Best Time to Visit Bordeaux, France [Seasonal Guide]

| Updated on November 20, 2023

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Wondering when is the best time to visit Bordeaux?

That’s exactly what you’ll find out in this guide!

Choosing the right time to visit the most iconic city of southwestern France depends on several factors including budget, interests, and duration of stay. To help you decide, we’ll see in this post the best time to visit Bordeaux for good weather, affordable travel, avoiding crowds, and winery visits.

Let’s jump right to it! 🎯

TABLE OF CONTENTS

When is the Best Time to Visit Bordeaux?
Bordeaux Key Events
Bordeaux Weather and Climate
FAQ About the Best Time to Go to Bordeaux
Read More About Traveling Bordeaux

When is the Best Time to Visit Bordeaux?

Bordeaux is at its best from April to June and from September to the end of October when the weather is pleasant and there are lesser crowds of tourists. But winter and summer can also be good times to visit according to your budget or if you’re with kids.

There are a lot of things to do in Bordeaux year-round, so basically, Bordeaux is worth visiting any time of the year. But depending on your interests and travel style, a specific time can be better than another. So, here’s a breakdown of the best time to go to Bordeaux, by travel purposes:

When to Visit Bordeaux for Good Weather

best time of year to visit bordeaux france for good weather

Place de l’Opéra in early September

May, June, and September are the months when the weather is most comfortable, i.e. when you can enjoy the city without battling extreme heat or chilly temperatures.

Although it may rain a few times, these are the months when you can enjoy all the activities Bordeaux has to offer, whether indoors or outdoors. You can even take advantage of excellent temperatures to enjoy a day trip around Bordeaux to the beach, as Lacanau or Arcachon Bay for example. And best of all, these months are much less crowded compared to the tourist-packed July and August!

My advice is to opt for September, ideally from the 5th or 10th of the month. It’s still summer, but the sun isn’t as scorching, and most tourists have returned home with the start of the new school year in France right at the beginning of September.

When to Visit Bordeaux on a Budget

winter is a best time to go to bordeaux france on a budget

Porte Cailhau

The cheapest month to travel to Bordeaux is January. It’s the period when the holiday season is winding down, and people are getting back to their usual routines in most parts of the world.

In France, January also marks the start of the winter sales, which runs for 4 weeks from the second week of the month into early February. If you enjoy shopping and hunting for deals, this is a fantastic time to be in Bordeaux.

Generally, aside from December, winter in Bordeaux is the best time to discover the city without breaking the bank, that is from late November to the end of March. However, you should know the weather isn’t ideal: it rains a lot and temperatures, although not too cold, don’t exceed 12°C. So, it’s cost-effective, but don’t forget your umbrella!

Tip: If you need to to focus on saving money, get a Bordeaux City Pass! This pass provides free entry to lots of attractions in Bordeaux and unlimited access to the city’s public transport.

When to Visit Bordeaux to Avoid Crowds

winter is the best time to visit bordeaux france to avoid crowds

Garonne River banks in front of Place de la Bourse under the snow

It’s no wonder that the budget-friendly months of January and February are also the least crowded times to experience Bordeaux. With the rainy and chilly weather, you won’t find the usual tourist hordes that flock to the city during the busy summer months.

In Bordeaux, the oceanic climate means that winters are never too cold, and snow is a rare occurrence. In January and February, temperatures typically range from 3 to 12°C, so you’ll still need a warm coat, and above all an umbrella to protect you from the rain.

The great news is that hotels generally offer their most budget-friendly rates of the year during these months. You can put those savings to good use, perhaps for a full exploration of the Cité du Vin and the Bassin des Lumières!

Best Time to Visit Bordeaux Wineries

fall is the best time to visit bordeaux vineyards

Saint-Emilion vineyard

Vineyards offer a year-round spectacle, with each season revealing a different stage of their cycle. But the best time to visit Bordeaux wineries is from May to October.

The highlight occurs from September to October, known as the harvest season. It’s the vine’s final stage when the fruit is harvested for wine production. This time is amazing for visits and tastings, but remember that some estates may be closed to the public due to round-the-clock harvesting. Make sure to plan your visit ahead!

