La Parata can be visited all year: the visitor centre is open 7 days a week. To land on Mezzu Mare, you need to come in season, when the shuttles run. In Ajaccio, Météo-France records an average high of 28.6°C in July and 29.2°C in August, 374 hours of sunshine in July and barely one day of rain. May, June and September are the best compromise: reasonable heat, a pleasant sea, and sunset between 7.37 pm and 9.01 pm.
Key facts
- Shuttle to Mezzu Mare: in season only (Grand Site).
- July-August: 28.6°C and 29.2°C average highs, almost no rain.
- May, June, September: the best balance of heat, crowds and light.
- Winter: La Parata stays open, sunset around 5 pm.
The climate month by month
1991-2020 averages from the Météo-France station at Ajaccio (airport), and sunset time on the 15th of the month.
| Month | Average high | Sunshine (hours) | Rainy days (≥ 1 mm) | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 18.5°C | 230 | 7.2 | 8.05 pm |
| May | 22.1°C | 288 | 5.0 | 8.37 pm |
| June | 25.9°C | 332 | 2.8 | 9.01 pm |
| July | 28.6°C | 374 | 1.2 | 8.59 pm |
| August | 29.2°C | 343 | 1.4 | 8.27 pm |
| September | 26.1°C | 261 | 5.1 | 7.37 pm |
| October | 22.8°C | 207 | 7.4 | 6.45 pm |
Season by season
Spring: mild temperatures for walking. The Crêtes trail should be avoided in strong heat: this is the time to do it.
Summer: the season for shuttles and swimming on Mezzu Mare, and also for visitors at La Parata. Sunset is around 9 pm. The tourist office warns of fire risk on the trails from June to September.
September-October: the sea is still warm and the light soft, sunset earlier (7.37 pm in mid-September).
Winter: no shuttle, but La Parata stays open (visitor centre from 8 am to 5 pm) and the sun sets around 5 pm, facing the archipelago.
The wind
In Ajaccio the wind is moderate on average (3.3 m/s), but the mouth of the gulf is more exposed. Météo-France counts 23.7 days a year with gusts above 58 km/h, mostly from November to March. A shuttle may be cancelled in rough seas: keep a back-up date. To book, see the boat trip comparison and the exact sunset time.
Book a trip
Book a date for the Sanguinaires
PopularMagic Sanguinaires Sunset from Ajaccio/Porticcio : Aperitif2.5 - 3 hours★ 4.8 (1646 reviews)from €50Check availability
PopularFrom Ajaccio: Sanguinaires Islands Boat Trip With Aperitif2.5 hours★ 4.7 (885 reviews)from €50Check availability
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"From" prices checked on 9 November 2026 and may have changed.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the best month for the Sanguinaires Islands?
June or September: average highs of 25.9°C and 26.1°C in Ajaccio, little rain, and sunsets around 9 pm and 7.37 pm.
Can you visit the Sanguinaires in winter?
Yes, La Parata is open all year. The shuttles to Mezzu Mare run in season, according to the Grand Site.
Sources
Information checked against the sources below. Timetables and prices change: confirm before you go.
- Météo-France, Ajaccio climate sheet, 1991-2020 averages, accessed 9 November 2026
- Grand Site of the Sanguinaires Islands, getting there: seasonal shuttle (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Grand Site, the visitor centre: opening hours (in French), accessed 9 November 2026
- Astronomical calculation of sunset times (NOAA algorithm), accessed 9 November 2026
- Ajaccio tourist office, the Crêtes trail: fire risk, accessed 9 November 2026
