Weather in Marseille

About Marseille

Marseille throbs with Mediterranean chaos and ancient soul. This 2,600-year-old port city wears its rough edges proudly—colourful boats bob in the Vieux Port, bouillabaisse simmers in every restaurant, North African influences animate the streets. Gritty, genuine, irresistible.

Country

France

Best months to visit

May, June, July, August, September

Currency

EUR

Language

French

Things to do in Marseille

Explore the Vieux Port and watch fishing boats Hike to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde (city views) Visit the Musée d'Histoire (Roman and medieval history) Kayak to Les Calanques' turquoise coves Browse the central market Cours Belsunce Walk the MuCEM (Museum of Civilisations) waterfront

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

11C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

12C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Recommended

May

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

October

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

Marseille is France's grittiest, most multicultural major city — a working port for nearly 3,000 years, where the Vieux-Port's fishing boats sit beneath the basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, and the surrounding Calanques offer some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the country, all within a short bus ride of the city centre. It's rougher around the edges than Nice or Cannes, and many find that's exactly the appeal.

Best areas to stay in Marseille

Vieux-Port

The old port, lined with fish stalls, cafes and boat trips out to the Calanques and Chateau d'If.

Le Panier

The oldest part of the city, a hillside maze of colourful streets, street art and small galleries.

Notre-Dame de la Garde

The hilltop basilica overlooking the city and harbour, reachable by bus or a steep walk for panoramic views.

Calanques National Park

Dramatic limestone coves and cliffs southeast of the city, accessible by bus, boat or hiking trails.

Getting to Marseille

✈

Flights

Marseille Provence Airport has flights from across Europe, about 30 minutes from the city centre.

⏱

From London

~2 hours by air from London; ~3 hours by TGV train from Paris.

🚕

Getting around

The metro and tram network covers the city centre; buses and boat trips reach the Calanques.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Marseille?

May, June and September offer warm weather for the Calanques and beaches without the most intense summer heat and crowds of July-August.

What are the Calanques?

A series of dramatic limestone inlets and coves stretching along the coast southeast of the city, reachable by bus, boat tour, or on foot via hiking trails — Sormiou and Sugiton are popular options.

Is Marseille safe for visitors?

Like any large city, some areas warrant more caution at night, but the main tourist areas (Vieux-Port, Le Panier, La Corniche) are generally fine with normal precautions.

What should I eat in Marseille?

Bouillabaisse is the famous local fish stew, though it's a proper sit-down meal best ordered in advance at a reputable restaurant; the Vieux-Port area also has plenty of casual seafood options.

Can I day-trip to Cassis or Aix-en-Provence?

Yes — both are easily reached by train or bus in 30-45 minutes, offering a contrast to Marseille's urban energy with Cassis's harbour and Aix's elegant boulevards.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Took a boat trip from the Vieux-Port to Sormiou and the cliffs and turquoise water were unreal — much less crowded than the beaches in Nice.

Julien R. · June 2024

★★★★☆

Le Panier's street art and narrow alleys were a highlight, and the view from Notre-Dame de la Garde over the whole city and harbour is worth the climb.

Beatrice L. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Rougher feel than other Riviera cities but that's part of the charm — great food markets and an easy train ride out to Cassis for a quieter day.

Tom K. · May 2024