Why Timing Matters in Biarritz
Biarritz sits on the Bay of Biscay at the foot of the Pyrenees, a geography that gives it a mild oceanic climate, consistent Atlantic swells, and a social calendar that swings dramatically between seasons. In high summer, the Grande Plage fills with sunbathers, the surf schools at Côte des Basques run back-to-back lessons, and the Fêtes de Bayonne (8 km inland) turns the entire region into a five-day street party. In winter, the same beaches are pounded by spectacular storms, the thalassotherapy spas offer discounted cure packages, and you can eat fresh oysters at the Port des Pêcheurs without a reservation. When you visit shapes every aspect of the experience — the waves, the food, the prices, and the crowds.
Summer: June to August — Peak Season
Summer is the undisputed high season in Biarritz. Average air temperatures reach 24°C in July and August, with long sunny days stretching past 9:30 pm. The ocean warms to 20–23°C, making swimming comfortable without a wetsuit (though surfers still wear one for longer sessions). Rainfall is at its lowest — June averages 80 mm and July drops to around 60 mm, making it the driest stretch of the year.
June is often the ideal month for those who want summer weather without summer crowds. Hotels are 20–30% cheaper than July–August, the beaches are busy but not packed, and the surf conditions are already excellent. By mid-June, most beach clubs, surf schools, and seasonal restaurants have opened for the season.
July brings the first big events. The Biarritz Surf Festival — also known as the Biarritz Longboard Classic — takes place in the first or second week of July on the Côte des Basques. It is one of the most prestigious longboard competitions in Europe, featuring five days of surfing, film screenings, live music, art exhibitions, and after-parties that capture the city's unique blend of athletic culture and bohemian spirit. Thousands of spectators line the cliffs above the beach to watch.
Late July sees the Fêtes de Bayonne, held in neighbouring Bayonne from the last Wednesday of July through the following Sunday. This is the largest festival in the French Basque Country — over a million people descend on the city over five days, dressed in the traditional white and red. There are bull-running events (courses de vaches), Basque music and dance, bandas (street brass bands), and an atmosphere that has no equivalent north of Pamplona. It is absolutely essential to book accommodation well in advance if your trip coincides with the Fêtes — hotels in Biarritz, Bayonne, and Anglet fill up months ahead.
August is the busiest and most expensive month. French families take their summer holidays (les grandes vacances), and the population of the BAB agglomeration swells considerably. The Grande Plage can feel crowded, parking is a headache, and restaurant wait times increase. That said, August also brings the best ocean swimming conditions and the warmest evenings. If you visit in August, book early and consider staying in Anglet or the Côte des Basques area rather than fighting for space in the centre.
Autumn: September to November — The Sweet Spot
Many seasoned Biarritz travellers consider September the single best month to visit. The summer crowds thin out dramatically after the French rentrée (return to school, typically the first week of September), yet the weather remains excellent. Air temperatures average 22°C, the ocean holds at 20–21°C, and the light takes on a golden quality that photographers love. Hotel prices drop 20–40% from August peaks, and restaurant terraces are easier to enjoy.
September and October are also the best months for surfing. The Atlantic swells become more consistent and powerful as the storm season approaches, and the water remains warm enough for a spring suit. The lineup is less crowded too — the summer beginners have gone home, and the waves belong to the locals and dedicated travelling surfers. Several professional surfing events take place along the Basque Coast in early autumn.
October brings the first signs of the off-season. Some seasonal restaurants and beach clubs close, but the weather can still surprise — sunny spells of 18–20°C are common through mid-October. This is also whale-watching season. From September through November, bottlenose dolphins, fin whales, and occasionally pilot whales can be spotted from the cliffs between Biarritz and Bidart. Boat excursions depart from Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye.
November is generally grey and wet (around 140 mm of rainfall), but brings dramatic storm watching. The Atlantic unleashes its full power against the cliffs, sending spray over the Rocher de la Vierge and creating spectacular conditions at the Côte des Basques. Hotels are at their cheapest, and the thalassotherapy spas begin offering winter cure packages.
Winter: December to February — Storm Season & Wellness
Winter in Biarritz is mild compared to most of northern Europe. Temperatures rarely drop below 5°C, and daytime highs of 10–13°C are typical. Snow is almost unheard of at sea level, though the Pyrenean peaks visible from the city are often white. Rainfall is the highest of the year — December and January each average around 150 mm — and the Bay of Biscay can be rough.
