Corsica

Corsica – What you should know

Corsica is two destinations in one: a Mediterranean island reaching 29°C in August, and a mountain range with peaks above 2,700 metres. 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 — 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 on the coast and still manageable conditions higher up.

The swimming season runs longer than the hiking window suggests: the sea reaches 25°C in August and is still 20°C in October. Autumn brings the turn, though — November is the wettest month at around 104 mm, 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.