Fancy a trip to Normandy in December?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Normandy in December (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- Things to do in Normandy in December, 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.
Travelling to Normandy in December: quick answers
What’s the weather like in Normandy in December? Is this a good time to visit?
In December, Normandy enjoys a wintry climate. The sky is overcast most of the time, and it’s cold. The wind is blowing hard along the coast.
Visitors are few and far between, and prices are low, but this is not considered a good time to visit the region.
However, Rouen’s Christmas market and Deavuille’s Christmas lights also have their own appeal and offer a great atmosphere for your stay.
Travelling to Normandy in December – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are cold. The thermometer reads an average of 9°C (48°F).
Water temperatures
In December, the sea is cold. Its average temperature is 12°C (54°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
Some museums are closing, as are most castles.
Day
The sun rises a little before 9am and sets around 5pm.
Best things to do in Normandy in December
In December, we enjoyed visiting these sites:
- The D-Day landing beaches and their museums
- Immerse yourself in history by visiting the region’s castles and abbeys
- The magnificent towns and villages of Normandy
- The beauty of the Alabaster Coast and its famous cliffs
- The incomparable Mont-Saint-Michel
- The magnificent cliffs of Étretat and the charm of Honfleur
- …
See our article on things to do in Normandy.
And lots of activities like these:
HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities in Normandy
- Helicopter flight over the cliffs of the Côte d’Albâtre
- Book your time to visit Mont-Saint-Michel Abbey
- Take a microlight flight over Mont-Saint-Michel
- Climb the Via Ferrata in Switzerland Normandy
1. Climate in Normandy in December – 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.
In December, it’s cold on the coast. The sky is overcast most of the time. It’s one of the windiest months of the year. The heights on 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.
2. Temperatures in Normandy in December
Temperatures in Rouen:
- 7°C (45°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 5
Temperatures in Le Havre:
- 9°C (48°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
Temperatures in Caen:
- 8°C (46°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 2
Temperatures in Cherbourg:
- 10°C (50°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 0
Temperatures on Mont-Saint-Michel:
- 9°C (48°F) on average
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
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 December
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.
December is usually the wettest month of the year.
- Rainfall in Rouen: 126 mm
(over 8 days on average) - Rainfall in Le Havre: 133 mm
(over 9 days on average) - Rainfall in Caen: 128 mm
(over 9 days on average) - Rainfall in Cherbourg: 151 mm
(over 10 days on average) - Rainfall on Mont-Saint-Michel: 156 mm
(over 10 days on average)
In December, it rarely snows.
But it’s possible, and if so, it snows more in the countryside and on the coast.
4. December sunshine in Normandy
The days in December are the shortest of the year. The sun rises a little before 9am and sets around 5pm, 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 December
December is not a good time to swim in Normandy. The sea is cold. Discover its average temperature below:
- Le Havre: 12°C (54°F)
- Cherbourg: 12°C (54°F)
- Mont-Saint-Michel: 12°C (54°F)
6. Wind in Normandy in December
Ocean means wind. In December, it blows hardest on the coastal heights. It’s one of the windiest months of the year.
7. Crowds and other conditions
In December, there are very few tourists in Normandy. It’s low season. You’ll have no trouble finding a hotel or parking space.
8. December events
- Scallop festivals
Normandy is the leading region for this product. Numerous towns organize these festivities from October to early December: Dieppe, Port-en-Bessin, Villers-sur-Mer, Granville, Ouistreham, Grandcamp-Maisy, Trouville-sur-Mer…
- Christmas markets and events
As in the rest of France, Christmas markets and events (light displays, walks, shows…) are organized in many Normandy towns: Caen, Cherbourg, Le Havre… Rouen even organizes a parade with floats.
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. December 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 December, prices are low due to the low number of visitors.
When to go to Normandy, the other months…
- Normandy in January
- 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…
