Does it really rain every day in Lille?
the general climate
an oceanic climate
Lille enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, characterized by relatively mild winters and cool summers. This type of climate is influenced by the proximity of the city to the Atlantic Ocean, which has a moderating effect on temperatures. In winter, average temperatures generally range from 1°C to 5°C, with occasional periods of nocturnal frost. Summers in Lille are generally mild, with average temperatures around 17°C to 22°C, providing a pleasant climate for exploring the city and its surroundings.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year, although the summer months tend to be a little drier than other seasons. Overall, the climate of Lille translates into relatively moderate and stable weather conditions throughout the year, making it an attractive destination.
The weather in Lille in numbers
Lille has about 127 days of rain per year. On average, the least rainy days are measured in September (10.37 days). The month with the most rainy days is December (12.90 days)
The hottest and sunniest month is July, with average maximum temperatures of 24° and approximately 10 hours of sunshine. The most pleasant period in terms of climate is from late May to mid-September.
The 4 seasons in Lille
Autumn in Lille (September-October-November):
In Lille, the rainfall is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year. However, statistically, the fall months (September, October, November) usually have slightly higher rainfall than other seasons.
Temperatures are usually still quite mild at the beginning of the season, which allows you to fully enjoy outdoor activities, like walking in parks or enjoying a coffee on the terrace. The city takes a warm atmosphere!
Winter in Lille (December-January-February):
In general, winters in Lille are rather cool, but rarely very cold. Temperatures range from 1°C to 7°C, with an average of 4° to 5°, but periods of frost are not uncommon, especially at night. Winters are often characterized by cool days and cold nights, and temperatures below zero degrees Celsius are not constant throughout the season.
Unfortunately or fortunately, snowfall is not insured every year. The rains are frequent, but at least the Christmas market is there to comfort you in December.
Spring in Lille (March-April-May):
Spring brings a welcome change with days getting longer and temperatures starting to rise. In Lille, it is also characterized by a meteorological variability. Sunny days often alternate with rainy days, and temperatures can sometimes be unpredictable with averages between 6.7° and 13.4°.
However, the city begins to revive after winter, and spring offers many opportunities to enjoy outdoor spaces, with their budding trees and blossoming flowers, lively café terraces and cultural events that are multiplying in the city.
Summer in Lille (June-July-August):
Summer in Lille is mild, with seasonal averages between 16.4 and 18.5 degrees. The days are long and sunny, ideal for outdoor activities and evenings on the terraces of cafes. Precipitation is less frequent, but occasional showers may occur. Locals and visitors alike enjoy local parks, festivals and events, including the famous Lille Braderie at the end of summer. Heat waves are rare, but temperatures can sometimes exceed 30°C.
But then, does it really rain every day in Lille?
In general, there are between 8 and 10 rainy days per month in Lille, or between 21 and 23 dry days. Although the volumes are higher in Lille than in Paris, the number of rainy days per month is very similar for both cities. What’s more, it rains less in Lille than in other popular cities for students, such as Bordeaux (944>743 millimeters of water per year) or Lyon (832>743 millimeters of water per year).
In fact, the capital of Flanders is almost on a par with Nice (733<743 millimeters of water per year). So it’s time to break the Lille climate myth: no, it doesn’t rain every day in Lille! (but the umbrella is still an essential accessory).
But, if you’re worried about rainy days, here are some activities to do in rainy weather in Lille:
Going to the museum: For a cursed artist or mad scientist atmosphere, nothing better than a good thunderstorm day to go to the museum. Stroll and discover a new exhibition with the sound of rain as background music, a pleasure! (To know the best museums in Lille, it’s here!)
Shopping: Why not explore one of the major shopping centers of the metropolis of Lille all afternoon and well sheltered, while it rains a bucket? Euralille, Lillenium, the tanners, the Lomme-Lille shopping centre or the V2 Villeneuve d’Ascq shopping centre, it’s up to you!
Participate in an escape game: The ideal activity to do with friends! How can you be more protected from the rain than by being locked in a room? You’ll be so absorbed in the script that you’ll totally forget about the gray.
Go to an arcade: Alone or with a friend, it’s time to beat your record on PackMan! Rain seems like a good excuse to spend an afternoon in front of video games. Test as many different boundaries and low records!
(To find out about some of the best escape games and arcade in Lille, click here!)
Karaoke: As it is already raining, no shame to sing wrong, you can let go! Whether it’s a sad song to stick to the weather or a happy song to bring back the sun, you choose which rhythm you will cum on. Karafun, Hall U Need, Koezio, Singing studio, the metropolis does not lack good address where to push the carols.
Go to a game bar: The game bar, with its friendly and warm atmosphere, effectively fights against gray days. When you’re into a game of UNO, Cluedo or one of those unknown board games you’re about to tell your friends about, the storm that’s waiting for you out there will seem far away! Then head to La Luck, Au Beau Jeu, or the Last Bar before the End of the World.
Go to a coffee shop: Enjoy a hot drink while devouring a good book with the sound of rain in the background, what more could you ask for? It’s a golden opportunity for those who always hear the phrase “I’m too eager to get back to reading”! The Biglemoi, the Bd + Café and many more are waiting for you!
