Springtime in France – Le début du printemps
The beginning of spring in France is officially on March 20th or 21st, depending on the year, as it follows the spring equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

However, in terms of weather, spring-like conditions can start appearing as early as late February or early March in the south of France, while northern regions may still feel winter’s chill until April. 🌸☀️

The beginning of springtime in France can be understood in different ways:

Astronomical Spring – Official Start

Spring in France, as in the rest of the Northern Hemisphere, is determined by the vernal (spring) equinox, which usually falls on March 20 or 21 each year.

  • This is when the Sun crosses the celestial equator, making day and night nearly equal in length.
  • It marks the official transition from winter to spring according to the astronomical calendar.

Springtime in France

Le Début Du Printemps – Chanson De Fulgence

Delve into the arrival of springtime in France with 11 year-old French singer Fulgence, who wrote this song ‘Le début du printemps’.

Meteorological Spring – Weather-based

Meteorologists define spring differently, basing it on temperature patterns.

  • Meteorological spring in France starts on March 1st and lasts until May 31st.
  • This system makes it easier to compare seasonal weather trends year by year.

Climate Differences Across France

Spring arrives at different times depending on where you are in France:

  • Southern France (e.g., Provence, Côte d’Azur) → Spring weather can start as early as late February, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers.
  • Central & Western France (e.g., Paris, Bordeaux) → Spring gradually arrives in March and April, with temperatures warming up and trees blossoming.
  • Northern & Eastern France (e.g., Normandy, Alsace) → Spring is later, often not fully settling in until April or even May, with unpredictable rain and cooler temperatures.

Cultural & Natural Signs Of Spring 🌸

Spring in France is marked by:

  • Warmer temperatures (usually 10–20°C, depending on the region).
  • Longer daylight hours (by late March, sunset is around 7:30–8:00 PM).
  • Cherry blossoms and magnolia trees bloom, especially in parks like Jardin des Plantes in Paris.
  • Easter celebrations (Pâques) in late March or April.
  • Spring festivals like the Printemps de Bourges (a famous music festival in April).

Traditional Sayings About Spring in France

There’s a French proverb:
“En avril, ne te découvre pas d’un fil ; en mai, fais ce qu’il te plaît.”
(“In April, don’t take off a thread; in May, do as you please.”)
This means that early spring weather can still be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress warmly until May!

Find out more about French traditions here.

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