Dijon France Tour Guide by Lisa Hovis
France's flag above the PréfectureMy favorite Dijon café:  Café de la PréfectureSunflowers at my favorite Dijon floristOld steps at ChataeuneufPastries from my favorite Dijon patissierBurgundy LandscapeThe chouette on Dijon's Notre DameVive l'Orangina!Flowers at the Dijon MarchéLe Jacquemart at Notre Dame, Dijon France
See Dijon, France, through the eyes of an American woman who had the privilege to call it 'Home'

Weather/Climate in Dijon, France --- and what to wear!

skies in Dijon FranceSky in Dijon FranceRaining in Dijon France

Dijon weather can be unpredictable, but in general you can assume the following:

It will rain. Guaranteed if you visit in March, April or May. Don't forget to pack an umbrella! If you did forget your umbrella and just want a cheap one, you'll find them everywhere. If you want a big selection at every price, try Galeries Lafayette downtown on rue de la Liberte or Monoprix.

It will be humid. OK, not every day is humid. But you try to tell that to my hair.

It is rare for Dijon to get snow, and you can get by with a heavier jacket and scarf in the coldest months, usually December and January and the first part of February. To tie your scarf like the French: fold your scarf in half and put it around your neck, holding the folded edge in one hand in front of you, the open ends in the other hand in front of you. Put the open end side through through the folded edge side and draw it up so it's as tight or as loose as you'd like. Viola! C'est simple. If you're from a warm climate and you get chilled at any temperature below 65, bring some really heavy sweaters too. And a muffler and warm gloves. You know who you are.

July and August are the hottest months, but rarely is it unbearable. Remember that MOST places are NOT air-conditioned. If a business is air-conditioned they will advertise this "perk": boutique/salle climatisation" or something to that effect. If it's really hot, visit the crypt at Saint Benigne. Or Notre Dame. They're always cool. Or spend a day at Galeries Lafayette, the huge air-conditioned department store on rue de la Liberte. Fashion tip: 10 years ago, I didn't see ANYONE wearing shorts. But in 2009, I do see shorts here on girls and women up to age 20ish. Nice shorts, dressed up, but shorts nonetheless. Jeans are worn, but again, dressed up. You'll see them with heels and a nice shirt. You won't see a casual look for the most part. Women tend to wear lots of dresses and skirts, especially in the summer. Cool cotton and linen are everywhere! As for shape, the more curve-enhancing the better. And keep the baseball hats at home. And NEVER wear sweats or leggings! Men can get away with a more casual look, but even men tend to be more fashion conscious here, wearing trendy clothes, even jackets (!) in the summer. If you're one of those people not affected by humidity & heat, this is the city for you to wear sweaters around your neck all year long. You'll be in good company!

Spring is usually gorgeous, but you have the rain to deal with. Summer is wonderful, mostly sunny and (generally!) not as much rain. The Fall is my favorite, because of the harvest and the celebrations it brings. Winter, is, well...winter. Pretty dull and dreary. But the old buildings and museums are always here, whether it's raining, warm, sunny, cloudy or cold.

 

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