Weather in Saint-Malo

About Saint-Malo

Saint-Malo rises from the sea in corsair glory—massive granite ramparts encircle a walled old town filled with tall narrow houses. The tidal range here is Europe's largest, creating dramatic seascapes. At high tide the town seems island; at low tide sand stretches for kilometres.

Country

France

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

EUR

Language

French, Breton

Things to do in Saint-Malo

Walk the ramparts at high and low tide Explore the corsair old town's steep streets Visit the Château de Dinan (nearby medieval fortress) Walk or cycle across the beach at low tide Take a boat tour to nearby islands Taste galettes and crêpes (Breton specialities)

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

Cold, with regular rainfall.

February

10C

Cool, with some rainy days.

March

12C

Cool, with some rainy days.

April

14C

Cool, with some rainy days.

May

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

June

20C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

July

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

August

21C

Mild and comfortable, with some rainy days.

September

20C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

October

17C

Cool, with some rainy days.

November

13C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

December

11C

Cool, with regular rainfall.

Saint-Malo's granite ramparts encircle a walled old town that was almost entirely rebuilt after WWII, but so faithfully that it's hard to tell — walking the walls at high tide, with waves crashing against the base, is one of Brittany's great coastal experiences. The town has a long history of corsairs and explorers, and its beaches and tidal islands make for dramatic, ever-changing views depending on when the sea comes in.

Best areas to stay in Saint-Malo

Intra-Muros (Walled City)

The rebuilt old town within the ramparts, packed with creperies, shops and granite townhouses.

The Ramparts

A free walking circuit around the city walls with sweeping sea and harbour views, especially at high tide.

Fort National & Grand Be

Tidal islands reachable on foot at low tide, including the grave of writer Chateaubriand.

Dinard

An elegant Belle Epoque seaside resort just across the estuary, reachable by ferry or a scenic drive.

Getting to Saint-Malo

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Flights

No major airport; ferries run directly from Portsmouth and Poole, or fly into Rennes/Dinard and connect by train or car.

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From London

~8-11 hours by direct ferry from Portsmouth or Poole; ~2.5-3 hours by TGV from Paris via Rennes.

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Getting around

The walled old town is compact and walkable; a ferry crosses to Dinard, and tide times govern access to nearby tidal islands.

Frequently asked questions

Can you walk around the city walls?

Yes — a roughly 1.5km circuit of the ramparts is free and offers views over the old town, the harbour and out to sea, particularly dramatic at high tide.

What is the Fort National and can you walk to it?

A tidal fort just offshore, reachable on foot across the sand at low tide — check tide times carefully, as the crossing is cut off when the tide comes in.

Is Saint-Malo a good base for visiting Mont-Saint-Michel?

Yes — Mont-Saint-Michel is about an hour away by car or organised tour, making Saint-Malo a popular base for combining both in one trip.

What is Saint-Malo's history with corsairs?

The town was a famous base for state-sanctioned privateers (corsairs) in the 17th-18th centuries, and several local museums and the ramparts walk explore this seafaring history.

How do I get to Saint-Malo?

Ferries run from Portsmouth and Poole directly to Saint-Malo, or it's reachable by TGV train from Paris in around 2.5-3 hours via Rennes.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Walked the full ramparts circuit at high tide with waves crashing below — one of the best free things we've done on any trip. The walled town itself is beautiful too.

Yann P. · September 2024

★★★★☆

Took the ferry over from Portsmouth which made for a relaxed start to the holiday. Walked out to Fort National at low tide, just made it back before the tide turned.

Caroline F. · June 2023

★★★★★

Day-tripped to Mont-Saint-Michel from here and it worked perfectly — Saint-Malo itself had a great mix of history, beaches and seafood restaurants to come back to.

Dan E. · May 2024