When to go — Corsica

Corsica enjoys an exceptional Mediterranean climate: 2,800 sunshine hours/year (with PACA, French record), hot dry summer, mild winter on the coast. Average temperatures range from 8 °C in January to 26 °C in July on the coast. The mountainous interior is cooler and wetter (rainfall can reach 1,200 mm/year in the high valleys).

Spring (April-June) is the queen season for hiking and discovery. The maquis is in full bloom (cistus, rosemary, wild lavender, asphodel), temperatures are ideal (15-25 °C), major sites are accessible without crowds. The sea is still cool (16-19 °C in May, 19-21 °C in June), but swimming becomes pleasant from the end of June. The GR20 opens from mid-June (snow can still block the high stages in early month).

Summer (July-August) is high season: warm sea (24-27 °C), guaranteed sun, maximum animation. Festivals: Calvi on the Rocks (July, electro), Calvi Jazz Festival (June), Lama Film Festival (July). But also maximum crowds: Bonifacio, Porto-Vecchio, Calvi are saturated, hotels and rentals triple their prices, ferries are overbooked. Intense heat (35-38 °C in plains, cooler at altitude). Maquis fire risks: respect prefectural instructions.

September is probably the perfect season: sea still warm (23-25 °C until late September), ideal temperatures (22-28 °C), crowds plummeting from week 2, accommodation prices halved. Harvest in full swing in vineyards (Patrimonio, Sartène, Figari). October stays pleasant until mid-month (sea at 21-22 °C, temperatures 18-23 °C), with some possible Mediterranean storms.

Winter (November-March) is mild on the coast (10-15 °C during the day) but windy. Most seasonal accommodation and restaurants close. The mountainous interior is snowy (Asco, Val d'Ese, Ghisoni ski stations). Sartène carnival (February). Religious pilgrimages. For lovers of absolute calm, Corsican winter has its charm — but few tourist facilities.