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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep. 7th 2026 Sep. 7th 2026 | max: 20.6 °C min: 18.6 °C |
44.1 m/s 62.4 m/s |
74.3 % 23.6 m |
77.3 % 1,017 hPa |
07:15:17 20:25:09 |
|
| Sep. 8th 2026 Sep. 8th 2026 | max: 18.5 °C min: 16.8 °C |
38.0 m/s 52.9 m/s |
77.8 % 19.1 m |
77.2 % 1,012 hPa |
07:16:50 20:22:55 |
|
| Sep. 9th 2026 Sep. 9th 2026 | max: 18.9 °C min: 14.5 °C |
38.1 m/s 54.5 m/s |
24.7 % 24.1 m |
66.7 % 1,013 hPa |
07:18:23 20:20:40 |
|
| Sep. 10th 2026 Sep. 10th 2026 | max: 18.2 °C min: 15.5 °C |
37.1 m/s 34.8 m/s |
63.9 % 23.5 m |
70.5 % 1,018 hPa |
07:19:56 20:18:26 |
|
| Sep. 11th 2026 Sep. 11th 2026 | max: 20.0 °C min: 17.7 °C |
42.0 m/s 51.9 m/s |
62.5 % 18.1 m |
80.0 % 1,017 hPa |
07:21:30 20:16:10 |
|
| Sep. 12th 2026 Sep. 12th 2026 | max: 18.5 °C min: 16.2 °C |
30.5 m/s 45.1 m/s |
58.3 % 24.1 m |
79.1 % 1,021 hPa |
07:23:03 20:13:55 |
|
| Sep. 13th 2026 Sep. 13th 2026 | max: 19.1 °C min: 17.3 °C |
46.5 m/s 59.0 m/s |
77.0 % 24.1 m |
86.5 % 1,018 hPa |
07:24:36 20:11:39 |
|
| Sep. 14th 2026 Sep. 14th 2026 | max: 18.9 °C min: 17.6 °C |
37.4 m/s 49.4 m/s |
62.3 % 24.1 m |
86.3 % 1,019 hPa |
07:26:10 20:09:24 |
|
| Sep. 15th 2026 Sep. 15th 2026 | max: 19.1 °C min: 18.5 °C |
33.9 m/s 46.5 m/s |
55.4 % 22.9 m |
82.8 % 1,018 hPa |
07:27:43 20:07:08 |
|
| Sep. 16th 2026 Sep. 16th 2026 | max: 18.8 °C min: 17.1 °C |
34.7 m/s 33.9 m/s |
65.0 % 24.1 m |
74.9 % 1,015 hPa |
07:29:17 20:04:52 |
|
| Sep. 17th 2026 Sep. 17th 2026 | max: 18.0 °C min: 15.7 °C |
31.1 m/s 34.5 m/s |
38.8 % 24.1 m |
71.8 % 1,013 hPa |
07:30:50 20:02:35 |
|
| Sep. 18th 2026 Sep. 18th 2026 | max: 18.4 °C min: 17.2 °C |
29.3 m/s 30.4 m/s |
60.2 % 24.1 m |
79.7 % 1,011 hPa |
07:32:24 20:00:19 |
|
| Sep. 19th 2026 Sep. 19th 2026 | max: 17.2 °C min: 14.9 °C |
25.7 m/s 19.7 m/s |
32.4 % 24.1 m |
78.5 % 1,016 hPa |
07:33:58 19:58:03 |
|
| Sep. 20th 2026 Sep. 20th 2026 | max: 18.3 °C min: 15.8 °C |
39.9 m/s 51.2 m/s |
54.7 % 24.1 m |
76.1 % 1,021 hPa |
07:35:32 19:55:47 |
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 28th 2027 Friday, 28th of May 2027 | MS Insignia | 698 - 803 | 09:00 am | 05:00 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
.