Best Time to Visit Arras

Arras has a continental climate with cold winters and warm summers, but its real appeal lies in spring and early autumn when the weather is mild and the city is less crowded. The main tourist season runs from May to September, coinciding with warm weather and several major events.

✦ Go in May or June for the best balance of good weather, manageable crowds, and affordable accommodation.

✅ Best months

May and June: warm but not hot, long daylight hours, and fewer tourists than July and August. September also offers pleasant weather and the start of the cultural season.

🔥 Peak season

July and August: school holidays drive family tourism, hotel prices can double, and the city fills up for the Main Square events and the Arras Film Festival in November sees a spike.

💷 Shoulder (best value)

April and October: hotels often 30% cheaper, weather still decent (10-15°C), and crowds are thin. April has the start of the flower market; October has the Chocolate Fair.

🌙 Quietest & cheapest

December to February: the quietest and cheapest, but temperatures often below 5°C, grey skies, and some attractions have limited hours. Christmas market in December adds a brief boost.

Arras season by season

Spring (Mar–May)

Weather: 5-15°C, increasing sunshine, occasional rain

Crowds: low to medium

Best for walking tours and the D-Day commemorations nearby.

Summer (Jun–Aug)

Weather: 15-25°C, warmest in July/August, occasional thunderstorms

Crowds: high

Main Square festivals and outdoor dining.

Autumn (Sep–Nov)

Weather: 10-18°C in Sep, dropping to 5-10°C by Nov, more rain

Crowds: medium

Great for museum visits and the Arras Film Festival (Nov).

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Weather: 0-7°C, frosty mornings, snow possible

Crowds: low

Christmas market (Dec) and quieter exploration of the belfry and tunnels.

🎭 Events worth timing a trip around

Main Square Flower Market (April–Oct, every Sunday morning) and the Arras Film Festival (November) – both attract locals and visitors, but don’t cause extreme crowding.

🧳 What to pack

Layer up: even in summer evenings can be cool, and rain is possible year-round. A waterproof jacket and a light sweater are essential.

Found your dates? Get your hotel briefing.

Room tips, the 14-day forecast for your exact stay, dining, transport and more — free for any Arras hotel.

Browse 22 Arras hotels →

Add this guide to your site — free

Run a travel blog or hotel site? Drop this free “Best time to visit Arras” widget on your page — it stays up to date automatically.

Researched & reviewed by the TripSage editorial team · Updated July 2026.