Formula 1 heads to the glamorous streets of Monte Carlo this weekend for the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix, with the latest weather forecast suggesting drivers and teams can expect warm and largely dry conditions throughout the event.
As the sixth round of the 2026 Formula 1 season, Monaco arrives later in the calendar than usual, bringing slightly different weather conditions compared to its traditional May slot. With championship leader Kimi Antonelli enjoying a remarkable run of form, the Mercedes driver will be aiming to strengthen his position at the top of the standings after claiming four consecutive victories in China, Japan, Miami, and Canada.
However, Antonelli is expected to face strong competition from Ferrari. Home favourite Charles Leclerc enters the weekend as one of the leading contenders for victory, while seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton is also expected to challenge near the front. Ferrari’s impressive performance in slower-speed corners could prove particularly valuable around Monaco’s narrow and technical circuit.
Friday, June 5 – Practice Sessions
The Monaco Grand Prix returns to the traditional race weekend format following two consecutive sprint weekends. Friday’s schedule features the opening two practice sessions, giving teams their first opportunity to fine-tune their cars for the unique demands of the street circuit.
FP1 begins at 1:30pm local time, with weather forecasts indicating a mostly sunny afternoon and temperatures reaching around 23°C. While conditions are expected to remain dry, there is a small possibility of rain, estimated at around 13 per cent. Drivers may also need to contend with moderate winds of approximately 8mph, which could affect braking and corner entry points around the tight Monaco layout.
Later in the day, FP2 gets underway at 5:00pm local time. Temperatures are expected to ease slightly to around 22°C, accompanied by increased cloud cover. Rain remains unlikely, although the probability rises marginally to around 18 per cent.
Saturday, June 6 – Final Practice and Qualifying
Saturday is forecast to deliver ideal conditions for both the final practice session and the crucial qualifying battle.
FP3 starts at 12:30pm local time under clear skies, with temperatures once again hovering around 23°C. Despite the moderate temperature, sunshine will make conditions feel considerably warmer, with a perceived temperature closer to 27°C. Humidity levels are expected to remain around 65 per cent, while winds should stay steady at roughly 8mph.
Attention will then turn to qualifying at 4:00pm, arguably the most important session of the Monaco weekend due to the difficulty of overtaking on race day. Fortunately for teams and drivers, weather conditions are expected to remain stable, with no rain forecast and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures should remain consistent at around 23°C, providing ideal track conditions for a dramatic fight for pole position.
Sunday, June 7 – Grand Prix
Race day is expected to bring the warmest weather of the entire weekend. At the scheduled 3:00pm start, temperatures are forecast to reach 24°C and could rise to 25°C as the race progresses.
Under strong sunshine, conditions are expected to feel significantly hotter, with real-feel temperatures approaching 29°C. Rain is not expected to play any role in the race, with forecasts showing a zero per cent chance of precipitation throughout the afternoon. Winds will also be lighter than on previous days, averaging around 6mph.
Overall, the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix is set to take place under near-perfect weather conditions, ensuring that strategy, qualifying performance, and driver skill will likely be the deciding factors in one of Formula 1’s most prestigious races.
