Weather in France in September

September climate overview

Daytime highs across France in September run from 20.6°C (Paris) to 23.6°C (Nice). Even in Nice only 29% of days reach 25°C. Nights average 14.7°C; the coldest 10% of nights in Paris fall to 8°C or below.

Rainfall in September

Expect around 8 rainy days (1 mm or more) in September, with Nice the driest (8 days) and Paris the wettest (8 days). The wettest September at Nice between 1991 and 2020 was 1993 with 227 mm; the driest was 1997 with 6 mm.

Sea temperature

The sea averages 22.7°C around France in September. That is comfortable for swimming.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.9 hours of sunshine a day on average, out of 12.3 hours of daylight (sunshine estimated from cloud cover).

September against the rest of the year in France

September is the 4th warmest month of the twelve in France. It is 3.8°C cooler than August and 4.3°C cooler in October. The hottest month here is August (26°C) and the coolest January (9°C).

Which part of France in September?

• Most sunshine: Nice, 6.8 h a day.
• Driest: Nice, about 8 rainy days.
• Warmest sea: Nice, 23°C.
• Hottest: Nice, 24°C by day.
• Coolest (better for walking and cities): Paris, 21°C.

What to pack for France in September

Based on the averages: light layers - warm in the sun, cooler in the shade; a light jumper for evenings (15°C at night); a rain jacket - roughly 8 wet days; swimwear - the sea is 23°C.

Similar weather elsewhere in September

Within 1.5°C of France's September daytime average: Alonissos (24°C, sea 24°C), Sunny Beach (23°C, sea 23°C), Milan (23°C), Lido di Jesolo (23°C, sea 23°C), Venice (23°C, sea 23°C). See the full ranking for September.

Nice for warmer days and sea swimming

Choose Nice if warmth and swimming matter most. Daytime temperatures average 24°C, while the sea averages 23°C, making time in the water a reasonable part of your plans rather than just a hopeful extra. Nights average 17°C, so a light layer is useful when staying out after dark. The catch is that September is not reliably dry: expect 8 rainy days across the month and leave room to move outdoor plans around. Pack light daytime clothes, a light rain jacket and something warmer for the evening. Warmer spells also warrant shade breaks rather than assuming every afternoon will feel mild.

Paris for milder afternoons, with cooler evenings

Paris is the better fit if you prefer walking weather to seaside warmth. Its average daytime temperature of 21°C is warmer than London's 19°C in September, but not a reason to pack only summer clothes. Nights average 12°C, so a jumper or jacket will be more useful here than in Nice. Expect 8 rainy days during the month, which makes a compact umbrella and shoes you can wear in wet weather sensible additions. Put longer outdoor stretches in the warmer part of the day and keep indoor alternatives flexible. Choose Paris for mild afternoons, not for dependable heat or warm evenings.