Things to do in Biarritz: walk from the lighthouse to the Grande Plage, cross the footbridge to the Rocher de la Vierge, head down to the Port des Pêcheurs, watch the surfers at the Côte des Basques, visit the Aquarium or the Cité de l’Océan when it rains, shop at Les Halles market and end the day watching the sunset over the ocean. To make the most of every day in Biarritz, remember that it is a mild but rainy town, summer included.
A seaside resort launched in the 19th century by Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie, Biarritz blends Belle Époque villas, surf culture and Basque life. This guide brings together the highlights, a one-day plan, budget, access, and a figure you will not find elsewhere: how much rain and how many rainy days to expect over a week’s holiday, month by month, calculated from Météo-France normals.
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Biarritz at a glance
- Location Basque coast, Pyrénées-Atlantiques, between Anglet and BidartAbout 30 km (19 mi) from Spain
- Airports Biarritz-Pays Basque (in Anglet)Direct TGV inOui and Ouigo trains on the Paris-Montparnasse line
- Entry US and UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in the Schengen area · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Currency the euro · currencies
- Recommended length 1 to 2 days for the town, 4 to 7 days with the Basque coast
- Best times June and September, then May and October
- Rain 1473.6 mm (58.0 in) a year, about 141 rainy daysAlways have an indoor plan B
- Budget see our budget section
Things to do in Biarritz: the highlights
The Rocher de la Vierge
This is the symbol of the town: a rocky outcrop linked to the shore by a metal footbridge and topped by a statue of the Virgin Mary. The view takes in the whole coast, from the Pointe Saint-Martin and the lighthouse to the north to the Basque mountains to the south on a clear day. When the swell is big, waves crash against the footbridge: an impressive sight, but access may be closed for safety.
The Grande Plage, the Hôtel du Palais and the casino
In the centre, the Grande Plage stretches below the Hôtel du Palais, formerly the Villa Eugénie built for the empress and now a neo-Renaissance luxury hotel, and the Art Deco municipal casino. It is the liveliest beach, supervised in season. In the evening, the seafront promenade is the place to watch the sun set over the ocean.
Biarritz lighthouse and Miramar beach
On the Pointe Saint-Martin, the lighthouse, inaugurated on 1 February 1834, marks the boundary between the sandy coast of the Landes to the north and the rocky Basque coast to the south. Climb it when it is open for the view over the Grande Plage and the coast. Below, Miramar beach is quieter than the Grande Plage.
The Port des Pêcheurs and the Port-Vieux
The little Port des Pêcheurs (fishermen’s harbour), with its colourful houses, its « crampottes » (old fishermen’s huts) and its restaurants, is one of the most photogenic spots. Right next to it, the sheltered little cove of the Port-Vieux is popular with families. You pass through naturally on your way from the Grande Plage to the Rocher de la Vierge.
The Côte des Basques and surfing
At the foot of the cliffs, the Côte des Basques beach is considered the birthplace of surfing in France. At high tide the sand almost disappears: check the tide times before laying down your towel. Many schools offer beginner lessons here or on the beaches of Anglet, which are often better suited to beginners. The clifftop viewpoint is ideal at the end of the day.
The Aquarium and the Cité de l’Océan
These are the two outings to keep for a rainy day. The Biarritz Aquarium, in an Art Deco building above the Rocher de la Vierge, presents the wildlife of the Bay of Biscay and other oceans, including seals. The Cité de l’Océan, near Milady beach, is a more hands-on discovery centre devoted to the ocean, popular with children.
Les Halles, Villa Belza and the imperial chapel
Les Halles, the covered market in the centre, is the best place to taste Basque produce (ham, sheep’s cheese, Espelette pepper, gâteau basque) at the counter. On the coast, the neo-medieval Villa Belza, perched above the rocks, is one of the best-known images of Biarritz. The imperial chapel, built for Eugénie, opens on a limited schedule: ask locally.
Anglet and the surroundings
Just to the north, Anglet has several kilometres of beaches in a row, very popular with surfers, with a promenade and the Pignada forest. Bayonne is a few kilometres away, Saint-Jean-de-Luz about twenty minutes, and Spain is close by. For a wider trip, see our guide to visiting the Basque Country (villages, La Rhune, 4- and 8-day itineraries) and our Spain guide for a trip to San Sebastián.
