Best Time to Visit Giverny (Weather & Crowds)

Giverny is a small village in northern France, famous for its beautiful gardens and as the home of the painter Claude Monet. It is a peaceful destination that attracts art lovers and nature fans from around the world. When you visit matters a lot because the weather, crowd sizes, and prices change throughout the year.

Choosing the best time to visit Giverny depends on what you want from your trip. If you want to see Monet's gardens in full bloom, you will prefer spring or early summer. If you want fewer tourists and lower prices, late summer or fall might be better. This guide will help you find the right time for your visit based on your travel style and interests.

Overall Best Time to Visit Giverny

The best time to visit Giverny is generally from May to June. During these months, the weather is mild and the gardens are at their most colorful. You will enjoy warm days and blooming flowers, making it perfect for photography and outdoor walks.

This period also balances crowds and costs well. While it is popular, it is not as busy as July or August. Prices for accommodation and tours are moderate compared to peak summer months. This time suits travelers who want good weather and a lively atmosphere without the highest prices or biggest crowds.

• May and June offer pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring gardens and outdoor sites comfortably without extreme heat or cold.

• These months showcase Monet's gardens in full bloom, providing a stunning visual experience for visitors and photographers alike.

• Crowds are noticeable but manageable, allowing you to enjoy the village without feeling overwhelmed by tourists.

• Prices for hotels and local attractions are reasonable, avoiding the peak summer surcharges common in July and August.

Overall, May and June provide the best mix of weather, crowd size, and cost for most visitors to Giverny.

Best Time to Visit Giverny by Month

January

January is the coldest month in Giverny with low temperatures and limited daylight. The gardens are closed for winter, and many attractions have reduced hours or are closed. Crowds are very low, and prices are at their lowest.

• Weather is cold and often damp, making outdoor activities less enjoyable for most travelers during this month.

• Garden access is limited as the famous flower displays are not in season, reducing the main attraction's appeal.

• Tourist numbers are very low, so you will experience a quiet and peaceful village atmosphere.

• Accommodation and travel costs are at their lowest, ideal for budget travelers who do not mind the cold and limited sights.

January is best for travelers who want to avoid crowds and save money but are not focused on garden visits.

February

February remains cold with similar conditions to January. Gardens are still closed, and daylight hours are short. Tourist activity is minimal, and prices remain low. It is a quiet time with few events.

• Weather continues to be chilly and often wet, which can limit outdoor sightseeing and walking tours.

• Monet's gardens are closed, so the main attraction is unavailable for visitors.

• Crowds are very small, offering a peaceful experience without the usual tourist bustle.

• Costs for accommodation and travel remain low, making it a budget-friendly month to visit.

February suits travelers who prefer solitude and low prices but do not mind missing the gardens.

March

March marks the start of spring with gradually warming temperatures. The gardens begin to show early signs of blooming, but many flowers are not yet in full display. Crowds start to increase slightly, and prices begin to rise.

• Weather is cool but improving, with more sunny days and less rain compared to winter months.

• Some early spring flowers start to bloom, offering a preview of the gardens’ beauty.

• Crowds remain low to moderate, making it a quiet time to explore before peak season.

• Prices start to increase but are still lower than in late spring and summer.

March is good for travelers who want to see early blooms and avoid large crowds.

April

April brings warmer weather and more flowers in bloom. The gardens reopen fully, attracting more visitors. Crowds increase, especially during weekends and holidays. Prices rise but are still reasonable.

• Weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for outdoor activities and garden visits.

• Many flowers bloom, including tulips and daffodils, enhancing the garden’s colors.

• Crowds grow larger, especially during Easter and spring holidays, so expect busier conditions.

• Accommodation and tour prices increase but remain affordable compared to summer peak.

April suits travelers who want good weather and garden views but can handle moderate crowds.

May

May is one of the best months to visit Giverny. The weather is warm but not hot, and the gardens are in full bloom. Crowds increase but are still manageable, and prices are moderate.

• Weather is warm and comfortable, perfect for spending long hours outdoors exploring gardens and village streets.

