French Weather Phrases: Essential Expressions
Updated on 2024-11-29
Basic Weather Conditions
Il fait + [condition] is the main structure for describing weather. Here's why and how to use it:
Sunny Weather
- "Il fait beau" (It's beautiful/nice out)
- Most common way to say the weather is nice
- Used for generally pleasant weather
- "Il fait du soleil" (It's sunny)
- Direct way to mention sunshine
- Often used to plan outdoor activities
Rainy Weather
- "Il pleut" (It's raining)
- Note: Doesn't use "faire" structure
- Simple present tense for current rain
- "Il va pleuvoir" (It's going to rain)
- Used for imminent rain
- Common in weather forecasts
Temperature Expressions
- "Il fait chaud" (It's hot)
- Used when temperature feels warm
- Often followed by temperature: "Il fait 30 degrés"
- "Il fait froid" (It's cold)
- Describes cold weather
- Can add "très" for "very cold": "Il fait très froid"
Practical Conversations
Asking About Weather
- "Quel temps fait-il?" (What's the weather like?)
- Formal way to ask about weather
- "Il fait quel temps?" (What's the weather like?)
- More casual version
Seasonal Comments
- "C'est typique pour la saison" (It's typical for the season)
- Common small talk response
- "Il fait un temps d'été" (It's summer weather)
- Describes weather typical of a season
Weather Small Talk
Opening Conversations
- "Belle journée, n'est-ce pas?" (Beautiful day, isn't it?)
- Perfect conversation starter
- "Quel mauvais temps!" (What bad weather!)
- Common way to commiserate about poor weather
Weather Complaints
- "Je n'en peux plus de ce temps" (I can't take this weather anymore)
- Used during extreme weather
- "Le temps est changeant" (The weather is changeable)
- Describes unpredictable weather
Important Note
French weather expressions often use "faire" (to make/do) instead of "être" (to be), unlike English constructions.