Calais is a port city in the northern part of France, located near the border with Belgium and the English Channel. It is a major ferry port for travelers going to and from England, and is the closest French city to the United Kingdom. The city has a population of around 75,000 people, making it the largest city in the Pas-de-Calais region.
Calais has a long and varied history, having been inhabited since prehistoric times. It was first settled by the Romans in the first century AD, and was later occupied by the Franks and the Normans. It was an important trading port in the Middle Ages, and was the site of several battles during the Hundred Years War. In 1558, Calais was captured by the Spanish and held until it was regained by the French in 1596.
The city was heavily damaged during World War II, with much of its medieval architecture destroyed. Following the war, Calais underwent a period of reconstruction and modernization, and is now a popular tourist destination. The city is home to a number of cultural attractions, including the Calais Lighthouse, the Calais Cathedral, and the Calais Citadel.
Calais is also an important port, with a large fishing fleet and a busy ferry terminal. The city is a major industrial center, and is home to several large companies, including the world’s largest producer of artificial fibers, Invista. The city is also a popular destination for shoppers, with a number of large shopping centers and markets.
Calais is a vibrant and historic city, with a rich cultural heritage and a vibrant port. Its close proximity to the United Kingdom makes it a popular destination for travelers, and its many attractions make it a great place to visit.
Experience Calais with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Calais. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Calais in France has a temperate maritime climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year. In the summer months, temperatures average around 19°C with warm days and cool nights. In the winter, temperatures average around 7°C with occasional snowfall. Spring and autumn are mild with temperatures ranging from 8°C to 19°C. The city receives an average of 810 mm of rainfall throughout the year, spread evenly between the four seasons.
Our weather forecast for Calais helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar. 11th 2026 Mar. 11th 2026 | max: 12.9 °C min: 8 °C |
35.1 m/s 53.3 m/s |
63.1 % 13.2 m |
80.0 % 1,012 hPa |
07:15:36 18:50:40 |
|
| Mar. 12th 2026 Mar. 12th 2026 | max: 12.4 °C min: 6.5 °C |
36.7 m/s 71.3 m/s |
72.3 % 24.1 m |
79.1 % 1,015 hPa |
07:13:23 18:52:21 |
|
| Mar. 13th 2026 Mar. 13th 2026 | max: 11.7 °C min: 6.5 °C |
43.6 m/s 83.9 m/s |
97.9 % 20.9 m |
76.8 % 1,002 hPa |
07:11:10 18:54:02 |
|
| Mar. 14th 2026 Mar. 14th 2026 | max: 9.6 °C min: 4.4 °C |
15.8 m/s 29.2 m/s |
33.0 % 23.8 m |
80.4 % 1,010 hPa |
07:08:57 18:55:42 |
|
| Mar. 15th 2026 Mar. 15th 2026 | max: 11.5 °C min: 5.1 °C |
38.9 m/s 72.7 m/s |
81.2 % 23.7 m |
82.2 % 1,010 hPa |
07:06:43 18:57:23 |
|
| Mar. 16th 2026 Mar. 16th 2026 | max: 8.1 °C min: 5.9 °C |
31.3 m/s 57.6 m/s |
73.6 % 24.1 m |
72.8 % 1,019 hPa |
07:04:30 18:59:03 |
|
| Mar. 17th 2026 Mar. 17th 2026 | max: 11.1 °C min: 6.1 °C |
22.3 m/s 34.6 m/s |
72.1 % 24.1 m |
75.8 % 1,017 hPa |
07:02:15 19:00:43 |
|
| Mar. 18th 2026 Mar. 18th 2026 | max: 10.5 °C min: 6.2 °C |
32.0 m/s 45.7 m/s |
6.4 % 24.1 m |
67.0 % 1,018 hPa |
07:00:01 19:02:23 |
|
| Mar. 19th 2026 Mar. 19th 2026 | max: 9.5 °C min: 8.1 °C |
27.0 m/s 40.0 m/s |
0.1 % 24.1 m |
79.3 % 1,024 hPa |
06:57:47 19:04:02 |
|
| Mar. 20th 2026 Mar. 20th 2026 | max: 9.6 °C min: 7 °C |
22.7 m/s 33.1 m/s |
1.4 % 24.1 m |
74.0 % 1,022 hPa |
06:55:32 19:05:42 |
|
| Mar. 21st 2026 Mar. 21st 2026 | max: 10.3 °C min: 8.3 °C |
12.8 m/s 14.3 m/s |
79.6 % 24.1 m |
65.5 % 1,021 hPa |
06:53:17 19:07:21 |
|
| Mar. 22nd 2026 Mar. 22nd 2026 | max: 10.3 °C min: 8.7 °C |
19.8 m/s 25.6 m/s |
99.9 % 24.1 m |
71.8 % 1,023 hPa |
06:51:03 19:09:00 |
|
| Mar. 23rd 2026 Mar. 23rd 2026 | max: 9.6 °C min: 8.2 °C |
31.7 m/s 33.5 m/s |
99.3 % 24.1 m |
82.4 % 1,026 hPa |
06:48:48 19:10:39 |
|
| Mar. 24th 2026 Mar. 24th 2026 | max: 8.5 °C min: 7.4 °C |
34.9 m/s 36.4 m/s |
92.5 % 24.1 m |
68.7 % 1,034 hPa |
06:46:33 19:12:18 |
|
| Mar. 25th 2026 Mar. 25th 2026 | max: 8.6 °C min: 6.6 °C |
33.1 m/s 40.3 m/s |
28.0 % 24.1 m |
71.4 % 1,035 hPa |
06:44:18 19:13:57 |
Would you like to travel to Calais on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Calais.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| May 24th 2026 Sunday, 24th of May 2026 | MS Insignia | 698 - 803 | 10:00 am | 07:00 pm |
Photos by cruise fans for cruise fans!
Share your best pictures with the community and discover authentic images from travellers who have already been there.
- There are no photos available for Calais yet.
Share your holiday photos with the community and inspire others to their next adventure!
There are a few basic rules to follow
.