Provencal climate, seasons
Provence has a Mediterranean climate, which is characterized by a hot and dry summer with not abundant rains (less than 60 rainy days per year) and so a lot of sun. This generous climate permits a natural culture of fruits and vegetables, which ripen under the sun. The ‘Mistral’ strikes during the whole year, it’s a very violent wind that can reach more than 60 mph and can blow during one or several days. It often causes violent storm in the Mediterranean Sea between the Balearic Islands and Corsica.
Autumn: It’s the season of hot colors, the period of the grape harvests, the temperatures are mild or hot and the sunsets are fantastic.
Winter: It really begins at the end of December. It’s a very sunny season however very cold: temperatures can reach 14 to 5 degrees Fahrenheit. The frost is very common in the morning and it can snow some years. Nevertheless, it’s agreeable to walk outside except the days where the ‘Mistral’ blows strongly.
Spring: Spring is a very instable season because days are very hot and sunny but very strong rains can follow. Spring is especially the moment of the hatch of nature: almond trees, cherry trees… are in blossom and the verdant meadows are covered with poppies.
Summer: We can summarize it by two words: scorching heat because the thermometer goes down very rarely under 86 degrees Fahrenheit which is ideal for tanning and bathing. Summer is also the time of delicious fruits, we can find them on the open markets "les marchés": there are a huge variety of items at a very good price.
