What to Wear in the South of France in September: A Practical Guide!
What to wear in the South of France in September! September can be such a difficult month to pack for. Its a perfect shoulder season month, but that also makes it hard to predict the weather.
Its so much easier to pack when its either going to be hot or freezing cold the whole trip. When the weather fluctuates and can’t decide what it wants to do, it can be much more difficult to pack!
Here is a practical guide on what to wear in the South of France in September including: Shorts or pants? Tank tops or long sleeves? Jacket? Swimsuit? Plus, good shoe options and other essential things to pack for your trip to the French Riviera!
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Weather in the South of France in September
The South of France in September can feel like a beautiful end to the summer; a prime “Indian Summer” (when summer temperatures extend into autumn) if you will!
Average Temperatures:
- Highs: Low to Mid 70’s F (20-26 degrees C)
- Lows: 55 to low 60’s F (13-16 degrees C)
Bright, sunny days with low humidity can feel like you’re getting the best of summer without the crowds. However, as soon as the sun goes down, the temperatures drop quickly and you are going to feel like you are heading into Autumn.
Or, if during the day the sun goes away and wind picks up with cloud coverage, it can definitely feel like autumn rather than summer.
Weather Difference from the Beginning to the End of September
September can have a pretty big difference change from the beginning to the end. While the ACTUAL temperatures probably only vary by about 5-10 degrees F, the temperature range is JUST on the edge enough to make the “real feel” vary a lot.
If you visit the first week of September, you are more likely to have your Indian Summer (extended summer feels.)
However, if you visit the last week of September, the temperatures will be a little lower. Still PLEASANT, but less summer. Expect average highs to be upper 60’s/low 70’s F (19- 22 degrees C) and lows to be low to mid 50’s F (11-13 degrees C.)
So, again, still excellent for exploring, but maybe not excellent for swimming and beaching!
What to Wear in the South of France in September
Even though you read the expected temperatures in the South of France, it doesn’t mean you have a good grasp of what its actually going to FEEL like (because I didn’t either.)
Weather we Experienced in the South of France in September
We visited the French Riviera around the second week of September (10-17th) and got a bit of a variety in weather.
Overall, the weather was GREAT. Most days it was sunny, low humidity and so pleasant.
While in Menton, I remember thinking the weather felt PERFECT. It was sunny, I had short sleeves on and it was beautiful, so I decided to look up what the actual temperature was. Turns out it was 68 degrees F (20 degrees C,) which I usually consider to be chilly!
And, while in Antibes, we woke up to 63 degree F weather, cloud coverage and HIGH winds, which made me SO thankful I had stuffed sleeves in my suitcase last minute!
But, by the afternoon of the same day, it was sunny and 75 degrees F!
Outfit Inspo!⬇️
Bottoms: Shorts or Pants?
Both. I don’t recommend going without ANY long pants; the weather is just too unpredictable this time of year. But you are likely going to be okay with shorts (or light pants) for the majority of your trip!
For days where the temperatures are to reach the 70’s F (21-26 degrees C), shorts will be comfortable for the day.
For days that happen to stay in the 60’s, light pants are a great option. Either linen or a light, breathable fabric are great for walking around (and wicking sweat in case the temperature decides to spike!)
Hate matching tops and Bottoms?
This set from Amazon was an easy and comfortable outfit option! It tends to run big, though, so I wish I had sized down.
Of the 6 days we spent in the French Riviera, I wore shorts 3 of the days, linen pants two of the days and a long skirt one day. Honestly, most days these could could be interchangeable.
The typical temperature was just comfortable enough to not be freezing in shorts nor die of sweat in long pants.
And, again, we had one cloudy, windy morning where pants (and long sleeves) were REQUIRED.
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Tops: Sleeveless or Long Sleeves?
Both.
However, I don’t recommend bringing a long sleeve as your only layer for the day (long sleeve, cotton t-shirt for instance). You never know when a chilly morning is going to heat up to a beautiful afternoon and you don’t want to be stuck in long sleeves all day!
During our trip we wore short sleeves and tank tops every day. Though a top layer was required some days, every day we were able to enjoy the weather at some point without a jacket.
I am a cold-natured person (I get chilly pretty fast). But, if you aren’t, you can likely wear pants with short sleeves without even needing a top layer on some days!
A pop of Pink
I normally stick with the neutrals, but for the South of France I branched out a little. This pink shirt was one of my favorite shirts!
If you opt to wear shorts for the day, however, I wouldn’t leave without having a warm top for the evening.
