Tramontana and Mistral Winds in France

Cap d'Agde and the Mistral Winds

Cap gets two main winds, the Mistral, coming down the Rhone valley, blowing in from over your left shoulder as you look out to sea, and the Tramontana, which comes the the 'Carcassone Gap' from the Bay of Biscay, blowing over your right shoulder as you look out to sea.

Windy weather

The Tramontana really brings the sea temperature down. It was too cold for long swims in early August last year, although the water had been warm earlier in the summer. These offshore winds push off the warm surface water, which is replaced by colder water from deeper down. The good thing about these winds is that you don't sweat, even if it's hot (remember to drink though, because you are sweating, it's just evaporating as the air is very dry).

These winds also explain why some people have sun beds with longer legs, which raise you above the sandblasting zone. They also put you closer to appreciative eyes if that's your thing!


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