Toulouse enjoys over 2,000 hours of sunshine annually—more than Paris and many northern French cities! Known as “La Ville Rose” (The Pink City) for its distinctive terracotta brick buildings that glow pink at sunset, Toulouse’s beauty is significantly enhanced by seasonal light variations. This southwestern French gem offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and gastronomy, but knowing when to visit can transform your experience from good to unforgettable.
Getting There & Planning Your Journey
Toulouse-Blagnac Airport (TLS) serves as the main gateway to the city, with direct flights from major European cities and connections worldwide. The airport is conveniently located just 8 km (5 miles) from the city center, making transfers quick and hassle-free.
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For travelers coming from Paris, the high-speed TGV train offers a comfortable journey of approximately 4.5 hours. If you’re already in Europe, Toulouse is well-connected by rail to major cities like Bordeaux (2 hours), Barcelona (3 hours), and Marseille (4 hours).
When planning your trip, consider that spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) offer the most pleasant weather conditions, making these periods ideal for exploring the city’s outdoor attractions and vibrant street life.
Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips
Toulouse experiences a temperate climate with Mediterranean influences, characterized by mild winters and warm summers. The city receives moderate rainfall throughout the year, with slightly wetter periods in spring and fall.
Monthly Weather Guide
| Month | Weather | What to Wear | Things to Do | Pros & Cons |
| January | 5-10°C (41-50°F) 45 mm (1.8 in) rainfall 9.4 hrs daylight | Winter coat, layers, scarf, gloves, waterproof shoes | Museums, indoor markets, winter sales, cozy cafés | ✅ Fewer tourists, lower prices ❌ Cold temperatures, shorter days |
| February | 6-12°C (43-54°F) 42 mm (1.7 in) rainfall 10.5 hrs daylight | Winter coat, layers, light scarf, waterproof shoes | Fête de la Violette, Théâtre du Capitole performances | ✅ Violet festival, fewer crowds ❌ Still chilly, some attractions on winter hours |
| March | 8-15°C (46-59°F) 40 mm (1.6 in) rainfall 12 hrs daylight | Light jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes | Canal du Midi walks, Marché Victor Hugo, city tours | ✅ Spring blooms begin, longer days ❌ Unpredictable weather, occasional rain |
| April | 10-18°C (50-64°F) 53 mm (2.1 in) rainfall 13.5 hrs daylight | Light jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes | Canal cruises begin, spring markets, outdoor cafés | ✅ Beautiful spring colors, pleasant temperatures ❌ Easter can bring brief tourist surge |
| May | 14-22°C (57-72°F) 56 mm (2.2 in) rainfall 14.8 hrs daylight | Light layers, t-shirts, light sweater for evenings | Rio Loco music festival, biking, outdoor dining | ✅ Perfect temperatures, vibrant city life ❌ Increasing tourist numbers, some rain |
| June | 17-26°C (63-79°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) rainfall 15.4 hrs daylight | Light clothing, sun hat, light sweater for evenings | Fête de la Musique, river cruises, guinguettes | ✅ Long days, vibrant atmosphere ❌ Beginning of peak tourist season |
| July | 20-30°C (68-86°F) 33 mm (1.3 in) rainfall 15 hrs daylight | Light summer clothing, sun protection, breathable fabrics | Tangopostale festival, Toulouse Plages, outdoor films | ✅ Warm weather, summer festivals ❌ Hot temperatures, peak tourism, some locals away |
| August | 20-30°C (68-86°F) 36 mm (1.4 in) rainfall 13.9 hrs daylight | Light summer clothing, sun protection, breathable fabrics | Fabulous Festival, Rose Festival, Halle de la Machine | ✅ Warm evenings, city beaches ❌ Hottest month, many locals on vacation |
| September | 17-25°C (63-77°F) 43 mm (1.7 in) rainfall 12.4 hrs daylight | Light layers, t-shirts, light jacket for evenings | Canal du Midi boating, wine tasting, L’Écluse brunches | ✅ Perfect weather, fewer tourists ❌ School holidays end, locals return |
