What's the weather like in Bordeaux in January
Famous for its wine production, Bordeaux sits along the Garonne River in the southwest of France.
Temperature
January is the coldest month of the year, with an average daily temperature of 6°C (about 43°F). Despite being the coolest month, the lows don't even get down to freezing, averaging 3°C (around 37°F). Snow is very rare in this part of Europe and when it does fall, it's very light and typically doesn't stick around very long. The chance of snow during the month is only 4%.
During this month, you'll see highs reaching up to 9°C (about 48°F), better than a lot of spring days back in the UK. During the day, a jacket or coat will suffice, but at night you'll want something a little heavier. Long-sleeved shirts, sweaters, and long trousers should also be in your suitcase for your trip.
Sunshine Hours
The area only sees about three hours of sunlight each day, not much time to get outside and see the sights. Fortunately, the city has plenty of indoor activities and attractions to help you pass the time. The chance of a sunny day is about 11%. This time of the year can be foggy, with fog rolling in from the Bay of Biscay. The chance of fog is 43% and because the chance of a windy day is only 18%, the fog will stick around longer thanks to the lack of wind.
Rainfall
This is also the wettest month of the year, with an average rainfall at a yearly high of 110 mm. That amount of rain falls over 15 days in the month, so you'll want to be sure to bring an umbrella or have one handy if you'll be outdoors. The chance of rain on any given day is about 47%, as is the chance of a cloudy day. While the area rarely sees extreme temperatures, the highest recorded temperature was 20°C (about 68°F) and the lowest dropped down to a very chilly -8°C (about 18°F).
Bordeaux Hotels for January
Hotel des Voyageurs
With just 11 rooms, the Hotel des Voyageurs provides quiet intimacy and dedicated attention from the staff. The rooms are also affordable, appealing to budget-minded travellers. All rooms come with private bathrooms and televisions and can accommodate singles, couples, and families. The hotel is located close to a tram stop, so getting around the city is simple. Many of the city's main attractions are within walking distance as well, just across the Pont de Pierre bridge.
L'Hotel Particulier
The L'Hotel Particulier offers luxury accommodations without the luxurious price. Housed in a renovated 19th century townhome, the hotel and its rooms are a blend of traditional and contemporary, much like the city. Along with traditional rooms, you can choose one of the studio or two-room apartments. Guests have access to the on-site spa and authentic Turkish baths for ultimate relaxation. The hotel is centrally located and the perfect base for seeing Bordeaux.
Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta
Providing four-star accommodations, Adagio Bordeaux Gambetta, is located within easy walking distance of the old town and many city amenities. During your January stay, choose from two berth rooms to four berth apartments, which are great for families or large groups travelling together. All of the rooms also come with a fully-equipped kitchen and private bathrooms. There's an on-site gym, spa, and Hammam for well-being and relaxation and laundry for your convenience.
Bars and Restaurants
Restaurant Solena
For dinner, try the down-to-earth Restaurant Solena. There's nothing pretentious here, just cuisine made from fresh and organic ingredients sourced from local southwest France farms. The menu is very select and changes regularly depending on what's in season. And, a three-course market menu is always available. You can complement your meal with a glass of Bordeaux's famous red or white wine.
Croc Loup
For a romantic evening filled with French cuisine, head to Croc Loup in the centre of Bordeaux's historic district. Cuttlefish ravioli, foie gras, and mushrooms tarts are just some of the many signature dishes here, although it's really the desserts the restaurant is known for. The menu includes unusual offerings such as licorice and chocolate mille feuille and the desserts look as amazing as they taste.
The Sherlock Holmes Pub
For a touch of England in the South of France, pop in for a pint at The Sherlock Holmes Pub. Modelled after a typical English pub, the venue includes televisions showing British sports, pool tables, dart boards, and the quintessential pub quiz. Padded booths, dark panelling, and a classic bar add to the bar's theme. Beers on tap include Young's London Stout, Wells Bombardier, and John Bull. The food menu includes classics like jacket potatoes, fish and chips, and sausage and mash.
Things to do in Bordeaux in January
Bordeaux Wine School
When the rains fall during January, head inside and check out the Bordeaux Wine School. The school has a full schedule of courses ranging from two-day tastings to week-long practical courses. The most popular class is the short two-hour introduction to Bordeaux wines; these classes take place every day. The school is located on its own vineyard growing merlot, cabernet sauvignon, and cabernet franc grapes.
Grand Theatre
Appealing to those who love architecture, as well as those interested in the culture of Bordeaux, the Grand Theatre is well worth a look. As impressive on the outside as it is on the inside, it is the architectural landmark of the city. Many operatic performances such as the Barber of Seville and Dido and Aeneas are shown here, along with a selection of dances, orchestra, plays, and amateur acts.
Gross Cloche de Bordeaux
The Grosse Cloche de Bordeaux is a beautiful tower in the centre of Bordeaux and a must-see for any visitors. The gorgeous tower houses a bell and a gold clock on each side. You can walk through the tower and get the feeling of living in a fairy tale. At night, the tower is lit up, making it even more magical. If you want to learn more about the tower, sign up for the small tours that explore the inside.
