You’ve seen the photos. Brigitte Bardot lounging on a boat, the glitzy yachts in the harbor, and that impossibly blue Mediterranean water. But if you’re actually planning a trip, the "perfect" weather for St Tropez isn't just one long, infinite summer. Honestly, if you show up in November expecting a bikini-clad paradise, you’re going to be wet, cold, and probably a little grumpy.
St Tropez sits on a very specific peninsula in the Var region of southeastern France. It’s got a microclimate that can be surprisingly temperamental.
While the town averages about 3,000 hours of sunshine a year—which is massive compared to Paris or London—it’s also the victim (or beneficiary, depending on how you look at it) of the Mistral. This isn't just a breeze. It’s a cold, dry, northwesterly wind that can scream down the Rhône Valley and hit the coast with enough force to knock over a patio chair.
When the Mistral blows, the sky turns a shade of blue so deep it looks fake. It blows away the humidity and the dust. It makes everything crisp. But it also makes the sea choppy and drops the "perceived" temperature by ten degrees in an hour.
The Reality of the Four Seasons
Most people think of the French Riviera as a binary: summer or not summer. That’s a mistake.
Spring (March to May) is when the town starts to wake up. In March, you’re looking at highs around 14°C (57°F). It’s light sweater weather. By May, things get interesting. The daily highs jump to 20°C (68°F), and the beach clubs like Nikki Beach or Club 55 start shaking off the winter dust.
Is the water warm? No. It’s around 16°C (61°F). If you jump in, your heart might skip a beat.
Summer (June to August) is the peak. This is the weather for St Tropez everyone wants. July and August are hot, with averages hitting 27°C to 29°C (81°F to 84°F). It rarely gets "death valley" hot because of the sea breeze, but it’s humid enough that you’ll want a room with good AC.
Rain? Almost non-existent. July averages about 8mm of rain. Basically, a light misting twice a month.
Autumn (September to November) is secretly the best time to go. September still feels like summer, with 24°C (75°F) air and the sea at its absolute warmest—around 22°C (72°F) because it’s been baking all summer.
But watch out for October and November. This is the rainy season. November is the wettest month, dumping about 105mm of rain. When it rains in St Tropez, it doesn't just drizzle. It pours.
Winter (December to February) is quiet. Really quiet. Highs sit at 12°C (54°F). Most of the famous boutiques on Rue Gambetta or around the Place des Lices close up shop. It’s authentic, sure, but it’s definitely not "beach weather."
That Famous Mistral Wind
You can't talk about weather for St Tropez without mentioning the Mistral. Local legend says it always blows in multiples of three days: 3, 6, or 9 days at a time.
Scientifically? That’s mostly a myth, but it can last a week.
It happens when there’s high pressure over the Bay of Biscay and low pressure over the Gulf of Genoa. The air gets sucked through the gap between the Alps and the Massif Central, accelerating like a jet engine.
💡 You might also like: Why the Map of the Sahel Region of Africa is Constantly Being Redrawn
For sailors, it’s a nightmare. For photographers, it’s a dream because the air clarity is 10/10. For the vineyards in the Gassin or Ramatuelle area, it’s a blessing because it dries out the grapes and prevents rot and mold.
Why the Water Temperature Liars Exist
If you look at a generic weather app, it might tell you the sea temperature is 24°C in July.
Be careful.
The Mediterranean is deep. If the Mistral has been blowing for three days, it pushes the warm surface water out to sea. This causes "upwelling," where the ice-cold water from the depths rises to the surface. You can go from a 25°C "bathwater" sea to a 16°C "arctic" sea in 24 hours. Always check the local surf or wind reports before you commit to a long swim.
What to Actually Pack
Don't be the person who only brings linen shirts.
Even in the height of July, the temperature can drop at night. A light cotton sweater or a denim jacket is essential for dinner at the port. If you’re coming in April or October, you need layers.
- July/August: Linen, silk, swimwear, and one light jacket for the evening breeze.
- May/September: Light trousers, pashminas, and a windbreaker if you plan on being on a boat.
- Winter: A proper coat. The damp sea air makes 10°C feel much colder than it does in a dry city.
Strategic Tips for Your Trip
If you want the best weather for St Tropez without the soul-crushing crowds of August, aim for the "Golden Window" between September 15th and October 5th.
The "Voiles de Saint-Tropez" regatta happens in late September/early October. The weather is usually spectacular—sunny, mid-20s, and the town is buzzing with sailors. Plus, the water is still warm enough for a dip at Pampelonne.
Avoid November at all costs unless you like moody, grey, rainy landscapes. Most of the seasonal restaurants close after the Voiles anyway.
If you're a hiker, March and April are your best friends. The Sentier du Littoral (the coastal path) is stunning when the wildflowers are blooming, and you won't overheat while climbing the rocks around Cap Camarat.
Next Steps for Your Trip:
Check the 14-day wind forecast on a site like Windguru or Windy before you book a boat rental; a 30-knot Mistral will cancel your plans regardless of how sunny it looks. If you're looking for the best beach experience, prioritize accommodation with "South-West" exposure to stay shielded from the northerly winds.