Unsurprisingly, the climate of Corsica is Mediterranean - or at least it is at sea level. The island is, quite simply, a mountain rising from the sea, meaning that, at around a height of 1,500 metres / 932 feet or so, the climate becomes Alpine. Add to this the various micro climates caused by high mountains set in a land mass of only 160 km / 100 miles by 80 km / 50 miles or so, and predicting the weather here gets complicated.To simplify, there are three main micro climates on Corsica - marine Mediterranean along the valleys, mountain Mediterranean on the slopes and true Alpine on the peaks, with precipitation and temperatures varying widely between the diverse areas.
Seasonal Variations / When to GoGenerally, the north of the island is warmer than the southern areas and Corsica enjoys long summers from May till October, with temperatures fluctuating around 24°C / 75°F to 28°C / 82°F in the valleys and hotter on the coast. Winters can be chilly, and snow settles on the peaks until June. Average daytime sunshine is seven to eight hours, with the spring and autumn months of April, May, October and November seeing the most rainfall. Impressive summer electric storms are normal, but rain rarely falls as a result.
The crucial factors in Corsican weather are the libecciou and maestrale prevailing winds. This latter is sudden, violent, moist in winter and dry in summer. In addition, the sirocco blows from the scorching Sahara desert, and the tramontana, dry and cold, blows from the north and north-east in winter. Although most tourists arrive during the summer months, May, June, September and October are a good choice for those not crazy about the heat. For visitors seeking a getaway from cold northern winters, November to April can be delightful, and cheaper than in high summer. Whatever time of year you arrive, just remember that on Corsica, the climate can change very quickly due to the island's topography.
Corsica Weather and Climate Chart
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