Weather in Caen

To ensure your journey to Caen is as comfortable as possible, familiarise yourself with the current weather conditions. In this section, you will find up-to-date forecasts, temperature charts, and other useful meteorological information to help plan your trip.

The climate in Caen can be described as temperate maritime, shaped by the strong influence of the Atlantic. There is practically no extreme heat or severe frost here, making the city accessible for visiting all year round. The weather is characterised by mildness, although tourists should be prepared for high humidity and frequent changes in cloud cover.

Summer in this region of France is very comfortable and fresh: in the warmest months, July and August, the air temperature usually warms up to a pleasant 23°C. Winter passes mildly, with average figures around 4–9°C, and snow falls extremely rarely. The transitional seasons — spring and autumn — are cool and protracted, with a gradual change in temperatures.

An important feature of the local climate is regular precipitation, which is evenly distributed throughout the year. Even in the "driest" months, one can expect about 10 rainy days, and in March this figure can reach 17 days. Travellers are recommended to always have an umbrella or waterproof jacket with them, as clear skies can quickly give way to short-term rain.

The climate in Caen is distinguished by its mildness and the absence of extreme temperature fluctuations throughout the year. The annual temperature range is quite comfortable for travellers: the coldest days usually fall in January with an average figure of about +5.9°C, while the peak warmth is observed in July, when the air warms up on average to +18.9°C. Thanks to the proximity to the sea, it is rarely unbearably hot or too frosty here.

Summer in this region of France can be described as pleasantly warm, but not sweltering. In June, July, and August, daily maximums fluctuate within +21°C...+23°C, creating ideal conditions for excursions and walks in the fresh air. Winter here is cool but quite mild: even in the coldest months — January and February — night temperatures rarely drop below +3.6°C...+4.1°C, so severe frosts and snowfalls are more of an exception.

Daily temperature fluctuations in Caen are moderate but still noticeable. The difference between day and night figures is usually between 4 and 9 degrees. For example, in spring in April, the air can warm up to +14.8°C during the day, cooling down to +6.1°C at night. Even at the height of summer, when it is warm during the day, evenings bring a refreshing coolness (about +14.5°C), so a light jacket or sweater may come in handy even in July.

The climate in Caen is characterised by regular precipitation throughout the year, which is typical for the Normandy region. It is difficult to single out a clearly pronounced dry season or rainy season, as wet weather is distributed quite evenly across the months. Rains here, as a rule, are not distinguished by high intensity: often it is a fine drizzle or short-term precipitation that brings freshness but rarely develops into powerful downpours.

The greatest number of rainy days is observed in the off-season and early spring. The record holder for precipitation frequency is March, when inclement weather can persist for up to 17 days. The autumn-winter period, especially October, November, and December, is also distinguished by high humidity — at this time, you will need an umbrella for approximately half the month. In winter, despite the coolness, a stable snow cover rarely forms due to mild temperatures; precipitation falls more often in the form of rain.

If you are looking for more stable weather for a trip, it is worth paying attention to April and the middle of summer. In July and August, the number of rainy days decreases to 10–11 per month, which increases the chances of comfortable sunny walks around the city. Nevertheless, even in summer, the weather in France can be changeable, so a light raincoat or umbrella will become useful companions in your journey through Caen.

The weather in Caen, as in all of Normandy, is notable for its variability, so the main principle when packing a suitcase is layering. Even if the forecast promises sun, the situation can change quickly due to the proximity to the sea. For comfortable walks at any time of the year, take items with you that are easy to combine: t-shirts, jumpers, and cardigans. A windbreaker or light jacket will come in handy even in summer, when evenings can be cool and windy.

Considering that rains here are a frequent phenomenon and possible in any month, be sure to put a compact umbrella or a high-quality raincoat in your luggage. In autumn and winter, it is worth adding a warm windproof jacket, a scarf, and gloves to this set, as the humid air intensifies the sensation of cold even at temperatures above zero. In summer, the climate is mild and comfortable, without exhausting heat (average temperature about +19°C), so light clothing made of natural fabrics will be sufficient for daytime excursions.

Pay special attention to footwear: it should be comfortable and waterproof. Caen is a city with a rich history that is best explored on foot, so worn-in trainers or flat-soled boots will be your best choice. Do not forget sunglasses and sunscreen as well, especially if you plan a trip from May to September — the maritime sun can be active even through light cloud cover.