Climate - Perpignan (France)

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The climate of Perpignan is Mediterranean, with mild, relatively rainy winters and hot, sunny summers, sometimes sultry, but tempered by the breeze.
The city is located in southern France, on the Mediterranean coast, and a short distance from the Pyrenees, which mark the border with Spain. Perpignan is the capital of the Pyrénées-Orientales department, in the administrative region called Occitania, and is also the main city of Northern Catalonia (or French Catalonia).
The city is windy because it is located in one of the corridors through which air masses of Atlantic origin flow into the Mediterranean. The "Tramontane" wind, which here blows from west-north-west, increases the feeling of cold. Perpignan is a particularly windy city because it also receives the wind from the sea (the summer breeze, but also the east wind or "levant" that brings rainfall), and the wind that comes down from the Pyrenees. With the latter, the temperature can reach 18/20 °C (64/68 °F) even in the middle of winter.
The average temperature of the coldest month (January) is of 8.8 °C (47.8 °F), that of the warmest month (July) is of 24.6 °C (76.3 °F). Here are the average temperatures.

Precipitation in Perpignan amounts to 555 millimeters (21.9 inches) per year: it is therefore one of the least rainy cities in France. The rains are rare because when the wind comes from the south, the city is in rain shadow thanks to its proximity to the Pyrenees, but also when it blows from the west, as there are mountains that exceed 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) even in the west. But sometimes, with the wind coming from the sea, abundant rains and concentrated in a short time can occur, especially in autumn.
Rainfall ranges from 10 mm (0.4 in) in the driest month (July) to 75 mm (3 in) in the wettest (October). Here is the average precipitation.

Winter, from December to February, is mild. Rains are quite rare even in this season. When the westerlies prevail, Atlantic disturbances bring mild weather, sometimes windy: in these cases, the temperature can reach and exceed 15 °C (59 °F).
On the other hand, when a high pressure area dominates, the temperature at night can get close to freezing, but the sun comes out during the day.
On the contrary, when the wind blows from Russia, there can be cold waves. However, snow is very rare, and it may not fall for many years in a row.
Given the location in a protected area between the sea and the mountains, the temperature in Perpignan rarely drops below -5 °C (23 °F). However, the coldest record is -11 °C (12 °F) and was set in February 1956.
Summer is hot and sunny, with rare thunderstorms. There are hot and sultry periods, in which the daytime temperature reaches or exceed 32 °C (90 °F).
At times, heat waves can occur, which are becoming more frequent in recent years due to global warming, and in which the temperature can exceed 35 °C (95 °F). The highest record is 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) and was set in late June 2019.



On average, there are around 2,470 sunshine hours per year. In winter too, there is a good amount of sunshine hours. Here are the average sunshine hours per day.

The sea temperature ranges between 13 °C (55 °F) and 24 °C (75 °F). In July and August, the sea becomes warm enough for swimming. Here are the average sea temperatures.

Best Time

The best time to visit Perpignan is the spring, from mid-April to mid-June. September is also a good month. Summer, from mid-June to August, can be hot and muggy, even though it's the best time for those who also want to swim in the sea. Winter is generally mild, but it can sometimes get cold and it can rain.

Perpignan - Weather by month

Based on the period 1991-2020

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In January, the coldest month of the year, the weather in Perpignan is usually mild. The average temperature is of 8.8 °C (48 °F), with a minimum of 4.8 °C (40.6 °F) and a maximum of 12.7 °C (54.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -2.5 °C (28 °F). However, it dropped to -5.2 °C (22.6 °F) in January 1995.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19 °C (66.5 °F). However, it reached 22.8 °C (73 °F) in January 2013.
Precipitation amounts to 65 mm (2.6 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 30 minutes.
There are on average 4.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 48% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13.5 °C (56 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In February, the weather in Perpignan is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.2 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 5 °C (41 °F) and a maximum of 13.4 °C (56.1 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1 °C (30.5 °F). However, it dropped to -5.9 °C (21.4 °F) in February 2010.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 20 °C (68 °F). However, it reached 25.4 °C (77.7 °F) in February 2020.
Precipitation amounts to 50 mm (2 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 10 hours and 35 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 65%.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (55 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In March, the weather in Perpignan is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 7.6 °C (45.7 °F) and a maximum of 16.4 °C (61.5 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1.5 °C (35 °F). However, it dropped to -5.2 °C (22.6 °F) in March 2005.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 23.5 °C (74 °F). However, it reached 28 °C (82.4 °F) in March 1997.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 7 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 56% of the time.
The average humidity is 63%.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 13 °C (56 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In April, the weather in Perpignan is usually mild. The average temperature is of 14.2 °C (58 °F), with a minimum of 9.7 °C (49.5 °F) and a maximum of 18.7 °C (65.7 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 4.5 °C (40 °F). However, it dropped to 0.3 °C (32.5 °F) in April 1998.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 25.5 °C (78 °F). However, it reached 32.3 °C (90.1 °F) in April 2011.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 54% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 19 kph (12 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14 °C (57.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.

