Biarritz is a surf town with a royal past, set on the rugged Atlantic coast of France's Basque Country, just a few kilometers from the Spanish border. What began as a whaling village transformed into a playground for European aristocracy after Empress Eugénie convinced Napoleon III to build a seaside villa here in the 1850s; that villa is now the Hôtel du Palais, still presiding over La Grande Plage. Today the Belle Époque grandeur coexists with a laid-back surf culture, a Basque food scene built on Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, sheep's cheese, and fresh Atlantic seafood, and a coastline of dramatic rock formations, cliff paths, and crashing waves that reward both surfers and spectators.
The best time to visit Biarritz runs from late April through early November, with the sweet spot falling between June and September. Summer brings the warmest water for surfing and swimming, the longest evening light (the sun doesn't set until nearly 10pm in June), and the fullest calendar of events: the Fête de la Musique transforms streets into open-air stages around the solstice, the Biarritz Surf Festival draws international competitors to La Grande Plage in July, and Force Basque strongman exhibitions run through the heart of summer. If you'd rather trade peak crowds for mild weather and lower prices, May and October are excellent shoulder months. Highs are comfortable enough for coastal walks and outdoor dining, and you'll have the clifftop paths and Les Halles market largely to yourself.
Spring in Biarritz, France
Biarritz starts to shake off winter's quiet as spring arrives, with the covered market at Les Halles filling up again each morning with local cheeses, Bayonne ham, and the first seasonal produce. The coastal promenade from the lighthouse down to Rocher de la Vierge is especially pleasant to walk in March and April before summer crowds arrive. Mornings start cool at 47.5°F (8.6°C), so bring a light jacket for early strolls through Port des Pêcheurs, where the colorful former fishermen's cottages sit along the tiny harbor.
By May, afternoons warm to highs of 63.5°F (17.5°C), comfortable enough for extended time outdoors. The Basque coast's surf schools begin reopening, and the nearby village of Espelette starts showing the first signs of the pepper-growing season that defines the region's cuisine. Nearby Bayonne typically hosts its Foire au Jambon (Ham Fair) around Easter, a multi-day celebration of the area's famous cured pork. Showers pop up on roughly 3 to 5 days per month through the season, but they tend to pass quickly, so a packable rain shell is all you need.
Tourism is fairly slow through spring, and accommodation prices reflect that with genuine deals. You'll find it easy to get a table at seafood spots around the Port des Pêcheurs without a reservation, and the Biarritz Aquarium, housed in an Art Deco building facing the Rocher de la Vierge, is relaxed enough to enjoy at your own pace. Pack layers: the Atlantic breeze picks up in May, and temperatures can shift quickly between sheltered streets and the open clifftop.
Summer in Biarritz, France
Summer is when Biarritz fully comes alive. The Fête de la Musique around the solstice in late June turns sidewalks, rooftops, and public squares into stages for live music, and the energy carries through July with the Biarritz Surf Festival on La Grande Plage and Force Basque strongman shows at Parc Mazon. Surfers of every level crowd Côte des Basques, the beach where European surfing was born in the 1950s, while beginners can book lessons at the many schools lining the shore. Bastille Day in mid-July adds fireworks over the Bay of Biscay to an already packed calendar.
Seasonal highs average 75.4°F (24.1°C) with lows around 59.7°F (15.4°C), warm enough for beach days but milder than the Mediterranean coast. Early August brings the peak heat, with highs of 78.7°F (25.9°C) and overnight lows of 61.5°F (16.4°C). Rain is at its least likely, with wet days appearing roughly 2 to 5 times per month across the season. Long evening light, with the sun not setting until well past 9pm in June and July, means you can linger over pintxos and a glass of Irouléguy wine at a terrace bar long after dinner.
This is the busiest season by far, and accommodation prices climb. Book well in advance, especially around the surf festival weeks and the Fêtes de Bayonne, a massive multi-day celebration in the neighboring city that spills energy across the whole region in late July or early August. Grab cheese, charcuterie, and bread from Les Halles for a beach picnic at Plage du Port Vieux, the sheltered cove where locals gather for morning swims.
