Weather

The climate in Bastia

Summers in Bastia are warm and dry, winters mild. July and August are the warmest and driest months, and June also sees little rain. July is the sunniest month too.

Most rain falls in October and November, followed by December. On some autumn days a great deal of rain can fall at once. Winters stay mild, and frost and snow are rare in Bastia. Strong gusts of wind are most frequent from November to January.

The weather for the coming days is shown in the forecast at the top of this page.

Summer: swimming and wildfire risk

The bathing season at Bastia’s beaches runs from mid-June to mid-September. For the beaches in and around town, see Beaches.

In summer the wildfire risk in Corsica is high. Because of the fire risk, it is best to avoid the Sentier des Douaniers on Cap Corse in strong winds, and fires are prohibited in the Agriates at all times. If you see a fire, call the fire service on 18 or the European emergency number 112.

Autumn: heavy rain and storms

From August to November severe storms can build over the Mediterranean, and in summer and early autumn flash floods can occur too. Together with the wet months of October and November, this makes autumn the season when heavy rain is most likely in Bastia.

If a severe weather warning is issued, a few simple rules apply: stay at home or in your accommodation, keep away from streams, rivers and places at risk of flooding, never drive through flooded roads, and follow the instructions of the authorities.

Severe weather warnings and emergency numbers

Météo-France issues severe weather warnings for Corsica in alert levels known as Vigilance. MeteoAlarm brings the warnings together for the whole of Europe. Through FR-Alert, the authorities send warning messages straight to mobile phones in the danger area. The prefecture and local councils also provide information on warnings.

When to go, depending on your plans

For swimming, mid-June to mid-September is the time. If the beach is your priority, July and August, the warmest and driest months, are best.

For walks such as the Sentier des Douaniers on Cap Corse or the path to Saleccia, June is pleasant: dry, but not yet as hot as high summer. There is little drinking water along the way; in the Agriates, only at Saleccia. For all the destinations, see Day trips.

Late autumn and winter are mild, although October to December bring the most rain and November to January the strongest gusts of wind. For travel to Bastia by air or ferry, see Getting there.