Bouches-du-Rhône’s Lowest Sunshine Since 2010
- The Bouches-du-Rhône region experiences a meaningful drop in sunshine, raising concerns about a perhaps record-breaking quarter.
- Residents of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southern France have noticed a marked decline in whether conditions in recent weeks.
- According to weather observations from a station in Marignane, sunshine levels are considered widely deficient since the start of the year.
Unusually Low Sunshine Hours Plague Southern France
Table of Contents
The Bouches-du-Rhône region experiences a meaningful drop in sunshine, raising concerns about a perhaps record-breaking quarter.
Residents of the Bouches-du-Rhône department in southern France have noticed a marked decline in whether conditions in recent weeks. Increased cloud cover and precipitation have led to a notable decrease in sunshine in Marseille and surrounding areas,challenging typical weather patterns.
According to weather observations from a station in Marignane, sunshine levels are considered widely deficient
since the start of the year. The station has recorded only 376 hours of sunshine since Jan. 1, compared to a seasonal average of 474 hours. March has seen 114 hours of sun, a stark contrast to the hours recorded in January and February.
Record Precipitation in March
If the current trend persists, the frist quarter of 2025 coudl be the least sunny since 2010. March has already set a precipitation record, with 153 millimeters of rain recorded in just three weeks. This surpasses the previous record set in 2024, when 147 millimeters of rain fell in the Bouches-du-Rhône throughout the entire month.
Unusually Low Sunshine hours Plague Southern France: A Q&A
Why is Southern France Experiencing Fewer Sunshine Hours?
Residents in the Bouches-du-Rhône department of southern France are noticing a decrease in sunshine. Increased cloud cover and precipitation have reduced the amount of sun in Marseille and surrounding areas. Weather observations from a station near Marignane show “widely deficient” sunshine levels since the beginning of the year.
How Many Hours of Sunshine Has the Region Received?
as of the provided information,the weather station near Marignane has recorded only 376 hours of sunshine since January 1st in 2025. This is considerably lower than the seasonal average of 474 hours. March has been particularly gloomy, with only 114 hours of sun, a stark contrast compared to the hours recorded in January and February.
Is This a Record-breaking Year for Low Sunshine?
If current trends continue, the first quarter of 2025 could be the least sunny since 2010. This is supported by a meaningful increase in precipitation, especially in March.
What About Precipitation? is Rainfall Higher Than Usual?
Yes, precipitation is notably higher than usual.
March 2025 already set a precipitation record with 153 millimeters of rain recorded in just three weeks.
This surpasses the previous record set in 2024, when 147 millimeters of rain fell throughout the entire month in the Bouches-du-Rhône.
Key Weather Data Comparison:
| Period | Sunshine Hours (approx.) | Precipitation (mm) | Notes |
| :——————————— | :———————– | :—————– | :———————————————- |
| Jan 1st - Current Date (2025) | 376 | N/A | Below Seasonal Average |
| Seasonal Average (Jan 1st – Current Date) | 474 | N/A | Expected sunshine hours |
| March 2025 (partial) | 114 | 153 | Record-breaking rainfall for the month |
| march 2024 (entire month) | N/A | 147 | previous record for monthly precipitation |