Bordeaux, France – Climate and Average Weather Year Round: An Essential Guide

Experience the climate of Bordeaux, France, with its distinct seasons offering unique weather conditions year-round.

The warm season lasts for 3.2 months, from June 10 to September 17, with daily high temperatures above 76°F.

July, the hottest month, sees average highs of 81°F and lows of 60°F.

This period is perfect for travelers looking to enjoy outdoor activities and explore the vibrant city life.

In contrast, the cool season spans from November 16 to March 2, bringing lower temperatures and a different charm to the city.

Average daily highs range from 50°F to 57°F, making it a cozy time for indoor attractions and local cuisine.

The varied weather makes Bordeaux a year-round destination, each season offering its own unique experiences and activities.

To better understand the climate in Bordeaux, here is a quick overview:

Month Average High (°F) Average Low (°F) Rainfall (inches)
January 50 36 3.0
April 62 43 2.5
July 81 60 1.5
October 67 50 3.0

These varied conditions make planning a visit to Bordeaux exciting, no matter the time of year.

Average Temperature In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux experiences a diverse range of temperatures throughout the year.

Winter months are cooler.

From November to March, temperatures typically stay below 56°F. January is the coldest month, with average lows around 37°F.

Summer in Bordeaux is warm, with temperatures peaking in July.

The hottest month sees highs averaging 81°F and lows around 60°F.

Spring and fall bring moderate temperatures.

April and May are pleasant, with average highs between 61°F and 70°F. October cools down with highs around 66°F.

Monthly Average Temperatures

Month Min. Temperature (°F) Max. Temperature (°F)
January 37 49
February 39 52
March 42 58
April 46 62
May 52 69
June 57 76
July 60 81
August 59 80
September 55 74
October 50 66
November 43 55
December 39 50

Rainfall is also a part of Bordeaux’s climate, with higher levels during the winter months.

For more information on temperatures, visit Temperature – ChaseDay.com.

Average Precipitation In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux experiences varying amounts of rainfall throughout the year, with both the wettest and driest months being well defined. Snowfall is rare but can occur during the colder months.

Average Rainfall In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux experiences a fair amount of rainfall each year.

Rain can be expected more frequently in the winter months.

The wettest month is December, with an average of 3.7 inches of rain.

The driest month is July, with about 1.6 inches of rainfall.

Month Average Rainfall (inches)
January 3.1
February 2.5
March 2.8
April 2.4
May 2.7
June 1.8
July 1.6
August 1.9
September 2.9
October 3.2
November 3.5
December 3.7

Rainy days are common, especially from November to March, making these months the wettest periods in Bordeaux.

Average Snow In Bordeaux, France

Snow in Bordeaux is quite rare due to the mild climate.

January and February are the months when snowfall is most likely. Typically, snow falls only a few days each year and does not accumulate much.

Month Average Snowfall (inches)
January 0.3
February 0.2
March 0.1
April 0.0
May 0.0
June 0.0
July 0.0
August 0.0
September 0.0
October 0.0
November 0.1
December 0.2

Even during the peak winter months, snow rarely disrupts daily life in Bordeaux.

Average Sun In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux enjoys varying amounts of sunshine throughout the year, impacting everything from daily activities to the local climate.

Sunshine hours differ from month to month, making some periods sunnier and more inviting for outdoor activities.

Average Daily Shortwave Solar Energy In Bordeaux, France

January:

  • Sunrise/Sunset: ~8 hours daylight
  • Sunshine Hours: ~4.6 hours/day

July:

  • Sunrise/Sunset: ~15 hours daylight
  • Sunshine Hours: ~9.3 hours/day

The daily maximum of sunlight, seen in July, allows for extended outdoor enjoyment.

Conversely, January sees shorter days and fewer sun hours, with December offering the least daylight.

Spring and Autumn:

  • Spring months like May average around 13.5 hours of daylight.
  • Autumn months see a gradual decrease in daylight and sun hours.

This fluctuation in sunshine affects temperatures and the overall daily life in Bordeaux.

Sunshine Hours By Month

Month Average Hours of Sunshine/Day
January 4.6
February 5.1
March 6.3
April 7.6
May 8.5
June 9.2
July 9.3
August 8.8
September 7.5
October 6.1
November 4.8
December 4.3

Bordeaux experiences varying sunlight hours, with summer bringing the most, making it ideal for basking in the sun. Winter months see fewer hours, but they still offer some sunshine, avoiding overly gloomy days.

Average Humidity In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, France has varying humidity levels throughout the year.

The average humidity can significantly affect how people feel, especially during summer and winter.

Monthly Average Humidity:

Month Humidity (%)
January 87
February 83
March 80
April 77
May 76
June 76
July 75
August 76
September 78
October 82
November 85
December 87

Relative humidity is generally highest in winter, peaking in January and December at 87%. Summer months, like July, tend to have lower humidity levels, around 75% on average.

The dew point in Bordeaux also varies.

For example, during the summer, the average dew point might reach around 60°F, making the air feel quite moist.

In winter, the dew point can drop to about 38°F.

These humidity levels combined with temperatures create different feels for each season.

For example, high humidity levels in winter can make the cold feel more intense, while lower humidity in summer makes the heat feel slightly more bearable.

Humidity and dew point together play a key role in weather patterns, influencing everything from comfort to the likelihood of fog or precipitation.

The relative humidity values in Bordeaux help residents and visitors prepare for various weather conditions year-round.

Average Wind In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux experiences varying wind speeds throughout the year.

The average wind speed typically ranges from 7 to 14 mph.

Wind speeds are generally higher during the cooler months and less intense in the summer. The windiest month is often January.

