Dordogne experiences fairly mild winters and moderate summers, which can be long and very warm at times, making it the best time of year to visit Dordogne and Lot. Average summer daytime highs range from 77°F to 95°F (25°C to 35°C) with occasional storms and showers. Spring and autumn are mild with a higher chance of rain, while in late spring heavy rainfall can occur. Winters are generally mild with short periods of cold weather and with frequent rain. The region experiences variations in weather depending on the local area, due to the variable landscape, and things like rainfall and temperature can vary from village to village, making conditions quite unpredictable. No matter what time of year one visits it is a good idea to take a rain jacket. Summer is peak tourism season but many visitors find the off-season pleasant in Dordogne and Lot.
