Home › When to Visit
Toulouse - When to Visit

When to Visit Toulouse

Climate guide & best times to travel

Home › When to Visit
Monthly Climate Data for Toulouse Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview -3°C 6°C 15°C 24°C 33°C Rainfall (mm) 0 36 73 Jan Jan: 9.0°C high, 2.0°C low, 53mm rain Feb Feb: 11.0°C high, 3.0°C low, 38mm rain Mar Mar: 15.0°C high, 5.0°C low, 46mm rain Apr Apr: 17.0°C high, 7.0°C low, 66mm rain May May: 21.0°C high, 11.0°C low, 74mm rain Jun Jun: 25.0°C high, 15.0°C low, 64mm rain Jul Jul: 28.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 41mm rain Aug Aug: 28.0°C high, 17.0°C low, 46mm rain Sep Sep: 24.0°C high, 13.0°C low, 46mm rain Oct Oct: 19.0°C high, 10.0°C low, 53mm rain Nov Nov: 13.0°C high, 6.0°C low, 56mm rain Dec Dec: 10.0°C high, 3.0°C low, 48mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Toulouse sits in the Occitanie region of southwest France, a city built from pink brick that catches the light differently at every hour of the day. Its climate falls somewhere between the reliably mild Atlantic southwest and the warmer, drier influence that bleeds in from the Mediterranean over the Pyrenees. In practice, this gives Toulouse four distinct seasons, none of them extreme, all of them recognizable, and a weather character that feels more honest than many other French cities that trade heavily on their climates. The rainfall is fairly evenly distributed across the year, which is worth knowing upfront. The wettest months tend to be April, May, and June, though no single month is sodden by European standards. Winters are cool and occasionally frosty but rarely bitter. Snowfall in Toulouse itself is uncommon and tends not to stick. Summers run warm rather than scorching, with July and August bringing the hottest days and a reliable reduction in rainfall, the closest the city comes to a dry season, though calling it a drought would be an exaggeration. Autumn brings a gradual, graceful cooldown, and spring arrives early enough that March already feels like a turning point. What makes Toulouse distinctive, compared to much of France, is that clear blue sky is a serious local feature. The city averages well over 2,000 hours of sunshine per year, a number that surprises visitors who expect northern European grey. Even in winter, bright cold days are common, and the light on the terracotta facades of the city's Romanesque churches has a particular quality that photographers tend to notice. The Garonne River catches the afternoon light in ways that feel almost Mediterranean even when the temperatures say otherwise.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended timing for different travel styles.

Outdoor relaxation
June and September are probably the most satisfying months. June brings warm temperatures, typically reaching 25°C (78°F) in the afternoon, with long evenings and a city that has shaken off spring's occasional grey spells. September offers similar warmth with noticeably fewer crowds and a pleasant dip in the overnight heat, lows settling around 13°C (57°F), which makes evenings comfortable rather than muggy.
Cultural
Toulouse rewards visits in autumn and spring almost as well as summer. October through November and March through April each offer manageable temperatures and thinner tourist traffic, which matters in a city that draws significant numbers for its aerospace heritage and student energy. In spring, the parks and squares bloom in a way that makes the already-photogenic pink brick look even better. In autumn, the surrounding Occitanie countryside turns gold and day trips into the Lauragais hills feel appropriately seasonal.
Hiking/Active
Hikers and active travelers with an eye on the Pyrenees should plan for June through September for serious trail access. The high-altitude routes, including those leading toward the Cirque de Gavarnie, become reliably accessible from late June as snow recedes, and the weather window holds well into September before autumn storms start interrupting the upper elevations. Toulouse makes a natural base for these excursions, roughly two hours from the mountain range, close enough for day trips, distant enough to offer full urban amenities on return.
Budget
Budget-conscious travelers willing to accept a small weather trade-off will find November through February offers real advantages. Accommodation tends to be more available, Toulouse's year-round student population means the city retains energy even in quieter months, and the region's winter food traditions, cassoulet weather, essentially, have their own appeal. February is typically the driest of the cooler months, with rainfall averaging around 38mm (1.5 inches), so it's a reasonable off-peak pick for those who want lower prices without committing to the depths of January.

What to Pack

Essentials and seasonal recommendations for Toulouse.

Year-Round Essentials
A waterproof layer
The city's rainfall is distributed evenly enough that no time of year is entirely immune to a shower, and even summer months can produce afternoon thunderstorms that arrive without much warning.
Comfortable walking shoes that can handle both cobblestone streets and minor wet-weather conditions.
Toulouse's historic center involves a lot of foot travel across uneven surfaces, around the Basilica of Saint-Sernin and the streets leading toward the Capitole.
Sunglasses
Justified year-round given the city's sunshine hours. Even winter days tend toward bright blue rather than perpetual grey.
A compact day bag
makes navigating the city's markets and neighborhoods easier.
A power adapter for French outlets
France uses the Type E plug (two round pins plus a grounding socket) and runs on 230 volts at 50Hz, which is the European standard. Most modern electronics handle this without a separate voltage converter, though older appliances and American hairdryers often do not.
Winter and deep autumn
Clothing
a mid-layer like a wool sweater, a wind-resistant outer jacket, a scarf
Footwear
Boots or water-resistant shoes
Layering Tip
Layering is the practical approach: a mid-layer like a wool sweater, a wind-resistant outer jacket, and a scarf will cover most situations without overpacking.
Spring
Clothing
a light waterproof jacket
Accessories
a lightweight foldable umbrella
Layering Tip
A light waterproof jacket is worth more than a heavier coat, since temperatures can swing significantly between morning and afternoon. A lightweight foldable umbrella earns its carry weight in April and May.
Summer
Clothing
breathable fabrics, sun protection, a light cardigan or thin jacket
Layering Tip
Summer calls for breathable fabrics and sun protection. The city's high sunshine hours mean cumulative UV exposure even on days that don't feel hot. A light cardigan or thin jacket is worth having for cool June and September evenings that can surprise visitors who arrive dressed purely for the afternoon.
Plug Type
Type E (two round pins plus a grounding socket)
Voltage
230 volts at 50Hz
Adapter Note
A power adapter for French outlets is essential. Most modern electronics handle this without a separate voltage converter, though older appliances and American hairdryers often do not.
Skip These Items
Heavy hiking boots unless the Pyrenees are on the itinerary, since the city itself doesn't require them. Formal clothing beyond your own preference (Toulouse leans considerably more relaxed than Paris in dress culture). A large umbrella that takes up real bag space when compact and foldable is all the city's brief, fast-clearing storms require. Heat-sensitive items without insulation in summer, since July and August days can get uncomfortable in unventilated spaces. Multiple layers of heavy cold-weather gear, since Toulouse's winters are cool but not arctic. Overpacking for cold is a common mistake among visitors expecting a more northerly French experience.
Full Packing Checklist

