Last updated: January 18, 2025
Île-de-France, located in the heart of France, exhibits a Cfb climate classification according to the Köppen-Geiger system, characterized by a temperate maritime climate. The region experiences a minimum temperature of -12°C (10°F) in February, indicative of its potential for cold snaps during winter. In contrast, the average annual temperature hovers around 12°C (54°F), while maximum summer temperatures can soar to 42°C (108°F) in July, showcasing the seasonal temperature variations that are a hallmark of this climate. This blend of extremes provides a unique environment that influences both the local ecosystems and the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in Île-de-France reveal a dynamic transition across the seasons, marked by notable fluctuations. Winter months, particularly January and February, can witness chilling lows, with minimum temperatures dipping to -12°C (10°F) in February, while averages remain just above freezing. As spring approaches, temperatures gradually rise, with March experiencing a significant increase, eventually reaching comfortable averages around 11°C (52°F) in April. The warmth continues to build into summer, where July often stands out with scorching highs peaking at 42°C (108°F), contrasting sharply with the cool beginnings of the year. By September, a gentle decline in temperature begins, heralding the onset of fall, which is characterized by cooler days and nightly chills. Despite a late drop in temperatures toward winter, the climate retains a moderate character, with December averaging around 6°C (43°F), setting the stage for another cold season.
In March, temperatures in Versailles can drop to a minimum of -9°C (17°F) while peaking at 41°C (106°F) in July, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Versailles. Similarly, Louvres experiences a minimum of -8°C (17°F) in March and a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in July, according to the monthly temperatures in Louvres. Paris shares similar temperature ranges, with a March low of -9°C (17°F) and a July high of 41°C (106°F), as described in the monthly temperatures in Paris.
Precipitation patterns in Île-de-France exhibit notable seasonal variability, with winter months generally experiencing higher rainfall. January and February receive 60 mm (2.3 in) and 68 mm (2.7 in) of precipitation, respectively, while March sees an uptick to 75 mm (2.9 in), contributing to a moist start to spring. The distinct shift occurs in April, where precipitation sharply decreases to 33 mm (1.3 in), showcasing the region’s ability to transition towards drier conditions as temperatures rise. This trend continues into the summer months, with July and August witnessing moderate rainfall levels of 50 mm (2.0 in) and 57 mm (2.2 in), punctuated by fewer rainy days.
As autumn approaches, precipitation levels reestablish themselves, notably peaking in December with 105 mm (4.1 in), the highest monthly total of the year. October marks a significant point with 80 mm (3.1 in), indicating the onset of wetter weather in the fall. Notably, December also has the highest number of rainy days, reaching 17 days, which accounts for the increased precipitation. Overall, the year in Île-de-France is characterized by a pattern of wetter conditions during the winter months, transitioning to drier springs and moderate summers, before experiencing a resurgence of rainfall in the autumn.
In Île-de-France, sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal progression, with a notable increase from the depths of winter to the height of summer. January starts the year with a modest 125 hours of sunshine, reflecting the region’s typically overcast winter skies. However, as spring approaches, the daylight hours rise significantly, reaching 353 hours in April and peaking at 388 hours in May. This progressive increase not only heralds warmer weather but also enhances the local landscape, inviting both residents and visitors to enjoy the bloom of nature bathed in sunlight.
The culmination of sunshine is evident during the peak summer months, with July and August offering an impressive 408 hours and 384 hours, respectively. This period showcases the longest and brightest days of the year, making outdoor activities especially appealing. As the year transitions into autumn, however, sunshine duration begins to decline, dropping to 265 hours in October and further to 202 hours in November. This gradual decrease underscores the cyclical nature of sunlight availability in Île-de-France, where seasonal shifts dramatically influence the amount of daylight, thus shaping the region's climate and lifestyle throughout the year.
The UV Index in Île-de-France reveals significant seasonal variations, impacting sun exposure guidelines and safety recommendations for residents and visitors. During the winter months, particularly January and February, the UV Index remains relatively low, peaking at 2 and moving to 3, indicating minimal potential for harm from unprotected sun exposure. As spring approaches, however, the Index starts to climb, reaching 6 in April, and entering the high exposure category, which prompts individuals to take more precautions to limit their time in the sun. These increasing levels underscore the importance of adapting sun safety practices as the days grow longer and brighter.
The peak UV Index arrives during the summer, where values soar to 9 in June and July, classified as very high. This indicates a significantly increased risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure, necessitating careful attention to sun safety, especially for outdoor activities. As summer transitions to fall, the Index gradually decreases, allowing for safer outdoor experiences, with 6 in September and dropping further to 4 in October. By late fall and into winter, the UV Index returns to lower values, including 1 in December, where the risk remains minimal, reinforcing the cyclic nature of UV exposure throughout the year in Île-de-France.
UV Risk Categories
Daylight duration in Île-de-France showcases a transformative annual cycle, reflecting the shifting patterns of sunlight throughout the year. January begins with about 8 hours of daylight, allowing for only limited exposure to natural light, which gradually increases to 10 hours in February. As spring emerges, days continue to lengthen, reaching 13 hours by April and 15 hours in May, setting the stage for a vibrant and energizing environment where outdoor activities become more accessible and enjoyable.