During our 6 days in the French Riviera, I wore a short sleeve t-shirt one day, a tank top with linen pants twice, shorts and a tank top once, and a long skirt with a tank top one day. A few evenings I switched into linen pants
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Outer Layers? Is a Jacket Necessary?
As you’ve probably gathered, layers are key.
Sweater, light jacket, cardigan or blazer. Whatever is your preferred layering item, you’re going to need it.
The problem, really, is that it can be so hard to find an outer layer that goes with outfits you piece together.
Finding a coat for the winter is easy.
But finding a light jacket that can go with shorts, linen pants AND/OR skirts can be tough.
For this trip I opted for a cream blazer that went well with my pants, two piece short outfit and most outfits I brought. Elizabeth brought a few sweaters that went well with pants, shorts and dress options as well.
Cream on the Outside
I found my cream blazer at TJ Maxx, but you can find them on Amazon as well!
Cardigans and jean jackets (though I am picky about my jean jackets) can be a good options as well.
And, I certainly know why the French wear a sweater draped over their shoulders now! It is an easy way to be prepared for temperature changes without having to lug a bigger bag or top layer around all day.
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Will you Need a Swimsuit?
The fact that you need to pack a jacket and can also pack a swimsuit (not for a hot tub) in the same trip is kind of crazy. But, yes.
You can certainly have opportunities to lay out on the beach in the South of France in September!
Granted, my version of “warm” is a little warmer than what we experienced in the French Riviera.
But the beaches were full of people who were laying out on the beach in the 68 degree F weather!
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Dress It Up a Little?
It is no secret that the South of France (and France in general) is known for its fashion. As someone who really isn’t all that fashionable, I did bring a few more dresses to the Cote de Azur than I usually do!
Plus, the right dress can be pretty comfortable to walk and move around in all day!
Now, by no means is it a requirement. If you are wondering if you NEED to dress up in the French Riviera, no. You can certainly wear more casual outfits in the South of France (unless, of course, you are going to a luxury resort or restaurant that may have a dress code.)
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What to Wear in the South of France: Shoe Options
As much as I would like to put fashion first, I can’t do it when it comes to shoes. Even in the fashiony South of France.
In typical European fashion, we walked a million miles and some of those miles were up and down hills and stairs (especially in Monaco!)
So, as a practical packer, I recommend packing a comfortable pair of sneakers and sandals you can walk around in all day, comfortably.
You can also pack sandals to wear in the evening to dinner if you don’t plan to walk a mile to dinner.
I packed white Adidas sneakers in the South of France, but have since purchased sneakers from Amazon (second shoes below) that have a little more cushion and find them to be more comfortable.
As, my go-to sandal to wear all day while traveling are the Teva mid-form sandals (in kahki to match more things.) I’ve worn them in Greece, Aruba, Bali, France and more and they are reliably comfortable for me!
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Other Essentials to Pack for the South of France in September
Maybe not essential, but here are some other things to pack for your trip to the South of France in September!
Daily Backpack– With the fluctuating temperatures, you are either going to have to wear your outer layer all day or have something to carry it while the day is sunny and warm.
Sunhat– Whether you opt to sunbathe or not, the sun is still quite potent in the South of France in September. A cute sunhat can protect your face and add a little something to your outfit! I purchased this one for a trip to Mexico and loved how it fit!
Sunglasses– Really, highly, recommend sunglasses. Cheap, expensive, whatever. Things are bright and the sun can reflect off the lighter buildings and water.
Want a Suitcase Recommendation?
I have recently upgraded to an Away suitcase. It was expensive and I really didn’t know if it would be worth.
But after EXTENSIVE research and asking travelers on my social medias, multiple people said the warranty is GREAT and had suitcases replaced with NO problems.
So, after going through several zipper and wheel breaks between my husband and I, I committed to the Away suitcase and I love it so far!
Sunscreen Stick: As someone who travelers carry-on only often, I like to use a sunscreen stick. Whatever you prefer, you are going to want sunscreen!
Power Adapter- The last two trips I have been on, someone has forgotten their convertor, so this is just your reminder.
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Final Thoughts on What to Wear in the South of France in September
All of that to say, if you wear shorts or light pants and bring layers for the mornings and evenings, you will be set for the South of France in September!
What level of fashion you want to be on when you visit is entirely up to you. But, unless you just plan to take it easy and sunbathe, I recommend to dress comfortably so you can spend your day exploring without being miserable!
Here is everything you need to know about visiting the South of France in September and a great way to spend a week in the French Riviera!
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