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Le Havre has a temperate oceanic climate on the English Channel coast of Normandy. Winters are mild and damp, summers are cool and changeable, and rain falls in every month of the year. The city receives about 790 mm of rain across roughly 128 rainy days a year, with the wettest stretch running from October to December and the driest in late spring and summer. Before you pack, check the best time to visit Le Havre for a month-by-month breakdown of crowds and events.
Le Havre Weather by Month: Temperature and Rainfall
The figures below are long-term averages (1991 to 2020). Daytime highs only reach 21°C in July and August, so do not expect Mediterranean heat; the Channel keeps every season cooler than inland France.
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rain (mm) | Rain days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 8°C (46°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 70 | 12 |
| February | 8°C (46°F) | 4°C (39°F) | 50 | 10 |
| March | 11°C (52°F) | 6°C (43°F) | 55 | 11 |
| April | 13°C (55°F) | 8°C (46°F) | 55 | 10 |
| May | 16°C (61°F) | 10°C (50°F) | 60 | 10 |
| June | 19°C (66°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 60 | 9 |
| July | 21°C (70°F) | 15°C (59°F) | 50 | 8 |
| August | 21°C (70°F) | 16°C (61°F) | 55 | 9 |
| September | 19°C (66°F) | 13°C (55°F) | 65 | 9 |
| October | 15°C (59°F) | 11°C (52°F) | 85 | 12 |
| November | 11°C (52°F) | 7°C (45°F) | 85 | 14 |
| December | 8°C (46°F) | 5°C (41°F) | 90 | 14 |
Le Havre Weather by Month: Winter (December to February)
Winter is mild for the latitude thanks to the Gulf Stream, but it is the cloudiest and wettest part of the year. January highs average 8°C (46°F) and lows 4°C (39°F), with 70 mm of rain over 12 days. Snow is rare, roughly one day a year, and frost is uncommon right on the coast. You will need a waterproof jacket and layers for the wind off the Channel. Days are short, with under 2 hours of sun in December. If you want to be indoors, the museums in our things to do in Le Havre guide are open all winter.
Le Havre Weather by Month: Spring (March to May)
Spring warms slowly and stays showery. March averages 11°C (52°F) by day and 6°C (43°F) at night, rising to 16°C (61°F) and 10°C (50°F) in May. Rain runs at 55 to 60 mm a month, so carry a compact umbrella. April and May are the best months for walking the Perret city centre and the coastal path without summer crowds. See the Le Havre neighborhoods guide for the districts worth exploring on foot.
Le Havre Weather by Month: Summer (June to August)
Summer is the driest and brightest season, though it never gets hot. July and August both average 21°C (70°F) by day and 15 to 16°C (59 to 61°F) at night, with only 8 to 9 rainy days a month and about 7 hours of daily sun. Evenings still need a light jacket near the water. This is peak season for the beach and the festivals; the dates are listed in our Le Havre events and festivals guide.
Le Havre Weather by Month: Autumn (September to November)
September holds onto summer with a 19°C (66°F) high and 65 mm of rain, but October and November turn wet, with 85 mm a month and 12 to 14 rainy days each. October is a favourite for day trips to the Étretat cliffs, when the light is clear and the summer buses have thinned out. November is the greyest month, averaging barely 3 hours of sun. Pack for wind and rain if you visit in late autumn, and start with our Le Havre travel guide for the full year-round picture.
Sea Temperature and Sunshine in Le Havre
The Channel stays cold year-round. Sea temperature at Le Havre averages around 9°C (48°F) in February and March and peaks at only 18°C (64°F) in late August and early September. The pebble beach is for sunbathing and promenades rather than swimming. The city gets about 1,700 hours of sunshine a year, with July the sunniest at roughly 190 hours and December the darkest at around 60 hours. For where to base yourself by season, see where to stay in Le Havre, and for arrival details read the Le Havre travel tips guide.
