Does It Snow in Lyon France? Ultimate Guide for Lyon in Winter (2024)
Lyon is an incredible city located in the east-central part of France, about 2 hours south of Paris via high-speed train. It’s known for its beautiful architecture, its distinct cuisine, as well as its excellent regional wines. And if you’re planning to visit Lyon for the first time during the winter, you may be wondering – does it snow in Lyon France? In this post, I’ll provide a full guide to visiting Lyon in winter, detailing everything you need to know about the weather, what kind of activities can be enjoyed, and how to make the most of your time in the city!
Does It Snow in Lyon, France?
I’ll cut to the chase — yes, it does snow in Lyon, France. However, it doesn’t snow a ton as it does in Montreal, Banff, or Zakopane. It just snows between November – April, for a few days per month.
My friend who lives in Lyon was telling me that when it does snow, the snow usually sticks around for a day. By the next day, most, if not all of it is melted. So if you time your visit to the city correctly, you may be able to gather enough snow for a little snowball fight, but probably not enough to build a snowman. ☃️
How Much Snow Does Lyon Get
On average, Lyon experiences about 15 days of snowfall per year. But, my friend who lives in the city believes that it’s fewer days than this.
How Often Does It Snow in Lyon France?
In terms of how often it snows in Lyon, well, it’s very sporadic. What I mean is that the conditions have to be just right for there to be snow in the city. It’s never like 5 – 10 consecutive snow days, but rather, a day of snow here and there. For example, in November, visitors can expect 2 days of snowfall. Meanwhile, January is the month the city experiences the most snowfall, and even then, there’s snowfall only about 5-6 days during the month.
Where to Find Snow Near Lyon
If you’re visiting Lyon in the wintertime, don’t expect too much snow. But that doesn’t mean you can’t find snow nearby! For example, if you’re keen on having a snow day in France, I highly recommend renting a car (if you don’t have access to one already). This will allow you to easily travel outside the city to the Alps.
Within the Alps, you’ll find lots of great ski resorts that are perfect for a fun winter retreat. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy incredible sweeping Alpine views — which is always a bonus! 😅
Just to give you a few ski resort recommendations if this is something that interests you… I recommend checking out Les Deux Alpes, which is about 2 hours and 15 minutes from Lyon by car. Or, you can head to Les Sept Laux, which is a slightly closer ski resort that takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes to reach!
Lyon in Winter
Looking purely from a weather standpoint, Lyon in winter consists of about 8-9 cold rainy days per month with brisk winds and often high humidity. It’s because of this high humidity that Lyon also typically sees a lot of fog during the winter season.
From November – March, the average high temperatures range from the low 50s °F to the low 40°F (9-10C). Add some wind, and it makes for quite a chilly time! But, it’s worth noting that in recent years, temperatures in Lyon during the wintertime have been gradually increasing. The lows aren’t as low as they used to be and the number of snowfall days has been decreasing.
How Cold Does It Get in Lyon?
The coldest month of the year is January. During this time, the average low temperature is 32°F (0°C) and the average high temperature is 44°F (~7°C). That said, the average temperatures in December and February aren’t much better. They are just a couple of degrees warmer than January, so you can still expect brisk air temperatures and a fair amount of rainfall.
Is Lyon Worth Visiting in Winter?
Looking at everything above, there’s a good chance you’re thinking, “Uh, why would anyone want to visit Lyon in winter? The weather is cold, the city will look dreary, and it’s going to be miserable.” As someone who’s originally from a small town in Southern California that doesn’t often experience temperatures below 40°F during the wintertime… I can 100% agree — Lyon during the wintertime does not sound so enticing.
However, it’s not that bad! There are tons of things to do around the city to make a trip to the city worth it! My belief that is if you’re wearing enough layers, some gloves, and have an umbrella handy, the winter weather shouldn’t stop you from traveling and exploring new places! I mean, we can’t be limiting ourselves to only traveling when the weather is perfect or most suitable! What kind of adventure would that be!?!
7 Best Things to Do in Lyon in Winter
And to help give you an idea of some of the wonderful things you can do in Lyon during the wintertime to make a trip out there worth the time and effort, I’ve made a shortlist! So without further ado…Here are the 7 best things to see and do during your winter visit to Lyon! 🤠
1. Tasty Food Tour
Lyon is incredibly famous for its French cuisine, dishes specific to the city, and highly prestigious wines. As such, one of the best ways to explore Lyon and find shelter from the cold is by doing a food tour! I mean what better way to fully immerse yourself in a city’s culture than by touring and tasting your way around the city!?!
