Water temperature and wave height on the beaches of Normandy

📍 Normandy – Overview:

• Stretches from Cherbourg in the west to Dieppe and Le Tréport in the east

• Borders the cooler waters of the English Channel

• Famous for its historical beaches (D-Day landings), cliffs, and charming seaside towns

• A great mix of natural beauty, history, and coastal tourism

🏖️ Key Beaches in Normandy:

1. Omaha Beach (Colleville-sur-Mer) 🇺🇸

• Historic site of the D-Day landings in WWII

• Wide sandy beach with dunes and memorials

• Strong tides, suitable for walks more than swimming

2. Deauville & Trouville-sur-Mer 🌟

• Elegant beach resorts with boardwalks and casinos

• Long sandy beaches, excellent infrastructure

• Ideal for families, sunbathing, and beach sports

• Water is cold, but popular in summer

3. Étretat ⛰️

• Known for its dramatic white chalk cliffs and arches

• Pebble beach with breathtaking views

• Water is clear, but cool and wavy

• Great for photography and nature walks

4. Granville & Jullouville 🏖️

• West coast of Normandy, facing Mont Saint-Michel Bay

• Tidal beaches with wide, flat expanses at low tide

• Warmer and calmer water compared to northern Normandy

5. Cabourg & Houlgate 🌼

• Family-friendly resorts with shallow sandy beaches

• Classic Belle Époque architecture

• Popular in summer for walks, beach clubs, and sea views

🌊 Sea & Beach Characteristics in Normandy:

• Sea: English Channel (La Manche)

• Water temperature: Much cooler than the Mediterranean (see below)

• Waves: Moderate to strong, especially on open beaches

• Tides: Very high tidal range – beaches change dramatically throughout the day

• Sand: Mostly fine golden sand; some pebble beaches (e.g., Étretat)

• Water clarity: Moderate – clearer in calm weather

• Marine life: Crabs, seaweed, shellfish – good for tidal pool exploring

✅ Why Visit Normandy’s Beaches?

• 🕊️ Rich WWII history and museums

• 🌊 Dramatic cliffs and landscapes (Étretat, Fécamp)

• 🏖️ Family-friendly resorts with culture and charm

• 🦀 Tidal exploration – unique low tide experiences

• 🎨 Inspiration for artists (Monet, Boudin)

✅ Notes:

• 🏊‍♂️ Best months to swim: July–September (still cool but manageable)

• ❄️ Coldest period: January–March (around 8–9°C) – wetsuit needed

• 🔥 Warmest water: August (~18.5°C)

• 🌬️ Normandy is not a typical "warm swim" destination — most locals swim in summer only, often briefly