Climate and monthly weather forecast
Briançon, France

Positioned at the meeting point of three valleys, Briançon proudly holds the title of the highest city in France. It experiences the Subarctic climate, denoted by a Dfc classification according to the Köppen climate classification system. Throughout the year, the city exhibits a contrasting blend of severe winters and cool summers, characteristic of this classification.

In a detailed examination of Briançon's climate data, significant variations are observed. Average high temperatures fluctuate from -1°C (30.2°F) in the peak winter months of January and February to a somewhat milder 16°C (60.8°F) in July. The average low temperatures also follow a similar pattern, dipping to a low of -6°C (21.2°F) during the winter months and rising to 8°C (46.4°F) in the summer months.

Rainfall in Briançon is well-distributed throughout the year, with no dry season as such. Although the precipitation trends do not deviate greatly, a discernible pattern can be seen. The city experiences the highest rainfall, around 125mm (4.92"), in November, while rainfall is the lowest in July, approximately 85mm (3.35"). Rainfall days, ranging between 12 to 18 days monthly, indicate that rain is a frequent occurrence here.

Daylight hours show a considerable variation, with December having the minimum daylight hours of about 8.9 and June flaunting the maximum at about 15.6. In terms of sunshine hours, July tops the chart with 9 hours of sunlight a day, while the shortest sunshine duration is observed in December with only 4 hours.

Determining the best time to visit Briançon largely depends on the intended activities. For hiking enthusiasts and nature explorers, the month of July can be considered the best, boasting 16°C (60.8°F) high temperature, around 8°C (46.4°F) low, and the longest sunshine duration of 9 hours. For those who have a strong liking for rain, November could be a suitable time owing to maximum rainfall of approximately 125mm (4.92").

Conversely, the least favorable time to visit Briançon would be during the severity of winter, specifically from January to February. This period experiences the coldest temperatures ranging from -6°C (21.2°F) to -1°C (30.2°F), and the shortest daylight hours, which might not be ideal for travel.

Spring in Briançon, extending from March to May, gradually sheds the harshness of winter. Average high temperatures rise from 1°C (33.8°F) in March to 9°C (48.2°F) in May. Meanwhile, the low temperatures also increase from -5°C (23°F) to 2°C (35.6°F). The increasing temperatures are accompanied by an increase in the hours of daylight from approximately 11.9 in March to around 14.9 in May.

Summer months portray a different picture, presenting a relatively cooler temperature spectrum, typical of the Subarctic climate. The average high temperatures range from 13°C (55.4°F) in June to 16°C (60.8°F) in July, and then slightly fall to 15°C (59°F) in August. Low temperatures during these months hover between 5°C (41°F) and 8°C (46.4°F), setting up a cooling effect during nights.

Autumn in Briançon exhibits temperature drops, as the high temperatures fall from 12°C (53.6°F) in September to 3°C (37.4°F) in November. Simultaneously, the low temperatures decrease from 6°C (42.8°F) in September to -3°C (26.6°F) in November. Despite the coolness, November experiences the highest annual rainfall of approximately 125mm (4.92").

Winter in Briançon validates the city's Subarctic climate classification. The temperatures are severe, with highs averaging from 0°C (32°F) in December to -1°C (30.2°F) in January and February, and lows plummeting to -5°C (23°F) to -6°C (21.2°F). Furthermore, the city exhibits the shortest amount of daylight and sunshine hours, hinting at long, harsh evenings during this season. The UV index also drops to 1, indicating almost negligible UV radiation.

In the heart of winter, Briançon, France nestles under a thick blanket of snow. The coldest month of the year witnesses temperatures plunging from -1°C (30.2°F) to as low as -6°C (21.2°F). This period sees the city in a slow, frosted slumber with daylight averaging for only about 9.2 hours. Weather in January »

February sweeps in with a weather pattern similar to January. Briançon, France continues its wintry sleep as brisk weather dominates the city. Compared to the previous month, daylight extends to about 10.5 hours, although temperatures still linger around the freezing mark with lows of -6°C (21.2°F). Weather in February »

Come March, Briançon, France begins to experience signs of spring. A subtle rise in temperatures is witnessed, with the mercury climbing from -5°C (23°F) to a slightly warmer 1°C (33.8°F). This period marks a transition from the frigid winter months, reflected in the increase in daylight to about 11.9 hours. Weather in March »

With the arrival of April, Briançon, France embraces spring in its full glory. Daylight burgeons to 13.5 hours, illuminating the snow-capped city turned green. Temperatures continue to crawl upwards, swapping the morning frost for a gentler morning chill, as they sway from -2°C (28.4°F) to a pleasant 4°C (39.2°F). Weather in April »

May ushers in a balmy weather change in Briançon, France, leaning towards a summer-like feel. Daylight becomes more generous, stretching to 14.9 hours, granting longer hours to enjoy the outdoors. Temperatures become much friendlier, with lows of 2°C (35.6°F) and highs reaching up to a delightful 9°C (48.2°F). Weather in May »

In June, Briançon, France August emits a radiant summer glow. As sunshine illuminates the city for 15.6 hours, the temperatures bounce between 5°C (41°F) and 13°C (55.4°F) —highlighting the arrival of summer. The city bathes under clear skies, with the warming rays of sun making the weather more agreeable. Weather in June »

July rolls in with the warmest temperatures in Briançon, France, rendering it the quintessential summer month. The mercury wavers from 8°C (46.4°F) to 16°C (60.8°F), providing the clearest indication that summer is here to stay. Weather in July »

In August, Briançon, France continues to soak in the summer sun. The weather remains predominantly warm, closely mimicking July's pattern with temperatures fluctuating from 8°C (46.4°F) to 15°C (59°F). The city endures a high UV index, necessitating ample sunscreens and hats during outdoor activities. Weather in August »

The advent of September in Briançon, France brings the first signs of approaching autumn. The mercury begins to recede, marking a gentle transition from the hot summer temperatures to cooler autumnal averages, tracing a line from 6°C (42.8°F) to 12°C (53.6°F). Weather in September »

With October, Briançon, France is in the grasp of autumn. The crisp autumn weather is evident as temperatures fall between 3°C (37.4°F) to 8°C (46.4°F). Daylight capitulates to the year's trend and shortens to about 11 hours. Weather in October »

November in Briançon, France ushers in winter, with weather turning significantly cooler. A perceptible change in daylight is observed as it retreats to roughly 9.6 hours -- a clear sign that the long nights of winter are setting in. Weather in November »

December in Briançon, France welcomes winter in all its cold glory. The city becomes a frosty tableau with temperatures wavering between 0°C (32°F) and -5°C (23°F). Daylight reaches a low point, barely averaging 8.9 hours, letting the stars rule the evenings prematurely. Weather in December »