What to do in Biarritz depending on your interests
| If you… | Then focus on |
|---|---|
| are travelling with children | the Port-Vieux (sheltered cove), the Aquarium, the Cité de l’Océan, Anglet’s supervised beaches |
| are a couple | the Atalaye plateau and the Port des Pêcheurs, sunset at the Côte des Basques, dinner at Les Halles |
| love history and architecture | the Hôtel du Palais, the imperial chapel, Villa Belza, the 1834 lighthouse |
| are here for the ocean | surf lessons at the Côte des Basques or Anglet, autumn swells for experienced surfers |
| get a rainy day | the Aquarium, Les Halles, a thalassotherapy spa, a visit to Bayonne |
Itinerary: Biarritz in one day
- Morning: Biarritz lighthouse, then down to the Grande Plage and the Hôtel du Palais.
- Late morning: the Port des Pêcheurs, the Port-Vieux and the footbridge to the Rocher de la Vierge.
- Lunch: at Les Halles or in the nearby streets.
- Afternoon: the Aquarium (or the Cité de l’Océan) if it rains, otherwise a surf lesson or the beach at the Côte des Basques, depending on the tide.
- End of the day: the viewpoint above the Côte des Basques, then sunset on the Grande Plage (around 9:45 pm in mid-June, before 6 pm in winter).
When to go to Biarritz
The best months are June and September, followed by May and October. The climate is oceanic and mild: the average high reaches 25.1 °C (77 °F) in August, and winter stays gentle (12 to 13 °C, 54 to 55 °F, in the afternoon). But Biarritz is very wet: 1473.6 mm (58.0 in) a year, with a peak in November (206.9 mm (8.1 in)). Even in July it rains on 9.4 days on average. The good news: sunshine is high for the Atlantic coast (1,920.6 hours a year).
When to go to Biarritz: key points
- Best times: June and September
- Driest month: July, 77.3 mm (3.0 in) and 9.4 rainy days
- Warmest month: August, average high of 25.1 °C (77 °F)
- Wettest month: November, 206.9 mm (8.1 in) and 13.8 rainy days
- Surfing: all year round; bigger swells from autumn to spring
- Crowds: very heavy in July-August and on long weekends
| Month | Avg max | Avg min | Rain | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12.2 °C (54 °F) | 5.0 °C (41 °F) | 139.6 mm (5.5 in) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Mild but very wet |
| February | 12.8 °C (55 °F) | 4.9 °C (41 °F) | 110.4 mm (4.3 in) | Very low | Low | ⚠️ Wet, few people |
| March | 15.2 °C (59 °F) | 7.1 °C (45 °F) | 102.8 mm (4.0 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Fickle spring |
| April | 16.8 °C (62 °F) | 8.8 °C (48 °F) | 117.7 mm (4.6 in) | Moderate (Easter) | Moderate | ⚠️ Still many rainy days |
| May | 19.9 °C (68 °F) | 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 116.1 mm (4.6 in) | Moderate to high (holiday weekends) | Moderate to high | ✅ Mild, long days |
| June | 22.5 °C (72 °F) | 14.9 °C (59 °F) | 99.2 mm (3.9 in) | High | High | ✅ Excellent compromise |
| July | 24.2 °C (76 °F) | 16.9 °C (62 °F) | 77.3 mm (3.0 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Driest, but crowded |
| August | 25.1 °C (77 °F) | 17.2 °C (63 °F) | 87.5 mm (3.4 in) | Very high | Very high | ⚠️ Warmest, very busy |
| September | 23.3 °C (74 °F) | 14.5 °C (58 °F) | 118.2 mm (4.7 in) | Moderate | Moderate to high | ✅ Sea still pleasant, fewer people |
| October | 20.2 °C (68 °F) | 11.9 °C (53 °F) | 147.3 mm (5.8 in) | Low | Moderate | ✅ Mild, good swells |
| November | 15.4 °C (60 °F) | 7.9 °C (46 °F) | 206.9 mm (8.1 in) | Very low | Low | ❌ Wettest month |
| December | 12.9 °C (55 °F) | 5.7 °C (42 °F) | 150.6 mm (5.9 in) | Low | Low | ⚠️ Mild and wet, festive lights |
How many rainy days in a week in Biarritz? Our calculation
Monthly normals say little when you are planning a week’s holiday. We scaled them to a 7-day stay: for each month, we divided the rainfall and the average number of rainy days (at least 1 mm) by the number of days in the month, then multiplied by 7. Same method for sunshine hours.
