The climate in Corsica

La Corsica is subject to the influence of the Mediterranean, and enjoys a privileged, very bright climate. Due to the size of its relief, strong contrasts are introduced, causing the ecosystem to evolve towards a mountain climate. Paradoxically, the climate is slightly warmer in the north than in the south. So you'll need to know how to adapt if you want to enjoy the region. holidays in Corsica.

A Mediterranean maritime climate

Average annual water temperature Temperature: over 12°C (suitable for swimming from mid-May to mid-October).

Temperature coast: from 14.5°C to 16.5°C.

Sunshine 2,700 hours of sunshine per year.

Summers are hot and dry (36°C on the coast and 26°C at 1,000 m). Winters are mild.

Springs are warm and colourful and fragrant. It's the best season for wilderness lovers.

Autumn is still a very pleasant time of year, when nature covers itself in the warmest colours, offering landscapes that are a joy to behold. corsican contrasts.

And a mountain climate

The significant relief separating the Haute-Corse of the Corse-du-SudThis mountainous backbone, with several peaks over 2,500 metres high, contributes to a sharp change in climatic conditions with altitude, giving the region a distinctly mountainous flavour. climate from 800 metres altitude.

Precipitation is therefore more abundant. Snowfall is frequent in winter. Corsica.

The prevailing winds

U Maestrale wind: a violent, sudden wind, dry in summer and wet in winter, it comes from the north-west.

U Libecciu : this is the wind you are likely to encounter most often in CorsicaThe direction of the wind varies from region to region. Cape Corsica Western and Balagne but becomes south-westerly in the south.

In Tramuntana Windstorm: characterised by long, violent, cool gusts in winter, it occurs mainly in the north.

U Sciroccu A hot, humid wind from the south, it often brings with it red dust from the Sahara just to dirty your car...

U Punente Often confused with the Libecciu, this is a westerly wind.

U Levante This is an easterly wind that can blow over the peaks when it is strong and die right down to the west coast.

U Grecale Tyrrhenian wind: this is a Tyrrhenian wind found mainly in spring and autumn on the eastern seaboard, bringing heavy rain.

Le climate has remained stable over the last few years, even though we are seeing more and more violent storms, a sign of the gradual deterioration of the ozone layer according to some scientists! Visit Corsica has set a number of records...

• 23 August 1956: 202 km/h at Bastia
• 4 November 1965: 290 km/h at Bonifacio
• 27 February 1990: 212 km/h at Corbara
• 9 February 1994: 166 km/h in Bastia
• 28 December 1999: 190 km/h at Conca ;
• 5 March 1949: 25 cm of snow in Bastia
• 30 January 1963: 25 cm at Calvi
• 5 March 1971: 24 cm at Bonifacio
• 11 February 1986: 10 cm at Ajaccio ;
• 16 February 1956: - 5° at Bastia
• 30 January 1963: -6° at Calvi
• 10 January 1985: -10° at Corte
• 15 January 1985: -15° at Calacuccia
• 11 February 1986: -9° at Ajaccio
• 11 July 1968: + 41° at Porto-Vecchio
• 26 July 1983: +40° in Ajaccio
• 29 July 1983: + 42° at Calvi
• 7 July 2000: + 40° at Corte ;

Average annual rainfall = 655 mm,

• November 1972: 1,234 mm at Bastia
• December 1960: 982 mm at Ajaccio
• October 1993: 985 mm at Bavella.