Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France is predominantly classified as Cfb according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a temperate oceanic climate. This region experiences an impressive temperature range, with winter lows plunging to -16°C (3°F) in January, while summer peaks can soar to 42°C (107°F) in July. The average temperature throughout the year hovers around 12°C (54°F), creating a diverse climate that supports a rich tapestry of ecosystems and agricultural practices, essential to the cultural and economic fabric of the region.
In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, France, temperature patterns demonstrate distinct seasonal variations that significantly influence the region's climate. Winter months, particularly January and February, witness minimum temperatures plunging to -16°C (3°F), while averages remain low around 3-5°C (37-42°F), gradually rising towards spring. As the seasons transition into spring, temperatures begin to warm, with March and April bringing averages of 8-11°C (46-52°F), peaking at maximums of 28°C (83°F) by late April. The onset of summer in June heralds a notable increase, with daily averages reaching around 19°C (67°F) and peak temperatures soaring to 40°C (104°F) in July. This warmth persists into August before gradually tapering off in September, where average temperatures settle at 17°C (62°F). The return of autumn sees a retreat into cooler averages of 12°C (54°F) and lows dipping again below 0°C (32°F) by late October. Overall, the climate illustrates a pronounced seasonal rhythm marked by cold winters, warm summers, and a transition through mild spring and autumn periods.
Pommard experiences a temperature range from a minimum of -12°C (11°F) in March to a maximum of 40°C (104°F) in July, while Dijon has a similar low of -12°C (11°F) in March but slightly cooler July temperatures peaking at 39°C (103°F). Gevrey-Chambertin mirrors Dijon's patterns with its minimum of -12°C (11°F) in March and a July maximum of 39°C (103°F). For more details on the climate, visit monthly temperatures in Pommard, monthly temperatures in Dijon, and monthly temperatures in Gevrey-Chambertin.
Bourgogne-Franche-Comté experiences a diverse precipitation pattern throughout the year, with rainfall peaking during the winter and early spring months. January stands out with 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation over 11 days, while December is the wettest month, receiving a significant 151 mm (6.0 in) spread across 18 days. The early spring months of March and May also see notable rainfall, with 98 mm (3.9 in) and 112 mm (4.4 in) respectively, contributing to the region's lush landscape and agricultural productivity.
As the seasons progress into summer, precipitation tapers off, with July and August receiving 70 mm (2.8 in) and 62 mm (2.4 in), respectively. The late summer and autumn months experience a gradual decline in rainfall, with September and October recording 61 mm (2.4 in) and 92 mm (3.6 in). Overall, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté showcases a pronounced seasonal rhythm in its precipitation, aligning closely with agricultural cycles and the natural environment, with the highest precipitation concentrated in the colder months, gradually transitioning to drier conditions in the summer.
In Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal trend, with noticeable increases from winter to summer. Beginning with 132 hours of sunshine in January, the colder months present limited sunlight. However, as the season progresses into February, there is a significant jump to 210 hours, marking the onset of longer days. This upward trajectory continues through spring, with March receiving 277 hours and April rising to 350 hours, illustrating the gradual transition to warmer and sunnier weather. By May, sunshine duration reaches 374 hours, further enhancing the vibrancy of the landscape as nature awakens from winter dormancy.
The peak sunshine months arrive in summer, with July boasting the highest amount at 414 hours, closely followed by August at 387 hours. This abundance of sunlight in summer contrasts sharply with the darker months, such as November and December, which see only 196 hours and 158 hours respectively. As autumn takes hold, sunshine hours decline markedly, with September recording 326 hours and October dropping to 260 hours. Overall, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté experiences a dynamic range of sunshine hours throughout the year, emphasizing the region’s vibrant summers and providing a backdrop for its rich agricultural heritage.
The UV Index in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté showcases significant seasonal variation, reflecting the region's changing weather and sunlight exposure patterns. During the winter months, especially January and December, the UV Index remains low at 2, indicating minimal risk for harm from unprotected sun exposure, with a burn time of 45 minutes. As spring arrives, the UV Index begins to rise steadily; February sees an increase to 3, categorized as moderate, while March jumps to 6, presenting a high risk for sun exposure and a reduced burn time of 25 minutes. The trend continues with a peak in late spring as the UV Index reaches 8 by May, suggesting a very high exposure risk.
