Orleans is a city in North-central France, about 130 kilometres (81 miles) southwest of Paris. It is one of many towns located by Le Loire River. Orleans has four distinct seasons throughout the year, differentiated by temperature. Rainfall is moderate throughout the year. Generally speaking, Orleans has no extremes of weather. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" />
Summer is typically the hottest time of year in Orleans, when temperatures can reach around a pleasant 26°C with warm rays of sunshine. The average low temperature for the summer months hangs around a cool 12°C. Rain is no stranger to Orleans, even in summer, when it can receive up to 9 days of precipitation. Rainfall is moderate, however, reaching no more than around 55 millimetres each month.
Autumn is slightly cooler than summertime, but in the early autumn months temperatures can be quite warm, reaching up to around 20°C. The average high temperature drops to a chilly 10°C in November. The average low temperature for November is a cold 4°C whereas the other autumn months can have a comfortable climate. Orleans tends to have slightly more rain than summer and can have up to 13 days of precipitation during autumn with up to 58 millimetres of rainfall each month. Autumn is the wettest season of the year, so umbrellas and waterproof clothing are recommended! On rainy days, Orleans still provides its visitors with things to do, such as visiting its five museums: whether it is admiring fine arts, discovering more about Joan dâArc in her old house or wandering around the Natural Sciences museum.
Winter in Orleans can be a chilly time with the average low temperature dropping rapidly to 2°C and below, so tourists are advised to wrap up warm, packing extra layers and check the weather forecast before their arrival. It is unlikely, however, for temperatures to drop below freezing! Temperatures reach up to around a cool 8°C throughout winter. Similar to autumn, winter can have up to 13 days of precipitation, but only up to 52 millimetres of rainfall. January is the driest month of the year, with only 36 millimetres of rain altogether. If you are visiting Orleans during winter, you can expect to receive a bit of snow.
Spring is, thankfully, the time when the sun begins to shine once more and temperatures can reach up to around 20°C as the season progresses. Earlier temperatures can still be rather cool however and will often drop to below 10°C. Orleans has many public parks to choose from and is a beautiful place to stroll around and explore, particularly in spring when the plants flower. The plants do, of course, need rain for them to flower and Orleans has rain! Springtime can have up to 12 days of precipitation each month, with rainfall levels reaching up to 50 millimetres throughout each month. In May, the town celebrates Joan dâArc with a festival in her honour.
All in all, Orleans is a pretty French city with a fascinating history and begs one question: Will you explore it?