Lyon, France: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lyon, France? If you're planning to go to Lyon, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lyon
- Important essentials for Lyon
- Activities for Lyon
- Lyon in January: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in February: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in March: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in April: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in May: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in June: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in July: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in August: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in September: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in October: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in November: weather and what to pack
- Lyon in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Lyon, France
Based on the climate and weather in Lyon, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lyon, France
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lyon, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly product.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection possible.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
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Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Lyon. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types C and E. This one should be appropriate for most areas, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Lyon, France by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is cold. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: this one
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Lyon, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Lyon has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
February
If you are traveling to Lyon in February, you will notice that it is pretty cool. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Lyon, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Lyon has some good ski areas If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
March
March for Lyon can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
April
April in Lyon can be chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
May
May in Lyon is balmy. Temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
June
June in Lyon is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
July
July for Lyon is a perfect temperature. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
August
Traveling to Lyon in August, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We recommend:
September
If you vacation in Lyon during September, you may see that it is balmy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 50s F (low 10s C). Humidity is generally between 50 and 60% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Lyon is crisp. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 40s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 60% to 70% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Standard footwear
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
November
November in Lyon is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). But the colder weather doesn't bring low humidity, which is in the 70% to 80% range on average.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
December
December in Lyon is pretty cool. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) to low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Lyon, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A wind resistant umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Lyon has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
Activities for Lyon, France
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Lyon.
If you are going to see the lovely St Jean Cathedral, it's worthwhile to wear modest clothing:
-
Long dresses
This one, for example.
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Trousers
If you go to St Jean archaeological garden, you're likely to do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Binoculars
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
If you see the Musee d'art religieux, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
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