Brittany
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Best conditions around August 3
Tidal Atlantic sailing; technical and rewarding.
Best time to sail
Best time to sail in France
The best time to sail in France is June to September, with peak conditions in July and August.
That verdict comes from 1991–2020 climate normals — wind, rain, sunshine, and air temperature — scored week by week for charter conditions across 3 sailing areas.
From the thundering Atlantic tides of Brittany to the turquoise coves of Corsica, France offers a sailing experience unlike anywhere else in Europe — and knowing where to go makes all the difference.
Sailing conditions in France, month by month
Mean weekly values across our sailing areas in France. The sail score weighs wind, rain, sun, and temperature — and discounts tropical-storm season where one applies.
Temperature (°C)
- Air
- Water
Wind (kn)
Rain (mm/day)
Sun (h/day)
| Month | Sail score | Wind (kn) | Rain (mm/day) | Sun (h/day) | Temp (°C) | Water (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | 5 | 2.9 | 12 | 5 | 15 |
| February | Fair | 5 | 2.6 | 12 | 5 | 14 |
| March | Fair | 5 | 2.3 | 12 | 7 | 14 |
| April | Fair | 5 | 2.5 | 12 | 9 | 16 |
| May | Fair | 4 | 2.9 | 12 | 13 | 19 |
| June | Good | 4 | 1.9 | 12 | 17 | 24 |
| July | Excellent | 4 | 1.2 | 12 | 20 | 26 |
| August | Excellent | 4 | 1.2 | 12 | 20 | 27 |
| September | Good | 4 | 1.8 | 12 | 16 | 24 |
| October | Fair | 5 | 2.9 | 12 | 12 | 21 |
| November | Fair | 5 | 3.5 | 12 | 8 | 19 |
| December | Fair | 5 | 3 | 12 | 6 | 16 |
Sailing areas in France
Every area below is scored individually in the interactive calendar; where we have an in-depth guide, it's linked.
Corsica
Intermediate
Best conditions around July 27
Wild west coast, calanques and reserve at Scandola.
French Riviera
Intermediate
Best conditions around August 3
Cannes-Antibes-St Tropez; calm summer, busy anchorages.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to sail in France?
June to September offers the most reliable conditions, with July and August scoring best for wind, rain, sunshine, and temperature in the 1991–2020 climate normals.
When is the cheapest time to charter in France?
The shoulder months — June and September — usually combine good sailing conditions with fewer crowds and lower charter prices than the peak in July and August.
How warm is it in France in July?
Around 20 °C air temperature on average in July, with about 12 hours of sun a day.
How warm is the water in France in July?
Around 26 °C sea-surface temperature on average in July, based on 2023–2025 marine averages.