We Brits love to talk about the weather. Or moan about it. Our penchant for that topic of conversation is well known and much-derided by many of our global brethren, who love to poke fun of us. Though why remains a mystery. Knowing the forecast is surely wise, as it allows you to prepare for any eventuality?

Consequently, one of the questions that visitors to the Dordogne ask the most is: “What will the weather be like?” In fact, ‘Dordogne climate’ is a very popular search term on Google, so let’s answer that question.

Situated deep towards the south west of France, not too far from the coast, the climate in the Dordogne tends to be slightly warmer than here in the UK.

Winter is characterised more by rain than snow, with a brief cold period where the temperatures can go down as low as minus ten in some areas. However, the early morning frost casts a beautiful magic on the place and it’s well worth getting up early to see.

The rain tends to hit around February/March time, but only serves to make the landscape look all the lusher and greener. Very rarely are the days dull; even during the rain, the weather is still bright.

Last year, a blanket of snow covered the region, giving Christmas-holiday makers an unexpected delight – especially the younger ones. What better way to celebrate the festive season than snow outside and a warm, open fire indoors, surrounded by loved ones?

Spring brings warmer weather, reaching up to 28 degrees; however this can be interspersed with sudden periods of heavy rain, so pack the brolly.

The summer days can get warm, but, as one travel reviewer writes, “not uncomfortably so”, making it the ideal holiday destination for families with younger children or older relatives who don’t like the sticky heat. Visitors can expect the temperature to fluctuate between around 25 – 35 degrees.

The summer holiday season reaches its climax in July and August, so crowds of people at the various tourist attractions may make the days feel hotter. June and September are more tolerable.

Come Autumn, the temperatures begin to cool but are still pleasant enough for holiday-makers to enjoy touring the region without breaking a serious sweat. It’s a good time to try out the more active offerings, such as canoeing or cycling.

September is one of the best times to take a trip to the Dordogne and so one travel writer claims, a holiday taken during this month is ”rarely ruined by rain”; though showers may occur.

It’s worth remembering that the weather can vary from the top of the department to the bottom, there’s usually a couple of degrees in it, if nothing else.

Overall, the climate is mild, not too different to our own but with warmer springs and summers. Regardless, the Dordogne is a wonderful place to visit, year round. The weather in its many forms only helps to enhance the region’s beauty.

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