The best months to visit Bordeaux are May, June, September and October, when average highs sit comfortably between 20.3 °C and 25.1 °C and the days are long and bright — May sees 11.1 hours of sunshine and 13 rain days, while September brings an average high of 24.5 °C with 10 rain days. July and August are the hottest and busiest stretch, with average highs of 27.2 °C and 28 °C and packed summer crowds tied to French school holidays. Winter is the quiet, low season — mild but grey, with December offering just 4.8 hours of sunshine a day.
Best months MayJuneSeptemberOctober
Bordeaux month by month
Average highs and lows (°C), 2016–2025. Highlighted bars are the best months.
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Sun / day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 10.2 °C | 3.6 °C | 13 | 5 h |
| February | 12.9 °C | 4.7 °C | 10 | 6.6 h |
| March | 15 °C | 6.3 °C | 13 | 8.2 h |
| April | 18 °C | 8.3 °C | 12 | 9.4 h |
| May | 21.2 °C | 11.6 °C | 13 | 11.1 h |
| June | 25.1 °C | 15.6 °C | 12 | 11.5 h |
| July | 27.2 °C | 17 °C | 8 | 12.1 h |
| August | 28 °C | 17.1 °C | 7 | 11.7 h |
| September | 24.5 °C | 14.5 °C | 10 | 9.8 h |
| October | 20.3 °C | 11.6 °C | 12 | 7.6 h |
| November | 14.3 °C | 7.2 °C | 13 | 6.1 h |
| December | 11.5 °C | 5.2 °C | 13 | 4.8 h |
How the months are picked.A month qualifies when its average high sits in the comfortable 20–28 °C band (scored down towards 9 °C and 37 °C), rain days are few and sunshine hours are high — at least 78 % of the city's best-scoring month. July and August are then set aside as peak season (school-holiday crowds and prices) whenever at least three other months qualify; where summer is the only comfortable window they stay. Figures are ten-year averages (2016-01-01 to 2025-12-31) from ERA5 reanalysis data via Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0) for the city centre coordinates.
When to go, and what to expect
Spring (Mar–May)
Ideal for vineyard visits and riverside strolls before the heat — May is a standout.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
June is warm and lively; July–August suit sun-seekers who don't mind heat and crowds.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are excellent — warm, atmospheric and tied to the wine season.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
For city breaks, museums and wine bars rather than outdoor sightseeing.
Notable events
- June (biennial)
- Bordeaux Fête le Vin (wine festival on the riverfront)
- September to October
- Grape harvest season in the surrounding vineyards
- December
- Bordeaux Christmas Market on the Allées de Tourny
- July
- Bastille Day celebrations
Frequently asked
Is Bordeaux too hot in August?
August is the hottest month, with an average high of 28 °C and only 7 rain days. It's pleasant for many but can feel intense at midday, and it coincides with peak crowds — June or September are gentler alternatives.
What is the rainiest month in Bordeaux?
Rain days are highest in the cooler months: January, March, May, November and December all record 13 rain days. Summer is driest, with August at just 7 rain days.
Is winter worth visiting Bordeaux?
Winter is mild but grey — January averages a high of 10.2 °C with 5 hours of sunshine, and December drops to 4.8 hours. It's the quiet low season, best for indoor attractions, wine tasting and the Christmas market rather than outdoor sightseeing.
Know when to go? Now decide where to stay — our Bordeaux area guide →
Areas of Bordeaux
Best time to visit near here
Sources
- Open-Meteo historical weather API — monthly climate normals, 2016–2025 (CC BY 4.0)
- ERA5 reanalysis (ECMWF / Copernicus) — the underlying temperature, precipitation and sunshine data
- ReasonStay methodology — how the best months are computed and checked
An independent guide to Bordeaux — honest, verified, no invented data. Climate figures: ERA5 via Open-Meteo, 2016–2025 averages; the best months are computed from them, not opinion.