With a knowledgeable guide, you can discover all the best local eats without having to do all of the research. You’ll also have the unique opportunity to meet local producers and learn about Lyon’s wonderful gastronomy scene without worrying about language barriers or translation problems.
And, on this particular half-day Old Town food tour, there are 6 different tastings, in which you’ll get to try 10 French products! And let me tell you, the pralines are so good, you’ll even find them in their baked goods! So if you’re looking for a fun way to learn about Lyon and partake in the city’s delicious food scene, I cannot recommend doing a food tour enough!
2. Festival of Lights
Another fun activity that’s more of a seasonal activity is seeing the Festival of Lights or Fête des Lumieres. This is a four-day event at the beginning of December that’s meant to thank the Virgin Mary, who is believed to have saved the city of Lyon when the bubonic plague struck. As such, it’s one of the most beloved yearly festivals in the city!
To put it quite simply, people from all over gather to marvel at the light displays that are projected onto various buildings across the city. Each year there are different themes so you can always expect something new when attending this amazing spectacle.
There are also food zones scattered around the city where visitors can sample some of Lyon’s delicious local cuisine. So if you can time your visit while this festival is taking place, then this is a must-do. Plus, it takes place from about sunset until late at night, so you’ll still have plenty of time to fit other activities onto your itinerary!
3. Wine Tour in Rhône Valley
For any wine lovers, a fantastic activity while in Lyon is a wine tour! Lyon is quite close to the Côtes du Rhône wine region, which is well known for producing some of France’s best wines!
On this particular tour, you’ll be transported from Lyon to the countryside for a private tasting experience at two wineries located in the Hermitage and Côte-Rôtie appellations. Additionally, you’ll meet with local winemakers and be able to learn about their specific wine-making process — which I always think is a special opportunity.
Along the way, you can expect to sample anywhere from 8-12 different Côtes du Rhône wines, depending on what’s available. And, the guides (Martin and Mathilda) are so passionate about curating an informative and unforgettable time for everyone. Thus, if you’re looking to partake in the iconic wine culture of France and have a delightful time, I recommend doing a wine tour!
✅ 🍷 Check out this fantastic wine tour in the Northern Rhône Valley near Lyon
4. Walking Tour Through Lyon
For those who would rather stay in Lyon and opt for a more affordable activity, I suggest taking this highly popular Lyon walking tour! Even if there’s snow in Lyon, France you can still discover Lyon’s many highlights on foot!
During the tour, you’ll be able to see all kinds of major landmarks and UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière! Plus, you’ll have the chance to take in panoramic views of the city and explore all the unique alleyways without having to worry about navigation or transportation.
This particular tour is 3 hours long, with your guide meeting you at the Bartholdi Fountain. From there, you’ll learn all about the city’s rich history and gourmet food traditions. And if you’re lucky, you’ll get Tony as your guide and he’ll have you laughing until you’re in stitches. 😅 Thus, if you’re looking for an affordable and hassle-free way of exploring Lyon during the wintertime, then consider this walking tour.
✅ Check availability for the walking Tour I thoroughly enjoyed
5. La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière
Right: A picture of the exterior that was taken during the 2022 Fête des Lumieres
If you choose not to do a walking tour, be sure you visit the incredible La Basilique Notre Dame de Fourvière. This is a stunning gothic-style basilica that’s been built atop the hill of Fourvière, and it’s dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
To reach the top, you’ll have to ascend a massive hill that includes lots of steps and several dirt slopes. As such, you’ll want to ensure you wear good shoes and possibly consider bringing some water. I consider myself a pretty fit person and I was heaving like a dying mammoth by the time I reached the top. That said, if you aren’t up for getting your 5,000 steps in a single go, you can ride a funicular to the top of the hill. You’ll find it connected to the Vieux Lyon metro station.
Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with an incredible view of Lyon’s skyline. And if you visit at night, the basilica is illuminated which makes for a stunning sight! You can also go inside the Basilique free of charge, which I appreciate since other places often charge you (ahem *the massive cathedral in Prague*). Thus, if you decide to visit, take advantage and admire the mesmerizing design of the interior! The royal blue color speckled with gold is really beautiful — I think I sat there for 10 minutes just taking it in.
