Montpellier Languedoc Roussillon, France Travel Guide
Montpellier experiences hot, dry summers and mild, relatively wet winters. Spring (March - May): Temperatures generally range from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). Expect moderate precipitation with occasional showers. Humidity feels comfortable. This season brings blooming flowers and pleasant warmth. Autumn (September - November): Temperatures typically range from 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F). This is the wettest season, especially in October and November. There is a risk of "Cevenol episodes," which are heavy, short-duration rainfall events.
Summer (June - August): Temperatures average 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), often exceeding 35°C (95°F) in July and August. Summers are very dry with low humidity, with plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities. Winter (December - February): Temperatures generally range from 5°C to 12°C (41°F to 54°F). Winters feel mild with some rainfall, but snowfall rarely occurs in the city itself.
Montpellier's climate has a few specific patterns to note: Summer heatwaves can be intense. Stay hydrated and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. While less frequent and intense than in Provence, the strong, cold Mistral wind can affect Montpellier, notably in winter and spring. It often brings clear skies but also a sharp drop in perceived temperature.
In autumn, sudden, heavy rainfall events can occur. These can lead to localized flooding, so monitor weather warnings if traveling during this period.
June - August
Warmest weather for beaches and outdoor activities. Many festivals and events.
Temperatures feel high for sightseeing. Large crowds and highest prices for accommodation and flights.
April - May & September - October
Temperatures feel pleasant, ideal for sightseeing. Fewer crowds. Lower accommodation prices.
Occasional rain, notably in autumn. Some beach facilities might close by late October.
November - March
Fewer crowds. Lowest accommodation and flight prices. Authentic local experience.
Cooler temperatures. Higher chance of rain. Some tourist attractions may have reduced hours.
France is part of the Schengen Area, impacting entry requirements for many nationalities. Plan your entry by checking the specific rules that apply to you.
Citizens of many non-EU countries require a Schengen visa for short stays (up to 90 days in 180-day period). You submit forms, your passport, photos, proof of accommodation, financial means, and travel insurance to a French embassy or consulate. Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, and Japan, among others, do not require a Schengen visa for stays up to 90 days. From mid-2025, visa-exempt travelers will obtain an ETIAS authorization prior to travel. For stays exceeding 90 days, a long-stay visa applies.
Valid for at least three months beyond departure, issued within 10 years.
Recent passport-sized photos meeting Schengen requirements.
Hotel bookings or bank statements.
Mandatory for Schengen visa, minimum €30,000 coverage. World Nomads or SafetyWing.
Proof of departure from Schengen Area.
Montpellier offers options for various budgets, from budget-friendly trips to luxury experiences. These prices are estimates and can fluctuate based on season, choices, and booking time.
The official currency is the Euro (€). ATMs (Distributeur Automatique de Billets - DAB) are widely available. Banks offer exchange services. Currency exchange offices exist, but often have less favorable rates. Withdrawing cash from ATMs using a debit card is common. Inform your bank of your travel plans to avoid card blocks. Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard) are widely accepted. American Express is less common.
Montpellier offers several ways to manage your expenses effectively:
Your well-being is important. Note these health and safety considerations for a trouble-free trip to Montpellier. Montpellier has excellent medical facilities.
Montpellier is generally a safe city. Crime statistics and safety concerns by neighborhood are important for awareness.
Common Crime: Pickpocketing and bag snatching can occur in crowded tourist areas (e.g., Place de la Comédie, train stations, public transport) and markets. Stay vigilant and secure your belongings. A Travel money belt or RFID blocking wallet is a good idea. Neighborhoods: The historic center (Ecusson) is generally safe, but be aware of your surroundings late at night in quieter alleys. Areas around the main train station (Gare Saint-Roch) can feel less appealing at night.
Demonstrations: Occasional public demonstrations occur; avoid participating and follow local police instructions.
For all emergencies, dial 112 for the European emergency number, connecting to medical, police, and fire services.
Direct connection to multiple services.
Use for serious, immediate threats only.
Dial 15 for SAMU (Service d'Aide Médicale Urgente) for urgent medical assistance and ambulances.
Direct connection to medical professionals.
For life-threatening situations or serious injury.
For police assistance or to report a crime, dial 17. This connects you directly to local law enforcement.
For security concerns or criminal activity reports.
Do not use for general questions or non-emergencies.
| Service | Number | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| European Emergency | 112 | All emergencies (medical, fire, police) |
| Medical Emergency (SAMU) | 15 | Urgent medical assistance, ambulance |
| Police | 17 | Police assistance, crime reporting |
