The climate of Besançon
Besançon, situated in
France, endures a Marine West Coast, warm summer climate, per the classification by Köppen climate as Cfb. Throughout the year, the city experiences mild to warm temperatures and significant rainfall, characteristic of this climate zone.
Analyzing the monthly average figures, Besançon climate reveals an interesting pattern. The highest average temperatures range from 5.2°C (41.4°F) in
January to a peak of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
July, then drop down to 5.7°C (42.3°F) in
December. Low temperatures show a similar pattern, from -0.7°C (30.7°F) in January, peaking at 14.5°C (58.1°F) in July and then decreasing again to 0.4°C (32.7°F) in December.
Humidity remains relatively consistent throughout the year, with minor variations ranging between 74% in
April to 88% in December. A significant figure of rainfall is also observed each month. The lowest recorded is 80mm (3.15") in
February escalating to a maximum of 116mm (4.57") in
October. The city has a considerable number of rainfall days each month, minimum being 9.8 days in
September and maximum extending to 13.4 days in both
May and December.
Notably, daylight hours extend from 8.6 hours in December to 15.9 hours in
June. Correspondingly, sunshine hours vary significantly from as low as 1.7 hours in December to as high as 7.9 hours in July. These conditions reflect the city's position in the northern hemisphere, with longer days in the summer months and shorter days in winter.
The best time to visit Besançon
Based on the weather data, the optimal time for visiting
Besançon is between
June and
August. During this period, the city experiences the highest average temperatures, ranging from 22.8°C (73°F) to 25.3°C (77.5°F). The daylight hours are long, ranging from 14.2 hours to 15.5 hours. This provides ample time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Humidity levels are moderate, and rainfall is lower than the yearly average.
The worst time to visit Besançon
The least favorable time to visit
Besançon is during the winter months, particularly between
January and
February. The average temperatures are at their lowest, ranging from -0.7°C (30.7°F) to 7°C (44.6°F). The daylight hours dwindle to a yearly low, ranging from 9 to 10.3 hours, limiting the time available for outdoor activities. Additionally, the city experiences one of its highest levels of relative humidity, making the cold weather feel even chillier.
Spring weather in Besançon
In
Besançon, spring months are from
March to
May. During this period, average high temperatures rise steadily from 11.4°C (52.5°F) in March to 19.5°C (67.1°F) in May. Concurrently, average lows improve from 2.7°C (36.9°F) to 9.3°C (48.7°F). Rainfall increases over this period, starting from 92mm (3.62") in March to 115mm (4.53") in May. The number of daylight hours also increase, providing more opportunities for exploring the city.
Summer weather in Besançon
Summer in
Besançon, from
June to
August, brings warm temperatures, extended daylight hours, and relatively less rainfall. Average high temperatures soar from 22.8°C (73°F) in June to the yearly peak of 25.3°C (77.5°F) in
July before decreasing to 25°C (77°F) in August. Similarly, sunshine hours are at their peak during the summer, reflecting the longest days of the year. Rainfall during this period is comparatively lower, averaging between 90mm (3.54") in July to 102mm (4.02") in June.
Autumn weather in Besançon
Autumn, extending from
September to
November, ushers in cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in
Besançon. Average high temperatures decline steadily from 20.7°C (69.3°F) in September to 9.5°C (49.1°F) in November. Rainfall also rises during this period from 107mm (4.21") in September to 105mm (4.13") in November. Sunshine hours reduce significantly, reflecting the shortening days.
Winter weather in Besançon
Winter in
Besançon, lasting from
December to
February, is characterized by chilly temperatures, short daylight hours, and substantial rainfall. Average high temperatures range from 5.2°C (41.4°F) in
January to 7°C (44.6°F) in February. Sunshine hours dwindle to their yearly lowest in December at 1.7 hours, increasing slightly to 3.4 hours by February. Rainfall remains consistently high during this period, with an average of 108mm (4.25") in February. This continued high volume of rainfall coupled with freezing temperatures fuels the city's frosty winter reputation.
Weather in January
January is the middle of winter in
Besançon,
France, characterized by a chill in the air and frequent precipitation. Temperatures generally range between -0.7°C (30.7°F) at night and 5.2°C (41.4°F) during the day. This month has the highest relative humidity, reading 87%, translating to misty, foggy mornings.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The grip of winter starts to loosen slightly in
February, with temperatures beginning to climb. A noticeable change from
January occurs, as the average low temperature increases, albeit not significantly. However, relative humidity decreases, making the air less saturated.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With the arrival of spring in
March, the weather starts to become more pleasant. It sees a significant rise in temperature, and the amount of sunshine is substantially higher than in the previous months. The increased daylight hours are indicative of the approach of warmer months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April signifies a pronounced shift in the weather, providing residents of
Besançon with more favorable patterns. Considering previous months, it is discernibly warmer and brings more daylight hours. However, the rainfall amount does not see a major change from
March, so April showers are still quite prevalent.
Weather in April » Weather in May
The transition into summer starts in
May with a noticeable rise in temperatures. The weather experiences a significant soothing shift compared to
April. It should be noted that May is the month with the highest rainfall of 115mm (4.53") in the year, contributing to the city's lush greenery.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June sets the tone for the most awaited summer season in
Besançon. Pleasing warmth dominates the month, a significant update from
May's variable conditions. June has the longest daylight hours in the year, meaning more time for leisure and exploration.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the warmest month in
Besançon, giving the city a bountiful sunlit experience. Demonstrating a clear contrast to
June, July registers the highest temperatures of the year, hitting the pinnacle of summer heat. The extended daylight, combined with slightly less average rainfall, makes the outdoors more inviting than ever.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August continues the summer dominance, although not as hot as
July, still the temperature reaches similar highs. Compared to July, both the average high temperature and average low temperature show minor variance. Meanwhile, daylight hours start to shrink slightly, signifying the approach of autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
By
September, autumn begins to make its mark on
Besançon's climate. The weather cools off a bit after the summer heat, offering a respite to the residents. September experiences a spike in rainfall, which contributes to the city's vibrant fall foliage.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Besançon sees a distinct weather shift as the autumn fully sets in. It's a notably cooler month compared to
September, a sign of the impending winter. October has the highest rainfall of the year, registering 116mm (4.57") on average along with increased humidity levels.
Weather in October » Weather in November
As winter approaches in
November, the weather in
Besançon turns chilly. With a significant drop in the average high temperature from
October, the increasing cold becomes evident. It's one of the rainiest months but with reduced daylight hours compared to October.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the onset of winter in
Besançon, with a significant drop in temperatures compared to
November. This month has the shortest daylight span of 8.6 hours, contributing to cold, crisp days. It experiences a relatively high amount of rainfall, offering snowy scenes across the city's landscape.
Weather in December » [Resources]