Grande Plage — Sea temperature now
Beach near Biarritz.
Pleasant water with a light chop and a light breeze — great swimming conditions.
Location
Grande Plage on the map, with nearby beaches and live sea temperatures.
7-day forecast
Water, air, waves, wind and UV outlook for the week ahead.
Monthly sea temperature averages
Typical year-round water temperature, based on regional climatology.
Best time to swim in Grande Plage
The sea in Grande Plage peaks in August, when the water averages around 24°C.
The main swimming season runs from June – September, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 4 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Shoulder months like May and October are noticeably cooler but often quieter, with fewer crowds and steadier weather.
Outside peak season the water drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable.
The coldest month is typically January at around 13°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Grande Plage sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Grande Plage shows an annual mean sea temperature of 17°C, ranging from 13°C in winter to 24°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 11°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Grande Plage, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Grande Plage sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Grande Plage?
August is the warmest month in Grande Plage, when the sea averages about 24°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Grande Plage?
The coldest month in Grande Plage is typically January, when the water averages around 13°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Grande Plage without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Grande Plage runs from June – September — about 4 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Grande Plage?
Outside peak summer the water in Grande Plage drops toward 15°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Grande Plage?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Grande Plage is about 17°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Grande Plage?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Grande Plage, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Year-round sea temperature
Best swim months: Jun – Jul – Aug – Sep
| Month | Sea | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13°C | Cold |
| Feb | 13°C | Cold |
| Mar | 13°C | Cold |
| Apr | 14°C | Bracing |
| May | 17°C | Bracing |
| Jun | 20°C | Pleasant |
| Jul | 23°C | Warm |
| Aug ⭐ | 24°C | Warm |
| Sep | 22°C | Warm |
| Oct | 19°C | Pleasant |
| Nov | 16°C | Bracing |
| Dec | 14°C | Bracing |