Water temperatures at Grau-du-Roi average between 12 degrees in winter and 24 degrees in the height of summer. On the Mediterranean coast of the Gard, the sea becomes comfortably swimmable from late May to early October, with a peak in July and August. Before you put your towel down on the sand or take to the paddle, here are the month-by-month averages, the best periods for swimming and our practical tips for making the most of the Mediterranean near our Campsite in Le Grau-du-Roi.
Key points to remember
- The water temperature at Grau-du-Roi varies between 12 and 25 degrees depending on the season, on the Mediterranean coast of the Gard.
- Swimming remains pleasant from June to September, peaking at around 24 degrees in August.
- May and October offer more invigorating seas, around 17 to 19 degrees, ideal for seasoned swimmers.
- Grau-du-Roi’s Mediterranean climate boasts over 2,600 hours of sunshine a year and very little rainfall in summer.
- Our Campsite Les Jardins de Tivoli welcomes you 800 meters from the beach, in the heart of the coastal Camargue.
Current water temperature
Water temperature at Grau-du-Roi month by month
The water temperature at Grau-du-Roi faithfully follows the Mediterranean rhythm: cool from January to April, mild in May and June, warm from July to September, then lukewarm until November. The table below summarizes data from monthly averages recorded on the Gard coast, near the port of Grau-du-Roi and the Espiguette beach.
| Month | Average water temperature | Swimming feeling |
|---|---|---|
| January | 13 degrees | Very cold |
| February | 12 degrees | Very cold |
| Mars | 13 degrees | Cold |
| April | 14 degrees | Cool, for seasoned veterans only |
| May | 17 degrees | Tonic |
| June | 21 degrees | Pleasant |
| July | 23 degrees | Hot |
| August | 24 degrees | Warm, optimal |
| September | 22 degrees | Very pleasant |
| October | 19 degrees | Still swimmable |
| November | 16 degrees | Cool |
| December | 14 degrees | Cold |
Over the course of the year, the average is around 17 degrees. The hottest period is between mid-July and the end of August, with late-day highs of 25 or 26 degrees on sheltered beaches such as Le Boucanet. Conversely, February remains the coldest month, due to the combined effect of the mistral and cold water arriving from the Gulf of Lion.
When can you go swimming at Grau-du-Roi?
The best time to swim at Grau-du-Roi is from mid-June to the end of September, when the sea temperature exceeds 20 degrees. Families with children particularly appreciate July and August, when the sun shines almost every day and the water is comfortable. However, seasoned swimmers can take advantage of the coastline as early as May, when surface temperatures reach 17 degrees.
Here are the highlights of each period to help you plan your visit:
- May and June mark the start of the season, with the sea still invigorating and the beaches very quiet.
- July and August offer the best conditions, with guaranteed sunshine and water temperatures above 22 degrees.
- September prolongs the Indian summer, with a sea temperature of 22 degrees and a much quieter clientele.
- October offers the chance to take a dip at an average temperature of 19 degrees.
The off-season remains one of the best times to discover the Grau-du-Roi coastline without the summer crowds.
Our observations: the water temperature at Grau-du-Roi can be surprising from one week to the next, especially in June. After a mistral gust, the water can lose 2 to 3 degrees in 48 hours due to the effect of currents. Conversely, after a week without wind, the shallow waters of Le Boucanet quickly reach 25 degrees. It’s best to check the local weather forecasts on a daily basis before planning your swim.
Seasonal swimming tips
At Grau-du-Roi, swimming depends as much on the water temperature as on the day’s weather conditions. The swell remains moderate for most of the summer season, but can rise quickly under the effect of the mistral, the cold north-westerly wind that descends through the Rhône valley. Tides, on the other hand, are virtually non-existent in the Mediterranean, reassuring bathers and families alike.
To enjoy the sea in the best conditions, here are our tips for each season:
- In spring, watch out for gusts of mistral, which can cool the air and raise wave heights.
- In summer, swim at sunrise or in the late evening to avoid the midday heat and limit the risk of heatstroke.
- In the off-season, take advantage of still-soft seas, but keep an eye out for rainy returns and Mediterranean storms.
Our team found that the swimming flags are flying green for most of the summer season at Le Grau-du-Roi, a sign that the sea is generally safe. Lifeguard posts are active from mid-June to mid-September on the main supervised beaches, under skies that are often clear during the day.
Beaches and water sports at Grau-du-Roi
Le Grau-du-Roi boasts 18 km of fine sandy beaches, spread between Port-Camargue, the town center and the immense Espiguette beach. The water temperature has a direct influence on the water sports activities available on this coastline: swimming and paddleboarding from 20 degrees, shore fishing all year round, kitesurfing and windsurfing whenever the mistral rises.
Here are the main beaches accessible from our Campsite Les Jardins de Tivoli :
- The Boucanet beach, right next to the Campsite, offers calm, shallow waters suitable for young children.
- The Espiguette beach, 10 km of wild sand on the edge of the Camargue, welcomes lovers of wide open spaces and unspoilt landscapes.
- The South Beach, just a stone’s throw from the port, attracts holidaymakers for its entertainment, beach clubs and terraced restaurants.
For water sports, the port of Grau-du-Roi offers paddle, jet-ski and windsurfing trips from May onwards, when surface temperatures exceed 17 degrees. Fishermen are well catered for all year round, particularly at sunrise and sunset, around the Espiguette lighthouse and the Pointe de Port-Camargue.
Our team shares: “Just 800 meters from the beach, our guests get into the habit of checking the water temperature every morning at breakfast. Many of them tell us that a sea temperature of 21 or 22 degrees in June remains their best memory: fewer people, more sunshine, and already the summer atmosphere on the Camargue coast.”
Want to test the water temperature at Grau-du-Roi for yourself? Our Campsite Les Jardins de Tivoli welcomes you just 800 meters from the sand, with a 400 m² aquatic area heated all season long to extend your aquatic pleasures even in cool seas. Why not plan your stay between the Mediterranean and the Camargue?
AI-generated image