• Monet’s gardens display a wide variety of flowers, including roses and irises, at their peak.

• Crowds are noticeable but not overwhelming, allowing a pleasant visitor experience.

• Prices for accommodation and tours are higher than spring’s start but still reasonable compared to summer.

May is ideal for travelers seeking a balance of great weather, beautiful gardens, and manageable crowds.

June

June continues the excellent weather and garden displays of May. It is a popular month with tourists, so expect larger crowds. Prices rise further but remain below peak summer levels.

• Weather is warm and sunny, with longer daylight hours for sightseeing and photography.

• Gardens are lush and colorful, showcasing a variety of flowers and greenery.

• Crowds increase, especially on weekends and holidays, making early visits advisable.

• Prices for hotels and attractions rise but are still less than July and August peak season.

June is great for visitors who want full garden beauty and good weather but can handle more tourists.

July

July is peak tourist season in Giverny. The weather is hot and sunny, and the gardens are fully open. Crowds are at their largest, and prices are highest. It is a lively but busy time.

• Weather is hot and often sunny, which can be tiring for some visitors during midday hours.

• Gardens remain vibrant, but some flowers may start to fade in the heat.

• Crowds are very large, especially during weekends, making popular spots busy and lines longer.

• Accommodation and tour prices reach their highest levels of the year due to peak demand.

July suits travelers who want lively atmosphere and full garden access but do not mind crowds and high costs.

August

August is similar to July with hot weather, large crowds, and high prices. Some locals may take holidays, causing some smaller shops to close. Gardens remain open but can be affected by heat.

• Weather is hot and sometimes humid, which may limit outdoor activity comfort during midday.

• Gardens are still open but may show signs of summer heat stress in some plants.

• Crowds remain large, making it important to book tickets and accommodation well in advance.

• Prices stay at peak levels, reflecting high tourist demand throughout the month.

August is best for travelers who want peak summer energy and full garden access despite crowds and heat.

September

September brings cooler weather and fewer tourists. The gardens start to change with the season, showing late summer blooms and early autumn colors. Prices begin to drop.

• Weather cools down to comfortable levels, making outdoor activities more enjoyable than in summer heat.

• Gardens show a mix of late summer flowers and early fall foliage, offering unique views.

• Crowds decrease significantly after August, providing a more relaxed experience.

• Accommodation and travel costs start to fall, making this a good value period.

September suits travelers who want good weather and fewer crowds after the busy summer months.

October

October is a quiet month with cool weather and autumn colors in the gardens. Tourist numbers are low, and prices are reduced. Some attractions may have shorter hours.

• Weather is cool and crisp, ideal for peaceful walks but requiring warmer clothing.

• Gardens display autumn colors, creating a different but beautiful atmosphere than spring or summer.

• Crowds are minimal, allowing you to enjoy the village and gardens in calm surroundings.

• Prices for accommodation and tours drop, offering good deals for budget-conscious travelers.

October is perfect for visitors who prefer quiet and cooler weather with seasonal scenery.

November

November is cold and quiet in Giverny. Gardens are mostly closed or past their prime. Tourist activity is low, and many services reduce hours or close. Prices are at their lowest.

• Weather is cold and often wet, limiting outdoor sightseeing comfort.

• Gardens are closed or have little to see, reducing the main attraction's appeal.

• Crowds are very low, offering a peaceful but less lively village experience.

• Accommodation and travel costs are at their lowest, ideal for travelers on a tight budget.

November suits travelers who want solitude and low prices but do not mind limited garden access.

December

December is cold and quiet with holiday decorations in the village. Gardens are closed, and tourist numbers remain low. Prices stay low except around Christmas and New Year.

• Weather is cold and often damp, which can make outdoor activities less comfortable.

• Gardens are closed, so the main attraction is unavailable during this month.

• Crowds are small except for brief holiday spikes, giving a calm atmosphere most of the time.

• Prices are low except for a short rise during Christmas and New Year holidays.

December is best for travelers who enjoy quiet winter visits and festive village decorations.