Summer months experience the highest levels of UV radiation, with June hitting a maximum UV Index of 10—the highest recorded in the region, and July slightly lower at 9. Both months feature a burn time of just 15 minutes, underscoring the necessity for sun protection. As summer wanes into autumn, the UV Index decreases, with September recording 7, and October dropping to 5, categorized as moderate. By November, the UV Index returns to 3, and December sees it fall back to 2, emphasizing the importance of adapting sun safety practices throughout the year, especially during peak months when sun exposure poses a greater risk.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté reflects the region's seasonal shifts, with a definitive pattern of longer days during the summer months and shorter days in winter. In January, the daylight lasts about 8 hours, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February as spring approaches. March sees a further extension, with 11 hours of daylight, while April marks a more pronounced change with 13 hours, heralding the arrival of longer, sunnier days. The month of May continues this trend, offering 15 hours of daylight, a duration sustained through June and into July, allowing for ample time to engage in outdoor activities and enjoy the vibrant landscapes.
As summer transitions into autumn, daylight begins to taper off, with August still providing 14 hours before a gradual decrease. By September, the daylight reduces to 12 hours, and in October, it drops further to 10 hours. November experiences a slight decline to 9 hours, and as the year ends, December sees daylight returning to 8 hours, thus completing the annual cycle. This rhythmic pattern emphasizes the importance of daylight in shaping both daily life and seasonal activities in Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, impacting everything from agriculture to recreation in this picturesque French region.
Beaune, France experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -10°C to 14°C, while July reaches highs of up to 40°C. The region sees its highest precipitation in December (121 mm) and most sunshine in July (416 hours). Overall, the weather fluctuates significantly throughout the year, making it an intriguing destination for visitors. For detailed climate information, visit Beaune climate.
Chablis, France experiences a temperate climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around 4°C (39°F), with significant rainfall peaking at 82 mm (3.2 in), while July has an average of 21°C (70°F) and the least precipitation at 51 mm (2.0 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, especially in the summer months, with July receiving about 410 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information on the climate of this picturesque town, visit Chablis climate.
Dijon, France experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures typically range from -10°C (14°F) to 13°C (56°F), while July sees highs of up to 39°C (102°F). Precipitation is moderate throughout the year, with December recording the highest at 132 mm (5.2 in). The city enjoys significant sunshine during summer months, peaking at 416 hours in July. For more detailed information, visit Dijon climate.
Gevrey-Chambertin, France experiences a continental climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. Average January temperatures hover around 3°C (37°F), peaking at 13°C (56°F), while July sees averages of 21°C (70°F) and highs reaching up to 39°C (102°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with significant rainfall in May (99 mm) and December (132 mm), contributing to lush vineyards. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July receiving the most hours at 416. For more detailed climate information, visit Gevrey-Chambertin climate.
Meursault, France experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees minimum temperatures plummeting to -10°C (14°F), while July can reach up to 40°C (104°F), showcasing significant seasonal variation. Rainfall is notable, peaking in December at 121 mm (4.8 in), with May also experiencing substantial precipitation at 89 mm (3.5 in). The region enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in the summer months; July boasts the highest at 416 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Meursault climate.
Nuits-Saint-Georges, France, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -10°C (14°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 39°C (102°F). Rainfall is heaviest in December, accumulating 132 mm (5.2 in), and sunshine peaks in July with 416 hours. For a detailed overview, visit Nuits-Saint-Georges climate.
Pommard, France experiences a diverse climate with temperatures ranging from a frigid -12°C (11°F) in March to a warm 40°C (104°F) in July. The summer months, particularly June and July, enjoy ample sunshine, with up to 416 hours recorded in July, while precipitation varies, peaking in December with 121 mm (4.8 in). Winters can be quite cold, particularly in January and February, averaging around 3°C (38°F) and 5°C (42°F) respectively. For more detailed information on the climate, visit Pommard climate.
The climate in Ronchamp, France, features a wide temperature range throughout the year, with January lows reaching -16°C (4°F) and July highs soaring to 37°C (99°F). Precipitation varies significantly, peaking at 196 mm (7.7 in) in December and dropping to just 58 mm (2.3 in) in April. Sunshine is abundant in summer months, with July receiving around 416 hours, compared to only 134 hours in January. The combination of relatively mild summers and cold winters contributes to the region's diverse seasonal character. For more detailed information, visit Ronchamp climate.
Vézelay, France, experiences a diverse climate marked by cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures can drop to -9°C (16°F), while July's highs reach up to 40°C (104°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, with December being the wettest month at 128 mm (5.0 in). The region enjoys abundant sunshine from May to August, peaking in July with 410 hours. For more detailed information, visit Vezelay climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté is marked by distinct seasonal changes that influence temperature, precipitation, sunshine duration, UV Index, and daylight hours. The region experiences cold winters with limited sunshine and lower UV exposure, transitioning into warm summers that provide abundant daylight and high UV levels. The pronounced seasonal variations in rainfall further enrich the area’s climate, supporting diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices. Understanding these climatic patterns is essential for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate the outdoor environment and plan for seasonal activities throughout this beautiful region of France.