When to Go in Lille

Before you decide where to go in Lille, when to go should be the first topic on your trip planning list. Choosing the right season to visit Lille depends largely on what you want to do and whether or not you can stand the crowds.

Spring

Spring is a popular time for visitors to tour Lille, primarily to view the many gardens and flora in full bloom. Springtime is also a popular time for Lille museums to have rotating outdoor exhibits of art and culture. Average temperatures during the spring months range from 40 to 60 degrees F, which means that you should expect to be a bit chilly when touring the city, but wearing a parka and dressing in layers can make you quite comfortable. There's plenty of sun, as rainfall is actually somewhat low during the spring months, at least compared to other parts of the year.

Summer

Summer is perhaps tied with spring for most popular tourist season, so expect crowds if you choose to go during the summer months. Since Lille is in the north of France, summers aren't overly hot and you can expect temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees F. Summer rainfall is higher than it is during the spring, particularly during July. So pack t-shirts and shorts, but pack plenty of breathable clothes with long sleeves and pant legs, too. Bring a jacket, a sweatshirt and some rain gear. Outdoor activities are pleasant and there are a number of beaches in both France and Belgium about an hour north of Lille.

Autumn

Autumn is an ideal time for tourists who don't like battling with crowds, since it's the second least popular tourist season, but it's also moderately warm enough to make touring the city outdoors agreeable. However, it is the season with the highest amount of rainfall, particularly in the month of October. Pack clothes that you can wear in layers, particularly a thin thermal coat and some rain gear or at least a water-resistant jacket with a hood. Expect temperatures to be between 40 and 65 degrees F on average, with the later months becoming more cool.

Winter

Being in the north of the country means that Lille has much harsher winters than the cities in the south of France, although its winters may be somewhat mild compared to the winters in the northern part of North America. If you plan to visit Lille during winter, you'll have few crowds to contend with at popular tourist destinations, but average temperatures between 30 and 50 degrees F means that outdoor activities may be more unpleasant, unless you pack your winter gear. There is a fair amount of snowfall in Lille in the winter, but there are few blizzards or major storms. Winter sports are not particularly popular in Lille, but you'll be only a train ride away from winter hot spots like Belgium and the Netherlands.