What are the different months in French?

Knowing the different months of the year in French is essential. Whether you want to book hotel or be able to discuss your plans, it’s impossible to talk about long term plans without knowing the word for each of the twelve months.

Fortunately for English speakers, all twelve months are similar in both languages, with many being different by only a letter. It isn’t a coincidence - the English words for months come directly from French (unlike the English words for days of the week, which are Anglo-Saxon in origin). While they look similar, however, the pronunciation can often trip up new learners, which is why we’ve included a guide on pronunciation for each month.

For tips on pronunciation, check out Lesson 04 of The Complete French Course, or French Essentials Lesson 5.

• Did you know that between 1793 and 1805, France adopted the revolutionary calendar? Under this new scheme, the twelve months were Vendémiaire, Brumaire, Frimaire, Nivôse, Pluviôse, Ventôse, Germinal, Floréal, Prairial, Messidor, Thermidor and Fructidor respectively. The months are mostly named after the weather of the period they describe. The year officially began in Autumn, and Year I of the revolutionary calendar was the year beginning September - or more properly, Vendémiaire - 1792 AD.

• In France, there are public holidays in up to eight out of 12 months, depending on when Vendredi Saint, Lundi de Pâques, Ascension and Lundi de Pentecôte fall.

• Months are not capitalised in French, as they are in English - the same goes for days.