Fall in Biarritz, France
September in Biarritz has a quality that locals treasure: the summer crowds thin out, but the ocean retains its warmth and the days stay long enough to enjoy. The Le Temps d'Aimer dance festival typically takes over venues across the city in September, bringing performances that range from contemporary dance to classical ballet into spaces like the Casino and the Gare du Midi. Surf conditions often improve as autumn swells build along the Atlantic coast, drawing experienced surfers who prefer bigger waves and fewer bodies in the water.
Highs average 68°F (20°C) and lows settle around 51.1°F (10.6°C), comfortable for walking the cliff path from the lighthouse to Côte des Basques without overheating. Precipitation picks up as fall progresses: September stays relatively dry, but by November, rain becomes one of the most frequent of the year. Pack a sturdy waterproof layer for the later months. All Saints' Day in early November is a public holiday when some shops and restaurants may close, so plan accordingly.
Tourism remains the second busiest in fall, particularly in September and October, before dropping noticeably in November. Accommodation prices run slightly higher than off-season but remain well below summer peaks. This is an ideal time to explore the Basque hinterland on day trips: the chocolate shops of Bayonne, the hilltop village of Espelette with its strings of drying red peppers, and the fishing port of Saint-Jean-de-Luz are all easy to reach. Bring a sweater for cool evenings spent watching the sunset from the cliffs near the lighthouse.
Winter in Biarritz, France
Winter quiets Biarritz down to its local rhythm. The Grande Plage empties of sunbathers, and the surfers who remain are mostly dedicated year-round riders in thick wetsuits. This is the season for Biarritz en Lumière, the holiday light festival that drapes the Casino, public gardens, and the footbridge to Rocher de la Vierge in shimmering displays from late November through the holiday season. The chocolate tradition runs deep here, with roots going back to the 17th century when Bayonne became one of Europe's first chocolate-making cities, and winter is the perfect time to browse shops like Chocolaterie Henriet for handmade pralines and marzipan.
Highs reach 55°F (12.8°C) and lows dip to 40°F (4.4°C), cool enough to require a proper coat and scarf but rarely harsh. A light dusting of snow is possible in February, though it's uncommon near the coast. Rain falls regularly, with wet days appearing 3 to 5 times per month, and daylight contracts to roughly 9 hours in December. The short days mean planning around natural light for cliff walks and outdoor sightseeing.
This is the slowest tourism season, and many smaller restaurants and seasonal businesses close or reduce hours. The upside is genuine tranquility: a morning coffee inside Les Halles followed by oysters at the Port des Pêcheurs feels wonderfully unhurried. If you visit around the holidays, Basque culture's strong communal traditions make for atmospheric Christmas and New Year celebrations. Dress warmly and carry an umbrella; the Atlantic wind can make those 40°F mornings feel sharper than the thermometer suggests.
At a Glance
Monthly weather, visitor crowds, air quality, holidays, and daylight hours to help you plan your trip.
Travel Tips & Safety for Biarritz, France
Biarritz has its own small airport with flights from several European cities, plus a train station (Gare de Biarritz) about 3 kilometers from the center that connects to Bordeaux, Paris, and beyond via TGV. The town is compact and walkable, though the hills between beaches can be steep; a local bus network links the main areas, and taxis or ride-shares cover the short gap from the airport or train station. If you're planning day trips to San Sebastián, Saint-Jean-de-Luz, or the Basque interior, renting a car gives you the most flexibility.
Biarritz is generally very safe. The main things to watch are standard coastal precautions: ocean currents along the Basque coast can be strong, especially at Côte des Basques during outgoing tides, so always swim in lifeguard-supervised areas during posted hours. Keep valuables out of sight on the beach during busy summer months, as petty theft can occur in any popular tourist area. Basic French goes a long way, though you'll find English spoken at most hotels, restaurants, and surf schools.