Dieppe has a temperate maritime climate similar to that found in on the south coast of England, though the summers are generally slightly longer and warmer. Dieppe is a port city in Haute-Normandy in northeast France.
Summer, between mid June and mid September, is warm and sunny: the perfect time to visit. The temperature rises to an average high of 19°C in June and to a peak of 21°C in July and August, then falls back to 19°C in September. Throughout the season temperatures can get into the mid 20s on sunny days. Night time temperatures are generally cool. Sitting on the coast, Dieppe is constantly swept by sea breezes which keep away any extremes of heat. They also see the sky dotted with colourful kites and the bay with white sails.
Rainfall is moderately low in the summer; showers are not rare but usually brief. Sunshine levels are highest at the beginning of the season with June and July receiving eight hours per day. The sea takes its time to heat up, peaking in August and September at 17°C, which is just about warm enough for a quick dip.
Autumn, in October and November, is mild and wet. The temperature drops quickly, getting down to an average high of 16°C in October and 11°C in November. Night time lows are below 10°C from the start of the season and by the end of November it can even drop below freezing. Grey skies bring more rain and less sun. Rainfall reaches its highest annual level in November. However, early autumn is often very pleasant with many warm, clear days and the sea still welcomes the brave.
Winter, from December till February, is cool and overcast. January, the coldest month, sees an average high of 7°C and an average low of 2°C. The surrounding months are not much warmer. It regularly drops below freezing away from the shore and frosts are common. Precipitation reduces throughout the season, reaching more moderate levels by the end of the season. This usually falls as rain though snow has been known to fall in January. It very rarely settles for long.
Spring, between March and May, is mild and bright. The temperature increases to an average high of 10°C in March, 13°C in April and 16°C in May. Night times remain cold and the wind can often make it feel much cooler, but the increasing sunshine levels make it a pleasant place to be. Rainfall levels are moderate, comparable to the UK. The sea is too cold for swimming but not for sailing on a bright day.
Dieppe owes its climate to its position on Franceâs east coast. It is cooler than the south coast which is influenced by the Mediterranean and Africa. The east coast is at the whim of the Atlantic Ocean and while it is much warmer than is to be expected at this latitude due to the Gulf Stream, the strong westerly winds carry high levels of rain.
But who cares about the weather when thereâs seafood of this quality? Scallops and shrimp and sole and mussels and monkfish and turbot: itâs all fresh and prepared with talent on great platters or in mesmerising stews. Who cares about the world-class art or the ancient architecture when you can feast away on fruits de la mer till you can barely move and someone has to roll you home? Turn your back on visual culture, step out in the wind-whipped rain and guzzle at Sole Normandie or Marmite (fish stew).