People picture Bordeaux as sunny wine country and leave the rain jacket at home. It rains on 10 or more days in most months, and spring stays wet right into June. Pack a light waterproof layer, comfortable walking shoes for the old city, and something tidy for tastings at the châteaux.
Bordeaux weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 11°C52°F | 13°C55°F | 15°C59°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 27°C81°F | 28°C82°F | 23°C73°F | 21°C70°F | 15°C59°F | 11°C52°F |
| Low | 4°C39°F | 4°C39°F | 7°C45°F | 9°C48°F | 12°C54°F | 16°C61°F | 17°C63°F | 17°C63°F | 14°C57°F | 12°C54°F | 8°C46°F | 5°C41°F |
| Rain days | 13 | 10 | 13 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 9 | 7 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 11 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild and damp. Highs are 11–13°C (52–55°F) and lows 4–5°C (39–41°F), with 10 to 13 rain days a month. A warm jacket and waterproof shoes cover it. It's a quiet time for the city's museums and wine bars.
Spring
March–MayHighs rise from 15°C (59°F) to 21°C (70°F) and lows from 7°C (45°F) to 12°C (54°F). It's wet, with 12 or 13 rain days every month. Pack layers and a rain shell. The vineyards start to green up, and day trips to Saint-Émilion are pleasant.
Summer
June–AugustWarm, with highs of 26–28°C (79–82°F) and lows of 16–17°C (61–63°F). June is still showery at 13 rain days, but August dries out to 7. Pack light, breathable clothes and a hat. The Miroir d'Eau and the beach at the Dune du Pilat are summer favourites.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is warm at 23°C (73°F), then it cools to 15°C (59°F) highs by November, with lows of 8–14°C (46–57°F). Rain picks up, peaking at 14 days in November. It's harvest season in the vineyards, so bring layers and shoes you don't mind getting muddy.
What to bring to Bordeaux
0 of 21 packedA packable shell for Bordeaux, where most months bring 10 or more rain days.
Rolls into its own pocket, so it rides along on vineyard days and comes out when the showers roll in.
- Bellroy Lite SlingBags & Luggage
Holds your wallet, phone and keys on long walks along the quays, and it weighs about 221 g.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Cold water all day for warm August afternoons in the city or a hot trip to the Dune du Pilat.
- Anker Nano Power Bank 5,000mAh (Built-In USB-C)Tech & Power
A quick phone top-up without a cable on long day trips to Saint-Émilion and the Médoc.
- Aerotrunk Ultralight Compression Packing CubesBags & Luggage
Compression cubes free up space in your bag, so you have room to bring things home.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Fits France's sockets and charges several devices at once in your hotel room.
Clothing
- Smart-casual outfit · 1Tidy look for château tastings
- Light sweater or merino layer · 2
- Breathable shirts and tees · 4June–August highs of 26–28°C
- Warm coat · 1Dec–Feb highs of 11–13°C
Footwear
- Water-resistant walking shoes · 1 pairWet stone streets in the old city
- Smarter flats or loafers · 1 pair
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 1Rain on 10+ days most months
- Foldable tote bagFor wine and market buys
- Wine bottle protector sleeves · 2Pack bottles safely to fly home
Health and toiletries
- SunscreenJune–August
- Hand creamWinter damp and cold
Documents and money
- Passport
- Chip-and-PIN credit card
- Travel insurance
What shoes should you pack for Bordeaux?
Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes. The old center is flat but spread out, and you'll walk long stretches along the riverfront quays. For vineyard visits, closed shoes beat sandals on gravel and wet grass.
What do people wear in Bordeaux?
Smart casual, a step up from beach France. Chinos, a nice shirt or a simple dress fit in at restaurants and on château tours. Locals keep it neat and understated. A light jacket or scarf works most of the year.
What plugs does Bordeaux use?
France uses types C and E at 230V. Travelers from the US, UK and Australia need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 230V, but check older devices.
Tours and things to do in Bordeaux
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Bordeaux.
What should you leave at home for Bordeaux?
Leave the heels, the old stone streets and vineyard gravel aren't kind to them. Skip the heavy coat outside winter. Leave room in your bag rather than overpacking, in case you want to bring wine home in checked luggage.
Packing for Bordeaux: questions people ask
Does it rain a lot in Bordeaux?
Fairly often. Most months have 10 or more rain days, and November has the most with 14. A light rain jacket is worth packing in any season.
What should I wear for a wine tasting in Bordeaux?
Smart casual and closed shoes. You'll often walk through vineyards and cellars, so skip heels and bring a light layer for cool cellars.
What should I wear in Bordeaux in summer?
Light, breathable clothes and a hat. Highs reach 26–28°C (79–82°F), though June still brings around 13 rain days.
What should I wear in Bordeaux in October?
Layers and a rain jacket. Highs are around 21°C (70°F) with lows near 12°C (54°F), and it rains on about 13 days.
Do I need a plug adapter for Bordeaux?
Yes, if you're from the US, UK or Australia. France uses types C and E at 230V.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.