An oceanic climate
The islands enjoy an oceanic climate, so temperature differences between summer and winter are not great. They are also bathed by the Gulf Stream, which warms them and ensures a particularly mild climate for the region. The Channel Islands benefit all the more from the milder temperatures due to their location on the open sea. Frosts are rare, and snow even more so (although it snowed heavily... in March 2013). Average annual rainfall is around 850 mm. Sunshine is around 2,000 hours a year (equivalent to Bordeaux's annual sunshine), and water temperatures are generally around 17°C. As Victor Hugo put it: "Never Senegal, never Siberia, the Channel Islands are the Hyères Islands of England In autumn, the climate is admittedly a little less pleasant for walking along coastal paths, crossing moorland or overlooking cliffs and the sea. But at this time of year, the landscape is transformed by the rusting ferns. They form a large brown or red carpet, between the sky and the sea, whose colors change.
When to go?
Spring is the best time to visit the islands. From April onwards, the sites are transformed into colorful gardens with a thousand flowers. Victor Hugo described Jersey in May: "The island is ravishing, it's like a big flower Hydrangeas, azaleas, rhododendrons, camellias and magnolias bloom in gardens and fields. Mediterranean plants such as mimosas, yuccas and palms can be found in sheltered areas. However, the sea is still too cold for swimming. It's also the best time to take a stroll and enjoy the local festivities.
But the busiest tourist season is July and August. This is probably not the best time to visit the islands, unless you particularly enjoy the summer atmosphere of crowded beaches. Also, note that at the height of the season, road traffic is heavy and traffic jams are frequent. The small islands are overrun by tourists, and human tides invade the hiking trails. A classic vacation atmosphere. The islands enjoy exceptional sunshine and mild temperatures. It's also an eventful time of year. As autumn arrives, the islands empty out, prices fall, but temperatures remain mild. Finally, it's winter when the islands regain their wild nature. It's the best time of year for lovers of long, solitary walks on wind-whipped beaches. Many hotels are closed at this time of year, but prices are at their lowest, down to minus 25%. But beware: in bad weather, boats are often left docked and planes grounded. You'll have to be patient and wait for the weather to clear.
