The Breton coast is famous for its rainy and foggy weather, with some areas receiving up to 200 days of rain a year! Fortunately, this doesn't all happen at once, so the risk of being caught in an unexpected downpour is minimal. That said, it's important to be prepared for rain or fog. In this article, we'll give you all the information you need to know about the rainy season in Brittany.
Which months are the rainiest in Brittany?
The rainiest months in Brittany are October, November, and December, with some showers in June, July, and August. The weather in May and April is more unsettled, and the risk of thunderstorms increases with the arrival of summer. Remember that even in summer, the weather can change at any time. So, while you might be able to go to the beach or the seaside in July or August, there could be some dark and rainy days.
How many times does it rain in Brittany?
As mentioned above, the rainy season in Brittany begins in October and ends in February, but many areas are generally affected by rain from March to September, with an average of 100 rainy days per year. In general, the risk of rain increases from March to June, from late September to October, and again from November to December. If your trip to Brittany is between April and October, be prepared for rain!
Beware of the fog!
There are two types of fog to be aware of when visiting Brittany: river fog, which appears in summer, particularly in the Gulf of Morbihan, and is caused by rising water temperatures; and sea fog, which develops in autumn and winter due to the meeting of warm Atlantic waters and cold air. River fog is denser than sea fog and evaporates as soon as the temperature rises. Sea fog, on the other hand, is very dense and difficult to clear. It can last for several days and can be very dangerous for driving. Be careful if you drive in foggy weather, as you may not be able to see cars or pedestrians on the road.
What to do in case of rain?
If rain is forecast, you can still visit museums, art galleries, or attend a concert, but be prepared for queues, as tourists are less likely to visit these places in bad weather. You can also go shopping, visit a market, or go to a restaurant. However, keep in mind that many shops are closed on Mondays and some restaurants are closed on Tuesdays, so be sure to check their opening hours before you go. Plan your trip to Brittany to take advantage of the best days to visit the various points of interest. Some attractions are closed on rainy days, while others are covered and are a great option for rainy days. Click here to see a list of the best rainy day activities in Brittany.
How to drive in the rain
– Use the right tires. Make sure your car's tires are suitable for driving in rain and snow. Some tires are designed only for dry conditions, so they may not be suitable for wet weather. – Keep your distance. When driving in the rain, maintain a safe distance from the car in front of you. You don't want to be too close and risk hydroplaning, and you don't want to be too far away and risk a collision. – Be extra careful on bridges. Bridges are more likely to be slippery when it's wet, so drive carefully and reduce your speed. – Don't rely on your cruise control. Cruise control is designed for clear driving conditions. It won't be able to react quickly enough to changing rain conditions.
Where to go when it rains?
If you really don't want to brave the rain, you can visit indoor attractions such as Parc Astérix, Futuroscope, La Barben Zoo, La Barben Aquarium, etc. You can also visit one of Brittany's many museums, such as the Museum of Fine Arts in Rennes, the Jacobins Museum, the Musée des Confluences, the Museum of Fine Arts in Quimper, the Museum of Art and History in Saint-Brieuc, the Museum of Prehistory, the Notre-Dame Chapel Museum, the Miniature Museum in Saint-Malo, etc.
The rainy season in Brittany is in autumn and winter, but it's important to note that even in summer, a few rainy days are not uncommon. If you're visiting Brittany during this time, be sure to pack appropriate clothing, be prepared for fog, and know what to do if it rains. With a little planning, you can still have a great trip, even in the rain! If you're planning a trip to the French Riviera, don't forget to read our article on the rainy season in Nice to make sure you're ready for the weather.