When is the best time to visit France?

France is one of the top destinations in the world for tourists, with over 100 million tourists visiting the country each year. Not all tourists are in search of the same thing, however. Depending on what you want out of your French holiday, there is likely a best - and worst - time of year to visit.

The answer depends on what you want, as well as where in France you plan on visiting. Are you hoping for peace and quiet, coupled with some much needed R&R? Or is a skiing trip in the snowy Alps more your thing? Do you want to prioritise good weather, or visit when there will be fewer fellow tourists and more affordable accommodation? These are all important considerations to bear in mind when deciding on when to visit France.

You can explore most cities in France over the course of a weekend, including larger cities like Paris (although there is so much to do that you could also spend a long time there if you would prefer). Shops, museums, churches and public attractions tend to be busier at the weekend, however, especially on public holidays. It's worth checking out when the public holidays are in France, as these may be different from the public holidays in the country you are visiting from. (May is particularly busy for public holidays.)

As a lot of French people leave the country over the summer, cities tend to be quieter in the warmer months. Bear in mind however that some cities, particularly in the south, can get particularly hot in June, July and August, which can make walking around the streets quite exhausting. Then again, rain is common throughout France in late autumn, which can dampen the experience of walking around cities whose main attractions include outdoor spaces and markets, such as Aix-en-Provence.

Likewise, there are more events taking place in cities during the summer, from the Fête de la musique to the Avignon festival, but there’s still plenty going on in towns during the winter - and accommodation is often much cheaper. It's very simple to get between cities thanks to France's railway network, and the Eurostar can take visitors directly from the UK, Belgium and the Netherlands to cities like Paris and Lille.

Winter is a magical time in France, especially in wonderlands like the Loire Valley and the city of Strasbourg - just make sure to pack a warm coat!

Many cities in France, from Nice to Aix-en-Provence, host extensive Christmas markets from November to December. These are great experiences which allow you to enjoy hearty food and entertainment amid quaint and dreamy surroundings, and provide fantastic opportunities to shop for souvenirs.

That said, flights and accommodation are usually a lot cheaper after the Christmas period, so if you want to experience France’s winter charm on a budget, January is a good time to visit. Bear in mind this is the coldest month, however, with an average of 5.1 degrees Celsius across the country.

Winter up to early spring is the ideal time for a skiing trip, too. The ski season occurs between December and April in France, with consistent snowfall in popular skiing resorts such as Chamonix or Les Trois Vallées.

For other sports besides skiing, summer or late spring is often the best time to visit France. The following annual sports events all take place during the summer:

Tour de France - traditionally held in July

French open - begins in late May and lasts for two weeks

Le Mans - usually held in mid-June

Run my City Paris - held annually in May

Paris Marathon - held on a Sunday in April

July and August are the most popular months for visiting France, and these are the months when the country is at its hottest. In the south of France, in places such as Marseilles, average temperatures can reach as high as 30 degrees Celsius in the height of summer. If that sounds a little too torrid, then late spring or early autumn are also great times to visit the Côte d'Azur.

It's worth bearing in mind that, unlike in spring and winter, most school students in France have their summer break at the same time, beginning early July and finishing early September, so if you want to avoid France when the crowds are at their thickest while still enjoying the summer heat, June is a safe bet. The French Riviera is especially stunning at this time of year, as are dreamy cities likes Avignon or the island of Corsica.

Looking for a romantic summer getaway? Read out blog on the most romantic places to visit in France.