Corsica
France · Europe
The best time to visit Corsica is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 5°C (41°F), dropping to around -1°C (30°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 11 hours per day — ideal for beach and outdoor activities.
Corsica – What you should know
Corsica is two destinations in one: a Mediterranean island reaching 29°C (84°F) in August, and a mountain range with peaks above 2,700 metres (8,858 ft). That dual nature shapes the climate. The coast around Ajaccio and Calvi has classic Mediterranean weather with a virtually rain-free summer — July averages just 6 mm (0.2 in) — while the interior stays markedly cooler and wetter.
For the GR 20, Europe's most notorious long-distance trail, this is decisive. The window is narrow: before mid-June snow often still lies at altitude, and in high summer the lower stages are too hot. June and September are therefore the two dependable hiking months — 26°C (79°F) on the coast and still manageable conditions higher up.
The swimming season runs longer than the hiking window suggests: the sea reaches 25°C (77°F) in August and is still 20°C (68°F) in October. Autumn brings the turn, though — November is the wettest month at around 104 mm (4.1 in), and at 4.9 hours of sunshine a day the island shows its grey side. If you want both mountain and sea, travel in September.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 14° (57°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)24 (75) | 23° (73°)17– (63–)27 (81) | 27° (81°)22– (72–)34 (93) | 30° (86°)25– (77–)34 (93) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)33 (91) | 27° (81°)21– (70–)30 (86) | 24° (75°)18– (64–)28 (82) | 19° (66°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)19 (66) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 6° (43°)0– (32–)11 (52) | 5° (41°)-1– (30–)10 (50) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)14 (57) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 17° (63°)12– (54–)21 (70) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)22 (72) | 19° (66°)14– (57–)22 (72) | 17° (63°)11– (52–)21 (70) | 13° (55°)8– (46–)18 (64) | 10° (50°)3– (37–)15 (59) | 7° (45°)1– (34–)12 (54) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 4 | 6h UV 5 | 8h UV 6 | 10h UV 8 | 10h UV 8 | 11h UV 8 | 12h UV 9 | 11h UV 8 | 9h UV 7 | 7h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 5h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 14° (57°) | 14° (57°) | 14° (57°) | 16° (61°) | 18° (64°) | 22° (72°) | 24° (75°) | 25° (77°) | 23° (73°) | 21° (70°) | 18° (64°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 6d55mm (2.2") | 6d56mm (2.2") | 6d51mm (2.0") | 4d37mm (1.5") | 4d58mm (2.3") | 2d23mm (0.9") | 1d6mm (0.2") | 1d13mm (0.5") | 3d43mm (1.7") | 5d68mm (2.7") | 7d104mm (4.1") | 6d73mm (2.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From June to August, UV levels in Corsica reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
May offers great weather in Corsica with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Corsica?
- The best time to visit Corsica is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Corsica?
- In summer, daytime highs in Corsica average 30°C (86°F), with peaks around 34°C (93°F); in winter, nights average 5°C (41°F), dropping to around -1°C (30°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Corsica get?
- Corsica has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Corsica?
- Water temperature in Corsica ranges from 14°C (57°F) (February) to 25°C (77°F) (August). During the best travel months (June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunSep
