Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

The Travel Pages picks the best time to visit Bordeaux, with a monthly summary of the weather, plus hotel prices and special events to help plan a visit.

Steeped in history and loaded with charm, Bordeaux, France, is a city that invites exploration year-round. Yet every season offers a distinctive experience due to fluctuating Bordeaux weather and varied events on the city’s cultural calendar.

To ensure your visit to Bordeaux aligns perfectly with your preferences, it’s crucial to understand Bordeaux climate throughout the year, as well the crowd factor and hotel prices.

Best Month to Visit Bordeaux

January in Bordeaux is definitely winter, with average temperatures ranging from a chilly 35°F (about 2°C) to a mild 49°F (about 9°C). Average rainfall is around 2.2 inches (56mm). January is not usually a popular tourist month, which means you might score some good deals on hotel prices, even though there are no significant events in this month.

February typically sees similar conditions to January, with temperatures between 35°F (2°C) and a slightly warmer 51°F (10°C). The rainfall averages about 1.9 inches (48mm). This is also a low tourist season, meaning fewer crowds and potentially lower hotel rates.

As we move into March, the temperature averages range from 39°F (4°C) to 57°F (14°C), and the rainfall drops slightly to around 1.7 inches (43mm). Early blossom of greenery can signal the beginning of spring. Still, hotel rates remain relatively low, and tourist crowds are thin.

April brings in spring proper, with temperatures between 44°F (7°C) and 63°F (17°C). Rainfall continues to decrease, averaging at about 1.9 inches (48mm). This is a beautiful time to visit Bordeaux with fresh greenery around. The increase in tourists sees a slight increase in hotel prices.

May brings warmer temperatures still, with lows of around 49°F (9°C) and highs up to 70°F (21°C). Rainfall is typically around 2.6 inches (66mm). This is a popular time to visit Bordeaux, with sunshine hours maximized, and hotel prices beginning to rise.

June is the beginning of summer, with temperatures ranging from 57°F (14°C) to an agreeable 77°F (25°C). Rainfall is typically lower at about 1.4 inches (36mm). The city is enjoying the warm weather, with lots of outdoor events taking place, so hotel rates are on the higher side.

July brings the peak of summer, with temperatures between 59°F (15°C) and 81°F (27°C). Rainfall is at its lowest, with an average of 1.3 inches (33mm). Despite high hotel prices, many tourists choose this time for the wonderful weather, and there are often festivals and events to enjoy.

August, similar to July, has temperatures ranging between 59°F (15°C) to 82°F (28°C) with low rainfall at approximately 1.4 inch (36mm). Hotel prices continue to be high with summer events in full swing, attracting many visitors.

In September, autumn shows its colors and temperatures drop slightly to between 53°F (12°C) and 75°F (24°C). The average rainfall is slightly higher at 2 inches (51mm), but it’s a great time to visit due to the start of the wine harvest season. Expect hotel prices to be in the moderate range.

October brings further cooling, with average temperatures between 47°F (8°C) and 66°F (19°C). Rainfall increases with an average of 3.2 inches (81mm), yet the autumnal colors of vineyards make it a visually beautiful time to visit. Hotel rates start dropping, making it more pocket-friendly.

In November, average temperatures range from 40°F (4°C) to 55°F (13°C). Rainfall peaks at around 3.8 inches (97mm). The crowd thins out and hotel prices drop noticeably. Though the weather can be somewhat unpredictable, there are fewer tourists, making it ideal for travelers seeking solitude.

December marks the beginning of winter, temperatures hover between 37°F (3°C) and 50°F (10°C), with the rainfall around 3.2 inches (81mm). There are charming Christmas markets that create a festive atmosphere, although hotel prices do see a slight increase due to the holiday season.

Beat Time to Visit Bordeaux: Summary

In conclusion, there’s truly no one best time to visit Bordeaux. The ideal month depends on your personal preferences in regards to weather, crowds, and budget.

For budget-conscious travelers, the winter months from January to March offer the lowest hotel prices. However, be prepared for chilly weather and pack accordingly.

For those who love to enjoy the great outdoors without worrying too much about rainfall, June and July present the perfect weather conditions, along with opportunities to enjoy local festivals and events.

Wine connoisseurs might prefer a September visit, when the grape harvesting seasons starts, and you can witness the city’s wine-making traditions in full sway.

Families usually opt for summer (June to August) when the weather is favorable for a variety of outdoor activities and events are organized that cater to all age groups.

If you’re a fan of quieter, less crowded holidays, autumn (October to November) with its mild weather and beautiful foliage might be your ideal time, especially as hotel prices become more reasonable.

Lastly, for those who adore the holiday spirit, December in Bordeaux is beautiful with its festive cheer and Christmas markets, despite the onset of winter chill.

The key takeaway here is that there is no right or wrong time to visit Bordeaux – just different experiences. Whether it’s the promise of good weather, lower accommodation costs, fascinating events, or fewer crowds, each month presents unique opportunities that cater to different tastes and preferences.

Therefore, the Best Time to Visit Bordeaux really hinges on what you’re seeking from your visit. Regardless of when you choose to go, Bordeaux offers a rich, multi-layered experience that will leave you craving for more. Bon Voyage!