| October | 13-20°C (55-68°F) 48 mm (1.9 in) rainfall 10.9 hrs daylight | Medium layers, light jacket, scarf | Toulouse les Orgues festival, autumn markets, museums | ✅ Beautiful fall colors, cultural season begins ❌ Cooler evenings, some rain |
| November | 8-14°C (46-57°F) 51 mm (2.0 in) rainfall 9.6 hrs daylight | Warm layers, jacket, scarf, waterproof shoes | Theater season, museums, cassoulet tasting | ✅ Fewer tourists, authentic local experience ❌ Cooler temperatures, shorter days |
| December | 5-11°C (41-52°F) 46 mm (1.8 in) rainfall 9 hrs daylight | Winter coat, layers, scarf, gloves, waterproof shoes | Christmas markets, Place du Capitole decorations | ✅ Festive atmosphere, Christmas markets ❌ Cold temperatures, shorter days |
Seasonal Overview
Winter (December-February)
Weather: 5-12°C (41-54°F), 42-46 mm (1.7-1.8 in) rainfall
What to Wear: Winter coat, layers, scarf, gloves, waterproof shoes
Things to Do: Museums, Théâtre du Capitole performances, Christmas markets, Fête de la Violette
Pros & Cons: ✅ Fewer tourists, lower prices, authentic local experience
❌ Cold temperatures, shorter days, some attractions on limited hours
Spring (March-May)
Weather: 8-22°C (46-72°F), 40-56 mm (1.6-2.2 in) rainfall
What to Wear: Light jacket, layers, comfortable walking shoes
Things to Do: Canal du Midi walks and cruises, Rio Loco music festival, outdoor cafés, spring markets
Pros & Cons: ✅ Beautiful spring colors, pleasant temperatures, longer days
❌ Occasional rain showers, gradually increasing tourist numbers
Summer (June-August)
Weather: 17-30°C (63-86°F), 33-46 mm (1.3-1.8 in) rainfall
What to Wear: Light summer clothing, sun protection, breathable fabrics
Things to Do: Fête de la Musique, river cruises, Toulouse Plages, summer festivals, outdoor films
Pros & Cons: ✅ Warm weather, long days, vibrant atmosphere, summer festivals
❌ Hot temperatures, peak tourism, many locals away on vacation
Fall (September-November)
Weather: 8-25°C (46-77°F), 43-51 mm (1.7-2.0 in) rainfall
What to Wear: Light to medium layers, light jacket, scarf for later fall
Things to Do: Canal du Midi boating, wine tasting, Toulouse les Orgues festival, autumn markets
Pros & Cons: ✅ Perfect weather (especially September), fewer tourists, beautiful fall colors
❌ Gradually cooling temperatures, shorter days as season progresses
Best Time to Visit Toulouse
Based on weather conditions, tourist crowds, and available activities, the best times to visit Toulouse are:
Times to consider avoiding:
Getting Around Locally
Toulouse offers excellent public transportation options, making it easy to explore regardless of when you visit. The city has an efficient metro system with two lines (A and B) that connect major attractions. The tram network complements the metro, particularly useful for reaching the airport via line T2.
For environmentally-friendly exploration, Toulouse’s VélôToulouse bike-sharing program is perfect during the pleasant spring and fall months. With over 280 stations throughout the city, it’s an ideal way to experience Toulouse like a local.
During summer months, electric boat rentals from Les Caboteurs (June to mid-October) offer a refreshing way to explore the Garonne River. In winter, the compact and walkable city center means you can easily move between indoor attractions without spending too much time in the cold.
Where to Stay
Accommodation prices in Toulouse fluctuate with the seasons. For the best combination of pleasant weather and reasonable rates, book during April-May or September-October. Summer months (June-August) see higher prices, while winter (except during Christmas) offers the best deals.
Capitole & Historic Center
The heart of Toulouse with easy access to main attractions. Perfect for first-time visitors, especially in spring and fall when outdoor cafés come alive.
Saint-Cyprien
Across the Garonne River, offering great views and a more local feel. Ideal during summer when you can enjoy riverside activities at Prairie des Filtres.
