Climate Overview
The climate in La Rochelle is temperate. The average annual temperature is 14°C and approximately 809mm of precipitation falls per year. November is the wettest month, receiving around 103mm of rainfall. La Rochelle is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: August, July, June. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 5°C.
Temperature
La Rochelle sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 5°C to 24°C. August is the warmest month, though highs remain moderate at 24°C with a mean of 21°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 5°C and an average of 7°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 6°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 4°C shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
La Rochelle is a moderately rainy area, receiving approximately 809mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 67mm per month. The wettest month is November, averaging 103mm of rainfall. December and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is July, with just 27mm. That's 76mm less than November, the wettest month. Precipitation varies noticeably between seasons, with the first half (January to June) of the year generally seeing more rainfall.
Wind
La Rochelle is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 16km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is January, averaging 19km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in August, with average winds dropping to 14km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind conditions are fairly consistent throughout the year, varying by only 5km/h between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 18km/h in winter, 17km/h in spring, 14km/h in summer, 16km/h in autumn.
Seasons
87 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in La Rochelle, which began on September 23, 2026. La Rochelle is in the Northern Hemisphere, where spring begins in March, summer in June, autumn in September, and winter in December. The warmest period peaks in August at around 24°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in January near 5°C. Winter is next, beginning on December 21, 2026 (87 days from now).
Spring
Temperatures range from 7 to 19°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 190mm for the season, averaging 63mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 17km/h. Light layers work well as temperatures warm through the season. It is a great time to be outdoors.
Summer
Temperatures range from 16 to 24°C. Rainfall is relatively light, with around 119mm over the season and a monthly average of 40mm. Winds are generally light, averaging 14km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal. Perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 9 to 22°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 249mm for the season, averaging 83mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 16km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 5 to 11°C. Precipitation is moderate at around 250mm for the season, averaging 83mm per month. Winds are moderate at around 18km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit La Rochelle is during May, June, July, August, September and October, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 18°C with modest rainfall averaging 54mm per month. By contrast, January can be quite cold with temperatures dropping to 5°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for La Rochelle based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.
