French Weather Phrases: Essential Expressions

Basic Weather Conditions

Il fait + [condition] is the main structure for describing weather. Here's why and how to use it:

Sunny Weather

1. "Il fait beau" (It's beautiful/nice out)

• Most common way to say the weather is nice
• Used for generally pleasant weather

2. "Il fait du soleil" (It's sunny)

• Direct way to mention sunshine
• Often used to plan outdoor activities

Rainy Weather

1. "Il pleut" (It's raining)

• Note: Doesn't use "faire" structure
• Simple present tense for current rain

2. "Il va pleuvoir" (It's going to rain)

• Used for imminent rain
• Common in weather forecasts

Temperature Expressions

1. "Il fait chaud" (It's hot)

• Used when temperature feels warm
• Often followed by temperature: "Il fait 30 degrés"

2. "Il fait froid" (It's cold)

• Describes cold weather
• Can add "très" for "very cold": "Il fait très froid"

Practical Conversations

Asking About Weather

1. "Quel temps fait-il?" (What's the weather like?)

• Formal way to ask about weather

2. "Il fait quel temps?" (What's the weather like?)

• More casual version

Seasonal Comments

1. "C'est typique pour la saison" (It's typical for the season)

• Common small talk response

2. "Il fait un temps d'été" (It's summer weather)

• Describes weather typical of a season

Weather Small Talk

Opening Conversations

1. "Belle journée, n'est-ce pas?" (Beautiful day, isn't it?)

• Perfect conversation starter

2. "Quel mauvais temps!" (What bad weather!)

• Common way to commiserate about poor weather

Weather Complaints

1. "Je n'en peux plus de ce temps" (I can't take this weather anymore)

• Used during extreme weather

2. "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.