Carmes
Trendy neighborhood with excellent restaurants and boutiques. Comfortable year-round with plenty of indoor and outdoor options.
Find Your Perfect Toulouse Accommodation
Book early for the best rates, especially if visiting during spring or fall.
Dining & Local Cuisine
Toulouse’s culinary scene adapts beautifully to the seasons. Each time of year offers unique gastronomic experiences that showcase the region’s rich food heritage.
Seasonal Food Experiences
Don’t miss the covered market at Marché Victor Hugo, open year-round but especially vibrant during spring and fall harvests. The market’s upstairs restaurants offer some of the freshest local cuisine in the city.
For a unique seasonal experience, visit L’Écluse for Sunday brunch by the water in spring and fall, or try the ephemeral guinguettes like Racines and Canaille Club that pop up along the riverbanks from April through September.
Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities
Toulouse’s attractions can be enjoyed year-round, but certain seasons enhance specific experiences. Here’s how to make the most of the city’s sights based on when you visit:
Weather-Optimized Sightseeing
Spring & Fall (Best Overall)
Summer
Winter
Year-Round Highlights
Discover Toulouse’s Best Experiences
Book guided tours and skip-the-line tickets to make the most of your visit.
Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals
Year-Round Cultural Calendar
| Season | Major Events & Festivals | Cultural Highlights |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Christmas Markets (December) Fête de la Violette (February) | Theater season at Théâtre du Capitole Indoor museum exhibitions Classical music concerts |
| Spring (Mar-May) | Carnaval de Toulouse (March) Rio Loco Music Festival (May) | First outdoor exhibitions Spring concerts Photography exhibitions |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Fête de la Musique (June 21) Tangopostale Festival (July) Fabulous Festival (August) Rose Festival (August) | Open-air cinema at La Cinémathèque Outdoor concerts at Halle de la Machine Street performances |
| Fall (Sep-Nov) | Toulouse les Orgues (October) Fête de la Gastronomie (September) | New museum exhibitions Jazz concerts Literary events |
Toulouse’s UNESCO “city of music” designation comes alive during events like Rio Loco in May and Fête de la Musique on June 21st. For art lovers, the Printemps de Septembre contemporary art festival transforms the city each fall with exhibitions and installations.
Museum visits can be particularly rewarding during the winter months or on rainy days. The Cité de l’Espace (Space City) offers fascinating interactive exhibits about space exploration, while Les Abattoirs houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art.
Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences
Toulouse’s outdoor experiences are highly seasonal, with each time of year offering unique opportunities to connect with nature and enjoy physical activities.
Seasonal Outdoor Activities
For sports enthusiasts, Toulouse is home to Stade Toulousain, one of Europe’s most successful rugby clubs. Catching a match at Stade Ernest-Wallon provides an authentic local experience, with the rugby season running from September to June.
Explore Beyond Toulouse
Rent a car to discover the beautiful countryside and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs
Toulouse is generally a safe city for travelers throughout the year, though standard precautions against pickpocketing are advised in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation.
Seasonal Considerations
Local Etiquette
During festivals and major events, book accommodations well in advance and be prepared for crowds, particularly in the historic center. The relaxed southern French pace of life means service might be slower than you’re accustomed to—embrace this as part of the cultural experience.
Practical Travel Tips
Weather-Based Packing Tips
Money-Saving Tips
The Toulouse Tourist Office at Donjon du Capitole provides helpful information, maps, and guidance in multiple languages. Their website also offers up-to-date information on seasonal events and activities.
When Will You Visit the Pink City?
Toulouse truly shines during spring (April-June) and early fall (September-October), when mild temperatures, blooming gardens or golden foliage, and fewer tourists create perfect conditions for exploration. These seasons showcase the Pink City’s famous rosy glow in its most flattering light, while allowing you to enjoy outdoor cafés, river cruises, and cultural events in comfort. Whether you’re drawn by the vibrant festivals of summer, the cozy cassoulet of winter, or the perfect weather of the shoulder seasons, Toulouse’s warm southern French hospitality awaits you year-round. Start planning your weather-savvy Toulouse adventure today!
The above is subject to change.
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