July 2026 becomes France's hottest month on record
July 2026 was officially the hottest month ever recorded in France, as well as the third driest July on record, with exceptional heat and drought fuelling wildfire risks across the country.
July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in France since records began in 1900, according to Météo-France, with an average temperature of 24.9°C.
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The month surpassed the previous records of August 2003 (24.8°C) and July 2006 (24.4°C).
Average temperatures were 3.8°C above normal, while daytime highs were 5.2°C above seasonal averages, and temperatures remained above normal throughout the month.
The record-breaking heat was driven by France's second heatwave of the year, which lasted from 4 to 19 July.
July was also one of the driest months on record.
Rainfall across France was nearly 70% below average, making it the third driest July ever recorded.
Many areas, including the French Riviera, inland Var and Corsica, saw almost no rainfall throughout the month.
The prolonged heat and lack of rain have left soils exceptionally dry, with Météo-France warning that ground conditions are now comparable to the record drought seen in August 2022.
The drought has increased pressure on agriculture and contributed to the exceptionally high wildfire risk experienced across the country in recent weeks.
Despite the dry conditions, sunshine levels were around 35% above average nationwide, making July 2026 the second sunniest July since records began, behind only July 2022.
Météo-France also noted that another heatwave began at the end of the month, meaning France experienced three separate heatwaves during 2026 by the start of August.