short, heavy showers can be expected throughout the season, sometimes developing into thunderstorms in late summer.
Autumn, in October and November, is a bit wet and quickly cools. The average high temperature is still good at 19°C in October but it drops rapidly to 13°C in November. It can get cold at night early in the season; October sees an average low of 10°C while November sees one of 6°C. This is the wettest time of year in Angouleme though rainfall levels only reach what is normal in the UK. Showers are frequent and in November it rain can fall as an irritating drizzle. October still sees five hours of sunshine per day but November sees only three.
Winter, from December till February, is mild but a bit gloomy: only a small improvement on the UK. January is the coldest month with an average high of 9°C and an average low of 3°C. December and February are very slightly warmer. It can drop below freezing and frosts sometimes develop. Snow is not common but the rain is quite persistent, falling on around half of the days in each month. Rainfall levels drop in February but drizzle is still frequent. Sunshine levels get down to two hours per day in December and January and February is only a bit better.
Spring, between March and May, is mild with the average high temperature climbing to 14°C in March, 16°C in April and 20°C in May. Night time temperatures remain cool. Rainfall lessens save for a small peak in April. Unfortunately, rain still falls in light showers rather than really asserting itself and making way for more clear weather. However, sunshine levels do increase, getting to six hours per day by April.
Angouleme owes its climate to the Atlantic. Sitting closer to the ocean, the city avoids extremes of heat or cold often seen inland. It is the westâs flat topography that allows the Atlanticâs moderating influence in so far from the coast.