When to visit Le Touquet-Paris-Plage? The best time, month by month

When should you visit Le Touquet? It all depends on what you're coming for. July and August are the warmest and liveliest months; May, June and September often offer the best balance of weather, calm and price; winter appeals to those who love vast empty beaches and big events.

To help you decide, we've combined Météo-France climate averages with what we see each season as hosts.

Le Touquet's climate in brief

Le Touquet has an oceanic climate: mild winters, temperate summers, rain spread throughout the year and frequent wind. According to the Météo-France climate data sheet for the Le Touquet station (1991–2020 averages), the average maximum temperature reaches about 21 to 22 °C in July and August, and about 8 °C in January and February. Daytime frost is rare. The driest months run from March to July, the wettest from October to December.

Above all, remember that the weather changes quickly on the coast: a grey morning can give way to a bright afternoon. The month-by-month details, with figures, are in our article on Le Touquet's weather and climate.

Le Touquet season by season

* Météo-France 1991–2020 averages, Le Touquet station.

Spring: the season for walks

From the spring holidays, shops go back to longer opening hours and the forest turns green again. The May bank holiday weekends are very popular: book early.

Summer: the resort in full swing

This is the time for long days on the beach, sailing schools and entertainment. On the other hand, accommodation prices are at their highest and parking in the town centre gets tricky.

Autumn: the regulars' secret

September often extends the summer with an almost empty beach. The following months are windier, but perfect for enjoying the town in peace.

Winter: spring tides and big events

The beaches are huge at low tide and the resort keeps a real village life. February and December are punctuated by major events.

Sun, wind and rain: what the figures say

Beyond temperatures, three factors shape a stay on the Channel coast: sunshine, rain and wind. Météo-France averages for the Le Touquet station let you compare them month by month.

• Sunshine: about 1,700 hours a year, peaking from May to August at around 200 to 225 hours a month. In December and January, it drops to 50 to 60 hours.
• Rain: just under 900 mm a year. April is the driest month, November the wettest. Even in summer, there are on average 8 to 10 days a month with at least 1 mm of rain: these are often passing showers.
• Wind: it blows harder and more often from October to March, with gusts above 58 km/h on around ten days in January. Spring and summer are noticeably calmer, though there's still a pleasant breeze for land yachting.

In practice, always pack a windproof jacket and a warm layer, even in the middle of August, and keep an indoor activity up your sleeve for showery afternoons. Windy days are also when the beach is at its most spectacular, as long as you're well equipped.

If you're travelling with children, go for June and September: the heat stays moderate, the beach is easier to keep an eye on and activities are less busy. Our page on family holiday rentals in Le Touquet has more pointers for planning your stay.

When to swim in Le Touquet

The Channel stays cool all year round. According to readings compiled by the Cabaigne website, the sea temperature in Le Touquet averages around 16 °C in July and reaches about 18 °C in August and September. Swimming is therefore most pleasant from late July to mid-September, as long as you like bracing water.

• Swim in the lifeguarded zones in summer and respect the flags.
• Check the tides: the sea can be a long way out at low tide, and tidal currents are sometimes strong.
• A light wetsuit lets you enjoy paddleboarding or kayaking from June.

Timing your stay around an event

The resort hosts events throughout the year. Among the best known, held every year:

• February: the Enduropale, a motorbike and quad race on the beach, and the Winter Jazz Festival.
• Late spring: the international show-jumping competition at the equestrian park.
• Summer: Pianos Folies, a classical piano festival, and the Touquet Music Beach Festival at the end of the season.
• November: the book fair.
• Late November to early January: Christmas lights, an ice rink and a Christmas village.

These weekends are in high demand: if you're coming for the event, book as soon as the dates are announced; if you're looking for peace and quiet, avoid them. Full details in our article on Le Touquet's main events and on the tourist office's official events calendar.

Crowds and prices: what to expect

Accommodation prices follow demand. Here are the main trends:

1. High season: July, August, the May bank holidays and event weekends. Prices at their highest, book several months ahead.
2. Mid season: April, May and June outside bank holidays, September, the French autumn half-term and Christmas holidays. Good value for money.
3. Low season: November outside the book fair, January, March. The gentlest prices and plenty of availability.

For a stay with family or friends, a holiday rental is often better value than a hotel, especially in high season. At Villa Mon Étoile, our apartments can be rented from two nights, all year round.

Our verdict, depending on your profile

• You want to swim: mid-July to early September.
• You're travelling with young children: June and September, for a spacious beach and less heat.
• You love cycling and walking: April–June and September–October.
• You want a quiet weekend: November to March, outside events. Our article on a weekend in Le Touquet offers a ready-made itinerary.
• You're coming for the atmosphere: July-August, or an event weekend.

Charles's tip: our favourite time is the second half of September. The holidaymakers have gone home, the sea is still close to its warmest of the year and the evenings stay mild. It's also when it's easiest to find good availability.