The Rhône Valley is famed for the ‘Mistral’, a north wind which can blow for days on end. The Mistral can be very strong and cold in winter, with a high wind-chill factor,.
December and January tend to be the wettest months in the Rhône Valley, with an average 14 days rain of which at least ten are very heavy indeed. March, by comparison, is relatively dry with rain on an average 10 days of which three can be considered heavy. Rainfall from April to July is lighter, but still averages 10 to12 days.
Temperatures during the summer months are comparable to those of the Loire Valley and consistent throughout the region. In May, they range from 7°C to a high of 16°C. June to August sees the best of the weather from a low of 16° rising to 25° in July, cooling slightly during August and September. October sees the temperature start to dip to just under 19° followed by a further drop in November.
Temperatures are typically around 4°C during December and February, but by March there is a steep rise to just under 10°C. April and May brings balmy, spring-like weather, but the nights can be cool due to the wind channelled down the valley by the surrounding countryside.
Fog raises it’s ugly head in winter. October and November each average about four days of thick fog, while there will typically be a couple of very foggy days each month during January, February and March. Patchy mists occur close to the river during early spring and autumn, catching the unsuspecting driver unawares.