Fancy a trip to Normandy in February?
Find out if the region at this time of year will meet your expectations with our comprehensive guide:
- Climate in Normandy in February (temperatures, weather…)
- Swimming conditions: water temperature and wind
- Travel conditions: crowds, prices, openings
- Things to do in Normandy in February, 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 February: quick answers
What’s the weather like in Normandy in February? Is this a good time to visit?
In February, 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 museums and all castles are closed.
Travelling to Normandy in February – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Temperatures are cold. The thermometer averages 9°C (48°F) across the region, and 7°C (45°F) near the coast.
Water temperatures
In February, the sea is cold. Its average temperature is 9°C (48°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 all castles are closed.
Day
The sun rises a little after 8am and sets around 6:15pm.
Best things to do in Normandy in February
In February, we enjoyed visiting these sites:
- The unmissable D-Day beaches, but with the museums 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 climate in February – 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 February, it’s cold on the coast. The sky is often overcast. It’s a very windy month. 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.
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. February temperatures in Normandy
Temperatures in Rouen:
- 6°C (43°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 7
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 = 3
Temperatures in Cherbourg:
- 8°C (46°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 1
Temperatures on Mont-Saint-Michel:
- 8°C (46°F) average
- Number of days below 0°C = 2
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 February
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: 93 mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Le Havre: 92 mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Caen: 90 mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Cherbourg: 104 mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall on Mont-Saint-Michel: 115 mm
(over 8 days on average)
In February, 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. February sunshine in Normandy
The days in February are short. The sun rises a little after 8am and sets around 6:15pm, with an average of 4 hours of sunshine.
WHERE TO STAY IN Normandy
Option 1: Bayeux
A charming historic town center with easy access to the D-Day beaches and Mont-Saint-Michel.
- Hotel Domaine de Bayeux in an 18th century mansion – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Domaine de la Rançonnière, in the countryside just 20 minutes from Bayeux – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Honfleur
For a trip back in time, superb hotels and restaurants.
- Hotel La Maison de Lucie – a little peace and quiet, yet close to the harbour, in an elegant 18th century mansion – see photos and availability
- Hôtel Ferme de Saint-Siméon – luxury, history, charm and estuary views! – see pictures and availability
Option 2: on Mont-Saint-Michel
For a unique experience!
- Hotel Auberge Saint Pierre – see photos, prices and availability
- Hotel La Croix Blanche – prices, pictures and availability
5. Water temperature – swimming in Normandy in February
February is not a good time to swim in Normandy. The sea is very cold. Discover its average temperature below:
● Le Havre: 9°C (48°F)
● Cherbourg: 9°C (48°F)
● Mont-Saint-Michel: 9°C (48°F)
6. Wind in Normandy in February
Ocean means wind. In February, the Normandy coastline, and especially its heights, is very windy.
7. Crowds and other conditions
In February, there are very few tourists in Normandy. It’s low season. You’ll have no trouble finding a hotel or parking space.
8. February events in Normandy
- Granville Carnival
It’s the biggest carnival in western France. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Every year, over 130,000 people turn out for five days of festivities. There’s plenty of entertainment: float parades, shows, confetti and 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. February 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. This makes it difficult to give a budget.
In February, 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
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…