Weather in Brittany

Weather and climate in BrittanyJust one of France’s popular seaside holiday destinations, Brittany in the country’s northwest boasts a temperate oceanic climate, with mild but wet weather conditions all year round. It’s surrounded by the Celtic Sea, The Bay of Biscay and The English Channel, all of which contribute to the generally wet climate. But even though the weather can be unpredictable in autumn and spring, Brittany rarely gets as cold or as hot as the rest of France.

Summer starts in mid June, peaks in July and August, then tapers off during September, with temperatures ranging from 11°C to 24°C (52°F to 74°). The coldest temperatures are during the winter months of December, January and February and vary between 4°C and 10°C (39°F to 50°F). Inland and northern parts of the Brittany region are generally colder than the coastal areas. More extreme temperatures have been recorded in recent years, so travellers are advised to be well prepared for a sudden summer heat wave or blast of icy winter cold. 

Although most rain falls during winter, visitors can expect downpours at any time of year. The average annual rainfall is 800mm a year, with monthly averages of 42mm (1.6in) during summertime and 60mm (2.3in) in winter. Summer thunderstorms are usually accompanied by high levels of humidity. 

Wind speeds average 14km/h (9mp/h) during summer and 16km/h (9.9m/h) during the colder months. Sea temperatures range from 16°C to 19°C (61°F to 66°F) during summertime, so the ocean is best enjoyed on summer beach holiday rather than in cold, 12°C (53°F) winter water.

The towns and cities in the region are easily accessible by bus, coach, air travel, train and road. The longest journey in Brittany takes a maximum of three hours by car.

 

When is the best time to go to Brittany?

Spring and summer are the most popular times of year to visit Brittany, with July and August being the peak tourist months. Large crowds swarm the beaches and towns of Brittany during these months, but travellers who visit in late May, June and September, which are still warm and sunny, will experience fewer crowds and lower prices. Another reason to travel in summer is that there are a number of notable events in Brittany, including the Tour de France and the Les Vieilles Charrues de Carhaix in July.

 

What to pack for a holiday in Brittany

Travellers should pack light clothing for a spring or summer holiday in Brittany, as well as an umbrella and raincoat because it rains year round. Swimwear, shorts, T-shirts, shirts, skirts and dresses for days in the sun are appropriate, while jeans or trousers and a light top or jersey will suffice for cooler evenings. Certain restaurants and venues may require formal attire, so be sure to pack a something smart. Sandals and comfortable walking shoes are essential. 

Winter, early spring and autumn will require warm clothes such as sweaters, coats and raincoats, long-sleeved shirts, jeans and trousers, hats, scarves, gloves and an umbrella. Durable boots are a must for hikers, and sturdy walking shoes are a good idea for sightseeing.

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in January

Average temperature in Brittany in January: 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 48°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in January: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in January: 57mm (2.2in)
Note: January is the one of the coldest months of the year in Brittany.

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in February

Average temperature in Brittany in February: 4°C to 10°C (39°F to 50°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in February: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in February: 56mm (2.2in)

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in March 

Average temperature in Brittany in March: 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in March: 12°C (54°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in March: 43mm (1.7in)

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in April

Average temperature in Brittany in April: 6°C to 13°C (43°F to 55°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in April: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in April: 42mm (1.7in)

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in May

Average temperature in Brittany in May: 9°C to 17°C (48°F to 63°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in May: 14°C (57°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in May: 44mm (1.7in)
Note: May is the start of spring. 

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in June

Average temperature in Brittany in June: 11°C to 20°C (51°F to 67°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in June: 16°C (61°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in June: 33mm (1.3in)
Note: June signals the beginning of peak tourist season in Brittany.
Events: Witness traditional Breton dancing every Wednesday throughout June and July at Les Mercredis du Thabor at Rennes’ Parc du Thabor.

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in July

Average temperature in Brittany in July: 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in July: 18°C, 64°F
Average rainfall in Brittany in July: 38mm, 1.5in
Note: July is one of the hottest months of the year in France.
Events: See music and theatre in Rennes’ old town in early July or join crowds of over 300,000 in Carhaix for one of France’s biggest music festivals, Les Vieilles Charrues de Carhaix.  Towards the end of July, Dinannais townsfolk dress up in medieval garb every second year at the Fête des Remparts in Dinan

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in August

Average temperature in Brittany in August: 14°C to 22°C (57°F to 72°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in August: 19°C (66°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in August: 26mm (1in)
Note: July and August are the busiest months in Brittany when it comes to crowds and tourist.Events: See traditional Breton Dancing every odd numbered year (e.g. 2017) at Festival du Chant de Marin in Paimpol. Or attend the world music event at the Festival du Bout du Monde in early August in Crozon & Morgat

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in September 

Average temperature in Brittany in September: 12°C to 20°C (53°F to 67°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in September: 18°C (64°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in September: 24mm (0.9in)

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in October 

Average temperature in Brittany in October: 10°C to 16°C (50°F to 61°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in October: 17°C (63°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in October: 57mm (2.2in)
Events: The Rennes Short Film Festival starts in mid October. 

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in November 

Average temperature in Brittany in November: 6°C to 12°C (43°F to 54°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in November: 15°C (59°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in November: 55mm (2.2in)
Events: Don’t miss Yaouank, a traditional music festival held in Rennes each November.

 

Climate and weather in Brittany in December 

Average temperature in Brittany in December: 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F)
Sea temperature in Brittany in December: 13°C (55°F)
Average rainfall in Brittany in December: 62mm (2.4in)
Note: December is the one of the coldest months in France and is also the wettest month of the year.
Events: Les Transmusicales de Rennes, one of France’s premier annual music festivals, is hosted in Rennes in early December.