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Weather in Lyon
France's gastronomic capital between two rivers
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About Lyon
Lyon sits at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône rivers, creating a city of intellectual elegance and serious food culture. The Old Town's Renaissance buildings cascade downhill; silk-making heritage persists; restaurants boast Michelin stars. This is where French gastronomy reigns.
Best months to visit
June, July, August, September
Things to do in Lyon
Explore the Vieille Ville (Renaissance old town)
Ride the funicular to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière (city views)
Browse the Confluence Museum's art and science collections
Tour a silk workshop (canuts)
Dine at Michelin-starred restaurants or street food markets
Day trip to nearby Beaujolais wine region
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
January
7C
Cold, with some rainy days.
February
10C
Cool, with occasional showers.
March
13C
Cool, with some rainy days.
April
17C
Cool, with occasional showers.
May
20C
Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.
Recommended
June
26C
Warm and pleasant, with some rainy days.
Recommended
July
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
August
28C
Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.
Recommended
September
24C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
October
18C
Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.
November
12C
Cool, with some rainy days.
December
8C
Cold, with some rainy days.
Lyon is widely considered France's gastronomic capital, and it backs that up — the city's bouchons (traditional bistros) serve hearty Lyonnaise classics, Les Halles de Lyon market is a temple to French produce, and the UNESCO-listed old town's traboules (hidden passageways) reward aimless wandering. Sitting at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers, it's also one of France's most underrated city breaks.
Best areas to stay in Lyon
Vieux Lyon
The Renaissance old town beneath Fourviere hill, full of traboules, restaurants and the cathedral.
Presqu'ile
The peninsula between the two rivers, home to Place Bellecour, shopping streets and many bouchons.
Croix-Rousse
A hillside former silk-weaving district with its own traboules, markets and a bohemian feel.
Confluence
A modern riverside development at the tip of the peninsula, with contemporary architecture and museums.
Getting to Lyon
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Flights
Lyon-Saint Exupery Airport connects to major European cities, about 30 minutes from the centre by tram.
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From London
~2 hours by TGV train from Paris; ~1.5 hours by air from London.
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Getting around
An extensive metro, tram and funicular network covers the city; the historic centre is also very walkable.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Lyon?
Spring and autumn offer pleasant weather for walking the old town and riverside, while the Fete des Lumieres in early December transforms the city with light installations.
What is a bouchon and should I eat at one?
A bouchon is a traditional Lyonnaise bistro serving rich, hearty dishes like quenelles, andouillette and saucisson — an essential part of experiencing the city's food culture, ideally booked ahead.
What are the traboules?
Hidden covered passageways connecting streets through buildings, originally used by silk workers — many in Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse are accessible to walk through and free to explore.
Is Les Halles de Lyon worth visiting?
Yes — this covered food market is one of France's best, with stalls for cheese, charcuterie, pastries and prepared food, ideal for a grazing lunch.
How walkable is Lyon?
Very — Vieux Lyon, the Presqu'ile peninsula and Croix-Rousse are all connected by walkable streets and a funicular up to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourviere for views over the city.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Ate at a traditional bouchon our first night and it set the bar for the rest of the trip — Les Halles de Lyon the next morning was just as good for a grazing lunch.
Camille V. · October 2024
★★★★★
Visited during the Fete des Lumieres and the whole city was transformed — book accommodation well ahead as it gets very busy.
Daniel W. · December 2023
★★★★☆
Got happily lost in the traboules of Vieux Lyon and Croix-Rousse — felt like a different city to the grand Presqu'ile just across the river.
Sofia N. · May 2024
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