Mont-Saint-Michel Tide Calendar 2026
Monthly Coefficients, High Tide Times & Key Spring Tide Dates
The highest tides of 2026 at Mont-Saint-Michel occur on 14 March (coefficient 119, high tide ~14:47), 13 September (coefficient 118, high tide ~15:15), and 29 March (coefficient 115, high tide ~15:32). These are the dates when the island is most dramatically surrounded by water. To watch the full incoming tide, arrive at least two hours before the listed high tide time. All times given are approximate, based on Saint-Malo reference tables — add 5 minutes for Mont-Saint-Michel.
This calendar covers every significant spring tide period of 2026, month by month, so you can identify the best dates for your visit and plan your arrival around the tidal cycle. For a full explanation of how to read the coefficients and what happens at each threshold, see our tides guide.
How to Use This Calendar
Coefficient: the key number. Above 90 means a strong spring tide with visible flooding of the bay. Above 110 means the island becomes an island: the causeway is submerged and the mount is surrounded by water for approximately 1.5 hours.
High tide time: given as approximate Saint-Malo times. Add 5 minutes for Mont-Saint-Michel. These are predictions and can be affected by strong winds or unusual weather.
Arrive 2 hours before: to witness the full advance of the water and the tidal bore, you need to be in position well before high tide. Arriving at the high tide time itself means you have missed the spectacle.
All times are approximate: For navigation or safety-critical planning, always verify against the official SHOM (Service Hydrographique et Océanographique de la Marine) tide tables for Saint-Malo, available at shom.fr.
The 2026 Spring Tide Calendar
January 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2–5 January | 94–99 | Strong spring tides, coefficient peaks around 99 on 3–4 Jan |
| 18–21 January | 91–97 | Second spring tide window of the month |
January offers quiet conditions with very few visitors. The island and abbey have a contemplative winter atmosphere. Expect cold temperatures (5–8°C) and some wind.
February 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 February | ~95–100 | Strong spring tides |
| 17–20 February | ~92–97 | Second window |
February remains very quiet. Free abbey admission on the first Sunday of the month.
March 2026 — The Highest Tides of the Year
| Date | Coefficient | Approx. High Tide |
|---|---|---|
| 14 March | 119 | ~14:47 |
| 15 March | ~115 | ~15:32 |
| 29 March | 115 | ~15:32 |
| 30 March | ~110 | ~16:15 |
March is the standout month for tides in 2026: The 14 March event has the year’s highest coefficient (119) with a daytime high tide — ideal conditions for watching the full transformation. The spring equinox amplifies the lunar cycle, producing the most dramatic tides of the year.
Note: The abbey was exceptionally closed on 23 March 2026 — check the official Centre des Monuments Nationaux website for any further exceptional closures when planning your visit.
April 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 13–14 April | ~100–105 | Strong spring tides around the full moon |
| 28–29 April | ~95–100 | Second window |
April sees visitor numbers beginning to increase but crowds are still manageable. Easter weekend (20 April in 2026) draws larger numbers — avoid if you want quieter conditions.
May 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 12–14 May | ~105–110 | Strong spring tides, may approach island status |
| 27–29 May | ~95–100 | Second window |
May is one of the best overall months to visit. Strong tides combined with moderate crowds and comfortable temperatures (15–18°C). Avoid the Bay Marathon weekend at the end of May.
June 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 June | ~100–105 | Good spring tides |
| 25–27 June | ~95–100 | Second window |
June is the last comfortable pre-peak month. Tidal coefficients of 100–105 create good tidal spectacles without the extreme island-cut-off conditions.
July 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 July | ~95–100 | Moderate spring tides |
| 25–27 July | ~90–95 | Second window |
July is peak visitor season. Despite good summer weather, the 15,000–20,000 daily visitors make midday visits difficult. If visiting on a high tide date in July, arrive before 9am.
August 2026
| Date | Coefficient | Approx. High Tide |
|---|---|---|
| 14 August | ~110 | ~21:28 |
| 15 August | ~108 | ~22:15 |
| 28–29 August | ~95–100 | Second window |
14 August is the summer’s most dramatic tide, with a coefficient around 110 — enough to surround the island. However, the high tide occurs in the late evening (around 21:28), meaning the causeway is submerged after dark. The Nocturnes de l’Abbaye (sound and light show) runs through August evenings from 19:30, making this a spectacular combination for overnight visitors.