Vineyards in the summer are also great to discover, but it’s often crowded. Autumn treats you to vibrant leaf colors, while winter paints the vineyards in a serene bluish hue – both are worth experiencing.

Best wine tour: From Bordeaux: Half-Day Saint-Émilion Tour and Wine Tasting

september is the best month to visit bordeaux

Jardin Public in the summertime

Bordeaux Key Events

Winter (December-March)

🎄 Christmas Market: It sets up shop right in the heart of Bordeaux old town from November 25th until the end of December.
🛍 Winter sales: Every year, the winter sales run for 4 weeks, starting on the 10th of January at the latest.
👺 Carnaval des 2 Rives: The Mardi Gras carnival takes place every year on the last day before the start of the Lenten period, usually in February.

Spring (March-June)

🍻 Guinguettes: The Guinguette season opens in April and ends in September. Guinguettes are typical outdoor venues where people usually come for a drink or to party.
⚓️ Bordeaux fête le fleuve: This popular festival takes place in June and features water sports and artistic activities on both banks of the Garonne. This biennial event takes place only in odd-numbered years.
🎶 Fête de la Musique: This huge national event takes place every year on the 21st of June and features music concerts.
🎤 Les Tropicales: On the last weekend of June, there’s a festival filled with movie premieres, free outdoor screenings, and even a giant movie-karaoke event.

Summer (June-September):

🛍 Summer sales: Every year, the summer sales run for 4 weeks, starting on the 28th of June at the latest.
🎇 National Day: France’s national day is celebrated on July 14th, with fireworks over the Garonne River in Bordeaux.
🏛 European Heritage Day: For a few days in September, buildings and monuments that are rarely open to the public welcome visitors free of charge, and museums often offer reduced rates.

Fall (September-November):

🎬 Bordeaux International Arts Festival: A major event featuring theater, dance, performance, circus, music, and visual arts in October.

Bordeaux Weather and Climate

Located less than an hour from the Atlantic coast, Bordeaux enjoys an oceanic climate, meaning mild temperatures all year round, with heat peaks in summer and lots of rain in autumn/winter.

❄️ Winter in Bordeaux: Winter is not particularly cold, but temperatures are still cool. From December to February, expect temperatures to average between 7 and 11°C. There’s a lot of wind and rain, which makes it feel cooler. Snowfall, on the other hand, is extremely rare.

🌸 Spring in Bordeaux: Spring is a pleasant season, but like most of the year, rain is quite common. Temperatures in March and April gradually rise to between 10 and 18°C with a brighter sun. But in May and June, temperatures can easily reach 20 to 25°C.

☀️ Summer in Bordeaux: Summer is hot and quite dry. Average temperatures are between 23 and 30°C in July and August, although heat peaks sometimes occur. The good news is that the ocean nearby keeps things breezy. But be prepared for a few intense but brief thunderstorms now and then!

🍁 Fall in Bordeaux: Autumn is pleasant and sunny until mid-October, but as November rolls in, you’ll notice more gray skies and rain. However, temperatures remain reasonable, between 20 and 25°C in September, around 20°C in October, and rarely below 15°C in November.

garonne banks in summer

FAQ About the Best Time to Go to Bordeaux

What is the best month to visit Bordeaux?

The best month to visit Bordeaux is September, especially after the 10th. This month offers the best of all worlds and you’ll be able to enjoy everything the city has to offer. The weather is perfect for wandering the city and hitting the beach. It’s also harvest time, which is ideal for a unique wine experience. And the cherry on top – fewer crowds, as most tourists have headed back for the school season. Don’t think twice, plan your stay in Bordeaux in September!

How many days do you need in Bordeaux?

I think spending 3 days in Bordeaux is ideal, so you can spend 2 full days in town and spend the last day on a day trip either to the wineries or the beach. You might need an extra half day if you want to enter La Cité du Vin, as it’s a long visit.

Is October a good time to visit Bordeaux?

October is a good time to visit Bordeaux, but prefer the first fortnight of the month. Indeed, the weather tends to get worse during the second half of the month, with more and more rain, which is hardly pleasant for enjoying the city.