The Brittany coast is famous for its rainy and foggy weather, with some areas receiving up to 200 days of rain per year! Fortunately, this doesn't happen all at once, so the risk of being surprised by an unexpected downpour is minimal. That said, it is important to be prepared in case of rain or fog. In this article we will give you all the information you need to know about the rainy season in Brittany.
What are the rainy months in Brittany?
The rainiest months in Brittany are October, November and December, with some showers in June, July and August. The weather in May and April is more unstable, and the risk of thunderstorms increases with the arrival of summer. Remember that even in summer the weather can change at any time. So although you can go to the beach or go to the seaside in July or August, there may be dark and rainy days.
How often does it rain in Brittany?
As we mentioned above, the rainy season in Brittany begins in October and ends in February, but many areas are typically affected by rain from March to September, with an average of 100 rainy days per year . In general, the chance of rain increases from March to June, from late September to October, and again from November to December. If your trip to Brittany takes place between April and October, prepare for the rain!
Watch out for the fog!
There are two types of fog that you should watch out for when you visit Brittany: – river fog which appears in summer, particularly in the Gulf of Morbihan, and which is due to the rise in water temperature. – sea fog which develops in autumn and winter, due to the meeting of warm Atlantic water and cold air. River fog is denser than sea fog, and it evaporates as the temperature rises. On the other hand, sea fog is very dense and is difficult to dissipate. Sea fog can last for several days and can be very dangerous for driving. Be careful if you drive in fog, as you may not see cars or pedestrians on the road.
What to do in case of rain?
If the forecast calls for rain, you can go to museums, art galleries or attend a concert, but be prepared to wait in line, as tourists are less likely to visit these places in bad weather. You can also go shopping, visit a market or go to a restaurant. However, keep in mind that many stores are closed on Mondays and some restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, so be sure to check their opening hours before going. Organize your trip to Brittany to take advantage of the best days to visit the different points of interest. Some attractions are closed on rainy days, while others are covered and are a great option on rainy days. Click here to see a list of the best rainy day activities in Brittany.
How to drive in the rain
– Use the right tires. Make sure your car tires are suitable for driving in rain and snow. Some tires are only designed for dry conditions, so they may not be suitable for wet weather. – Keep your distance. When driving in rainy weather, keep a safe distance from the car in front of you. You don't want to be too close and risk hydroplaning, and you don't want to be too far away and risk a collision. – Be very careful on bridges. Bridges are more likely to be slippery when it rains, so drive carefully and reduce your speed. – Don’t rely on your cruise control. Cruise control is designed for clear driving conditions. It will not be able to react quickly enough to changing rain conditions.
Where to go when it rains?
If you really don't want to face the rain, you can go to indoor attractions like Parc Astérix, Futuroscope, Zoo de la Barben, Aquarium de la Barben, etc. You can also visit one of the many museums in Brittany, such as the Rennes Museum of Fine Arts, the Jacobins Museum, the Confluences Museum, the Quimper Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Art and history of Saint-Brieuc, the Museum of Prehistory, the Museum of the Notre-Dame Chapel, the Miniature Museum of Saint-Malo, etc.
The rainy season in Brittany is in autumn and winter, but it is important to note that even in summer it is not uncommon to have a few days of rain. If you visit Brittany during this time, make sure you pack appropriate clothing, be prepared for fog, and know what to do if it rains. With a little planning, you can still have a great trip, even in the rain! If you're planning to visit the French Riviera, be sure to read our article on the rainy season in Nice to make sure you're prepared for the weather.