Annecy is a charming town in the Haute-Savoie region of the French Alps, and it attracts many visitors throughout the year, but what times are the best for spending time there?
The weather of Annecy must play an important consideration in any decisions for travelling to the town because of its location high in the mountains of France. So let us take a look at what it is like throughout the seasons.
Annecy in Spring
Like so many places in the world, Annecy in springtime has plenty of flowers in bloom: in the parks and gardens of the town, and in the countryside around it where the wildflowers are of especial interest to naturalists and hikers who are exploring the mountains and forests. Tour companies organise guided explorations around Lake Annecy as the weather starts to warm up in spring. At the end of February and into early March is the time for the Venetian Carnival in Annecy and this attracts many people to the town. Also, Annecy plays host to international volleyball players who arrive there for an annual tournament in late springtime. Although it is located in the Alps, there is plenty to do in Annecy all year around.
Summer in Annecy
Summer in Annecy is probably the season when most tourists come to the town. This is when the lake is at its warmest, the days are at their longest, and the temperatures at their highest. July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 20°C (68°F). This is the season when Annecy is at its busiest with all sorts of activities taking place at Lake Annecy, with plenty of people relaxing in the parks and with festivals taking place too. The temperature of the water in the lake can reach the mid- to high-twenties, so this is when it is considered best for swimming and for relaxing on Lake Annecy’s many beaches. Waterskiing, sailing and diving are some more of the watersports enjoyed here. In June there is the International Animation Film Festival and in July the Musilac music festival takes place. At the beginning of August there is a massive fireworks display for the annual Lake Festival.
Autumn in Annecy
The weather in Annecy in early autumn is still warm enough for people to be out and about, and also in October every year, a traditional event is celebrated with the Return From the Alpine Pastures Festival. This takes place on the second saturday of the month when the streets of the town are filled with folk musicians, processions, and stalls selling arts, crafts and local produce, in celebration of the herds coming down from the mountains where they have been grazing throughout the summer months.
Winter in Annecy
Although in the winter months the temperatures do go down and the surrounding mountains get covered in snow, there are still plenty of activities taking place and plenty of visitors arriving in the town, where there is a range of hotels they can stay. For many people, this is the best time of year because they can enjoy winter sports like skiing and snowboarding. Whatever time of year you come to Annecy, you are always guaranteed a warm welcome and it is a wonderful location to learn and practice French at our Ifalpes French Language School.