Monthly Average Wind Speeds (mph)

Month Average Wind Speed
January 13 mph
February 12 mph
March 11 mph
April 10 mph
May 9 mph
June 8 mph
July 7 mph
August 7 mph
September 8 mph
October 9 mph
November 11 mph
December 12 mph

The winter months from November to January see higher wind speeds, often bringing Atlantic depressions that affect Bordeaux year-round.

Despite these windy periods, the southern location and the Azores anticyclone often bring clear skies, especially in summer.

Average Air Quality In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux enjoys generally good air quality. The air pollution levels typically remain low due to the city’s coastal location and favorable wind patterns. Air quality is measured by pollutants like PM2.5 and PM10.

PM2.5 Levels:

  • January: 12.5 µg/m³
  • July: 10.2 µg/m³

PM10 Levels:

  • January: 19.3 µg/m³
  • July: 17.1 µg/m³

Indoor air can occasionally be affected by outdoor pollution, especially during high traffic periods. Ensuring good ventilation is crucial.

UV Index and Visibility

UV Index:
The UV index in Bordeaux ranges from moderate to very high. It’s essential to wear sunscreen and sunglasses during peak hours to protect against UV rays.

Visibility:
Visibility in Bordeaux is generally good, often ranging between 5 and 10 miles.

Cloud Cover

Cloud cover can vary widely by season. During winter, you can expect more overcast days.

Summer tends to have clearer skies, making outdoor activities more pleasant.

A balanced mix of sunlight and cloud cover contributes to the overall pleasant air quality.

Topography Of Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux is located in the Gironde department, southwestern France. It lies on the Garonne River, about 310 miles southwest of Paris. The city is part of the larger Aquitaine region.

The region features a marine west coast climate, abbreviated as Cfb in the Köppen climate classification. This means that Bordeaux experiences mild, wet winters and warm, relatively dry summers.

Elevation and Landscape

  • The city’s elevation averages around 49 feet above sea level.
  • The landscape is mainly flat, with some gentle rolling hills.

Nearby Features

  • Garorne River: A significant waterway that influences the local climate.
  • Aquitaine Basin: A large sedimentary basin surrounding Bordeaux, contributing to its fertile land.

Microclimates

Due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and rivers, Bordeaux has various microclimates. Coastal breezes moderate the temperature, creating ideal conditions for vineyards.

Table: Elevation Points Around Bordeaux

Location Elevation (feet)
Bordeaux City Center 49
Surrounding Hills 98
Garonne River Banks 32

The varied topography and microclimates play a crucial role in Bordeaux’s famous wine production, influencing the flavors and qualities of the grapes grown in the region.

Extreme Weather Events That Occur In Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, located in southwestern France, has faced several significant weather events.

Heatwaves

Bordeaux can experience intense heatwaves. In July 2019, the city hit a record temperature of 106.1°F, the highest since records began. Such extreme heat impacts daily life and can be hazardous to health.

Wildfires

High temperatures and dry conditions increase the risk of wildfires. During heatwaves, fires have scorched the region, threatening both natural landscapes and residential areas.

Flooding

Heavy rainfall can lead to floods. In July 2021, parts of northeastern France experienced flooding, although Bordeaux was less affected compared to areas like Lorraine.

Month Avg Rainfall (in) Avg Temp (°F)
January 3.1 46.4
July 1.6 73.4

Hailstorms

Hail can occur, especially during thunderstorms in spring and summer. These storms can damage vineyards, which are crucial to Bordeaux’s economy.

Drought

Limited rainfall during summer can lead to drought conditions. This affects water supply and agriculture, impacting the region’s vineyards and crops.

Best Time Of The Year To Visit Bordeaux, France

Bordeaux, France experiences a variety of seasons, each offering unique experiences. Whether you enjoy mild springs, warm summers, colorful autumns, or cool winters, Bordeaux has something to offer year-round.

What Is Bordeaux, France Like In Spring

Spring in Bordeaux lasts from March to May. During this season, temperatures gradually rise from an average of 50°F in March to around 64°F in May. Rainfall is moderate, with April experiencing about 2.5 inches.

  • March: 50°F average temperature, 2.8 inches of rain
  • April: 57°F average temperature, 2.5 inches of rain
  • May: 64°F average temperature, 2.4 inches of rain

The blooming flowers and pleasant weather make it a great time for outdoor activities and exploring vineyards.

What Is Bordeaux, France Like In Summer

Summer spans from June to August and is considered the best time to visit. The weather is warm with average highs reaching up to 79°F in July.

  • June: 70°F average temperature, 2.2 inches of rain
  • July: 79°F average temperature, 1.8 inches of rain
  • August: 78°F average temperature, 2 inches of rain

Tourists flock to Bordeaux’s famous vineyards and outdoor cafes during these months. However, it can be crowded as it’s the high tourist season.

What Is Bordeaux, France Like In Fall

Fall, from September to November, is marked by a slight drop in temperatures and less tourist traffic. This season is perfect for visiting wineries during the harvest.

  • September: 70°F average temperature, 2.4 inches of rain
  • October: 61°F average temperature, 3 inches of rain
  • November: 52°F average temperature, 3.4 inches of rain

What Is Bordeaux, France Like In Winter

Winter in Bordeaux is from December to February, with cooler temperatures and higher rainfall.

Despite the weather, the city’s charm remains intact with fewer tourists.

  • December: 45°F average temperature, 3.5 inches of rain
  • January: 40°F average temperature, 3.3 inches of rain
  • February: 43°F average temperature, 2.9 inches of rain

January is the wettest month, making indoor activities and wine tastings more appealing during this season.

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