Fancy a trip to Normandy in January?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Normandy in January (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- Things to do in Normandy in January, special activities and events
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Moving to Normandy in January: quick answers
What’s the weather like in Normandy in January? Is this a good time to visit?
In January, the weather in Normandy is wintry. The sky is overcast most of the time, and it’s very cold. The wind is blowing hard along the coast, especially on heights exposed to the elements.
Visitors are few and far between, and prices are low, but this is not considered a good time to visit the region. Many places are closed.
Travelling to Normandy in January – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are cold. The thermometer averages 8°C (46°F) across the region, and 9°C (48°F) near the coast.
Water temperatures
In January, the sea is cold. Its average temperature is 10°C (50°F). It’s not a good time for swimming.
Crowds and prizes
There are very few tourists. Rates are therefore also very low.
Opening conditions
Many museums and castles are closed.
Day
The sun rises just before 9am and sets around 5:30pm.
Best things to do in Normandy in January
In January, we enjoyed visiting these sites:
- The unmissable D-Day beaches, but the museums are closed
- The magnificent towns and villages of Normandy
- The beauty of the Alabaster Coast and its famous cliffs
- The incomparable Mont-Saint-Michel
- …
See our article on things to do in Normandy.
1. Normandy in January – weather forecast
Normandy is known for its oceanic climate. This is especially true on the coasts, where most of the holidaymakers’ favorite towns are located. Temperatures are moderate in both winter and summer. Rainfall is frequent in all seasons, but varies according to local relief and year.
January is the coldest month of the year, including on the coast. The sky is overcast most of the time. It’s also the windiest month of the year. The most exposed coasts are subject to strong winds – near Cherbourg, for example. On the sea side, the water temperature is not conducive to swimming.
Note that the further you go from the coast, the more pronounced the seasons become. So it’s colder in Rouen than in Le Havre, and temperatures sometimes drop very low in the south and east of the region.
2. January temperatures in Normandy
Temperatures in Rouen:
- 5°C (41°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 9
Temperatures in Le Havre:
- 7°C (45°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 2
Temperatures in Caen:
- 7°C (45°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 5
Temperatures in Cherbourg:
- 8°C (46°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
Temperatures on Mont-Saint-Michel:
- 8°C (46°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 3
OUR ADVICE FOR RENTING A CAR IN Normandy
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is comfortable enough (distances can be long) but compact (some parking lots and villages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
3. Rain in Normandy in January
It rains all year round in Normandy. Rainfall varies greatly from one year to the next, depending above all on the relief and exposure of your location. Cherbourg, for example, receives more rain than Caen, which is protected by hills.
January is usually a very rainy month.
- Rainfall in Rouen: 107 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Le Havre: 108 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Caen: 102 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Cherbourg: 132 mm
(over 9 days on average) - Rainfall on Mont-Saint-Michel: 128 mm
(over 8 days on average)
In January, it can snow.
Snow is rarely seen on the Normandy coast, or only a thin layer for a few days.
It may snow a little more in the countryside.
4. January sunshine in Normandy
The days in January are short. The sun rises a little before 9am and sets around 5:30pm, with an average of 2 hours of sunshine.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
We particularly appreciate staying in Normandy:
- Bayeux – our hotels selection
- Honfleur – our hotel selection
For more ideas, take a look at our article on the best places to stay in Normandy.
And if you already have an idea, take a look at our selections:
5. Water temperature – swimming in Normandy in January
January is not a good time for swimming in Normandy. The sea is very cold. Discover its average temperature below:
- Le Havre: 9°C (48°F)
- Cherbourg: 10°C (50°F)
- Mont-Saint-Michel: 10°C (50°F)
6. Wind in Normandy in January
Ocean means wind. In January, it blows hardest on the coastal heights. It’s one of the windiest months of the year.
7. Crowds and other conditions
In January, there are very few tourists in Normandy. It’s low season. You’ll have no trouble finding a hotel or parking space.
8. January events in Normandy
In January, there are no major recurring events. Please note that some Christmas events remain open until the beginning of the month.
USE OUR GUIDE TO PLAN A
DREAM TRIP TO Normandy
All the information you need for your trip:
- 8 maps that make planning easier
- 160+ pre-selected locations
- Practical advice
- 300+ photos to help you choose
9. January prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. We offer a wide range of accommodation, from campsites to 5-star hotels. It is therefore difficult to give a budget.
In January, prices are low due to the low number of visitors.
When to go to Normandy, the other months…
- Normandy in February
- Normandy in March
- Normandy in April
- Normandy in May
- Normandy in June
- Normandy in July
- Normandy in August
- Normandy in September
- Normandy in October
- Normandy in November
- Normandy in December
Or read our article on when to go to Normandy.
PLAN YOUR TRIP TO Normandy
Inspiration destinations
- Deciding where to go in Normandy – the best destinations
- Our weekend ideas: best-of, romantic, unusual, seaside, luxury, family
- 16 seaside hotels in Normandy
- The most beautiful charming hotels in Normandy
Best of
Practice
- Where to stay in Normandy – best places and hotels
- See our tips for renting a car at CDG airport, Orly airport, Beauvais airport, Caen, Rouen, Bayeux…
