The climate of Marseille
The city of
Marseille, located on
France's sunbaked southern coast, enjoys a Mediterranean climate, classified scientifically as Csa by the Köppen system. This particular category is characterized by hot summers with moderate to high temperatures, and winters that offer a cooler counterbalance. The wide-ranging outcomes of such a climatological arrangement remain variable throughout the year.
An exploration of the city's average weather reveals a multi-layered seasonal profile. High temperatures are noted from 10.4°C (50.7°F) in
January, reaching a peak of 27.3°C (81.1°F) in
August. However, the warm season extends from
June to
September when the temperatures comfortably remain above 20°C (68°F). On the contrary, cooler weather rules from
December to
February when low temperatures range from 6.1°C (43°F) to 7.4°C (45.3°F).
The city gets drenched in rainfall mainly in
November with a measure of around 77mm (3.03"). Months with scanty rainfall span from June to September, experiencing below 30mm (1.18"). On the other hand, humidity levels remain relatively stable, portraying a balanced figure ranging between 63% in August and 75% in November.
The incidence of snowfall in Marseille is rare, with just three months, January, February and December, reporting minimal events. Additionally, slightly gusty winds dominate the city, averaging between 14.6km/h (9.1mph) and 21.5km/h (13.4mph) across the year.
The best time to visit Marseille
When contemplating a visit to
Marseille, the months from
June to
September provide a prime opportunity for travellers. This period offers a warm, inviting climate with average temperatures soaring above 20°C (68°F). Coupled with a relative humidity level that reaches a comfortable low of 63% to 67%, the environmental conditions are ideal for outdoors exploration. Notably, the city bathes in an extended daylight duration, from 13.9h in June to 15h in
July, facilitating long sightseeing days. The sea temperatures are also pleasantly warm during this period, going up to 21.9°C (71.4°F) in September, making a dip in the stunning Mediterranean beaches irresistible.
The worst time to visit Marseille
Marseille sees its least congenial weather phase from
November to
January. The conditions during these months are characterized by an increase in both rainfall and humidity levels. With the highest precipitation of 77mm (3.03") recorded in November, outdoor activities are potentially hampered, and sightseeing plans might be significantly disrupted. The low temperatures, ranging from 6.3°C (43.3°F) to 7.4°C (45.3°F) in these months, also sustain a rather chilly environment that might not be to everyone's liking.
Spring weather in Marseille
From
March to
May,
Marseille steps into the spring season marked by a steady climb in temperatures. The month of March starts with moderate highs of 13.9°C (57°F) which gradually increase to 19.7°C (67.5°F) in May. Concurrently, the low temperatures show a similar trend, moving from 8.6°C (47.5°F) in March to 13.8°C (56.8°F) in May. The increase in sunshine, peaking at 11.1h in May, offers a welcome departure from the preceding winter months.
Summer weather in Marseille
The summer months, from
June to
August, witness
Marseille basking in high temperatures that can hit a peak of 27.3°C (81.1°F). Equally, the low temperatures maintain a warm profile, peaking at 20.8°C (69.4°F) by August. Median rainfall amounts drop significantly during this period, offering an arid but balmy atmosphere. With the longest sunshine duration, approximately 12.1h in June and
July, these months provide optimum daylight for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Marseille
The autumn season, spanning
September to
November, signals a subtle transition in
Marseille’s weather. Temperature highs start from 23.7°C (74.7°F) in September and taper down to 14.6°C (58.3°F) by November. On the other hand, low temperatures follow the same downward trend, starting from 17.6°C (63.7°F) and lessening to 10.5°C (50.9°F). The frequency of rainfall starts to spike in
October, culminating in November with a hefty average precipitation of 77mm (3.03").
Winter weather in Marseille
Winter in
Marseille spreads from
December to
February, with
January hosting the coldest temperatures. During this period, the city’s temperature highs range from 11.5°C (52.7°F) to 10.4°C (50.7°F) and the lows hover between 6.3°C (43.3°F) and 7.4°C (45.3°F). Rainfall during this season is considerable but lower than the autumn months, with an average accumulation of 33mm (1.3") in December and 32mm (1.26") in January. Although the city sees sporadic snowfall events, they are generally minimal and far between. The daylight duration is the shortest in the year, falling to 9h in December and January, limiting outdoor activities.
Weather in January
In
Marseille,
France, the year starts off on a rather mild note, with the temperatures gently swaying between 6.3°C (43.3°F) and 10.4°C (50.7°F). The moderate weather persists throughout the month, making the climate in
January in Marseille pleasing, especially for tourists seeking to avoid extreme weather conditions.
Weather in January »Weather in February
The climate trends slightly upward in
February in
Marseille, but it maintains a mild temperature range. A nudge comes in the form of increased intensity of sea breezes with pressure drops to 1015.4mb, instigating climatic changes.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March sees an obvious rise in temperature, both in the highs of 13.9°C (57°F) and lows of 8.6°C (47.5°F). As spring begins to set foot,
Marseille's weather shows dynamic shifts and increasing daylight hours. The accommodation of a higher UV index of 4 suggests pleasant sunshine, contrasted by occasional light showers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The weather pattern undergoes a significant change in
April, with the emergence of warmer and longer days. A significant shift in the weather in
Marseille is detemined by the rise in the sea temperature to 14.5°C (58.1°F), creating an enjoyable atmosphere for sea bathing.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May marks the beginning of the summer season, bringing color and vivaciousness to the city of
Marseille. The city features more sunshine, warm temperatures, and fewer rainy days, imbuing it with the spirit of the summertime. The month shows pronounced changes like an increased temperature of 19.7°C (67.5°F) and decreasing rainfall, moving more towards the dry side.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June is a delightful month in
Marseille, falling right in the middle of summertime, with beach visits becoming a routine. Marseille continues witnessing elevated temperatures up to 23.9°C (75°F), with a significant drop in the rain, culminating to 24mm (0.94") only.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings the peak of the summer season in
Marseille, usually filled with loads of sunshine and warmth. The temperature in Marseille hits a maximum of 27.1°C (80.8°F), setting up a warm and dry climate. The city shines under the highest daylight hours observed in the year and experiences the least humidity.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August offers the warmest sea temperature of the year at 21.9°C (71.4°F), attracting swimmers and water sports enthusiasts. Balmy temperatures, clear skies, and relatively low chances of rainfall come together to maintain a summertime charm in
Marseille.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September witnesses a transition from summer to autumn, with a gradual decrease in temperature and daylight hours. The change in the season is seen with decent rainfall of 28mm (1.1"), likely to maintain the lushness of the city.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Marseille accentuates the hint of autumn with a significantly increased rainfall of 63mm (2.48"). The climate gets milder with reduced temperatures and less sunshine hours, yet it remains pleasant. Slightly risen wind speeds bring about cooler air, which matches the drop in the nighttime temperatures.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November signifies a further drop in the temperatures, decreased daylight and sunshine hours, signifying the arrival of winter.
Marseille's weather in this month experiences the highest rainfall of 77mm (3.03"), contributing to a wet month.
Weather in November » Weather in December
The last month of the year exhibits typical winter weather patterns with a temperature dipping to 7.4°C (45.3°F). Moderate rainfall is seen with decreased daylight and sunshine hours, indicating the ongoing winter season. Cooler winds, higher cloud cover, and increased pressure of 1019.3mb are distinctive features for
December.
Weather in December »