When the tidal range reaches its highest point, it is a major moment on the French coasts.
So-called exceptional spring tides occur in regions where the tidal range (difference between the height of low water and the height of high water) is high.
This phenomenon particularly concerns the bay of Mont Saint-Michel in Normandy, between Granville and Saint-Malo.
But it also takes place in other places in France.
As beautiful as the spectacle is, it is essential to take precautions to ensure your safety, especially if you live in the affected areas.
You will be able to plan your activities and enjoy these gigantic waves without any hassle.
To do this, you must first know when the spring tides occur.
When do spring tides occur?
The daily movement of the tides is due to the attraction of the moon and the sun on the oceans.
Your months, when the three protagonist stars (earth, moon and sun) are aligned, during the new moon or full moon, the force of attraction is reinforced and the amplitude of the tides is greater.
At this time, the sea rises higher and falls lower than usual, we then speak of high tides or spring tides.
Coefficient greater than 100
In France, we talk about tides with a reference value, the coefficients.
The coefficients are produced by SHOM (navy hydrographic and oceanographic service) for the port of Brest, but they are also used for all French coasts: Atlantic, Channel and North Sea.
The coefficient varies between 20 and 120. Above 100, we speak of spring tides.
Where are the observation posts for high tides in France?
In France, the most interesting spot on the coast thanks to its large tidal range is the bay of Mont Saint-Michel.
The tidal range can reach 15 meters and the sea can retreat up to 15 kilometers.
During these periods, the foreshore, the area between the extreme limits of the highest and lowest tides, is exposed.
Certain parts of the coastline are therefore uncovered or covered.
When the water recedes far away, fishing or sand yachting activities, for example, are more possible.
Residents of these coastal regions keep informed about periods of high tides and adapt their activities accordingly.
Safety first!
Spring tides depend on lunar cycles and generally occur around new and full moons.
Therefore, exact dates may vary from year to year and also due to various astronomical and environmental factors.
In addition to the moons, tide times also change depending on the region.
Local tourist offices, specialized websites and certain mobile applications update the forecast tide coefficients for the entire French coastline.
Geographic configuration and topography can also accentuate the intensity of tides.
In terms of seasons, spring tides are generally more pronounced during autumn and spring, periods when the astronomical configuration is optimal with the alignment of the earth, the moon and the sun.
This causes the phenomenon of syzygy which increases the combined gravitational effect.
During new and full moons and when this syzygy occurs, the tides are extremely strong.
For the year 2023, there were high tides in January, February, March, April.
After a break, they made their comeback in August, September and October.
What does 2024 have in store for us?
When to see the spring tides in 2024?
Spring tides depend on lunar cycles and generally occur around new and full moons.
Therefore, exact dates may vary from year to year and also due to various astronomical and environmental factors.
In addition to the moons, tide times also change depending on the region.
Local tourist offices, specialized websites and certain mobile applications update the forecast tide coefficients for the entire French coastline.
In addition, the geographical configuration and topography can also accentuate their intensity.
In terms of seasons, spring tides are generally more pronounced during autumn and spring, periods when the astronomical configuration is optimal with the alignment of the Earth, the Moon and the Sun.
This causes the phenomenon of syzygy which increases the combined gravitational effect.
During new and full moons and when this syzygy occurs, the tides are extremely strong.
For the year 2023, there were high tides in January, February, March, April.
After a break, they made their comeback in August, September and October.
What does 2024 have in store for us?
The 2024 lunar calendar
In order to have a chance to observe these high tides, here is the forecast lunar calendar for 2024. You can note in your diary all the dates of the new and full moons.
The good news is that they happen every month so you have at least 12 chances to catch the show.
January
New moon: Thursday January 11, 2024 at 12:58 p.m.
Full moon: Thursday January 25, 2024
FEBRUARY
New moon: Saturday February 10, 2024 at 12:00 a.m.
Full moon: Saturday February 24, 2024 at 1:31 p.m.
March
New moon: Sunday March 10, 2024 at 10:02 a.m.
Full moon: Monday March 25, 2024 at 8:01 a.m.
April
New moon: Monday April 8, 2024 at 8:23 p.m.
Full moon: Wednesday April 24, 2024 at 1:51 a.m.
May
New moon: Wednesday May 8, 2024 at 5:24 a.m.
Full moon: Thursday May 23, 2024 at 3:55 p.m.
June
New moon: Thursday June 6, 2024 at 2:40 p.m.
Full moon: Saturday June 22, 2024 at 3:10 a.m.
July
New moon: Saturday July 6, 2024 at 12:59 a.m.
Full moon: Sunday July 21, 2024 at 12:19 p.m.
August
New moon: Sunday August 4, 2024 at 1:14 p.m.
Full moon: Monday August 19, 2024 at 8:28 p.m.
September
New moon: Tuesday September 3, 2024 at 3:56 a.m.
Full moon: Wednesday September 18, 2024 at 4:36 a.m.
October
New moon: Wednesday October 2, 2024 at 8:50 p.m.
Full moon: Thursday October 17, 2024 at 1:27 p.m.
November
New moon: Friday November 1, 2024 at 1:48 p.m.
Full moon: Friday November 15, 2024 at 10:29 p.m.
December
New moon: Sunday December 1, 2024 at 7:22 a.m.
Full moon: Sunday December 15, 2024 at 10:02 a.m.
New moon: Monday December 30, 2024 at 11:27 p.m.