Saumur has a temperate maritime climate with all four seasons and no extremes of temperature. Rainfall is moderate year round. Saumerâs hills create a barrier to the westerly winds coming over from the Atlantic and so areas away from the Loire can see slightly hotter summers and cooler winters. Saumur sits in west central France in the Loire Valley near to Tours.
Summer, from June till July, receives arguably ideal temperatures and lots of sunshine. The average high temperature sits in the low 20s in June and September, rising to a peak of 25°C in July and August. Night time lows can be a little chilly in the fringe months at 12°C while the 14°C nights of the peak months provide welcome refreshment. It is sunniest at the start of the season; June and July see eight hours of sun per day while August sees around seven and September only six. Showers fall every few days but rainfall levels are low and rainy spells are usually brief. Towards the end of the season precipitation often falls in thunderstorms.
Autumn, in October and November, sees temperatures dropping to 17°C in October and 11°C in November during the day and to 9°C and 6°C respectively at night. While October can provide a pleasant level of warmth for walking in the hills, November is a little chilly for outdoor pursuits. Sunshine levels drop and rainfall increases. Light showers fall frequently.
Winter, between December and February, is cool and damp. January is the coldest month with an average high of 8°C and an average low of 3°C, though temperatures throughout the season vary very little. It can drop below freezing and away from the river frosts often develop. Snow rarely falls but is not unknown. It is often grey and wet with only two hours of sunshine per day and drizzle on around half of the days in each month.
Spring, from March till May, improves quite quickly. The average high temperature rises through the teens getting to 13°C in March, 15°C in April and 19°C in May. Night times remain very cool. Rainfall decreases and the sun returns; sunshine levels get up to six hours per day in April and May. May can offer many clear, sunny days with temperatures in the low 20s and few people visit during this time.
The main attractions in Saumur are the chateaux and cave settlements. These can be enjoyed at any time of year and travelling out of the main tourist season will mean avoiding crowds. However, maintenance work is often done in the low season. The areaâs mild climate and hills have made it a centre for wine cultivation. Cabernet Franc vines flourish and their grapes produce the main wine of the region.