6. Parc de la Tête d’Or
Another spot you won’t want to miss is Parc de la Tête d’Or. This beautiful green space is one of Lyon’s largest parks and is home to a variety of plants and bird species. You’ll find a botanical garden and even a little zoo, making it the perfect spot for families with children!
Parc de la Tête d’Or also has a few easy walking and biking trails in the city. So if you feel like taking a break from sightseeing, and would rather surround yourself with nature, this is a nice place to retreat. Even during the winter, you’ll be enchanted by the park’s scenery and peaceful atmosphere!
7. Visit the Murals
Last, but not least is visiting the murals in Lyon. Again, if you don’t do the walking tour I highly recommend trying to visit these vibrant works of art scattered around Vieux-Lyon. Everyone can appreciate the creative talent and skill that went into creating these murals. Like seriously, the best art I can produce is stick figures. 🙃
My two favorite murals that I saw were Mur des Canuts and Fresque des Lyonnais. There are more, but these are the most impressive in my opinion. And, I’ll also mention that you do have to walk up lots of steep staircases and hills. But, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular larger-than-life murals!
Literally, I sent a picture to my mom and she didn’t realize it was a mural and commented on the different people. 😂 So, there you have it, lots of unique activities to do, whether there is snow in Lyon, France or not. From walking tours to visiting basilicas, parks, and massive murals…you’ll find no shortage of things to do!
Where to Stay in Lyon
In case you’re looking for some places to stay in Lyon, here are a few places I recommend based on my time in the city and my extensive research… because I know not everyone finds reading hundreds of reviews as fun as I do 😅
🧳 Low-Cost Stay
- MEININGER Hotel Lyon Centre Berthelot (technically a hostel): 3-star | ⭐️ 8.4 / 10
- Lyon Marriott Hotel Cité Internationale: Beautiful 4-star hotel w/ bar & restaurant | ⭐️ 8.8 / 10
✈️ Mid-Range Stay
- Hotel Carlton Lyon: Upscale 4-star hotel w/ full-service spa| ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
- Hotel de l’Abbaye: Eco-certified 4-star hotel w/ restaurant & bar | ⭐️ 9.6 / 10
💎 Fancy Hotels
- InterContinental Lyon: Luxury 5-star hotel w/ spa, gardens, & great breakfast | ⭐️ 9.1 / 10
- Villa Florentine: Stunning 5-star hotel w/ pool, spa, restaurant, and bar | ⭐️ 9.4 / 10
Lyon in Winter: FAQs
With average low temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and a fair bit of rain, I don’t think Lyon in winter is too bad. It’s still relatively warm compared to areas like Paris or Stockholm during the wintertime. Plus, the weather is still nice enough that nothing really shuts down. You can still find tours to take and or do day trips to the Northern Rhône if you fancy a bit of wine tasting. If anything, there are more events during the wintertime in celebration of the holiday season, such as the Festival of Lights.
If you’re interested in seeing all the holiday decorations and festivities, then December is a magical time to visit Lyon! In fact, from November 26 – December 24, Lyon hosts its annual Christmas market in Place Carnot!
Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer since it just depends on the weather for that year. That said, there has been snow in Lyon around Christmas in the past, so there’s a chance!
If you’re wondering how many days to spend in Lyon, my suggestion is at least 2 full days. The city is definitely on the smaller side, at least compared to Paris, so you won’t need a ton of time. That said, 2 full days is at least enough to get a good feel and is perfect for a weekend getaway!
Wrap-Up: Does It Snow in Lyon, France?
Does it snow in Lyon, France? Yes, it does! It doesn’t snow very much, and you shouldn’t expect a winter wonderland when you visit. But, there are usually at least a few snow days each year. So, if you don’t mind the cold weather and want to experience some of the lovely seasonal activities Lyon has to offer, then a winter visit could be just what you’re looking for.
Regardless, I hope this post has provided some insight into how to make the most out of your time in Lyon during the wintertime.
Explore France
- 🏖️ Nice: Headed to the French Riviera and looking for immersive experiences in the local culture? Be sure to taste the traditional foods of the region and sip on lots of regional wine! You can even do a short day trip to the land of the wealthy, aka Monaco!
- 🏄♀️ Biarritz: Craving an escape to a quieter coastal town in France? Check out Biarritz! Located near the border of Spain, this affordable hidden gem is filled with activities perfect for a short stay and is conveniently situated such that you can also explore wonderful nearby towns and cities!