This is the season for thalassotherapy. Biarritz's luxury spa hotels, led by the Sofitel Le Miramar Thalassa, offer multi-day wellness programmes at significantly reduced rates. A typical 3-night thalasso package costs 30–40% less than the same programme in summer. The heated seawater pools, jet massages, and algae wraps are even more appealing when the Atlantic storms are battering the windows outside.
Winter is also the time when Biarritz feels most Basque. Without the international tourist crowds, the city's year-round character emerges. The pintxo bars and restaurants along Rue du Port Vieux are full of locals. The Marché des Halles (Les Halles market) in nearby Bayonne is at its most atmospheric, with seasonal produce like cèpes, walnuts, and Bayonne ham. Christmas markets appear in early December, and the mild climate means outdoor shopping and evening strolls are perfectly comfortable.
For surfers, winter brings the biggest swells of the year. The waves at Côte des Basques and the Anglet beaches can be overhead and powerful. A 5/4mm wetsuit, boots, and gloves are essential, but the reward is uncrowded lineups and world-class surf in a stunning setting.
Spring: March to May — Renewal and Value
Spring arrives gently in Biarritz. March can still be changeable, with occasional storms, but by April the days lengthen noticeably and temperatures climb to 15–18°C. May is glorious — warm enough for outdoor dining, bright enough for coastal walks, and quiet enough that you can have the Sentier du Littoral practically to yourself.
This is the best season for hiking. The clifftop paths between Biarritz and Bidart are carpeted with wildflowers, the Rhune mountain is green and accessible, and the longer daylight hours make full-day excursions comfortable. Birdwatchers will find spring migration along the coast particularly rewarding.
Hotel prices in spring are among the lowest of the year — often 30–50% below summer rates. Many hotels and vacation rentals offer mid-week deals and longer-stay discounts. The surf conditions improve as spring progresses, with more consistent swells and warming water (15°C in March, 18°C by May). Easter can bring a brief surge of visitors, but outside that week, spring in Biarritz is blissfully uncrowded.
Cultural events pick up in April and May. The Biarritz en Lumières festival illuminates the city's landmarks, and the early-season markets begin stocking local Basque produce — fresh Espelette peppers, artisanal cheese from the Ossau Valley, and the first catches of the anchovy season.
Ocean Temperature by Month
- January–February: 12°C — Wetsuit essential (5/4mm)
- March–April: 13–15°C — Thick wetsuit (4/3mm)
- May–June: 17–19°C — Standard wetsuit (3/2mm)
- July–August: 21–23°C — Short wetsuit or boardshorts for swimming
- September–October: 19–21°C — Spring suit (2/3mm)
- November–December: 14–16°C — Thick wetsuit (4/3mm)
Major Events Calendar
- January: New Year surf sessions, thalassotherapy winter packages
- April: Easter markets, Biarritz en Lumières
- May: Fête de la Cerise (cherry festival) in Itxassou, 20 km inland
- June: Opening of beach clubs and summer restaurants
- July (early): Biarritz Surf Festival / Longboard Classic
- July (late): Fêtes de Bayonne — the Basque Country's biggest party
- August: Peak beach season, Basque pelota tournaments
- September: Force Basque championships, professional surf events
- October: Whale watching season begins, autumn storm surf
- November: Storm watching, off-season spa packages launch
- December: Christmas markets in Biarritz and Bayonne
Rainfall Patterns
Biarritz receives approximately 1,450 mm of rain per year, which is higher than France's national average. However, the rain is not evenly distributed. The driest months are June and July (60–80 mm each), while November through January are the wettest (130–150 mm each). Rain in Biarritz tends to come in short, intense showers rather than all-day drizzle — even on a rainy day, there are usually dry windows of several hours. The Basque Country saying goes: "Il pleut toujours au Pays Basque, mais jamais toute la journée" (it always rains in the Basque Country, but never all day long). A waterproof jacket is advisable year-round, but should not deter visitors in any season.
Our Recommendation
For most visitors, September is the ideal month to visit Biarritz. The weather is warm, the ocean is still swimmable, the summer crowds have evaporated, hotel prices drop significantly, and the Atlantic light is at its most beautiful. Surfers should target September–October for the most consistent waves. Culture and food lovers will find spring (April–May) equally rewarding, with lower prices and blooming landscapes. Thalassotherapy seekers should look at winter packages (November–March) for the best value. And if you want the full Biarritz experience — the Surf Festival, the Fêtes de Bayonne, the packed Grande Plage at sunset — then early July is your window, but book months in advance.
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