Weather in Corsica

About Corsica

Corsica juts into the Mediterranean as a wild, mountainous island where turquoise waters meet granite cliffs. The interior mountains are fierce; the coast is startlingly beautiful; the culture is distinctly Corsican. This is where France meets Africa and neither quite wins.

Country

France

Best months to visit

July, August

Currency

EUR

Language

French, Corsican

Things to do in Corsica

Hike the GR20 long-distance trail (technical, multi-day) Beach at Rondinara, Palombaggia, or Saleccia Explore Bonifacio's dramatic clifftop citadel Visit the mountain town of Corte Sail to Scandola Nature Reserve Kayak beneath dramatic coastal cliffs

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with some rainy days.

February

Cold, with some rainy days.

March

Cold, with some rainy days.

April

11C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

August

23C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

September

19C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

October

15C

Cool, with some rainy days.

November

Cold, with some rainy days.

December

Cold, with some rainy days.

Corsica feels like several Mediterranean islands rolled into one — granite mountains plunge straight into turquoise coves along the west coast, the citadel towns of Bastia and Calvi have a distinctly Genoese character, and inland, chestnut forests and shepherd villages feel a world away from the beach resorts. It's often called the 'Island of Beauty', and the GR20 hiking trail across its mountainous spine is considered one of Europe's toughest and most rewarding.

Best areas to stay in Corsica

Bastia & Cap Corse

A Genoese-influenced port city and the wild, mountainous peninsula stretching north of it.

Calvi

A citadel town with a marina and long sandy beach, popular as a base for the northwest coast.

Porto-Vecchio & the South

Home to the island's most famous white-sand beaches, including Palombaggia and Santa Giulia.

Corte & the Interior

A mountain town at the island's heart, gateway to the GR20 and dramatic gorges like the Restonica valley.

Getting to Corsica

✈

Flights

Ajaccio, Bastia, Calvi and Figari airports all have seasonal flights from the UK and connections via mainland France and Italy.

⏱

From London

~2-2.5 hours by air from London (seasonal direct, or via Paris/Nice/Marseille).

🚕

Getting around

A car is recommended for beaches and villages; a scenic narrow-gauge train connects Bastia, Corte and Ajaccio, and ferries link coastal towns.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Corsica?

May, June and September offer warm weather for beaches and hiking without the intense heat and crowds of July-August, when the GR20 trail and coastal towns are at their busiest.

Is the GR20 suitable for casual hikers?

It's one of Europe's most demanding long-distance trails, recommended for experienced, fit hikers — shorter day sections near towns like Calenzana or Vizzavona offer a taste without the full multi-day commitment.

How do I get around Corsica?

A car is recommended for reaching beaches and mountain villages, though a scenic narrow-gauge railway connects Bastia, Corte and Ajaccio, and ferries link coastal towns.

What are the best beaches in Corsica?

The Plage de Palombaggia and Santa Giulia near Porto-Vecchio in the south are among the most famous, with white sand and turquoise water reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Is Corsica part of France or Italy?

It's a region of France, though geographically closer to Italy and with a strong Genoese and Italian influence in its architecture, language and food.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Drove the west coast from Calvi down towards Porto and the cliffside roads with the sea below were spectacular. Palombaggia in the south lived up to every bit of hype.

Antoine F. · September 2024

★★★★★

Hiked a few day sections of the GR20 near Corte rather than the full thing and it was tough but incredible — the gorges and mountain villages felt completely untouched.

Greta L. · June 2023

★★★★☆

Took the little train from Bastia to Corte which was a great way to see the interior without driving. Beaches in the south were busy but stunning.

Paolo V. · July 2024