Best Time to Visit Bordeaux

Affectionately known as the ‘Sleeping Beauty’ of France, Bordeaux has awoken and blossomed in the last decade or so, following government investment and massive renovation work. The region stretches along the banks of the Garonne River, and from the dynamic city of Bordeaux to world famous vineyards and a stunning coastline, Bordeaux is a region that deserves to be on your travel bucket list!.

If you’ve been considering booking one of our self drive tours in the Bordeaux region, our favorite months to visit Bordeaux are April, May, June, September, and October. 

Mid-summer isn’t the best time to visit because in July and August, although the average maximum temperature is around 26°C/79°F, it can get much hotter. In July 2023, the hottest day was 34°C/95°F, and at the end of August 2023, temperatures reached 39°C/102°F.

In the winter months, the weather can drop to below 0°C/32°F, and the days are shorter. So unless you're planning to spend the Christmas holidays in Bordeaux, we recommend waiting until at least mid-March to visit.

Visiting Bordeaux during late spring, early summer and early fall will help you to avoid the most extreme temperatures, and are the ideal times to enjoy outdoor activities in the region.

Below, we give you a month-by-month overview, to help you decide when would be the best time to visit Bordeaux.

Bordeaux by Month

January and February (winter) 

We don’t recommend visiting Bordeaux in the winter, because so many of the best things to do in the region are outdoors. January and February tend to be cold and wet, with temperatures averaging between 3°C/37°F and 12°C/53°F. 

However, if your priority is to explore the city of Bordeaux’s indoor cultural sites, such as the Cité du Vin wine museum or the Bassins de Lumières digital art exhibition space, visiting in the winter could be an option. 

The city of Bordeaux, which is the world’s largest urban UNESCO World Heritage site, will be more peaceful, with far fewer tourists than at other times of year. So if you want to go shopping on the Rue Saint Catherine, the longest shopping avenue in Europe, January and February will be less busy.

March and April (early spring) 

As spring begins to bloom, temperatures start to rise, typically ranging from 8°C/46°F to 17°C/63°F. However, in recent years, March and April have seen unusually warm weather, with temperatures climbing to the 20s°C/70s°F. 

In any case, come prepared for changeable weather (bring some waterproof clothing and clothes that you can layer as necessary). In general, spring is better for outdoor activities, so you may enjoy a walking tour of Bordeaux city. The Bordeaux tourism website suggests some self-guided walking tours, or if you book with us, we’ll include a suggested walking route in your personal France guidebook.

For example,before stocking up for your lunch at the Marché des Capucins, you can do a little wine tasting at the Bar à Vins du CIVB, next to the Tourism Office. Then you can either stroll along the Rue Saint Catherine for some shopping along the way, or by the River Garonne via the Place de la Bourse (an iconic city square with 18th-century architecture, a fountain and a huge reflecting pool, the Miroir d'eau). When you get to the Jardin Public, you can enjoy a picnic lunch if the weather’s nice, while admiring the magnolias and cherry blossoms. 

If the weather is fine, you may enjoy cycling or walking in the countryside along the GR Bordeaux Metropole trail, France’s longest urban walking trail (99 miles long) that circles the city of Bordeaux. Maps of the different walking routes are available free of charge from the Bordeaux tourist office.

May (spring) 

May is one of the best months to visit Bordeaux, with pleasant average temperatures between 11°C/52°F and 21°C/70°F. 

Cafe terraces and markets are bustling in Bordeaux city. It’s an excellent time to explore Saint-Pierre district, where you can see the Porte Cailhau, the old city gate dating back to 1495. Then take a stroll along the Garonne River, where you can cross the Pont de Pierre bridge or admire the vast expanse of water and gorgeous reflections in front of the Place de la Bourse. For antique lovers, the Brocante des Quinconces flea market is a must-visit event. This usually takes place twice a year for a couple of weeks in spring and fall. 

Wine tours will be in full swing in May, with many chateaux in the region offering tours and tastings. We will recommend our favorite vineyards and wineries to travelers who book one of our tours in Bordeaux, and help you explore off the beaten track.

