Biarritz

Biarritz, on France’s southwestern Basque Coast, is where surfing first arrived in Europe and where French royalty spent their summers. The city pairs grand Belle Epoque architecture with a laid-back surf culture, set against the wild Atlantic and backed by the Pyrenees foothills. The climate is mild year-round with no temperature extremes: summer highs average 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F) and winter lows rarely drop below 5\u00b0C (41\u00b0F). Rain is frequent in every season (1,350mm annually) but rarely lasts all day. Biarritz works for beach holidays, surf trips, food-focused weekends, and cultural visits with equal ease.

Weather and Climate in Biarritz

Biarritz has an oceanic climate (Koppen Cfb) shaped by the Bay of Biscay. Summers are warm but not hot: July and August average 25\u00b0C (77\u00b0F), with heatwaves above 30\u00b0C (86\u00b0F) rare and short-lived. Winters are mild with daytime temperatures around 12-13\u00b0C (54-55\u00b0F) and overnight lows of 5\u00b0C (41\u00b0F). Snow is practically unknown at sea level. The Atlantic influence means the weather can change quickly: a sunny morning can become an overcast afternoon, especially in spring and autumn. The wettest month is November (140mm) and the driest is June (70mm). Sunshine hours range from 2-3 per day in December to 8 in July. The sea peaks at 22\u00b0C (72\u00b0F) in August and drops to 12\u00b0C (54\u00b0F) in February. For detailed month-by-month data, see our Biarritz weather by month guide.

Seasonal Snapshot

• Summer (June to August): Peak season with warm beach weather, 8 hours of daily sunshine, and sea temperatures of 18-22\u00b0C (64-72\u00b0F). Every beach club, surf school, and restaurant is open. The city is packed in August when French domestic tourism peaks. Book accommodation 3-4 months ahead. The Wheels and Waves festival kicks off the season in mid-June, and the Fetes de Biarritz fill the second week of August with Basque celebrations.
• Autumn (September to November): September is the ideal balance: warm sea (20\u00b0C/68\u00b0F), 7 hours of sun, and hotel rates drop 20-30% from August. October delivers the best surf swells of the year for experienced surfers. November is the wettest month (140mm) and marks the start of low season with rock-bottom accommodation prices.
• Winter (December to February): Mild with highs of 12-13\u00b0C (54-55\u00b0F), empty beaches, and hotel rates at 30-40% of summer prices. The Christmas market runs through December. Winter is for storm-watching from the lighthouse, surfing consistent swells (with a 5/4mm wetsuit), and enjoying Biarritz without the crowds. The FIPADOC documentary film festival runs in late January/early February.
• Spring (March to May): The city wakes up from hibernation. March is unpredictable but April brings the first warm terrace days. May offers the best shoulder-season value: 19\u00b0C (66\u00b0F) highs, 7 hours of sun, reduced rain, and hotel rates 40-50% below August. Surf schools resume in April and beach facilities start reopening.

Biarritz Travel Guides

1. Biarritz Weather by Month: Monthly temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, and sea temperatures with a comparison table. Plan your trip with real climate data instead of generalizations.
2. Best Time to Visit Biarritz: Season-by-season breakdown covering weather, crowds, prices, and events. Specific recommendations for surfers, families, budget travelers, and festival-goers.
3. Things to Do in Biarritz: Surf spots, beaches, landmarks, museums, and markets with opening hours, ticket prices, and practical tips. Covers the Aquarium, Rocher de la Vierge, Hotel du Palais, and more.
4. Biarritz Events and Festivals: Annual calendar from Wheels and Waves to the Christmas market. Dates, locations, ticket prices, and what to expect at each event.
5. Biarritz Neighborhoods Guide: Centre-Ville, Les Halles, Port Vieux, Beaurivage, Saint-Charles. Which area suits your travel style, with hotel price ranges for each quartier.
6. Where to Stay in Biarritz: Luxury palace hotels, mid-range surf lodges, and budget-friendly options. Specific hotel recommendations by area with Booking.com links.
7. Biarritz Travel Tips and FAQ: Airport transfers, public transport, day trips, costs, safety, visa info, packing advice, and answers to the most common visitor questions.

Where Is Biarritz?

Biarritz sits on the Aquitaine coast in southwestern France, 35km from the Spanish border. It’s part of the French Basque Country (Pays Basque) in the Pyrenees-Atlantiques department of the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region. The city lies between the larger Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz (BAB) urban area to the east and the Atlantic Ocean to the west. The Pyrenees mountains begin to rise 30km to the south. Biarritz’s climate is shaped by the Bay of Biscay to the west (moderating temperatures and bringing rain) and the mountains to the south (blocking Mediterranean influence). The closest major cities are San Sebastian, Spain (50km southwest), Bordeaux (190km north), and Bilbao, Spain (150km west). Biarritz Pays Basque Airport (BIQ) is 5km from the city center and handles flights from Paris (1h20m) and seasonal European routes.

Quick Facts

• Population: 25,000 (Biarritz); 120,000 (Bayonne-Anglet-Biarritz urban area)
• Best beach months: July and August (sea 21-22\u00b0C / 70-72\u00b0F)
• Warmest month: August (average high 25\u00b0C / 77\u00b0F)
• Coldest month: January (average high 12\u00b0C / 54\u00b0F)
• Wettest month: November (140mm / 5.5 inches)
• Driest month: June (70mm / 2.8 inches)
• Annual sunshine: 1,900 hours
• Sea temperature range: 12\u00b0C (Feb) to 22\u00b0C (Aug)
• Best value month: May (good weather, low crowds, 40-50% below August prices)
• Cheapest month: November (lowest hotel rates of the year)

Where to Stay in Biarritz

Biarritz’s accommodation ranges from the five-star Hotel du Palais (Napoleon III’s summer palace) to budget surf lodges and apartments. The Centre-Ville around Grande Plage is the most convenient and most expensive area. The Beaurivage/Cote des Basques neighborhood suits surfers with mid-range prices and a younger vibe. Les Halles is the food-focused quarter with boutique apartments. Saint-Charles and La Negresse offer the best budget options. For a full neighborhood-by-neighborhood guide with specific hotel recommendations, see our where to stay in Biarritz article.

Suggested Hotels in Biarritz

Hotel du Palais

Biarritz’s iconic five-star palace hotel facing Grande Plage, originally built as the summer residence of Empress Eugenie in 1854. Features a seawater pool, Guerlain spa, and Michelin-starred restaurant. Best for couples celebrating a special occasion and travelers seeking Biarritz’s most historic address. Check rates and availability

Le Gamaritz

A stylish design hotel in central Biarritz, a 2-minute walk from Port Vieux beach, with air-conditioned rooms and a sun terrace at mid-range prices. Best for couples and solo travelers who want modern comfort in a central but quiet location. Check rates and availability

Ibis Budget Biarritz Anglet

A reliable budget chain hotel between Biarritz Airport and the city center with free parking, 24-hour reception, and clean basic rooms. Best for travelers with a car who want the lowest possible rate and plan to spend their days on the beach rather than in the hotel. Check rates and availability