Lyon in January
Not the best time
January is Lyon at its most authentic and least tourist-friendly. The locals have their city back, but you'll battle cold rain and short daylight hours.
Weather
January brings Lyon's chilliest weather with gray skies and frequent drizzle. Temperatures hover around freezing, and the Rhône valley fog can blanket the city for days. Snow is rare but possible, usually just dusting the traboules.
6°C high0°C low12 rain days
Crowds & Cost
low crowds
~$95/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Fête des Lumières aftermath sales
- •New Year celebrations
January Tips
- •Pack waterproof boots - the cobblestones get slippery
- •Museums and bouchons are your best friends this month
- •Hotel rates drop 40% from December peaks
All Months
Late spring through early summer gives you Lyon at its best. May and June bring perfect weather for walking the traboules and dining on terraces. Restaurant patios open up, and the city feels alive.
September and October are equally brilliant. The summer crowds thin out, but weather stays warm enough for outdoor dining. This is harvest season in nearby Beaujolais, so wine bars buzz with fresh vintages.
April works if you don't mind occasional rain showers. Temperatures hover around 15°C, and hotel prices drop before peak season kicks in.
Winter isn't terrible, but Lyon can feel gray and quiet. December brings Christmas markets to Place Bellecour, though they're not as impressive as Strasbourg's. January and February are best avoided unless you're here purely for indoor dining.
Skip July and August. It's hot, crowded, and many locals flee for vacation. Some restaurants close entirely during August.
Lyon Scores
Solo
8/10
Couples
9/10
Families
7/10
Adventure
4/10
Budget
5/10
Luxury
8/10
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