Weather in La Rochelle

Planning your day in La Rochelle? Here you will find the latest weather information, including detailed forecasts and helpful charts, to ensure your stay is as comfortable as possible.

The climate in La Rochelle can be described as temperate oceanic. The city is characterised by mild winters and warm, but not sweltering, summers. Temperature fluctuations throughout the year are gradual, without sharp changes, making it comfortable to visit during various seasons.

La Rochelle has clearly defined seasons. Winter, from December to February, is quite mild, with average temperatures around 7-9°C and the highest number of rainy days, although the total amount of precipitation remains low. Summer, from June to August, is pleasant and warm, with average temperatures around 19-21°C and significantly fewer days with precipitation, making it the ideal time for a visit. Spring and autumn are transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and changeable weather.

A notable feature of the weather in La Rochelle is the relatively low amount of rainfall in millimetres throughout the year. However, the number of days with precipitation varies: in winter they are more frequent, though not heavy, while in summer they are rare. This means that even during wetter periods, prolonged downpours are unlikely. The sunniest and driest months are July and August, offering the best conditions for walking and sightseeing.

The climate in La Rochelle is characterised by moderate temperatures throughout the year, with noticeable seasonal changes. The hottest months are usually July and August, when the average daytime temperature reaches about 21°C, and maximum values can rise to 25°C. The coldest month is January, with an average temperature of about 7.4°C, while minimum night-time temperatures drop to an average of 5.1°C. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from approximately 7°C in winter to 21°C in summer, creating comfortable conditions for visiting in different seasons.

The summer months in La Rochelle, from June to August, bring pleasant warmth. Daytime highs are usually in the range of 22-25°C, which is ideal for walking around the city and relaxing on the coast. Nights also remain warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 15-17°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in summer are more pronounced than in winter, averaging 7-8°C between maximum daytime and minimum night-time readings. This means that even after a warm day, the evening can bring a noticeable coolness.

Winter in La Rochelle, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by its mildness. Average daytime temperatures fluctuate between 9-11°C, and night-time lows rarely drop significantly below 5°C. Frosts here are an infrequent occurrence, making winter walks quite comfortable. The transitional seasons, spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November), also offer pleasant weather for travel: in spring, maximum daytime temperatures rise from approximately 13°C in March to about 19°C in May, while in autumn they gradually decrease from about 22°C in September to 13°C in November. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are less significant than in summer, amounting to about 4-6°C.

In the city of La Rochelle, precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, although some trends can be highlighted. The city does not experience a distinct rainy season or dry period in the classical sense, but the amount of precipitation and the number of rainy days vary by month. Overall, rainfall levels are quite moderate throughout the year.

The highest amount of precipitation, although only slightly above average, usually falls during the autumn-winter period. The months with the maximum average precipitation (3 mm) are March, October, November, and December. At the same time, December stands out as the month with the highest number of rainy days — an average of 15 days. It is followed by March, October, and November, which have about 13 rainy days. Given the low average monthly temperatures in winter, especially the minimums (around 5-6°C), precipitation falls predominantly as rain; snowfalls here are extremely rare.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the driest in La Rochelle. During this period, only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days is minimal: 6 days in July and 7 days in August. In other months, such as January, February, April, May, June, and September, the amount of precipitation is about 2 mm, while the number of rainy days ranges from 10 to 12. The nature of the precipitation, given its small amount even on "wet" days, is likely to be light or moderate rain rather than heavy downpours.

When planning a trip to La Rochelle, it is important to consider the local climate features, characterised by mild winters, warm summers, and moderate rainfall distributed as frequent but not heavy rains throughout the year. Therefore, the principle of layering in clothing will be your best ally. Comfortable shoes for walking along cobbled streets and the waterfront are a mandatory item on your list. Do not forget to grab a light waterproof jacket or a compact umbrella, as brief showers are possible even in sunny months, and the city's coastal location implies a likelihood of windy weather.

In summer (from June to August), La Rochelle is usually warm and sunny, with average temperatures fluctuating around 19-21°C, and maximums reaching 23-25°C. You will need light clothing made of natural fabrics, T-shirts, shorts, sundresses, as well as swimwear. Don't forget sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Evenings can be a bit cooler, especially by the water, so a light cardigan or windbreaker will come in handy. In the off-season (spring and autumn), the weather is more changeable: average temperatures vary from 10°C to 18°C. It is recommended to bring jeans or trousers, sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and a mid-season jacket. Considering that the number of "wet days" increases during these periods, waterproof outerwear and shoes will be particularly relevant.

In winter (from December to February), La Rochelle is cool but without severe frosts; average temperatures hold around 7-8°C. At this time of year, it is worth prioritising warm clothing: sweaters, warm trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. It is important to have a warm waterproof jacket, as December is the month with the highest number of days with precipitation (about 15 days). Although the total amount of precipitation is not large, frequent rains and wind can create a sensation of lower temperatures, so protection from moisture and wind will be very useful.