| Month | Rain over 7 days | Rainy days out of 7 | Dry days out of 7 | Sunshine over 7 days | Sunset on the 15th |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 mm (1.3 in) | 3.1 days | 3.9 days | 22 h | 5:54 pm |
| February | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 3.0 days | 4.0 days | 29 h | 6:35 pm |
| March | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 2.7 days | 4.3 days | 37 h | 7:11 pm |
| April | 27 mm (1.1 in) | 3.1 days | 3.9 days | 40 h | 8:48 pm |
| May | 26 mm (1.0 in) | 2.8 days | 4.2 days | 44 h | 9:22 pm |
| June | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 2.4 days | 4.6 days | 48 h | 9:48 pm |
| July | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 2.1 days | 4.9 days | 49 h | 9:45 pm |
| August | 20 mm (0.8 in) | 2.1 days | 4.9 days | 48 h | 9:11 pm |
| September | 28 mm (1.1 in) | 2.4 days | 4.6 days | 46 h | 8:17 pm |
| October | 33 mm (1.3 in) | 2.7 days | 4.3 days | 33 h | 7:24 pm |
| November | 48 mm (1.9 in) | 3.2 days | 3.8 days | 24 h | 5:42 pm |
| December | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 2.9 days | 4.1 days | 21 h | 5:30 pm |
Key takeaways: a week in August has on average 2.1 rainy days and about 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain, against 3.2 days and 48 mm (1.9 in) in November. Between June and September, expect 2 to 2.5 rainy days out of 7, hence the value of keeping indoor activities in reserve. April is a trap: despite being spring, it has as many rainy days (3.1 out of 7) as January.
What to do in Biarritz when it rains?
- The Biarritz Aquarium and the Cité de l’Océan
- Les Halles and the shops in the centre
- A treatment or a swim at a thalassotherapy spa
- A long meal in a cider house or a Basque restaurant
- A visit to Bayonne (Basque Museum, cathedral, chocolate makers), a few minutes away by train or bus
- Watching the swell from the Rocher de la Vierge or the lighthouse between showers
- Spring (March to May): 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F) in the afternoon, gardens in bloom, but still about 3 rainy days a week. May is the best option. May holiday weekends are busy.
- Summer (June to August): 22 to 25 °C (72 to 77 °F), and the ocean becomes pleasant. July and August concentrate the crowds and high prices; June offers the longest days with fewer people. See our ideas for travelling in June.
- Autumn (September to November): September stays summery (23.3 °C (74 °F)) and quieter. Autumn swells attract experienced surfers. November is the wettest month. More ideas in where to go in September.
- Winter (December to February): mild (12 to 13 °C, 54 to 55 °F) but wet; spectacular storms seen from the coast, a quiet town and low prices.
How much does a trip to Biarritz cost?
| Item | Budget | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (per night, double room) | roughly €70 to €110 out of season, more in summer | roughly €150 to €350 |
| Meals (per person per day) | roughly €15 to €25 (Les Halles, pintxos) | roughly €40 to €70 |
| Transport | local buses, bike, walking | car, taxi |
| Activities | beaches, the Rocher de la Vierge, free walks | surf lessons, the Aquarium, thalassotherapy |
Getting to and around Biarritz
- Train: TGV inOui and Ouigo trains link Paris-Montparnasse directly with Biarritz, via Bordeaux, and continue to Saint-Jean-de-Luz and Hendaye. See our tips for cheap train travel.
- Air: Biarritz-Pays Basque airport, in Anglet, has domestic and European routes that change with the seasons; check current routes with the airport and the airlines. Our tips for finding a cheap flight will help you compare.
- Once there: the centre is easy to explore on foot. The local bus network links Biarritz, Anglet and Bayonne. In summer, parking is difficult: use the park-and-ride car parks.
