When to go au Pays Basque ?

Surrounded by the Bay of Biscay, the Basque Country benefits from countless microclimates influenced by the ocean. The oceanic coast is mainly wet in winter and dry in summer. Temperatures range from 5 to 22°C, with highs of up to 38°C in July and August and lows of just under 0°C. The mountainous area is close to a subalpine climate with winter snow cover. Temperatures can be negative in winter, rising to 25°C and even higher in summer.

When to go to the Basque Country? Given the region's diversity of climates and landscapes, you'll need to choose the right period for your activities. Lovers of snow sports will prefer the months of January to March, while water sports enthusiasts will prefer May to September, although some surfers are present all year round. The best time to visit is during the high season for all types of tourism, but you should be aware that it rains in summer in the Basque Country, which can cool down the temperature. If it does rain, you can always take refuge in a bar or tearoom for a hot chocolate. The Basque Country offers a wide range of events. The best known are the Bayonne festivals, which start on the first weekend of August and end on the following Sunday, and the Espelette pepper festival, which takes place at the end of October. Although some would like to see them disappear, the grand prix still exist. The spotlight is on Biarritz on July 14 and August 15, with fireworks displays and a village of bodegas.