Crowds and Travel Costs Throughout the Year

Giverny experiences clear changes in crowds and prices through the year. The peak season runs from July to August, when the village is busiest and prices are highest. You will find long lines, crowded gardens, and expensive hotels during this time.

The shoulder seasons in May, June, and September offer a good balance. Crowds are smaller than peak months, and prices are more reasonable. These months are popular for travelers who want good weather without the busiest crowds or highest costs.

• Peak season in July and August brings the largest crowds, making popular sites busy and accommodations expensive.

• Shoulder seasons in May, June, and September provide moderate crowds and better prices, ideal for balanced travel experiences.

• Off-season months from November to March have very low crowds and the lowest prices but limited garden access and colder weather.

• Travel costs fluctuate with demand, so booking early during peak and shoulder seasons can save money and secure availability.

Understanding these patterns helps you plan your visit to match your preferences for crowd size and budget.

Worst Time to Visit Giverny

The worst time to visit Giverny is during the winter months from November to February. The weather is cold and often wet, and Monet’s gardens are closed or not at their best. Many local attractions have reduced hours or close for the season.

During this period, the village is very quiet, and some shops or restaurants may be closed. Prices are low, but the lack of garden access and cold weather make it less appealing for most travelers. This time is best avoided unless you want a very quiet and budget-friendly visit without garden sightseeing.

• Cold, damp weather limits outdoor activities and reduces comfort for sightseeing and walking tours.

• Monet’s gardens are closed or lack flowers, removing the main attraction for most visitors.

• Many local businesses reduce hours or close, limiting dining and shopping options.

• Low tourist numbers mean a quiet village but also fewer services and less lively atmosphere.

Winter months are best avoided unless you prioritize low costs and solitude over garden visits and warm weather.

Special Travel Tips for Visiting Giverny

When visiting Giverny, packing depends on the season. In spring and summer, bring light clothes, sun protection, and comfortable shoes for walking. In fall and winter, pack warm layers and waterproof items due to cooler and wetter weather.

Booking tickets for Monet’s house and gardens in advance is important during peak and shoulder seasons to avoid long lines. Check local event calendars for festivals or special exhibitions that might enhance your visit or affect availability.

• Bring comfortable walking shoes as the village and gardens require a fair amount of walking on uneven paths.

• Book garden tickets online ahead of time during busy months to skip long queues and ensure entry.

• Check weather forecasts and pack layers, especially if visiting in spring or fall when temperatures can vary widely.

• Avoid visiting on weekends or holidays if you want to avoid the largest crowds and enjoy a quieter experience.

Following these tips will help you have a smooth and enjoyable visit to Giverny regardless of when you go.

Conclusion

The best overall months to visit Giverny are May and June. These months offer warm weather, beautiful gardens in full bloom, and manageable crowds. Prices are moderate, making it a great time for most travelers.

If you prefer fewer tourists and lower costs, consider visiting in September or October when the weather is still pleasant, and the gardens show autumn colors. Avoid winter months if you want to see Monet’s gardens and enjoy outdoor activities. Choose your visit time based on your weather preferences, budget, and tolerance for crowds to have the best experience.

FAQs

What is the cheapest time to visit Giverny?

The cheapest time to visit Giverny is during the winter months from November to February. Prices for accommodation and attractions are lowest, but gardens are closed, and weather is cold and wet.

Which month has the best weather in Giverny?

May and June have the best weather in Giverny. These months offer warm temperatures and sunny days, ideal for exploring Monet’s gardens and the village comfortably.

When is the peak tourist season in Giverny?

Peak tourist season in Giverny is July and August. These months have the largest crowds, highest prices, and hot weather, with gardens fully open and vibrant.

Is it safe to visit Giverny during the off-season?

Yes, it is safe to visit Giverny during the off-season, but many attractions and shops may be closed or have limited hours. Weather can be cold and rainy, so plan accordingly.

What is the best time for first-time visitors to Giverny?

First-time visitors should consider May or June for the best combination of weather, garden beauty, and manageable crowds. This period offers a full experience of Giverny’s charm.