- Bike: handy between Biarritz and Anglet, but the town is hilly.
Where to stay in Biarritz
The centre and the Grande Plage to do everything on foot, from the lighthouse to the Rocher de la Vierge. The Côte des Basques for surfers and sunsets. The Saint-Charles and Les Halles area for a more residential feel. Anglet for the beach and often gentler prices, and Bayonne if you are travelling without a car on a tight budget. Biarritz also works well for a romantic weekend. In July and August, book several months ahead.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: you may enter the Schengen area, including France, for up to 90 days for tourism or business without a visa; your passport should be valid at least three months beyond your period of stay (six months recommended), and immigration officers may ask for proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket (U.S. Department of State, travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025).
- UK citizens: no visa for up to 90 days in any 180-day period as a tourist; your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you arrive and be valid at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave the Schengen area. The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is being implemented: fingerprints and a photo may be taken at the border, free of charge (UK FCDO, GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026).
- Health and emergencies: UK travellers need a GHIC or valid EHIC for medically necessary state healthcare; everyone should have travel insurance covering medical costs. Emergency numbers: 112 (European emergency number, with some English-speaking staff) and 15 (medical emergencies) (GOV.UK; travel.state.gov).
- Ocean: the main risk. The UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 22 October 2026) warns of strong undercurrents along the Atlantic coast and of riptides (baïnes) in some areas; add powerful swells and the tide that covers the Côte des Basques beach. Swim only in supervised areas, between the flags, and ask the lifeguards.
- Crossing into Spain: the U.S. State Department (travel.state.gov, last updated August 11, 2025) notes that France has temporarily reintroduced border controls with its Schengen neighbours: carry your passport.
A travel insurance policy with cancellation cover can be useful for non-refundable accommodation in high season.
Practical tips for Biarritz
- Tides: check the times before heading to the Côte des Basques or the Port-Vieux.
- Weather: bring a waterproof windbreaker even in August.
- Surfing: beginners should choose the Anglet beaches and a supervised school.
- Food: Bayonne ham, Espelette pepper, sheep’s cheese, gâteau basque, chocolate.
- Mobile data: good coverage; check your home carrier’s roaming charges, or see our travel eSIM guide.
- Another Atlantic idea: for a drier, flatter coast, compare with the Île de Ré.
Frequently asked questions
What to do in Biarritz in one day?
The lighthouse, the Grande Plage and the Hôtel du Palais in the morning, the Port des Pêcheurs and the Rocher de la Vierge in late morning, lunch at Les Halles, then the Côte des Basques or the Aquarium in the afternoon depending on the weather, and sunset on the Grande Plage.
What is the best month to go to Biarritz?
June or September: 22 to 23 °C (72 to 73 °F) in the afternoon according to Météo-France 1991-2020 normals, about 2.4 rainy days per week according to our calculation, and fewer crowds than in July and August.
Does it rain a lot in Biarritz?
Yes: 1473.6 mm (58.0 in) a year and about 141 rainy days according to Météo-France. Over a week, that is about 2 rainy days in July-August and more than 3 in November or January.
What to do in Biarritz on a rainy day?
The Aquarium and the Cité de l’Océan, Les Halles, a thalassotherapy spa, or a visit to nearby Bayonne, with its Basque Museum and chocolate makers.
Can you visit Biarritz without a car?
Yes: direct TGV trains on the Paris-Montparnasse line, an airport in Anglet, then buses and walking once there. A car is only useful for the Basque hinterland.
Where can beginners surf in Biarritz?
With a school, at the Côte des Basques or on the Anglet beaches, which are often better suited. Respect the designated zones and the lifeguards’ instructions.
Our sources
- Météo-France: Biarritz-Pays-Basque climate sheet (code 64024001), 1991-2020 statistics
- Wikipedia: « Biarritz » and « Gare de Bayonne » articles (rail services)
- Destination de Voyage calculations: rain, rainy days and sunshine scaled to 7 days; sunset (NOAA algorithm)
- Entry requirements, health and safety checked on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, France country information (last updated August 11, 2025) and UK FCDO, GOV.UK foreign travel advice for France (updated 22 October 2026)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
For more ideas, see our guide to things to do in the Basque Country and our France travel guide.
