Climate of the Islands

Climate of the Magdalen Islands

Before landing on the Magdalen Islands, visitors can enjoy the following view from above: shaped as a 65-km (40-mi) half moon, the islands and dunes blend, come apart, and stretch out as if deposited by the whims of the sea with their 300 km (186 mi) of sandy beaches, as well as green valleys, red cliffs, and many shades of blue color reflected from the sky by the sea and lagoons.

The maritime climate keeps winters mild and summers fresh. Interestingly, the islands have the least amount of annual frost in Quebec.

Warm temperatures last until the end of September, but the ice surrounding the archipelago in winter delays the arrival of spring.

Low tides and the shallows near and around the archipelago, however, help warm the lagoons as well as the water surrounding the Islands. Indeed, in the middle of August, the temperature of the water around the Islands can reach 18°C (63°F) and as much as 20°C (68°F) in the lagoons and bays.

Constant winds, stronger in the winter than in the summer, influence the climate. Their speed varies between 17 and 40 km/h (9 to 22 knots/h). In summer, the prevailing winds are from the southwest and in winter they are from the northwest.

Note than the Magdalen Islands are located in the Atlantic Time Zone, one hour ahead of the rest of Quebec.