In the southeast the Mediterranean climate extends over the coastal plains and penetrates the valley of the lower Rhône River. The plains of the northeast are particularly affected by a continental climate. The pure oceanic climate prevails in the northwest, especially in Brittany.

The regions bordering the Mediterranean Sea have a Mediterranean climate, with mild, rainy winters and hot, dry summers. The temperature of the Mediterranean Sea is higher than that of the Atlantic Ocean, especially in the French Riviera, where it reaches 25 °C in August. It’s a bit lower compared with other Mediterranean areas. Precipitation is heavy and tends to fall in sudden downpours. Especially in the autumn and spring, whereas summer is nearly completely dry. On the Mediterranean coast and in Corsica the amount of sunshine is good. Even in winter there are several sunny days, while in summer the sky is often clear.

The island of Corsica has a Mediterranean climate on the coasts, with mild and wet winters, and warm or hot and sunny summers, even though it’s exposed to both the Mistal and the west wind, which can be very strong, especially on the western and southern part of the island.

The continental area, which can be heated in summer by the Azores High. This brings subtropical air masses, therefore sometimes it can be hot in summer, with temperatures about 32/33 °C or above. While in winter the city is exposed to cold winds from Eastern Europe, so that there may be some freezing or snowy days, with night temperatures about -6 °C.

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