Brittany
France · Europe
The best time to visit Brittany is May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 22°C (72°F), with peaks around 29°C (84°F); in winter, nights average 4°C (39°F), dropping to around -4°C (25°F) on the coldest. All climate data are based on historical monthly averages (2005–2025) to help you plan the optimal travel time.
Brittany – What you should know
Brittany is a peninsula with a rugged Atlantic and Channel coast and a climate shaped by the sea: mild, changeable, seldom extreme. Daytime highs average 22°C (72°F) in July, around 29°C (84°F) on the hottest days; in January they are 9°C (48°F) and frost is rare. The weather can turn several times in a day — the Bretons joke that there are four seasons in one day.
The best time is May to September, with 6 to 8 hours of sunshine a day and only five to six rainy days a month. July is particularly settled, with 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain and eight hours of sun. The Atlantic coast stays cool, though: the sea reaches 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F) in August but only about 17°C (63°F) in June. Many stretches of coast are only partly suitable for swimming because of currents and tides.
For landscape and culture, spring and autumn also work: in April and May the days are long, with seven to eight hours of sunshine, and the coastal paths — along the Côte de Granit Rose, for example — are quiet. October brings more rain at 67 mm (2.6 in) on eight rainy days, and November and December the most, with ten rainy days. The classics include the Carnac standing stones, the Pointe du Raz, the old town of Saint-Malo behind its ramparts and a crêperie in every village.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 9° (48°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 10° (50°)4– (39–)15 (59) | 12° (54°)6– (43–)19 (66) | 15° (59°)9– (48–)23 (73) | 18° (64°)12– (54–)24 (75) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)27 (81) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)29 (84) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)29 (84) | 21° (70°)15– (59–)27 (81) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)22 (72) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 10° (50°)1– (34–)15 (59) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 4° (39°)-4– (25–)11 (52) | 4° (39°)-2– (28–)10 (50) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)11 (52) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)11 (52) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)18 (64) | 13° (55°)7– (45–)17 (63) | 11° (52°)4– (39–)16 (61) | 7° (45°)0– (32–)13 (55) | 5° (41°)-3– (27–)11 (52) |
☀️Sunshine | 3h UV 2 | 4h UV 3 | 5h UV 5 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 9h UV 7 | 8h UV 7 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 4 | 3h UV 3 | 3h UV 2 |
🌊Water Temp | 9° (48°) | 9° (48°) | 10° (50°) | 12° (54°) | 14° (57°) | 17° (63°) | 19° (66°) | 20° (68°) | 19° (66°) | 16° (61°) | 13° (55°) | 11° (52°) |
🌧Rain Days | 8d54mm (2.1") | 7d47mm (1.9") | 7d42mm (1.6") | 6d39mm (1.5") | 6d51mm (2.0") | 6d47mm (1.9") | 5d40mm (1.6") | 5d48mm (1.9") | 5d49mm (1.9") | 8d67mm (2.6") | 10d79mm (3.1") | 10d74mm (2.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
April offers great weather in Brittany with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Brittany
November – February
Storms roll in from the Atlantic, waves crash against the rocks of the Pointe du Raz, and it rains on eight to ten days a month. Frost is rare, and daytime highs of 9 to 10°C (48 to 50°F) keep the coastal paths walkable. The crêperies are warm and the beaches empty.
March – May
The days lengthen, gorse blooms yellow on the cliffs and in April the sun shines a good seven hours a day. The coastal paths, along the Côte de Granit Rose for example, are almost deserted. The sea stays cool and the weather changeable.
June – September
High summer on the coast: with 20 to 22°C (68 to 72°F) by day and seven to eight hours of sun, beach life, markets and festivals are in full swing and Saint-Malo and the coastal towns are packed. The sea becomes comfortably warm at about 19 to 20°C (66 to 68°F) in August, while tides and currents still dictate the swimming plan.
October
October is golden and stormy in equal measure. The beaches are empty, the seafood is fresh and the light is soft. Rain comes more often, on eight days of the month, and in between the heath and coast glow.
Events & Festivals
July
- Les Vieilles Charrues· mid-July (4 days)
One of France's largest music festivals, held since 1992 in Carhaix-Plouguer in inland Finistère, with around 230,000 visitors.
- Festival de Cornouaille· late July (4 days)
Held in Quimper's old town since 1923: Breton music, competitions for bagadoù (pipe bands) and dancers, closing with a large costume parade on Sunday.
August
- Festival Interceltique de Lorient· late July to early August (10 days)
Ten days of Celtic music and culture from Brittany and the other Celtic nations in Lorient. The highlight is the Grand Parade of the Celtic Nations through the town.
December
- Rencontres Trans Musicales· early December (5 days)
New-music festival in Rennes, focused on discoveries since 1979. Most concerts take place on four stages at the Parc Expo.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Brittany?
- The best time to visit Brittany is May, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Brittany?
- In summer, daytime highs in Brittany average 22°C (72°F), with peaks around 29°C (84°F); in winter, nights average 4°C (39°F), dropping to around -4°C (25°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Brittany get?
- Brittany has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 7 rain days per month. The driest months are March, April, and July.
- How warm is the water in Brittany?
- Water temperature in Brittany ranges from 9°C (48°F) (February) to 20°C (68°F) (August). During the best travel months (May, June, July, August, September, and October), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JulAugSep
