Tides and spring tides at Mont-Saint-Michel
The upcoming dates, from the official forecasts
The bay’s great show
Twice a day the sea retreats several kilometres from the Mont, then returns. At spring tides, when the coefficient reaches 100 and above, it advances “at the speed of a galloping horse” and surrounds the Mont. Here are the upcoming dates, taken from the official source, and what you need to know to watch them from our cottages, 15 minutes away.
Upcoming spring tides: coefficient 100 and above
| Date | Morning high tide | Evening high tide |
|---|---|---|
| 07:25 · 99 | 19:47 · 100 | |
| 07:36 · 101 | 20:08 · 104 | |
| 08:23 · 106 | 20:52 · 107 | |
| 09:06 · 106 | 21:33 · 103 | |
| 07:23 · 105 | 19:51 · 108 | |
| 08:05 · 110 | 20:31 · 110 | |
| 08:44 · 109 | 21:07 · 106 | |
| 09:20 · 102 | 21:41 · 96 | |
| 07:01 · 103 | 19:25 · 105 | |
| 07:41 · 106 | 20:03 · 106 | |
| 08:18 · 104 | 20:38 · 101 |
High tide time · coefficient. Coefficients of 100 and above are in bold.
SHOM high tide times for Saint-Malo, reproduced by the Mont-Saint-Michel tourist office, recorded on 5 September 2026; at the Mont, allow about 5 more minutes. Check the times the day before you come and arrive one to two hours before high tide.
Understanding the coefficient
The tidal coefficient, from 20 to 120, measures the range of the tide: the higher it is, the higher the sea rises and the further it retreats. From 100 upwards it is called a spring tide; the strongest occur near the March and September equinoxes, and sometimes in midwinter.
Where and when to watch
The best spot is on the Mont’s ramparts or on the footbridge, one to two hours before the high tide time shown: the show happens while the sea is rising. High coefficients draw crowds, so come early; the shuttles run all year from the car parks.
The bay is not to be improvised
Quicksand, fog and the speed of the tide make the bay dangerous without a guide: only set out with a certified guide, who picks the time according to the day’s tide. Departures are from the Bec d’Andaine, 15 minutes from our cottages.
Staying for the spring tides
Our five cottages in Vessey are 15 minutes from the Mont: you can watch the morning tide and the evening tide without a long drive. Indoor heated pool and sauna all year, automatic length-of-stay discounts from 2 nights.
Frequently asked questions about the tides
When are the next spring tides at Mont-Saint-Michel?
The table above lists every upcoming date when a high tide reaches coefficient 100, with the time of each high tide. It comes from the official SHOM forecasts, and past days are removed automatically.
What is a tide coefficient?
It measures the range between low tide and high tide, on a scale from 20 to 120. From 100 upwards it is called a spring tide: the sea retreats further, comes back higher and surrounds the Mont.
What time should you arrive to watch the sea come in?
One to two hours before the high tide time shown: the show is in the rising water, not in the slack. High-coefficient days draw a crowd and the car parks fill up early.
Are the times given those of Mont-Saint-Michel?
They are the high tide times for Saint-Malo, the reference published by SHOM. At the Mont, allow about 5 more minutes. Always check the time the day before you come.
Can you walk across the bay without a guide?
No. Quicksand, fog and the speed of the tide make the crossing dangerous without a guide. An accredited guide picks the time according to the day’s tide and knows where the rivers can be forded.
Where can you stay to see both the morning and the evening tide?
Our five cottages in Vessey are 15 minutes from the Mont: you can watch both high tides of the day without getting back on the road. The heated indoor pool and the sauna are open all year.