France's third-largest city sits at the confluence of the Rhone and Saone rivers and has been a major center of commerce since Roman times when it was Lugdunum, capital of Gaul. Its Renaissance old town (Vieux Lyon) and silk-workers' district (Croix-Rousse) are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Lyon is considered the gastronomic capital of France, birthplace of modern French cuisine under chef Paul Bocuse.
Nights sit around 14°C and afternoons around 24°C, though some days reach 31°C.
Lyon has real seasons: summer afternoons sit around 28°C, winter ones around 9°C.
Some summer days reach 35°C, and some winter nights drop below freezing.
Rain is spread through the year: about 10 days in 30 in October, the wettest month, and 8 in February.
Wind is rarely an issue; most months sit between calm and a light breeze. Air quality is worth watching: February averages an AQI of 68, while July clears to 36.
Days stretch to about 15.5 hours of light in June and shrink to 8.5 in December — something to weigh if you work to a fixed timezone.
For what you're after, the best months in Lyon are July – August. Expect fast internet (496 Mbps) and a high cost of living (about €2000 a month).
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