The best season to come and visit Marseille

Each year, millions of people from around the world flock to visit the oldest city in France. However, even though each season has its charm, there are times when Marseille can seem like a destination of choice, ideal for having a good time. This is particularly the case in spring and autumn, perfect periods for exploring the city thanks to a mild and sunny climate. Perfect for beautiful walks and numerous activities in the city, without being overwhelmed by the summer heat.

Why Visit Marseille in Spring?

During this season, the climate is mild and the temperatures are pleasant, often ranging between 15 and 20 degrees Celsius. This will offer you a pleasant setting for hiking in the calanques. If you don't like the tourist crowds that characterize the city, this season may suit you as one of the advantages is that there are fewer tourists during this period. Perfect for exploring the most famous and interesting places to visit in a more authentic way, in peace and quiet. It's ideal if you don't want to be bothered by people taking photos or the hustle and bustle of the high season crowd. The atmosphere is lively as the city prepares to welcome, as every year, the summer season, when tourists are most numerous. Spring is therefore a pivotal period, both quieter but still lively, conducive to discovery. It's also a flowering season that will allow you to enjoy, on foot, by bike, or by car, landscapes with Provencal accents and to see the city at its best.

We highly recommend visiting natural sites such as parks and flower gardens, especially the Parc Borély.

Why Visit Marseille in Autumn?

Like in spring, autumn is a wonderful time to visit Marseille, mainly because the temperatures are mild and welcoming, offering a certain comfort. These two seasons are therefore very good choices for discovering the city. The autumn colors, turning towards yellow and orange, create captivating landscapes that will undoubtedly seduce you. Since it is between two strong seasons, summer and winter, tourists are fewer, allowing you to enjoy a calm environment and fabulous scenery.

We recommend attending the Fiesta des Suds festival on the esplanade du J4, which has been held every year for over 30 years and celebrates music by hosting many artists.

Summer and Winter in Marseille, Good Times to Visit?

The peak season in Marseille is during the summer. The months of July and August are often bustling periods where hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and other Airbnbs are fully booked months in advance. Temperatures regularly rise above 30 degrees Celsius. While enjoyable for some, this period is vastly different from spring and autumn, as the streets, restaurants, museums, and leisure centers overflow with people. For many tourists, this is their only vacation period of the year, making the city less calm and relaxing. If your primary goal is to rest and rejuvenate, it can be more challenging. The tourist season doesn't always allow for it, and prices can be doubled or even tripled. However, it's the ideal time to enjoy water activities and spend beautiful days at the beach, or even to kayak or boat along the Mediterranean coast.

We recommend swimming at Plage du Prado, visiting the Frioul Islands, or enjoying an excursion in the Calanques. Summer is also the season of the Festival de Marseille, celebrating dance, music, and cinema, as well as the Jazz à Marseille festival and the Fête de la Musique, featuring free concerts by renowned artists. Lastly, it's also the time for the Mondial La Marseillaise à Pétanque, the world's largest pétanque tournament.

Winter offers cool but bearable temperatures, rarely dropping below 5 degrees Celsius. Tourists are fewer during this period, as the summer influx drastically decreases, making it a good time for those wanting to avoid crowds. However, outdoor activity options are limited due to the lower temperatures. It's preferable to opt for indoor activities, such as cultural visits including museums and galleries.

We recommend visiting the MuCEM (the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations), inaugurated in 2013, dedicated to the anthropology of European and Mediterranean societies. You can also explore Palais Longchamp or visit the Foire aux Santons, a traditional Christmas market.

How to Visit Marseille and What to Do?

To visit Marseille, the best time depends on your expectations and needs. The city has good public transportation, including metro, bus, and tram, allowing easy travel without needing to rent a car. For sightseeing, renting bikes is an excellent option. Make sure to visit the Old Port, the historic and maritime heart of the city. The Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde is a must-visit for its exceptional panoramic view of the city and the sea. Don't miss exploring the various calanques between Marseille and Cassis, accessible by boat, kayak, swimming, or hiking. The Panier district, Marseille's oldest, with its narrow streets and craft shops, also deserves a visit. For shopping sessions, don't miss out on Docks Village.

Thus, Marseille, the Phocaean city, offers a mosaic of landscapes, experiences, and incredible moments according to the seasons. Each season presents a different aspect of the city. These contrasts mean that depending on when you choose to escape to the city, it will offer you a different perspective than the millions of other visitors who pass through each year. Additionally, plan your stay in advance to make the most of the Mediterranean charm of this place. Spring is often considered one of the best times to explore Marseille, but summer marks the peak tourist season. Autumn, like spring, is a mild and pleasant season. And while cooler, winter in Marseille is far from harsh.