January+
Windy Provençal winter. Frequent mistral (up to 80 km/h), daytime temperatures around 8°C, blue but cold skies. Estates mostly closed. Alpilles black truffle season — Saint-Rémy and Richerenches markets.
February+
Mid-winter. Mistral still present, truffle season at apex. Saint-Rémy carnival, olive festival. Good period for truffle and winter gastronomy lovers.
March+
Winter exit. First almond trees blooming, temperatures at 13°C, mistral easing. First estate openings. Provence regains its light, Alpilles villages (Eygalières, Maussane) emerge from winter torpor.
April+
Excellent month. Cherry, plum and almond trees in full bloom, ideal temperatures (16°C), exceptional light. First spring festivals, markets in peak form. One of the most beautiful seasons to combine vineyards, gardens and perched villages.
May+
Spring peak. Emerging lavender (full bloom in June-July), temperatures at 20°C, oblique light sublimating the Alpilles. Estates fully open (Trévallon, Mas de la Dame, Mas de Cabassole), Provençal gastronomy at peak.
June+
The most complete month. Lavender in full bloom (Valensole Plateau 1h away, but also a few fields around Les Baux), temperatures at 25°C, longest days. Saint-Rémy Festival, nearby Arles International Photography Festival.
July+
Hot summer (29°C average, up to 35°C). Lavender still blooming until mid-July. High but still manageable crowds in Saint-Rémy and Les Baux. Olive-tree dinner season, outdoor concerts.
August+
Tourist and heat peak (often 33-38°C). Saturated crowds in Les Baux, Saint-Rémy, Isle-sur-la-Sorgue. Many estates reduce openings for holidays. Least recommended month.
September+
The major return. Rosé and red harvests (Provençal rosé dominates, but Domaine de Trévallon and Mas de la Dame reds are magnificent), thinning crowds, temperatures dropping to 24°C.
October+
Reference month. Harvests in full activity, olive trees preparing for harvest (November-December), foliage turning slightly (Provence keeps more green than Tuscany), exceptional autumnal light.
November+
Olive harvest. Mills running at full capacity, first new olive oils, markets celebrating the olive in all its forms. Temperatures at 13°C, mistral returning. Authentic gastronomic season.
December+
Luminous but windy Provençal winter. Christmas markets at Les Baux and Saint-Rémy, starred restaurants (L'Oustau de Baumanière) in full activity, first black truffles. Estates mostly closed or by appointment.