Provence is considered a dry temperate region with Aix-en-Provence having an average 300 sunny days a year and rain falling on a maximum of about 90.
Average rainfall from April to July is low, averaging just ten days of light drizzle. August and September are relatively dry with just a couple of wet days in August and four in September.
The wettest months tend to be December and January with rain on an average 16 days of which at least nine could be considered heavy. March is relatively dry by comparison with rain on an average six days of which three are heavy.
Temperatures during the summer months are the highest in France and consistent throughout the region from a low of 27°C in June to a high of 28°C in July and August. September sees the temperature drop slightly to 25°C, while October sees a dip to about 22° with a further drop in November.
December and January temperatures are typically around 14°C with February the coldest month at 12°C. But by March, they are back up to just over 14°C followed by balmy spring-like weather with temperatures of 18°C in April rising to 21°C in May. Regular local breezes can lead to cool nights.
The north wind in this region is the ‘Mistral’ which can blow for days on end. During the winter months, it is very strong, cold and dry with a high wind-chill factor.
Temperatures are slightly lower near the coast due to the sea breezes. During the summer months, this makes the high temperatures more bearable.
Skiing is popular during the winter when Mont Ventoux is covered with snow.