Harsh winters but cool summers, almost permanent cloud cover, frequent winds throughout the year... Knowing the climate in Brittany helps you plan your stay for any season of the year.
Weather and Climate in Brittany
Brittany as a whole is characterized by an almost permanent cloud cover, regardless of the season.
More specifically during the summer period, Finistère, especially its western part, is cooler than other Breton departments.
In contrast, the southern coast of Morbihan, benefiting from a sunny microclimate, is one of the warmest parts of Brittany.
Winters in Brittany are remarkably mild, especially in the far west, where snow is relatively rare.
However, if a cold wind blows from the east, temperatures can drop to -5°C or even lower in Brest.
Winter Climate
The period from November to February is marked by high rainfall levels, reaching up to 62 mm in December. Far from desert droughts, rain falls abundantly with a high annual average, mainly due to the proximity of the ocean.
The average temperature ranges from 5°C to 12°C.
In Spring
From March onwards, temperatures start to rise, and rainfall levels decrease. Brittany’s climate becomes increasingly mild, and by May, average temperatures range from 10°C to 18°C, with 44 mm of precipitation.
Brittany's Summer Climate
From June to August, temperatures continue to rise. The lowest is 12°C in June, while the highest reaches 22°C in August.
Rainfall levels also drop significantly, down to 22 mm in August.
Of course, this is also the swimming season, with sea temperatures rising from 16°C in June to 19°C in August.
In autumn
Temperatures begin to drop starting in September.
In October, the maximum temperature falls to 16°C.
This is also the month when heavy rainfall returns, with an average of 57mm.
Rainfall is abundant on the west coast, particularly in Brest, where it exceeds 1100mm per year.
It decreases to 950mm on the southern coast, like in Lorient, less than 800mm along the northern coast, such as in Saint-Malo, and even around 700mm in the eastern part of the region, particularly in Rennes.
When to visit Brittany?
Summer, from June to August, is the best time to visit Brittany.
The season is warm, but it is always recommended to bring warm clothes and an umbrella, as Brittany's weather can be unpredictable.
September is also an interesting month.
It is slightly rainier than the summer months, but temperatures remain pleasant, especially during the first two weeks.
Specifically in Saint-Malo, a city popular among tourists from Central and Northern Europe, the sea remains cool even in summer.
You can also visit Brittany in winter to discover a new side of the region.
Stay in a year-round open campsite in Brittany (for mobile home owners, a mandatory closure of 4 weeks in January applies).
Saint-Malo reveals a different charm during your long winter evenings.