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Bay of Biscay
Ciboure, France © sébastien le moil
Bay of Biscay Water Temperature: Current & Historical Data for Coastal Resorts
We find every spot where you can swim and tell you what the water temperature is there today and throughout the year
Current water temperature
46°F
minimal
50°F
average
55°F
maximum
Graph of Water Temperature Changes in the Bay of Biscay Over the Last 60 Days
Water temperature in the Bay of Biscay by month
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 43°F | 61°F |
| February | 45°F | 57°F |
| March | 45°F | 59°F |
| April | 46°F | 63°F |
| May | 48°F | 70°F |
| June | 54°F | 73°F |
| July | 55°F | 77°F |
| August | 57°F | 77°F |
| September | 55°F | 75°F |
| October | 54°F | 73°F |
| November | 50°F | 68°F |
| December | 46°F | 63°F |
What is known about the Bay of Biscay?
Plévenon, France © Laloy DavidThe Bay of Biscay, located along the western coasts of France and northern Spain, experiences moderate sea temperatures that vary throughout the year. During the summer months, from June to September, water temperatures typically range from 63–72°F (17–22°C), with the warmest conditions found in August. The southern areas, particularly along the Spanish coast in the Basque Country, tend to be slightly warmer than the northern French coastline, where the open Atlantic influence keeps the waters cooler. While summer offers the best conditions for swimming, the Bay of Biscay is also known for its strong waves, making it a popular destination for surfers.
In winter, from December to March, the sea temperature drops significantly, averaging between 50–57°F (10–14°C). These colder waters, combined with frequent storms and rough seas, make winter swimming less common, except for experienced cold-water swimmers. Despite the challenging conditions in some areas, sheltered beaches and coves provide more suitable spots for swimming. Overall, the Bay of Biscay is a great destination for summer swimming and water sports, though its often unpredictable waves and currents require caution, especially outside the warm season.
List of Countries Bordering the Bay of Biscay
Popular Resorts of the Bay of Biscay with the Warmest Water Today
Popular Resorts on the Bay of Biscay Coast
- San Sebastian, Spain
- Soorts-Hossegor, France
- Bilbao, Spain
- Biarritz, France
- Santander, Spain
- Arcachon, France
- Andernos-les-Bains, France
- La Concha Beach, Spain
- Lorient, France
- Île de Ré, France
- Île d'Oléron, France
- Biscarrosse, France
- Lège-Cap-Ferret, France
- La Rochelle, France
- La Baule-Escoublac, France
Kerlaz, France © MARVEL 2.0
Nearest Seas and Oceans
Frequently Asked Questions About the Bay of Biscay
What is the water temperature in the Bay of Biscay right now?
The water temperature in the Bay of Biscay today ranges from 46°F (8°C) in Saint-Benoît-des-Ondes (France) to 55°F (13°C) in Liencres (Spain).
Is it possible to swim in the Bay of Biscay?
Yes, it is possible to swim in the Bay of Biscay, although the water can be quite cold, especially in the winter months.
In which month does the Bay of Biscay have the highest and lowest water temperatures?
The highest water temperature in the Bay of Biscay occurs in July, reaching 77°F (25°C), while the lowest is in January, dropping to 43°F (6°C).
Is the Bay of Biscay colder than the Celtic Sea?
No, the Bay of Biscay is slightly warmer than the Celtic Sea, as its average annual water temperature is 59°F (15°C), while the Celtic Sea's is 54°F (12°C).
Which countries are washed by the Bay of Biscay?
The Bay of Biscay washes France, and Spain.
What are the most popular resorts located on the Bay of Biscay?
The most popular beach destinations on the Bay of Biscay are San Sebastian (Spain), Biarritz (France), Bilbao (Spain), Santander (Spain), Arcachon (France), Quiberon (France), Soorts-Hossegor (France), Lacanau (France), La Rochelle (France), Saint-Jean-de-Luz (France).
Do you have any extended or additional information about the Bay of Biscay?
Bay of Biscay is a part of the Atlantic Ocean located north of the Iberian Peninsula, washing the shores of Spain and France and stretching from Galicia to Brittany.
The bay has a wide continental shelf, abruptly merging into the Biscay deep-water plain with depths of up to 4500 meters. The rocky, but low coast of Brittany to the south changes to the coastal plain of the Silver Coast, after which the mountainous Basque coast begins, and then the Cantabrian Mountains approach the Bay of Biscay. The climatic conditions in the bay are not the same. So, in the north it is cool (the water temperature is up to 12 ° in summer), but in the south the waters warm up to 22 °. There are frequent strong winds and storms, which sometimes do not subside for 10-12 days. The islands are located mainly off the coast of France (Belle-Ile, Noirmoutier, Re, Olero). The largest rivers of the Gulf flow here: Loire, Garonne, Dordogne, Adour.
The Bay of Biscay is one of the most popular tourist centers.
Do you have a few more photos of the the Bay of Biscay?
Seignosse, France © Andrée Davan
Mogro, Spain © Miguelito Miguelon
Getaria, Spain © seatemperature.net