We have an opportunity to visit this area and to see the battle beaches the early part of December. Would you recommend it at this time of year or should we put it off until another time?

According to Weatherbase website, the average high temp in December at Caen is 47 deg F. You certainly won't have the same number of people visiting at that time of the year. Days will be a lot shorter and it will be dark early. So having said this - what are your thoughts?

Other feedback Fodorites?

I've been to Normandy in November.


Brrrrrrrrr...............

I did it two years ago and the weather was fine. Bright and sunny, but temps in the 40's. Stayed in Bayeux and it is a short drive to all the sites. You also get to see the Bayeux tapestry and Bayeux also has a fine little WWII museum across from a British Cemetery. Went to the German and American Cemeteries, Pont du Hoc, Museum in Caen, Omaha beach,and a couple other minor sites. I'd suggest doing it.

Thanks for the thoughts.
Read somewhere (one of the tourbus sites) that museums are closed during the month of December and January?
Does anyone have any insight to this?

Every museum has a website where it explains when they are opened and closed and what hours they keep. Google the ones you want to visit. The Mémorial is closed, e.g., from January 1 to January 25. The musée at Arromanches seems to be closed most of January. It's all on their websites.

We were there in late September on a day trip. Very chilly the day that we were there and windy. Mostly cloudy that day but when the sun did come out it felt much better. I don't know if towns along the coast are usually breezy or not. Maybe someone else will know that bit of info. Better just to plan that it will be very cold and hopefully you will luck out and it will be milder. Enjoy your trip. Arromanches, Omaha Beach and the Ameriocan Cemetery were just wonderful to see.

My thought would be that it depends upon where you're coming from: I would not fly from North America, Australia, etc., for the purpose of visiting Normandy in Dec. However, if you're closer and have an opportunity to travel at that time and realize that the weather may be cold, why not?

We were in Normandy in May of one year, and whereas the cool, windy and rainy weather did not detract from our enjoyment of that very interesting and beautiful area, I personally would not have wanted it much colder for touring the beaches, etc.

I agree that weather will be pot luck: on balance I would be prepared for damp and chilly on the Normandy coast, which is generally wetter than the rest of Normandy all year round. You'll certainly avoid the crowds. One of my fave museums is Dead Man's Corner near Carentan, recently renamed the Parachute Museum. Open daily 9 till 6 all year (except for Sundays mid-Oct to April). http://www.paratrooper-museum.org/us/DMC.html