Things to do in Saint-Malo in January

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Overview

January is a less popular time to visit Saint-Malo. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 40—48°F (4—9°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Saint-Malo during this time. Some of our top recommendations: take a bracing winter swim in the sea, visit the Grand Aquarium, take a boat trip to the nearby Channel Islands, and more!

Saint-Malo has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your January trip to Saint-Malo. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to January. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.

We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Saint-Malo in January. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout January, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.

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Best events and things to do in Saint-Malo in January

Top experiences in January
Take a bracing winter swim in the sea
For the brave and adventurous, a winter swim in the sea is a unique and invigorating experience in Saint-Malo. The city's beautiful sandy beaches provide the perfect setting for a bracing dip in the chilly waters of the English Channel. Many locals and visitors take part in the tradition of the "bain de mer" (sea bath) in January, believing that the cold water has health benefits and invigorates the body and mind. It's a truly unique and memorable way to experience the natural beauty of Saint-Malo in the winter months.
Visit the Grand Aquarium
The Grand Aquarium in Saint-Malo is a popular attraction that offers a fascinating insight into the marine life of the region. In January, the aquarium is a great place to escape the winter chill and explore the underwater world. Visitors can marvel at a wide variety of sea creatures, from colorful tropical fish to majestic sharks and graceful rays. The aquarium also features interactive exhibits and educational displays, making it a fun and informative day out for all ages.
Take a boat trip to the nearby Channel Islands
Saint-Malo is a gateway to the beautiful Channel Islands, and in January, visitors can take a boat trip to explore these stunning destinations. From the rugged cliffs of Sark to the sandy beaches of Guernsey, the islands offer a diverse range of landscapes and attractions. Boat trips from Saint-Malo provide a unique opportunity to experience the natural beauty and rich heritage of the Channel Islands, and the winter months offer a quieter and more peaceful experience.
Visit the Fort National
The Fort National is a historic fortress located on a small island just off the coast of Saint-Malo. In January, the fort is a fascinating place to visit, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding coastline. Visitors can explore the ancient ramparts and dungeons, and learn about the fort's role in defending the city from invasion. The winter months provide a quieter and more atmospheric experience, allowing visitors to imagine the fort's dramatic past.
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Take a day trip to the nearby town of Dinard
Just a short distance from Saint-Malo, the charming town of Dinard is a delightful destination for a day trip in January. Known for its elegant Belle Époque architecture and beautiful sandy beaches, Dinard offers a relaxed and picturesque setting for a winter excursion. Visitors can stroll along the promenade, explore the town's vibrant markets, and enjoy a leisurely lunch in one of the many cozy cafes and restaurants.
Sample the local seafood at a traditional Breton restaurant
Saint-Malo is renowned for its delicious seafood, and January is the perfect time to indulge in the local culinary delights. From fresh oysters and mussels to succulent lobster and langoustines, there is a wide variety of seafood to enjoy. Many traditional Breton restaurants offer special winter menus featuring hearty seafood stews and warming fish soups, providing a true taste of the region.
Explore the historic old town
Saint-Malo's old town is a maze of narrow cobbled streets, lined with charming old buildings and historic landmarks. In January, the streets are quieter, allowing visitors to wander at their own pace and soak up the unique atmosphere of the old town. From the imposing Saint-Malo Cathedral to the picturesque Place Chateaubriand, there is plenty to discover in this fascinating part of the city.
Take a winter walk along the city walls
Saint-Malo is famous for its impressive city walls, which offer stunning views of the surrounding coastline and the old town. In January, the city is quieter and the weather is crisp, making it the perfect time to take a leisurely stroll along the walls and admire the beautiful scenery. The winter light creates a magical atmosphere, and the bracing sea air is invigorating.
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Holidays in Saint-Malo in January
January
  • New Year's Day (January 1)
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Saint-Malo in January

Temperatures on an average day in Saint-Malo in January

The average temperature in Saint-Malo in January for a typical day ranges from a high of 48°F (9°C) to a low of 40°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.

For comparison, the hottest month in Saint-Malo, July, has days with highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows of 57°F (14°C). The coldest month, February has days with highs of 48°F (9°C) and lows of 39°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Saint-Malo in January based on historical data.

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Historical temperature average in January
48°F
highs
40°F
lows

General weather summary

Cold and breezy
Feels like
36%
Chance of rain
0.108 in
Amount
19.3 mph
Wind speed
88%
Humidity
8.8 hrs
Daylight length
8:53 AM
Sunrise
5:40 PM
Sunset
32%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in January
With an average high of 48°F (9°C) and a low of 40°F (4°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. There might also be a small chance of rain. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Saint-Malo in January

Besides the array of exciting events and activities Saint-Malo has to offer for travelers in January, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Saint-Malo that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Saint-Malo for January.
Les Remparts de Saint-Malo
1. Les Remparts de Saint-Malo
4.8
(6449)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Visitors can walk tower-dotted, medieval ramparts with views of the old city & the English Channel.
Grand Aquarium Saint Malo
2. Grand Aquarium Saint Malo
4.1
(17122)
Aquarium
Nature & Parks
Modern indoor aquarium for close encounters with sharks, plus mini-sub rides & pirate exhibits.
Grande Plage du Sillon
3. Grande Plage du Sillon
4.7
(444)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
This long, sandy city beach offers swimming, sunbathing & views of Fort National.
The Sculptured Rocks
4. The Sculptured Rocks
3.8
(4035)
Sculpture
Sights & Landmarks
Oceanside sculptures carved into the granite by abbot Adolphe Julien Fouéré from 1894 to 1907.
National Fort
5. National Fort
4.5
(2107)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Vast 17th-century granite fortress, set on an outcrop only accessible at low tide, for guided tours.
Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Saint-Malo
6. Saint-Vincent Cathedral of Saint-Malo
4.5
(3363)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Cathedral in Romanesque, Gothic & Renaissance styles, with stained glass depicting city history.
Camping de la Cité d'Alet
7. Camping de la Cité d'Alet
3.9
(1597)
Campground
Sights & Landmarks
Seasonal tent motorhome & caravan sites in a campground with historic forts & a war memorial museum.
Demeure de Corsaire
8. Demeure de Corsaire
4.6
(928)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Imposing mansion, circa 1725, with an elegant interior, guided tours in French & private events.
Condor Ferries
9. Condor Ferries
3.8
(758)
Ferry service
Transportation
Golden Tulip Le Grand Bé Saint-Malo Hôtel Restaurant Spa
10. Golden Tulip Le Grand Bé Saint-Malo Hôtel Restaurant Spa
4.4
(654)
Hotel
Nature & Parks
Modern rooms & suites in a posh hotel featuring a chic restaurant & a cozy bar/lounge.
Petit Be Fort
11. Petit Be Fort
4.6
(267)
Historical landmark
Sights & Landmarks
Small island, accessible on foot at low tide, with a Vauban-designed fort dating to 1689.
L’Étoile du Roy
12. L’Étoile du Roy
4.1
(46)
Historical landmark
Museums
Tombeau de Chateaubriand
13. Tombeau de Chateaubriand
4.9
(22)
Monument
Sights & Landmarks
Musée international du Long-Cours Cap-Hornier
14. Musée international du Long-Cours Cap-Hornier
4.3
(119)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Jacques Cartier Museum
15. Jacques Cartier Museum
4.6
(405)
Museum
Sights & Landmarks
Plage du Mole
16. Plage du Mole
4.5
(2501)
Beach
Outdoor Activities
Popular beach beneath the city's ramparts featuring an open-air seawater pool with a diving board.

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