September 2026 — The Second Standout Month
| Date | Coefficient | Approx. High Tide |
|---|---|---|
| 12 September | ~110 | ~14:30 |
| 13 September | 118 | ~15:15 |
| 14 September | ~112 | ~16:00 |
| 27–28 September | ~100–105 | Second window |
September is the other exceptional month of 2026: The 13 September tide has a coefficient of 118 — the year’s second highest — with an afternoon high tide that falls during daylight hours and golden light conditions. Post-summer crowd levels, comfortable temperatures (16–19°C), and the autumn equinox combine to make this one of the best single dates of the year to visit.
October 2026
| Date | Coefficient | Approx. High Tide |
|---|---|---|
| 12 October | 112 | ~13:38 |
| 13 October | ~108 | ~14:25 |
| 27–28 October | ~95–100 | Second window |
12 October is the final high-coefficient event of the year with daytime timing. Autumn conditions, reduced visitor numbers, and a coefficient of 112 make this an excellent date. October light is warm and often exceptional for photography.
November 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 November | ~95–100 | Strong spring tides |
| 25–27 November | ~90–95 | Second window |
November is quiet. Free abbey admission on the first Sunday of the month. The island begins to have a genuinely off-season atmosphere — very few crowds, shorter days.
December 2026
| Dates | Coefficient | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10–12 December | ~90–95 | Moderate spring tides |
| 24–26 December | ~85–90 | Christmas period — abbey closed 25 December |
December is the quietest month of the year. The abbey is closed on 25 December. Christmas lighting in the village creates a distinctive atmosphere for those who visit in the weeks before.
The Best Single Dates to Visit for Tides in 2026
If you can only choose one date, here are the top recommendations based on coefficient, daytime timing, and overall conditions:
| Rank | Date | Coefficient | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 13 September | 118 | Year’s 2nd highest tide, afternoon daytime timing, post-summer crowds, golden light |
| 2 | 14 March | 119 | Year’s highest tide, daytime timing, very few crowds |
| 3 | 12 October | 112 | High coefficient, midday timing, autumn conditions, low crowds |
| 4 | 14 August | 110 | Summer evening tide combined with Nocturnes light show |
| 5 | 29 March | 115 | Very high coefficient, afternoon timing |
Important Notes on Tide Predictions
These times are approximate: Tide predictions are based on the Saint-Malo reference station published by the SHOM. Add 5 minutes for Mont-Saint-Michel. Strong onshore winds — particularly from the northwest — can accelerate the incoming tide and raise the high tide level above the predicted figure.
Island access during very high tides: When the coefficient exceeds 110, the causeway is submerged for approximately 1.5 hours around high tide. If you are on the island during this period, you cannot leave until the water recedes. Plan your timing accordingly — either be on the island well before the tide peaks and wait for it to ebb, or plan to arrive after the causeway re-opens.
For official, navigation-accurate tide tables, visit the SHOM website (shom.fr) or the official Mont-Saint-Michel tourist office site (ot-montsaintmichel.com/en/tide-schedules/).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the highest tide in 2026 at Mont-Saint-Michel?
14 March 2026 has the year’s highest coefficient (119) with high tide at approximately 14:47. The 13 September tide (coefficient 118, ~15:15) is a close second and benefits from better overall visiting conditions.
When does Mont-Saint-Michel become an island in 2026?
The island is cut off by water when the coefficient exceeds 110. Key dates include 14–15 March, 12–14 September, and 12 October. The causeway is submerged for approximately 1.5 hours around high tide on these dates.
How do I read the tide coefficient?
The coefficient is a French scale from approximately 20 (smallest tides) to 120 (largest). Above 90 indicates a spring tide; above 110 means the island is surrounded by water. See our tides guide for a full explanation.
Are the tide times given in this calendar accurate?
They are approximate predictions based on Saint-Malo reference data (add 5 minutes for Mont-Saint-Michel). For precise planning, always check the official SHOM tide tables or the Mont-Saint-Michel tourist office website before your visit, as weather conditions can affect actual tide timing and height.
Where is the best place to watch the tide come in?
The west terrace of the abbey, the footbridge, and the southern ramparts are the top three viewpoints on the island. From the mainland, the Roche Torin in Courtils and the Grouin du Sud in Vains-Saint-Léonard offer panoramic views. See our tidal bore guide for detailed viewpoint recommendations.
