Weather in Normandy

weather in NormandyWell-known for its role in World War 2 (WWII), the French coastal region of Normandy is now more famous as one of Europe's most popular summertime destinations. Situated on the English Channel, Normandy has a temperate oceanic climate, which means mildly warm summer and cool winter temperatures. But there has been the odd heat wave and unseasonable icy temperatures have been reported in recent years and travellers are advised to be prepared for these rare occurences.

July and August are the peak summer months, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 69°F). December, January and February are peak winter months, with temperatures averaging about 5°C (40°F). Spring and autumn are relatively cool.  

As well as being generally cooler than the south, the north is also wetter, even though the entire Normandy regions receives rainfall throughout the year. Spring and summer rainfall in Normandy averages 40mm to 50mm (1.6in to 2in) per month, while autumn averages 76mm (3in) and wintertime experiences the heaviest rains, with a minimum rainfall of between 80mm and 100mm (3.1in to 3.9in). 

Normandy is often cloudy year round, but particularly so in winter. Sunshine hours average around eight to nine hours a day in the spring and summer, while winter is relatively dark with an average of four hours a day. Another effect of the cloud cover is the humidity in Normandy, which can hit levels of 80 percent in summer. 

Travelling through Normandy is very easy as the region has an extensive network of bus, train and coach routes, as well as national roads. Travelling from the furthest points in Lower Normandy to Upper Normandy usually takes about three hours by car. 

 

When is the best time to go to Normandy?

Spring and summer (from late May to the end of August) are the best months to visit Normandy. These are the warmest and driest months of the year, perfect for a holiday on the French coast, but because it's also peak tourist season, prices are at their highest. Those on a budget who still want to enjoy warmer temperatures should visit in early May or September, bearing in mind the weather is unpredictable at this time of year. Late spring and early autumn are also good times for visitors wanting to quietly meander through the cities, towns and villages of Normandy. Prices are cheapest from October to March, but these are also the coldest months of the year in Normandy. 

 

What to pack for a holiday in Normandy

Jeans and lightweight jerseys are recommended to accompany beachwear, shorts, T-shirts and light shirts during summer. Sandals or comfortable walking shoes are musts, as are raincoats and umbrellas because it could rain in Normandy at any time of the year. It's also a good idea to pack some smarter dresses and trousers if travellers want to eat at one of the more formal restaurants in Normandy. Spring and autumn travellers should pack a mixture of warm and light clothing, while winter visitors should stick to warm jerseys, coats, jeans, sturdy boots and closed shoes. 
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in January

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 44°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 9°C (48°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 66mm (2.6in) 
Note: January is one of the coldest months of the year in Normandy. 
  

Climate and weather in Normandy in February  

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 3°C to 8°C (37°F to 46°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 8°C (46°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 48mm (1.9in) 
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in March

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 4°C to 9°C (39°F to 49°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 8°C (46°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 44mm (1.7in) 
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in April

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 5°C to 12°C (40°F to 53°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 9°C (48°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 43mm (1.7in) 
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in May

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 7°C to 15°C (45°F to 59°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 11°C (52°F)
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 50mm (2in)
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in June

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 11°C to 18°C (51°F to 64°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 13°C (56°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 47mm (1.9in) 
Events: D-Day Festival commemorates WWII from late-May to early-June.
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in July

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 13°C to 20°C (55°F to 69°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 16°C (60°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 55mm (2.2in) 
Note: It's summertime in Normandy and schools are on holiday, which means crowds flock to the French coastline. July is the hottest month of the year in Normandy and one of the busiest tourist months.
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in August

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 12°C to 20°C (54°F to 68°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 17°C (63°F) 
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 60mm (2.4in)
Note: This month has the warmest average sea temperatures of the year and is the peak tourist season in Normandy. 
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in September

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 17°C (62°F)
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 60mm (2.4in)
Events: The Rouen International Organ Festival takes place every Sunday throughout September. Horse racing takes place at the Clairefontaine Hippodrome in Trouville and Deauville from July to October.
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in October

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 8°C to 14°C (47°F to 58°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 15°C (60°F)
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 83mm (3.3in)
Note: October is the wettest month of the year in Normandy. Cherbourg is one of the wettest towns in the Normandy region, often experiencing rainfall in excess of 100mm (3.9in). Be sure to check weather warnings before travelling as flooding sometimes occurs in the region. 

 

Climate and weather in Normandy in November

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 6°C to 10°C (42°F to 50°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 13°C (56°F)
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 74mm (2.9in)
 

Climate and weather in Normandy in December

Average temperature in Normandy in January: 4°C to 8°C (40°F to 46°F)
Average sea temperature in Normandy in January: 11°C (52°F)
Average rainfall in Normandy in January: 73mm (2.9in)