Best Time to Visit Ajaccio

Summer: hot, dry and busy

July and August are the hottest months, and they tie at 30°C highs and 23°C lows. They're also the driest, with only a few wet days each. The sea is warm, and beaches like Plage du Ricanto and the ones along the Route des Sanguinaires (the coast road west of town) are at their best. Midday is strong, so many people swim in the morning and wander the old town later, when the lanes near Place Foch cool down.

This is high season. Ferries from mainland France fill up, and the beaches and the old town get crowded. If you hate crowds, aim for the edges of summer instead. Travelling with kids? July and August are easiest for beach days, as long as you accept the crowds.

Late spring and early autumn: the sweet spot

May, June and September are our top picks. June and September both reach 26°C, which feels warm but not heavy. The sea is pleasant, and you can still get a table at a harbour restaurant without a fuss. May is a bit cooler and a touch wetter, but it's great for walking in the maquis, the scrubby, herb-scented hillsides Corsica is known for.

Napoleon was born here, and the city leans into it. Around 15 August, his birthday, there are celebrations in town. The Fêtes Napoléoniennes have been held in the days around it in past years. Expect more people then.

Winter and the in-between months

From November to February, it's mild but grey and wet. November is the wettest month, with 143 mm on 14 days, and you'll get only a few hours of sun a day. Many beach cafés close. It suits you if you want quiet museum visits, like the Maison Bonaparte or the Palais Fesch fine arts museum, and cheaper stays. Bring a rain jacket and don't plan a beach trip.

March is a turning point. It's still showery, but it's rated Good. April and October are both rated Excellent. April is fresh and green, with spring flowers on the hills. October is warm enough for the sea, but it's wetter, with 108 mm on 11 days, so keep a wet-weather plan.

So when should you go? For beaches and swimming, pick June or September. For walking and sightseeing, pick April, May or October. For the lowest crowds and a slow pace, pick winter and accept the rain.