Weather in Biarritz

climate and weather in biarritzBiarritz is a picturesque small port town on the Bay of Biscay in southwestern France and it’s an ideal destination to visit during the northern hemisphere’s summer holiday period from June to September. Close to the Spanish Border and the famous Spanish port city of San Sebastian, it has a temperate oceanic climate, which means temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year. 

Summertime starts mid-June, peaks in July and tapers off during September, with temperatures ranging from 14°C to 24°C (57°F-75°F). The heart of winter falls over December and January and temperatures tend to hover between 5°C and 14°C (41°F-57°F). More extreme temperatures have been recorded in recent years, so it’s recommend that travellers are prepared for an unexpected summer heat wave and a particularly icy winter’s day.

Although most rain falls during winter, tourists should expect cloudbursts at any time of the year. The average annual rainfall is around 1450mm (57in). July is the driest month with 69mm (2.7in), with November generally being the wettest with 160mm (6.3in). Rainfall in summer sometimes comes in the form of thunderstorms and is often accompanied by high levels of humidity. 

Wind speed is a steady 8kph (5 mph) throughout the year. 

The train and bus stations, as well as the airport, are all within a few kilometres of the city centre, making Biarritz very accessible to surrounding cities and to international travellers. The local towns of Anglet, Bayonne and San Sebastian (in Spain) are all within easy reach for day or weekend travel.

 

When is the best time to go to Biarritz?

Spring and summer are the liveliest seasons in Biarritz. From June to September, tourists arrive in droves to explore the magnificent coastline, take in the local arts and cultural events, as well as to immerse themselves in the town’s surfing culture. Not only is rainfall at its lowest but the days are hot, sunny and long. Professional surfers from around the world flock to Biarritz once a year during July for the Biarritz Surfing Festival and the all-women’s Roxy Jam. The nightlife takes on a new liveliness and there are many cultural, musical and outdoor events during the summer. The town is a little less crowded at the beginning and very end of summer (June and early September), but the weather is still warm and pleasant. 

This does not mean that winter is an unpleasant time to visit. As well as the town being much quieter, the moderate temperatures mean that walking through and enjoying the city and travelling along the coastline to neighbouring towns is still pleasant.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Biarritz

The spring and summer months (from May to September) offer wonderfully warm weather and tourists should pack their swimming gear, as well as umbrellas and raincoats to stay dry in the occasional bout of rain. Beach wear, shorts and T-shirts are a must. Jeans and light sweaters for cooler rainy days and evenings are also advisable. Also be sure to pack comfortable walking shoes to stroll around the pedestrian-friendly city, and a sturdier pair of sneakers or boots for hiking in the surrounding rural areas. Dress to impress in smart casual style for the Biarritz nightlife, or turn up in surfer gear as the locals do. 

Expect rainfall and cool to cold temperatures in autumn and winter (from October to March). Pack rain gear and umbrellas along with jeans, long-sleeved shirts and warmer sweaters and jerseys. Keep in mind that temperatures can drop below 0°C (32°F), although this is rare.

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in January 

Average temperature in Biarritz in January: 5°C to 11°C (41°F to 52°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in January: 13 °C (55°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in January: 129mm (5.1in)
Note: As with many other places in Europe, January is the coldest month of the year in Biarritz.

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in February

Average temperature in Biarritz in February: 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in February: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in February: 112mm (4.4in)
Note: This month traditionally signals the start of the winter school holidays. 

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in March

Average temperature in Biarritz in March: 7°C to 14°C (45°F to 57°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in March: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in March: 104mm (4.1in)

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in April

Average temperature in Biarritz in April: 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in April: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in April: 130mm (5.1in)
Note: Schools close in April for the annual spring holidays.

Events: Biarritz comes alive each April, as visitors crowd the town to watch and take part in the three-day Maider Arosteguy surfing competition

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in May

Average temperature in Biarritz in May: 11°C to 18°C (52°F to 65°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in May: 16°C (62°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in May: 114mm (4.5in)
Events: Performance artists take to the streets in early May at the Festival des Arts de la Rue.  

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in June

Average temperature in Biarritz in June: 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F) 
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in June: 19°C (67°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in June: 88mm (3.5in)
Note: June is the ideal time to visit Biarritz, especially for surfers and tourists. 

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in July

Average temperature in Biarritz in July: 16°C to 21°C (61°F to 70°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in July: 21°C (69 °F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in July: 69mm (2.7in)
Note: The summer school holidays begin in July. July has the lowest rainfall and warmest temperatures of the year.
Events: Surfing season hits Biarritz in July! The world-famous Biarritz Surf Festival takes place during early July and the Roxy Jam all-women’s surfing contest happens towards the middle of the month. The Big Festival, which starts in mid-July , hosts numerous popular musicians and Indie artists. 

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in August

Average temperature in Biarritz in August: 17°C to 24°C (63°F to 75°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in August: 21°C (71°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in August: 98mm (3.9in)
Events: Don’t miss the fireworks at Biarritz Beach to celebrate National France Day on 15 August.

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in September

Average temperature in Biarritz in September: 15°C to 24°C (59°F to 75°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in September: 21°C (70°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in September: 120mm (4.7in)
Events: Le Temps d'Aimer is a two-week festival celebrating all forms of dance during mid-September. The Suez Gaz French Open brings the best of women’s tennis to Biarritz around the same time.

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in October

Average temperature in Biarritz in October: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in October: 19°C (66°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in October: 152mm (6in)
Events: The Festival de Biarritz Amérique Latine celebrates South American culture and film (September to October).

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in November

Average temperature in Biarritz in November: 8°C to 15°C (47°F to 59°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in November: 16°C (62°)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in November: 160mm (6.3in)
Note: November is the wettest month of the year in Biarritz. 

 

Climate and weather in Biarritz in December

Average temperature in Biarritz in December: 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F)
Average sea temperature in Biarritz in December: 14°C (58°F)
Average rainfall in Biarritz in December: 130mm( 5.1in)