Le Mans experiences temperate climate that is partially affected my maritime influences from the Atlantic Ocean. The summers are long and hot; the winters are chilly; and the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn are mild.
Summer runs from June till the end of September. June and September see average highs of 22ºC and 21ºC (respectively) while July and August see the summer peak of 24ºC. Night time temperatures are usually refreshingly cool. Rainfall does not change much over the year though in the summer it tends to fall in short, heavy showers. Sunshine levels are best at the beginning of the season with June and July seeing around eight hours of sunshine per day.
Rainfall in the winter months of December to February is slightly higher than the very moderate levels found at other times of year. It falls in frequent light showers. Throughout winter the average minimum is 2ºC, and maximums average at 7ºC. Le Mans is slightly cooler in winter than its coastal counterparts as it is not as moderated by the warming influences of the Atlantic.
Spring and autumn both see mild temperatures and light rainfall. The average highs sit in the low to mid teens and the average lows linger in the vicinity of 5ºC. Obviously, it is warmer nearer to summer than towards winter. Sunshine levels are quite good, around four hours per day.
Autumn is generally warmer than spring, while spring has the advantage of blooming trees and blossoming flowers - a beautiful side to the French countryside. October is when the mercury begins to drop, falling to an average of 7ºC in November. October can occasionally see heavy rainfall so come prepared with an umbrella if visiting during this time. On the other side of winter the spring months bring average temperatures of 8ºC, 10ºC and 14ºC and March, April and May respectively.
Le Mans is a city in north-western France, located on the Sarthe River, in the French department of Sarthe. The city is most well known for its connection with motorsports. Since 1923 it has hosted the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans sports car race.
The race is held over a 24 hour period on closed public roads around the city and its aim is to not only to test a car and driver's ability to be quick, but also the driverâs endurance.