Best Time to Visit Giverny, France:
Month-by-Month Guide

Monet designed his garden at Giverny to ensure something beautiful is always blooming from spring to autumn. But not all months are equal — the garden changes dramatically throughout the season, and choosing the right time to visit can make all the difference. Here's our expert month-by-month guide.

Quick Overview: Best & Worst Times

April in Giverny 🌷

Opening month — the garden wakes up on April 1 and the first weeks are a delight of spring bulbs. Expect tulips in every colour, daffodils, narcissus, forget-me-nots and wallflowers creating a bright carpet in the Clos Normand. Crowds are manageable, especially early in the month.

• ✅ Smaller crowds than May–June
• ✅ Beautiful spring bulb displays
• ✅ Easier to get garden tickets
• ❌ Weather can be changeable (rain possible)
• ❌ Water lilies not yet blooming

May in Giverny ⭐ (Best Month)

May is Giverny's most spectacular month. The famous wisteria cascades over the Japanese bridge in blue-purple waterfalls (mid-April to mid-May). Irises bloom in the water garden. The flower garden fills with peonies, alliums, aquilegias and the first roses. The long days and mild temperatures make for perfect garden visits.

• ⭐ Wisteria on the Japanese bridge (mid-April to mid-May)
• ⭐ Irises and aquilegias in full bloom
• ⭐ All of Monet's seasonal plantings at their best
• ❌ Busiest month — book tickets and tours well in advance

June in Giverny ⭐ (Best Month)

June rivals May as the best month to visit. The water lilies begin blooming in late May and reach their peak in June and July. Roses cover the arches of the Grande Allée. The garden is lush, full and perfectly coloured — exactly as Monet painted it.

• ⭐ Water lily pond at its peak
• ⭐ Roses on the central alley
• ⭐ Long evenings (sunset after 22:00)
• ❌ Very busy on weekends — visit on weekdays if possible

July & August in Giverny 🌺

Summer is warm and crowded, but the garden is still beautiful. Nasturtiums carpet the paths, dahlias and gladioli bloom in vivid colours, and the water lilies continue. The main challenge is the crowds — queue times without a pre-booked ticket can reach 1–2 hours.

• ✅ Nasturtiums, dahlias, sunflowers in bloom
• ✅ Warm weather, great for photos
• ❌ Busiest period — book everything in advance
• ❌ Arrive early (9:30) to beat the worst crowds

September in Giverny 🍂

September is a hidden gem — summer crowds have diminished, but the garden is still in full colour. Michaelmas daisies, asters, Japanese anemones and late-blooming dahlias fill the beds. The water lily pond is still active. Comfortable temperatures and atmospheric light make it ideal for photography.

• ✅ Far fewer crowds than July–August
• ✅ Beautiful late-season blooms
• ✅ Easier to find accommodation
• ❌ Days getting shorter

October in Giverny 🍂

October brings rich autumn colours to the weeping willows and trees surrounding the water garden. The flowers are winding down but the garden takes on a golden, melancholy beauty. Visit before November 1 when it closes for winter.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the best month to visit Giverny? +

  May and June are widely considered the best months to visit Giverny. In May, the wisteria drapes the Japanese bridge in stunning purple cascades, the irises are in bloom, and the entire garden is at its most colourful and vibrant. June adds roses and the first water lilies to the mix. Both months offer long daylight hours and warm weather.

• Is Giverny open in April? +

  Yes! The Fondation Claude Monet opens on April 1 each year and April is a lovely time to visit. You'll see tulips, daffodils, wallflowers and early irises in bloom. Crowds are smaller than in May–June, and the garden has a fresh, spring-awakening feel. Weather can be mixed (spring showers), but the garden is beautiful regardless.

• Can you visit Giverny in September and October? +

  Absolutely. September and October are underrated months to visit Giverny. The summer crowds have thinned, the gardens transition into beautiful autumn colours with dahlias, sunflowers and asters still in bloom in September. October brings rich golden tones. The Foundation closes on November 1.

• Is Giverny crowded in summer? +

  July and August are the busiest months in Giverny, with thousands of visitors per day. Expect queues at the garden entrance if you haven't pre-booked. Arrive at opening time (9:30) and pre-purchase your tickets online to avoid waiting. Alternatively, book a guided tour from Paris that includes skip-the-line access.

• When does Giverny garden close for the year? +

  The Fondation Claude Monet (Monet's garden) closes on November 1. It remains closed throughout winter (November through March) and reopens on April 1. There is nothing to see in the garden during winter as the plants are dormant.