Interactive checklist with shopping links for every item you need.

View Toulouse Packing List →

Month-by-Month Guide

Climate conditions and crowd levels for each month of the year.

January

January in Toulouse is cold enough to notice but rarely severe. Highs of around 9°C (49°F) with lows dipping to 2°C (37°F) mean mornings require real layers, and the pink city takes on a more introspective quality, the squares that fill up in summer feel contemplative rather than empty.

High 9°C (49°F)
Low 2°C (37°F)
Rainfall 53mm (2.1 inches)
Crowds low
View Details →
February

February improves slightly in feel even before the thermometer moves much. Highs reach 11°C (52°F) and lows stay around 3°C (37°F), but the light begins to return, and that makes a practical difference on a city this sunny.

High 11°C (52°F)
Low 3°C (37°F)
Rainfall 38mm (1.5 inches)
Crowds low
View Details →
March

March marks the beginning of a genuine shift in Toulouse. Highs of 15°C (59°F) make outdoor café sitting possible without serious thermal commitment, and lows of 5°C (41°F) still require a jacket in the evening.

High 15°C (59°F)
Low 5°C (41°F)
Rainfall 46mm (1.8 inches)
Crowds medium
View Details →
April

April is showery and fresh. With highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows around 7°C (46°F), the city is blooming, the parks around the Jardin des Plantes and along the Canal du Midi fill with color.

High 17°C (63°F)
Low 7°C (46°F)
Rainfall 66mm (2.6 inches)
Crowds medium
View Details →
May

May is one of the most quietly enjoyable months in Toulouse. Highs reach 21°C (70°F), lows settle at around 11°C (52°F), and the city starts to feel warm in the afternoons without crossing into summer heat.

High 21°C (70°F)
Low 11°C (52°F)
Rainfall 74mm (2.9 inches)
Crowds medium-high
View Details →
June

June brings Toulouse into its summer mode: warm evenings, outdoor dining until late, long light. Highs of 25°C (78°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F) create a rhythm where days feel expansive and nights are comfortable without being cold.

High 25°C (78°F)
Low 15°C (59°F)
Rainfall 64mm (2.5 inches)
Crowds high
View Details →
July

July is the peak of summer and, for many, the peak of the city's social energy. Highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 17°C (62°F) mean proper summer weather that holds through the night, warm enough for outdoor events, cool enough that sleep is usually fine.

High 28°C (82°F)
Low 17°C (62°F)
Rainfall 41mm (1.6 inches)
Crowds high
View Details →
August

August feels much like July, highs of 28°C (83°F), lows of 17°C (62°F), similar rainfall around 46mm (1.8 inches), with the added caveat that many locals head elsewhere, so the city empties slightly even as tourist numbers stay high.

High 28°C (83°F)
Low 17°C (62°F)
Rainfall 46mm (1.8 inches)
Crowds high
View Details →
September

September is a month that rewards travelers who plan for it. The city settles back after summer, temperatures remain warm with highs of 24°C (76°F) and lows around 13°C (57°F), and the quality of light shifts to something softer.

High 24°C (76°F)
Low 13°C (57°F)
Rainfall 46mm (1.8 inches)
Crowds medium
View Details →
October

October brings a comfortable autumn pace. Highs reach 19°C (67°F) and lows settle around 10°C (51°F), with rainfall around 53mm (2.1 inches). The surrounding countryside rewards day trips as the vine-covered hills of the Lauragais turn, and the city's markets shift toward heartier seasonal produce.

High 19°C (67°F)
Low 10°C (51°F)
Rainfall 53mm (2.1 inches)
Crowds low to medium
View Details →
November

November quiets down considerably. Highs of 13°C (56°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F) mean proper autumn clothes. The city takes on that particular indoor warmth. Cassoulet season arrives. Dress accordingly.

High 13°C (56°F)
Low 6°C (43°F)
Rainfall 56mm (2.2 inches)
Crowds low
View Details →
December

December closes the year with cool, often clear days interspersed with grey. Highs of 10°C (50°F) and lows of 3°C (38°F), with frost a genuine possibility on the coldest nights, require winter dressing. Pack smart.

High 10°C (50°F)
Low 3°C (38°F)
Rainfall 48mm (1.9 inches)
Crowds low
View Details →

Ready to plan your trip to Toulouse?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Toulouse.

Browse activities →

Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

Find hotels →

What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for Toulouse.

See packing list →

Continue Planning Your Trip

Packing List

What to bring on your trip for Toulouse

When to Visit

Best times to travel for Toulouse

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Toulouse