Biarritz has an oceanic climate (Köppen Cfb) with mild temperatures year-round, no extremes, and rain spread across all seasons. The city sits on France’s southwestern Atlantic coast in the Basque Country, where the Bay of Biscay keeps summer heat in check and winter chills moderate. The average annual temperature is 14.1°C (57.5°F), with roughly 1,350mm (53 inches) of rain falling across 140 rainy days. Unlike the Mediterranean coast, Biarritz can be cloudy even in summer and you’ll want a light jacket for evenings from June through September. The sea temperature peaks at 22°C (72°F) in August and drops to 12°C (54°F) in February.
Biarritz Weather by Month: January
January is Biarritz’s coolest month alongside February, with average highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F). You’ll get about 3 hours of sunshine per day and roughly 120mm of rain across 17 wet days. The sea sits at 12°C (54°F). Snow is extremely rare at sea level but the Pyrenees peaks, visible from the coast on clear days, are snow-capped. Hotel rates are at their lowest and the city is quiet except for New Year celebrations.
Biarritz Weather by Month: February
February brings similar temperatures to January, with highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). Rain averages 100mm across 15 days and sunshine increases slightly to 4 hours per day. The FIPADOC documentary film festival takes place in late January or early February, drawing international filmmakers. Surf conditions are solid through winter, with consistent Atlantic swells and fewer crowds than summer. Sea temperature remains at 12°C (54°F).
Biarritz Weather by Month: March
Spring begins to stir with average highs reaching 15°C (59°F) and lows around 7°C (45°F). Rainfall decreases to about 90mm across 15 days and you’ll see 5 hours of daily sunshine. The sea stays cold at 12°C (54°F). March is an unpredictable month: you might get a string of sunny 18°C (64°F) days or a week of Atlantic rain. Easter weekend (when it falls in March) brings the first noticeable uptick in visitors.
Biarritz Weather by Month: April
Temperatures climb to 16°C (61°F) highs and 9°C (48°F) lows. Rain averages 100mm across 16 days but showers tend to be shorter than in winter. Sunshine increases to 6 hours daily. The sea warms slightly to 13°C (55°F). April is a good month for walking the coastal path between beaches and the first terrace cafes reopen. Surf schools begin their spring season, with wetsuits still essential.
Biarritz Weather by Month: May
May is often the best-value month for Biarritz. Highs average 19°C (66°F) and lows 12°C (54°F), with 7 hours of sunshine daily. Rainfall drops to 90mm across 14 days and the sea reaches 15°C (59°F). Public holidays on May 1 (Labour Day) and May 8 (Victory Day) bring French domestic tourists, so book ahead on those weekends. The beach season unofficially begins and surf schools are in full operation.
Biarritz Weather by Month: June
June delivers the first true summer weather with average highs of 22°C (72°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). Rain decreases to 70mm across 11 days, the driest month of the year, and sunshine peaks at 8 hours daily. Sea temperature climbs to 18°C (64°F), swimmable with a wetsuit. The Wheels and Waves motorcycle and surf festival takes over the city for a weekend in mid-June. Hotel prices rise noticeably from mid-month.
Biarritz Weather by Month: July
July and August are the warmest months, with average highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows around 17°C (63°F). Heatwaves above 30°C (86°F) happen but are rare, lasting typically 2-3 days. Rainfall returns to 80mm across 11 days, often as short thunderstorms in the late afternoon. Sunshine is at its maximum of 8 hours daily and the sea warms to 21°C (70°F). The Biarritz Surf Festival runs in July, alongside the start of the Biarritz Piano Festival. The city is packed: book accommodation 3-4 months ahead.
Biarritz Weather by Month: August
August weather mirrors July: highs of 25°C (77°F), lows of 17°C (63°F), and a warm sea at 22°C (72°F). Rain averages 90mm across 12 days, often as brief evening storms. The Fetes de Biarritz, the city’s traditional Basque festival, fills the second week of August with music, dancing, and fireworks. This is peak tourist season: beaches are crowded, restaurants require reservations, and hotel rates are at their annual maximum. French families dominate as most of France takes August holidays.
Biarritz Weather by Month: September
September is Biarritz’s second-summer, with highs of 23°C (73°F) and lows of 15°C (59°F). The sea remains warm at 20°C (68°F) and sunshine stays at 7 hours daily. Rain increases to 100mm across 12 days. Le Temps d’Aimer la Danse, a 10-day dance festival, fills the second week of September with 75 performances across the city. Crowds thin after the first week and hotel rates drop 20-30%. This is arguably the best month for a balanced visit.
Biarritz Weather by Month: October
Autumn arrives with highs of 19°C (66°F) and lows of 12°C (54°F). Rain increases significantly to 120mm across 16 days and you’ll get 5 hours of sunshine. The sea cools to 18°C (64°F). October is prime surfing season: the autumn swells arrive and the water is still warm enough for a 3/2mm wetsuit. The World Surf League (WSL) occasionally holds qualifying events in the region during this window. Hotels are easy to book and rates return to shoulder-season levels.
Biarritz Weather by Month: November
November is the wettest month, with 140mm of rain across 17 days. Temperatures drop to highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F), with only 3 hours of daily sunshine. The sea temperature falls to 15°C (59°F). This is low season: many beachfront restaurants close for the winter, surf schools wind down, and hotel rates hit their annual floor. The upside is empty beaches, dramatic storm-watching from the lighthouse, and rock-bottom accommodation prices.
Biarritz Weather by Month: December
December matches January with highs of 12°C (54°F) and lows of 5°C (41°F). Rain averages 120mm across 16 days and sunshine drops to 2-3 hours daily. The Biarritz Christmas market runs at Place Clemenceau through December, with wooden chalets, Basque food, and mulled wine. New Year’s Eve at the Hotel du Palais is a major event. Sea temperature falls to 13°C (56°F). The Christmas week sees a brief spike in hotel rates before the January lull. For more information, see our best time to visit Biarritz.
For more information, see our things to do in Biarritz.
For more information, see our Biarritz events and festivals.
For more information, see our Biarritz neighborhoods guide.
For more information, see our where to stay in Biarritz.
For more information, see our Biarritz travel tips and FAQ.
For more information, see our Biarritz travel guide.
Biarritz Weather by Month: Quick Reference Table
| Month | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) | Sea (°C) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 12 | 5 | 120 | 17 | 3 | 12 |
| Feb | 13 | 5 | 100 | 15 | 4 | 12 |
| Mar | 15 | 7 | 90 | 15 | 5 | 12 |
| Apr | 16 | 9 | 100 | 16 | 6 | 13 |
| May | 19 | 12 | 90 | 14 | 7 | 15 |
| Jun | 22 | 15 | 70 | 11 | 8 | 18 |
| Jul | 25 | 17 | 80 | 11 | 8 | 21 |
| Aug | 25 | 17 | 90 | 12 | 8 | 22 |
| Sep | 23 | 15 | 100 | 12 | 7 | 20 |
| Oct | 19 | 12 | 120 | 16 | 5 | 18 |
| Nov | 15 | 8 | 140 | 17 | 3 | 15 |
| Dec | 12 | 5 | 120 | 16 | 2-3 | 13 |
