The climate of Calais
Recognized by the Köppen climate classification as a Marine west coast, warm summer zone (Cfb),
Calais faces evenly distributed rainfall throughout the year. Located in
Guernsey, its climate is significantly influenced by the close proximity of the English Channel. Neutral in tone across the twelve months, the temperature swings between a low of 7°C (44.6°F) in
February to a high of 17.8°C (64°F) in
August. Correspondingly, the relative humidity is usually high, fluctuating from 77% in
January and
December to 84% in
June and
July.
Monthly average rainfall canvasses a range from 26mm (1.02") in July to 87mm (3.43") in
November. The number of rainfall days varies from 11.5 days in June to 22.8 days in November, indicating a relatively wet climate. Snowfall, meanwhile, is almost nonexistent, with just 2mm (0.08") recorded in January. Daylight hours peak to 16.2 hours in June, before dropping to a low of 8.3 hours in December. Likewise, maximum sunshine hours occur from June to July with an average of 9.7 hours, whereas December and January observe the minimum with 3.9 hours.
Calais witnesses moderate wind speeds, the highest observed in December at 36km/h (22.4mph) and the least during July at 21.9km/h (13.6mph). Gust speed also peaks during December, reaching up to 49.8km/h (30.9mph). Cloud coverage is fairly consistent throughout the year, with percentages ranging from 37 in July to 63 in January and December.
The best time to visit Calais
The optimal time to visit
Calais would be during the warmer months, particularly between
June and
August. During these months, the average high temperature hovers around 15.2°C (59.4°F) to 17.8°C (64°F), accompanied by the maximum sunshine hours observed throughout the year. With a UV index at five, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities while temperatures offer both comfort and warmth.
The worst time to visit Calais
Travelers looking for extended outdoor activities would want to avoid
Calais in
November and
December. November sees the peak in rain, with the average rainfall reaching 87mm (3.43") over approximately 23 days. Couple this with short daylight hours, just 9.1 in November and 8.3 in December, and the scope for outdoor exploration significantly dwindles.
Spring weather in Calais
Spring brings warmer temperatures to
Calais from
March through
May. Average high temperature transitions from 9.8°C (49.6°F) in March to 12.8°C (55°F) by May, along with noticeable increase in daylight hours, from 11.9 hours in March to 15.4 hours in May. Rainfall decreases over this period, with March witnessing 38mm (1.5") over 17 days, reducing to 27mm (1.06") over 11.8 days by May.
Summer weather in Calais
Summer in
Calais, spanning
June through
August, is defined by increased temperatures and extended daylight hours. Daylight is at its peak during June at 16.2 hours. High and low temperatures reach their maximum during these months, with August boasting an average high of 17.8°C (64°F) and a low of 15.8°C (60.4°F).
July is the driest month with rainfall at 26mm (1.02") over almost 13 days.
Autumn weather in Calais
September ushers in the autumn season in
Calais, leading to a gradual drop in temperature and daylight hours over the next three months. While September still showcases pleasant temperatures, ranging from 15.4°C (59.7°F) to 17.2°C (63°F), by
November these scale back to between 10.9°C (51.6°F) and 13°C (55.4°F). Rainfall significantly increases during this period, with November seeing a high of 87mm (3.43") over approximately 23 days.
Winter weather in Calais
Winter in
Calais, from
December through
February, is characterized by low temperatures, shorter daylight hours, and consistent rainfall. December bears the brunt of winter weather, with low temperatures plunging to 9.2°C (48.6°F), the least daylight hours at 8.3, and high wind speed peaking at 36km/h (22.4mph). Rainfall stays consistent during these months, ranging between 63mm (2.48") to 70mm (2.76"). Despite
January being the coldest month, snowfall is almost non-existent, with just 2mm (0.08") recorded in this period.
Weather in January
The year in
Calais,
Guernsey begins with
January characterized by cool temperatures, with frequent rainfall signifying a wet start to the year. The lowest average temperature falls at 7.8°C (46°F) while the highest stands at 9.8°C (49.6°F).
Weather in January »Weather in February
February's weather sees a slight dip in temperature compared to
January, with temperatures hovering from 7°C (44.6°F) to 9.2°C (48.6°F). Snowfall is virtually unheard of this month, amounting to a total snowfall of 0mm (0").
Weather in February » Weather in March
Stepping into
March, one can observe the weather takes a slightly optimistic role in
Calais,
Guernsey. Comparatively, March offers a respite from the fierce wind gusts felt in
February, with wind gusts peaking at 44.4km/h (27.6mph).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In contrast to
March's weather,
April brings an apparent shift towards
Calais' spring-season weather pattern. Temperatures continue to rise, with an average high of 11°C (51.8°F) and a low of 8.9°C (48°F). The total rainfall shrinks further to reach 32mm (1.26") over the span of 13.3 days, making April significantly drier compared to the previous months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Weather in
May represents a genuine transition into the warm season in
Calais,
Guernsey. Temperatures rise to an average high of 12.8°C (55°F) and a low of 10.6°C (51.1°F), indicating steadily warming conditions. An increase in sunlight exposure to 15.4 hours per day coupled with notable sunshine duration of 9.1 hours make May the month with the longest sunlight hours yet.
Weather in May »Weather in June
Calais' weather in
June is characterized by the arrival of summer, bringing along warmly pleasant temperatures. With a slightly increased average monthly rainfall of 33mm (1.3") from
May's 27mm (1.06"), the city is privy to nature’s perfect balance of sunshine and rain.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is celebrated as the warmest month of the year in
Calais, with average temperatures soaring to a high of 16.9°C (62.4°F). However, it is also the driest month, experiencing low precipitation of 26mm (1.02") over 12.8 days. The city enjoys longer sunshine hours of 9.7 per day, outshining the previous high of
June.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Following
July's heat,
August sees a slight rise in temperature to an average high of 17.8°C (64°F). Humidity levels hit a little high at 82%, but the weather remains comfortable due to a refreshing sea breeze blowing at 34.3km/h (21.3mph) gusts.
Weather in August »Weather in September
With the arrival of
September,
Calais,
Guernsey starts feeling the gradual shift towards autumn. A dip is noticed in the temperature, marking the onset of a cooler climate with temperature averaging between 15.4°C (59.7°F) and 17.2°C (63°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
Calais weather in
October certainly announces the arrival of autumn. The cooling trend continues, with the average high and low temperatures falling to 15.5°C (59.9°F) and 13.6°C (56.5°F) respectively. Rainfall sees a significant upturn, amounting to 58mm (2.28"), heralding the beginning of the wetter season.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings
Calais closer to the onset of winter, with the temperature dropping further to fluctuate between 10.9°C (51.6°F) and 13°C (55.4°F). Wind gusts peak at 47.9km/h (29.8mph), bringing a noticeable chill to the weather.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Concluding the year,
December's weather in
Calais,
Guernsey embodies the full onset of winter. The temperature range narrows, averaging between 9.2°C (48.6°F) and 11.1°C (52°F). A combined effect of high precipitation, recorded as 70mm (2.76"), and lofty wind speeds reaching maximum gusts of 49.8km/h (30.9mph) keeps the wintry feel alive.
Weather in December »