Saint Emilion is a gorgeous town around 45 minutes’ drive from Bordeaux. It always receives many visitors, who come to enjoy the fine wines and explore the vineyards and wine estates. We recommend enjoying a walk on the outskirts of town, away from the tourist crowds. For travelers on our Bordeaux tours, we’ll help you discover the more peaceful areas of town and share our wine-tasting recommendations, including Chateau Coutet, a family-run estate. We’ll also recommend our favorite outdoor picnic spot at one of our favorite wine estates in Saint Emilion.

You may like to refer to our blog post on things to do in Bordeaux for more ideas.

June (early summer) 

June is the perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts to visit Bordeaux and the surrounding region, with plenty of sunshine, but still not as busy as the peak summer months. 

We highly recommend exploring beyond Bordeaux city. If you’re interested in visiting Gironde’s famous wine region, you must visit Médoc, home to world-famous wines.

To get a real taste of France, there are a number of beautiful villages in Médoc that we recommend visiting, including Margaux, Pauillac, and St Estèphe. They offer lovely wine chateaux and charming cobbled streets.

We also highly recommend a trip to le Bassin d’Arcachon (Arcachon Bay), a stunning section of Gironde’s coastline. The water will be very cold to swim in, but the gorgeous fine sandy beaches more than compensate.

No trip to Arcachon is complete without climbing the Dune du Pyla (Pyla Dune). This vast sand dune is 110m in height, the largest of its kind in Europe. The breath-taking views from the top are worth the climb! 

Another absolute must in Arcachon is to try the region’s world-famous oysters at one of the many local restaurants, washed down with a delicious glass of Bordeaux. 

Speaking of which, June hosts the Bordeaux Wine Festival, a four-day celebration of the region's wines, featuring tastings, fireworks, and cultural events. 

July and August (mid-summer) 

Midsummer in Bordeaux can be hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C, so it’s not our favorite time to visit. 

Many locals leave for vacation in August, so on the one hand, the city may feel quieter. On the other hand, you may also notice that some popular restaurants and bistros are closed as the owners leave town for their summer vacation. 

On the hottest days, it’s another great time to explore the air-conditioned Cité du Vin in the Bacalan neighborhood. It offers wine from all over the world, with a wine-tasting room in the Belvedere and interactive exhibitions. The modern architecture of the building is impressive and there are great panoramic views of Bordeaux from the top. The Halles de Bacalan market is just across the street, great for stocking up for a picnic nearby.

A trip to Arcachon Bay on the cooler Atlantic coast is also a great option, although the beaches may be crowded at this time of year.

The city of Bordeaux has a number of summer festivals, outdoor concerts, and alfresco dining options on the cafe terraces. Head to Parc Simone Signoret and the Esplanade des Quinconces on July 13 to enjoy the Bastille Day celebrations. This is the anniversary of the event that marked the beginning of the French Revolution in 1789.

If you enjoy being on or in the water, you can cool off at the Bordeaux Lac, where you can swim, sail, or hire a kayak.

September and October (late summer/early fall) 

Fall is a wonderful time to visit Bordeaux, as the gorgeous fall colors create a stunning backdrop for scenic drives through wine country. The summer crowds will also be gone by September and temperatures will be more comfortable for walking and cycling tours.

Harvest season is a particularly interesting time for wine enthusiasts to visit and experience the vendange (grape harvest) and the warm colors of the vineyards. 

If you’re traveling with children, you may like to take them to the Bordeaux Autumn Fun Fair, which runs from mid-October through early November. Located at the Place des Quinconces, there are more than 200 rides, as well as food, drink and souvenir stands.

October also brings the Fête du Vin Nouveau, a celebration of the year's first wine in the historic Chartrons district.

November and December (winter) 

As winter approaches, December brings festive cheer with holiday decorations and events throughout the city of Bordeaux. Some outdoor activities may be limited, so, as we mentioned for January and February, this is an excellent time for indoor cultural activities. 

Enjoy hearty local cuisine in traditional bistros, or warm up with vin chaud (mulled wine) at the Christmas market in the Allées de Tourny.

If you like art, we highly recommend visiting the Bassins de Lumières, the largest digital art center in the world housed in a former submarine base. Huge digital images from famous artists are projected onto the walls with different artists featured each year. It’s an extraordinary sight!

In summary, the best time to visit Bordeaux is in May, June, September, and October. These months offer pleasant weather for exploring the city and nearby countryside and coastal areas, and great opportunities for wine tourism.

We warmly invite you to browse our Bordeaux tours