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In May, the weather in Perpignan is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.8 °C (64 °F), with a minimum of 13.3 °C (55.9 °F) and a maximum of 22.3 °C (72.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 7.5 °C (45.5 °F). However, it dropped to 4 °C (39.2 °F) in May 2004.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 29.5 °C (84.5 °F). However, it reached 34.4 °C (93.9 °F) in May 2001.
Precipitation amounts to 45 mm (1.8 in), distributed over 6 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 52% of the time.
The average humidity is 64%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (11 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 16.5 °C (62 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In June, the weather in Perpignan is usually warm. The average temperature is of 22 °C (72 °F), with a minimum of 17.2 °C (63 °F) and a maximum of 26.8 °C (80.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 12 °C (54 °F). However, it dropped to 8.1 °C (46.6 °F) in June 2019.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 34 °C (93 °F). However, it reached 42.4 °C (108.3 °F) in June 2019.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 15 hours and 20 minutes. June 21, the summer solstice, is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 9 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 58% of the time.
The average humidity is 59%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (68 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In July, the warmest month of the year, the weather in Perpignan is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 24.6 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 19.7 °C (67.5 °F) and a maximum of 29.6 °C (85.3 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15.5 °C (59.5 °F). However, it dropped to 12.3 °C (54.1 °F) in July 2000.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (95 °F). However, it reached 37.6 °C (99.7 °F) in July 2003.
Precipitation amounts to 10 mm (0.4 in), distributed over 2 days.
The day lasts on average 14 hours and 55 minutes.
There are on average 9.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 64% of the time.
The average humidity is 55%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In August, the weather in Perpignan is usually warm to hot. The average temperature is of 24.6 °C (76 °F), with a minimum of 19.7 °C (67.5 °F) and a maximum of 29.4 °C (84.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 15 °C (58.5 °F). However, it dropped to 10.4 °C (50.7 °F) in August 1992.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 35 °C (94.5 °F). However, it reached 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) in August 2018.
Precipitation amounts to 25 mm (1 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 13 hours and 50 minutes.
There are on average 8.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 62% of the time.
The average humidity is 58%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 24 °C (75 °F). Therefore, the sea is warm enough for swimming.

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In September, the weather in Perpignan is usually warm. The average temperature is of 20.8 °C (70 °F), with a minimum of 16.1 °C (61 °F) and a maximum of 25.6 °C (78.1 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 10.5 °C (50.5 °F). However, it dropped to 6.8 °C (44.2 °F) in September 1993.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 31.5 °C (88.5 °F). However, it reached 35.6 °C (96.1 °F) in September 2008.
Precipitation amounts to 40 mm (1.6 in), distributed over 4 days.
The day lasts on average 12 hours and 25 minutes.
There are on average 7.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 60% of the time.
The average humidity is 62%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 22.5 °C (72.5 °F). Therefore, the sea can be considered barely acceptable for swimming.

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In October, the weather in Perpignan is usually very mild. The average temperature is of 17.0 °C (63 °F), with a minimum of 12.9 °C (55.2 °F) and a maximum of 21.2 °C (70.2 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 5.5 °C (42 °F). However, it dropped to 2.1 °C (35.8 °F) in October 2009.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 27.5 °C (81.5 °F). However, it reached 33.1 °C (91.6 °F) in October 1997.
Precipitation amounts to 75 mm (3 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 11 hours and 0 minutes.
There are on average 5.5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 49% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%.
The average wind speed is 15 kph (9 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 20 °C (67.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cool for swimming.

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In November, the weather in Perpignan is usually mild. The average temperature is of 12.4 °C (54 °F), with a minimum of 8.4 °C (47.1 °F) and a maximum of 16.3 °C (61.3 °F).
On the coldest nights, which normally occur at the end of the month, the temperature usually drops to around 1 °C (34 °F). However, it dropped to -5.7 °C (21.7 °F) in November 1998.
On the warmest days, which normally occur at the beginning of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 22.5 °C (72 °F). However, it reached 26.1 °C (79 °F) in November 2015.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 40 minutes.
There are on average 5 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 51% of the time.
The average humidity is 69%.
The average wind speed is 17 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 17 °C (62.5 °F). Therefore, the sea is cold for swimming.

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In December, the weather in Perpignan is usually mild. The average temperature is of 9.4 °C (49 °F), with a minimum of 5.4 °C (41.7 °F) and a maximum of 13.3 °C (55.9 °F).
On the coldest nights of the month, the temperature usually drops to around -1.5 °C (29.5 °F). However, it dropped to -5.9 °C (21.4 °F) in December 2001.
On the warmest days of the month, the temperature usually reaches around 19.5 °C (67.5 °F). However, it reached 22.6 °C (72.7 °F) in December 1998.
Precipitation amounts to 60 mm (2.4 in), distributed over 5 days.
The day lasts on average 9 hours and 5 minutes. December 21, the winter solstice, is the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
There are on average 4 sunshine hours per day. So, the sun shines 45% of the time.
The average humidity is 70%. Hence, the air is normally humid.
The average wind speed is 16 kph (10 mph).
The average sea temperature is of 14.5 °C (58 °F). Therefore, the sea is very cold for swimming.