Understanding Corsica’s Weather And The Best Time To Travel
Corsica’s coastal areas enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean climate.
As a matter of fact, Corsica’s coastal areas enjoy the pleasant Mediterranean climate with dominant westerly, north-westerly and south-westerly winds.
With land mass of 100/50 miles approximately and altitude ranging from sea level to around 9000 feet, the Mediterranean climate in Corsica becomes Alpine at around 1500 meters.
The mountain dividing the island at almost half, makes northern Corsica hotter than southern region.
According to micro-climates, Corsica’s valleys are Maritime Mediterranean, lower mountains are Mountain Mediterranean and higher altitudes have fully mountain climate.
Learn more such interesting facts about the island.
Until June, the mountain peaks are swathed in snow in winter.
From May through October, summers prevail in Corsica. Until June, the mountain peaks are swathed in snow in winter. With the average yearly temperature being 120C, temperature during January to March is 140C, April to June is 210C, July to September is 270C and October to December is 180C, although in high summer and high winter, these figures vary.
The GR20 Path for mountain hikers remain open during mid July to October end and hence, you have to carry ropes, ice axes and other mountaineering gears 6 weeks from June to stay safe.
Average sea and river temperature is lowest in April -13.90C and highest in August -23.40C. Corsica experiences highest rainfall in March-April and October-November while May through September is driest season with rain bursts often in November through March.
With quick electric storms, total annual rainfall in Corsica is around 900mm.
Autumn comes later while spring is early.
The winds prevalent in Corsica are –
- Libecciu –blowing south and southwestern
- Maestrale –blows from northwest, violent and sudden, dry in summer, moist in winter
- Siroccu –blows on east coast, hot damp and brings fog, mist and red dust
- Levante –blows offshore on western coast
- Grecale –strong, cold, dry, blows in autumn and spring with rain
- Tramuntana –blows in winter to south, cold dry
- Punente –westerly, often joins Libecciu
Visiting during September through June is best option for those who are not habituated with western Mediterranean climate.