Weather in Annecy

About Annecy

Annecy is called the Venice of the Alps—a crystal-clear lake mirrors snow-capped peaks while pastel buildings cascade to waterfront promenades. This is Alpine elegance where nature and civilization achieve perfect balance. The old town's canals whisper romance.

Country

France

Best months to visit

July, August

Currency

EUR

Language

French

Things to do in Annecy

Paddle or sail on the luminous lake Walk the Vieille Ville's (old town) arcaded streets Climb the Château d'Annecy for lake views Hike to Lake Annecy's surrounding summits Cycle the lake circuit (41 kilometres) Browse independent shops and galleries in the old town

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

12C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

18C

Mild and comfortable, with regular rainfall.

June

24C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

Recommended

July

26C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

Recommended

August

25C

Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.

September

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

October

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

November

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

Cold, with some rainy days.

Annecy is often called the Venice of the Alps, and the comparison holds up — canals lined with flower-draped balconies wind through the old town, a turreted island castle sits in the middle of the river, and beyond it all, Lake Annecy stretches out impossibly turquoise against a backdrop of mountains. It's one of France's prettiest towns, and a short drive from Geneva makes it an easy add-on to an Alpine trip.

Best areas to stay in Annecy

Vieille Ville (Old Town)

Canal-lined medieval streets centred on the Palais de l'Isle, packed with cafes and markets.

Lake Annecy Shore

Public beaches, parks and lidos along the lakefront, with views across to the surrounding mountains.

Le Paquier

A large lakeside park near the old town, popular for picnics, walks and watersports rentals.

Talloires & Menthon-Saint-Bernard

Charming lakeside villages on the eastern shore, reachable by boat or bus for a quieter alternative.

Getting to Annecy

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Flights

Geneva Airport is the nearest, about 45 minutes to 1 hour away by car, train or shuttle bus.

⏱

From London

~1.5-2 hours by air from London to Geneva, plus a 45-60 minute transfer.

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Getting around

The old town is compact and walkable; a lakeside cycle path and bus network connect surrounding villages, with seasonal boat trips around the lake.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Annecy?

June to September offers the warmest weather for swimming in the lake and outdoor dining, though spring and early autumn are quieter with the mountains still visible in clear weather.

Can I swim in Lake Annecy?

Yes — it's one of Europe's cleanest lakes, with several public beaches and lidos around the shore, particularly on the eastern side.

What is the Palais de l'Isle?

A turreted former prison and courthouse sitting on a small island in the Thiou canal, now a small museum and one of the most photographed buildings in the old town.

Is Annecy a good base for the Alps?

Yes — Geneva, Chamonix and the Aravis ski areas are all within an hour or two, making it a good base for combining lake life with mountain trips.

How do I get around the lake?

A cycle path circles much of the lake, boat trips and ferries connect lakeside villages, and buses run to towns like Talloires and Menthon-Saint-Bernard.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

The old town's canals were even prettier than the photos, and swimming in the lake afterwards with mountains all around felt like a completely different country to the rest of France.

Margaux T. · July 2024

★★★★★

Cycled most of the way around the lake and stopped for lunch in Talloires — a perfect day. The Palais de l'Isle is tiny but iconic.

Ben H. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Used Annecy as a base for a day trip into Geneva and another up into the mountains — really versatile location with a gorgeous town to come back to each evening.

Anja W. · May 2024