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Climate

Provence enjoys a microclimate of its own that makes the rest of Europe jealous. With on average 300 sunny days a year this region has a subtropical climate, characterised by dry summers and mild winters. With its warm ocean currents, the Mediterranean keeps the winters generally pleasant and sunny. Further inland the winters are colder and the snow-covered mountains invite you to ski. Most of the precipitation falls in autumn, sometimes accompanied by substantial thunderstorms.

From May to October the temperatures rise above 20°C. Daytime temperatures in the peak of summer hover around 30°C with spikes of up to 35°C. It is, however, rarely stiflingly hot thanks to the low air humidity and the natural air-conditioning known as the Mistral.

The Mistral, a dry north-westerly wind, blows relatively frequently and can sometimes unleash ferociously. The Mistral cools things down in the summer and provides the necessary cold and frost in winter. This frost is necessary to keep the grapevines healthy and mould-free. The Mistral almost always blows the clouds away and brings bright blue skies and the characteristic intensity of light that inspired so many painters.