When to go · Lyon
Lyon in January
Mixed month. Outside the best window (May–Jun, Sep). Across France: Cold and grey north of Lyon; the winter sales (soldes) start in January; ski resorts busy at weekends.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Temperature
- 7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C) / 1°C (34°F)34°F (1°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 9
- Crowds
- Low
- France overall
- Prices
- Low
- France overall
Verdict
Outside the best window (May–Jun, Sep). Across France: Cold and grey north of Lyon; the winter sales (soldes) start in January; ski resorts busy at weekends.
Is another month better than January?
January is rated mixed. These months rate higher:
Weather in January
- LyonHighs around 7 °C (45 °F), lows around 1 °C (34 °F), rain on about 9 daysHighs around 45 °F (7 °C), lows around 34 °F (1 °C), rain on about 9 days
- Centre and east, France · Loire, Burgundy, Alsace, Lyon, Dordognecool
Cold foggy winters and hot summers; Alsace Christmas markets make December busy despite the cold.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · France overall
- Low
- Prices · France overall
- Low
France overall: Cold and grey north of Lyon; the winter sales (soldes) start in January; ski resorts busy at weekends.
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Lyon, side by side.
Verdict
Jan: Mixed
May: Great (better)
Daytime high
Jan: 7 °C (45 °F)45 °F (7 °C)
May: 22 °C (72 °F)72 °F (22 °C)
Night low
Jan: 1 °C (34 °F)34 °F (1 °C)
May: 11 °C (52 °F)52 °F (11 °C)
Rain days
Jan: 9 (better)
May: 10
Crowds
Jan: Low
May: Medium
Prices
Jan: Low
May: Medium
Festivals listed
Jan: 0
May: 1
January: Outside the best window (May–Jun, Sep). Across France: Cold and grey north of Lyon; the winter sales (soldes) start in January; ski resorts busy at weekends.
May: Inside Lyon's best window: May–Jun, Sep.
Lyon: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- A warm coat, hat and gloves for mornings and evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket