A guide to saying it like a local
How to Say "The weather is great" in French
Express delight about the weather in French. Perfect for sunny days and pleasant conditions.
Il fait beau.
eel fay BOHneutral
French TTS · 0:01
Use this when you step outside and the sun is shining, or when the weather is generally pleasant and you want to comment on it. It's a common opener for conversations with shopkeepers or people you encounter.
Alternatives
- Quel temps magnifique !Use for exceptionally beautiful weather.
- Il fait un temps superbe.Slightly more emphatic than 'Il fait beau'.
Ways to get it wrong
Pronouncing 'beau'
The 'eau' sound is like the 'o' in 'boat', not like the 'ow' in 'cow'.
Using 'être' instead of 'faire'
For weather, always use 'faire': 'Il fait beau', not 'Il est beau'.
A small cultural note
Commenting on the weather is a very common and safe way to start a conversation in France, especially with people you don't know well.
The same phrase in other languages
Frequently asked
When do French people talk about the weather?
It's a go-to topic for small talk, especially when meeting someone for the first time or in casual encounters. It's a polite way to break the ice.
What if the weather is bad?
You can say 'Il fait mauvais.' (eel fay moh-VEH) for general bad weather, or 'Il pleut.' (eel PLOO) if it's raining.
Is 'Il fait beau' only for sunny days?
Not strictly. It generally means the weather is nice, pleasant, and agreeable, which often implies sunshine but can also mean clear skies and mild temperatures.
