Want to go to Normandy in August?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Normandy in August (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- Things to do in Normandy in August, 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.
Going to Normandy in August: quick answers
What’s the weather like in Normandy in August? Is this a good time to visit?
The weather is fine and warm. Winds are light. It’s also one of the clearest months of the year. It’s the perfect time for a stroll or a swim.
On the other hand, August is the month in which Normandy is most visited, and prices rise accordingly. This is still a good time to visit the region.
Travelling in Normandy in August – summary of conditions
Temperatures
The temperatures are warm. The thermometer averages 22°C (72°F), and 18°C (64°F) near the coast.
Water temperatures
In August, the sea is temperate. Its average temperature is 18°C (64°F). It’s the right month to enjoy the beach!
Crowds and prizes
Tourists are very numerous and prices are very high, due to the summer vacations.
Opening conditions
Everything’s open in August: attractions, hotels, campsites, restaurants…
Day
The sun rises just before 7am and sets around 9:15pm.
Best things to do in Normandy in August
In August, 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. Normandy in August – 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 August, it’s hot. We enjoy hiking without fear of the heat, which is rare. Above all, it’s in August that the skies are most often clear. On the sea side, the water is cool, but you can still swim. Wind-wise, it’s one of the calmest months of the year.
Note that the further you go from the coast, the less humid the weather and the more marked the seasons.
2. August temperatures in Normandy
Extreme heat is rare near the coast, but there may still be a few days above 30°C.
Temperatures in Rouen:
- 19°C (66°F) on average
- Number of days with average over 30°C = 2
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 29
Temperatures in Le Havre:
- 18°C (64°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperature over 30°C = 0
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 24
Temperatures in Caen:
- 18°C (64°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperature over 30°C = 0
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 29
Temperatures in Cherbourg:
- 18°C (64°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperature over 30°C = 0
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 24
Temperatures on Mont-Saint-Michel:
- 18°C (64°F) on average
- Number of days with average temperature over 30°C = 0
- Number of days with average temperatures above 18°C = 29
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 August
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.
- Rainfall in Rouen: 82 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Le Havre: 111 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Caen: 84 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Cherbourg: 82 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall on Mont-Saint-Michel: 69 mm
(over 4 days on average)
4. August sunshine in Normandy
In August, we enjoy long days. The sun rises a little before 7am and sets around 9:15pm, with an average of 9 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 August
August is the ideal time for swimming in Normandy. On the other hand, if you’re chilly, it’s best to bring a wetsuit. Discover the average sea temperature below:
- Le Havre: 18°C (64°F)
- Cherbourg: 17°C (63°F)
- Mont-Saint-Michel: 18°C (64°F)
6. Wind in Normandy in August
Ocean means wind. However, in August, Normandy is much less windy than the rest of the year. The coasts are as calm as the inland areas.
7. Crowds and other conditions
In August, the summer vacations are in full swing. This is the month with the most tourists in Normandy. We advise you to book your hotels or campsites well in advance.
Note that the more upscale the establishment, the more sought-after it is.
8. August events in Normandy
- Rouen Cathedral of Light
Every summer until the end of September, light shows are projected onto the facades of Rouen Cathedral. The event takes place over many evenings and attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators.
- Estivales at Cabourg racecourse
These summer races attract over 100,000 spectators every year. There are also competitions for gallopers and jockeys, and a variety of other events.
- Acadian week in Saint-Aubin-sur-Mer
The week-long event celebrates the soldiers from Acadia (the French-speaking regions of North America) who helped liberate France during the Second World War, as well as the Acadia of today. 12,000 people take part.
- Rock en Stock au Touquet
This rock music festival attracts just under 10,000 spectators over a weekend.
- Great Tides Festival in the Bay of Mont-Saint-Michel
Over 20,000 spectators attend a week of concerts in one of the towns around Mont-Saint-Michel in late July or early August.
- Sea festivals
These traditional festivities take place mainly between June and September, in the various coastal towns of Normandy. They celebrate the sea and its products. The duration of the festivities varies from town to town. They can be found in many towns: Le Havre, Bricqueville-sur-Mer, Luc-sur-Mer, Yport, Saint-Valéry en Caux and many more.
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. August 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 August, prices are very high due to the influx of tourists.
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…