The peak of daylight occurs in June, with approximately 16 hours of sunshine, providing ample time for both leisure and work during the long summer days. Following June, daylight hours gradually decrease, with 15 hours in July and 14 hours in August, reflecting the transition toward autumn. By September, daylight reduces to 12 hours, and the pattern continues downward to 10 hours in October and 9 hours in November, before cycling back to the shorter days of winter with 8 hours in December. This rhythmic change in daylight duration not only influences the local climate but also significantly affects the lifestyle and activities of the region's inhabitants throughout the seasons.
The climate in Auvers-sur-Oise, France, is characterized by warm summers and mild winters. Average temperatures range from a minimum of -8°C (17°F) in March to a maximum of 41°C (106°F) in July, with an average yearly temperature of around 10°C (50°F). Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in December with 102 mm (4.0 in) and averaging around 70 mm (2.7 in). Sunshine hours are abundant during the summer months, reaching up to 411 hours in July, while winter sees fewer sunshine hours, particularly in January with only 124 hours. For more details, visit Auvers-sur-Oise climate.
Chatres, France experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from a minimum of -7°C to a maximum of 15°C, while July can peak at 42°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, with notable rainfall in December (116 mm) and generally drier months in April (32 mm). Sunshine hours are abundant in summer, reaching up to 402 hours in July, contributing to warm weather conditions. For more detailed information, visit Chatres climate.
Fontainebleau, France experiences a temperate climate with distinct seasons. Winter months, particularly January and February, can see temperatures drop as low as -11°C (12°F), while summers boast highs of up to 42°C (107°F) in July. Rainfall varies throughout the year, peaking at 108 mm (4.2 in) in December, and the region enjoys ample sunshine, especially from April to July, with July receiving up to 406 hours. The diverse weather conditions make Fontainebleau an interesting destination year-round. For more details, visit Fontainebleau climate.
The climate in Louvres, France, features cold winters and warm summers, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -8°C (18°F) in February to a maximum of 42°C (108°F) in July. Precipitation is relatively high, peaking at 105 mm (4.1 in) in December, while the summer months generally see less rain. Sunshine hours are abundant, particularly in June and July, with over 400 hours each month. For more detailed information, visit Louvres climate.
The climate in Paris, France, features distinct seasonal variations, with winter temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (15°F) in March to an average of 4°C (40°F) in January, while summer months can reach highs of 41°C (106°F) in July. Rainfall is more frequent in the spring, peaking in May with 75 mm (3.0 in), while June sees the most sunshine at 406 hours. As the city transitions into autumn, temperatures drop and precipitation increases, particularly in October with 79 mm (3.1 in). For more detailed information, visit Paris climate.
The climate in Provins, France, features a wide temperature range throughout the year, from winter lows of -10°C (15°F) in March to summer highs reaching 41°C (107°F) in July. Precipitation is fairly consistent, peaking in December with 109 mm (4.3 in) and lowest in April at 30 mm (1.2 in). The area enjoys significant sunshine, especially in the summer months, boasting over 400 hours in July and June. Overall, Provins experiences distinct seasons, making it a dynamic environment for both residents and visitors. For more details, visit Provins climate.
Saint-Denis, France, experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January temperatures range from -7°C to 14°C, while July can soar up to 41°C. Precipitation varies throughout the year, peaking in December with 102 mm, contributing to an annual total that encourages vibrant foliage. Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, with July boasting around 411 hours, compared to the winter's shorter days. For more details, view the Saint-Denis climate.
The climate in the US exhibits a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with January averaging 5°C (40°F) and peaking in July at 20°C (68°F). Precipitation varies, with December being the wettest month at 101 mm (4.0 in) and April the driest at 36 mm (1.4 in). Sunshine is abundant in the summer months, particularly June and July, each receiving around 410 hours. Contrastingly, winter months like January and December have significantly less sunlight. For more detailed climate information, visit Us climate.
The climate in Versailles, France, is characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January and February see minimum temperatures around -8°C, while July and August can peak at 41°C. Rain is fairly distributed throughout the year, with December recording the highest precipitation at 102 mm. Sunshine varies significantly, with a maximum of 407 hours in July and a minimum of 127 hours in January. For more details, visit Versailles climate.
Vincennes, France experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. January sees average temperatures around 4°C (40°F) and significant precipitation, peaking in December with 106 mm (4.2 in) of rainfall. As the year progresses, temperatures rise, reaching summer highs of up to 42°C (107°F) in July, while sunshine peaks at 407 hours that month. This blend of conditions results in a moderate climate, ideal for both leisure and outdoor activities. For more detailed information on Vincennes’ weather patterns, visit Vincennes climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Île-de-France is characterized by distinct seasonal variations that influence temperature, precipitation, UV Index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The region experiences cold winters transitioning to warm summers, marked by significant fluctuations in sunshine hours and UV exposure that require residents to adapt their sun safety practices accordingly. The dynamic nature of rainfall patterns further illustrates the impact of seasonal changes, providing essential moisture during the growing months while allowing for drier conditions in spring and summer. Overall, the interplay of these climatic factors shapes both the environment and the daily lives of the people in Île-de-France, highlighting the importance of understanding and adapting to the region’s unique climate throughout the year.