Rain in the Sud region: how you can anticipate it and even appreciate it

Yes, it can also rain in the Sud! Certainly not as much as in Brittany, but sometimes rainy periods in the region need to be anticipated to adapt your stay. Remember the right reflexes to have in the case of big storms and discover ideas for activities to do when it rains so you don’t lose an ounce of the Sud’s charm.

The Sud region and its Mediterranean climate

Of course, when you think of the South of France, you see the sun and blue sky. Nevertheless, even though it is generally associated with the ideal climate, there can be frequent rainy episodes in the Sud, especially in the Autumn and a little less in the spring. What are known as “épisodes méditerranéens” are weather conditions caused by a rise of hot, wet, unstable air from the Mediterranean, which can even generate violent storms. These episodes are usually in the autumn when the sea is still warm and generates a high level of evaporation. This results in heavy rainfall over a relatively short period of time (between 1 and 2 hours) – the equivalent of several months’ rain in a few hours. They can therefore become dangerous and trigger floods. The main thing is to know how to anticipate them and stay informed so as not to be taken by surprise and enjoy the Sud even when it’s raining.

How to stay informed and anticipate rainfall

The best way to get the weather forecast, follow the evolution of rainfall in real-time and receive alerts is to consult the relevant sites and applications such as Météo France and La Chaîne Météo. There is also an information service called Vigicrues that provides information on the risk of sudden flooding. Other applications, such as Rain Today, help you to follow the progression of rainfall hour by hour. It’s almost addictive! To better anticipate future weather disturbances and their intensity, Météo France has set up a colour code: green when everything’s ok, yellow when you must be vigilant, orange for especially vigilant, (for instance, not going out on our paddle board or doing a canyoning day… ) and last of all, red when dangerous phenomena are forecasted and you must respect the safety instructions broadcast by local authorities. Please note that some communes have set up a text message alert system or broadcast information in real-time on social media. Remember to have a look at what they publish!

Heavy rain and flooding: the right reflexes

If there is an « épisode méditerranéen » or a heavy rainstorm during your holiday in the Sud region, here are a few good habits to remember:

Put off travelling and don’t take your car, just a few centimetres of water could wash it away! And don’t get on your bike or any other two-wheelers, which become very dangerous on wet or flooded roads.
If you are outdoors when the storm breaks, take shelter in the nearest building. Keep away from water courses, which can overflow and create floods or torrents, and also banks and bridges.
If you are in your accommodation, do not go down to the basement or underground car parks and remember to turn off the gas, electricity and heating if you can, but be very careful of course.

How to enjoy the Sud sheltered from the rain

Rain is not a fatality! On the contrary, it can be a good opportunity to visit cultural and historical sites on the territory. The Sud is full of not-to-be-missed museums, galleries, castles, and churches which are an excellent way of learning about the local heritage. For example, you can discover LUMA in Arles, in Les Baux-de-Provence, take shelter in the Carrières de Lumière, visit the Fondation Vasarely in Aix-en-Provence, visit the Mucem in Marseille and explore the MAMAC in Nice! You can also plan an indoor activity such as a moment of relaxation in a well-being spa, an hour or two of workshops to learn a local savoir-faire or a visit to the local wine-growing estates to try their production and maybe even discover their wine cellar. On a rainy day, you can also take shelter in the covered markets, malls and boutiques and shop for local products!

And why not get wet?

If the rain stays light and there’s no risk, outdoor activities are not necessarily out of the question! For example, with the right equipment, rain can make a hike a unique experience, particularly in forests or through gorges, as in La Sainte-Baume or the Verdon. The changing atmosphere allows you to discover landscapes in a different light and make the most of these magnificent areas with fewer people on the trails. For nature- and photography lovers, rain can also offer interesting opportunities to see wildlife: after the rain, many animals come out and the vegetation seems to come back to life!