How do you choose the right beach before you go?

The 5-point method, in order

Choosing a beach isn't just about a pretty photo: it's a short checklist that saves you from disappointment. Run through these five criteria, from the most decisive to the most practical, before you get in the car.

No single criterion is enough on its own: warm water under a 40 km/h wind is still unpleasant, and a stunning beach with a jam-packed car park ruins the day.

1. Sea temperature

This is the first factor that makes or breaks an outing. Water at 16 °C is bearable for a few minutes; at 22 °C, you stay in without a second thought. Check the day's value for the exact spot, not a regional average.

Within a single region, a sheltered cove and a beach exposed to the current can read 2 to 3 °C apart. The sea also warms up with a lag behind the air: early in the season the water stays cool even in a heatwave, whereas by late summer it's often milder. Finally, think about how it feels: the same 21 °C seems freezing in the wind and very pleasant in the sun with no breeze.

2. Wind and swell

The wind decides your comfort (blowing sand, feeling cold when you step out of the water) and the state of the sea. Look at the direction, not just the speed: an offshore wind (blowing from the land) often leaves the water smoother near the beach, whereas an onshore wind (blowing from the sea) kicks up an unpleasant chop.

• Family swimming: look for calm conditions, under 15-20 km/h.
• Relaxed sunbathing: above 25-30 km/h, the sand flies and stings.
• Surfing: a clean swell with a light offshore wind; an onshore wind chops up the waves.
• Board sports (kite, windsurf): here it's strong wind that you're after.

A spot facing due west will often be windier in the afternoon than a cove sheltered by a headland.

3. The UV index and the right timing

UV climbs fast in summer and the seaside amplifies exposure: pale sand and water reflect the rays, so you burn faster than in town. A high index with no protection means sunburn within an hour, even while swimming.

The best shield isn't sunscreen but timing: plan your swim early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and keep the 12pm-4pm window for shade when the index goes above 6. Combine sunscreen reapplied every two hours, a hat, sunglasses and UV-protective clothing for children.

4. Water quality

Beautiful turquoise water isn't always clean water. Check the bathing-water rating (excellent, good, sufficient, poor) and be wary of the 24 to 48 hours following heavy rain: run-off can temporarily push quality down, especially near river mouths and stormwater outlets.

On site, give it a miss if you see abnormally cloudy water, persistent foam, a strong smell, blue-green algae on a lake or floating litter. These signs can appear between two official sampling rounds.

5. Photos, parking, route and tide

The final step, the one people forget: is it worth the drive? Check real photos of the spot (not just the retouched shots), the parking available, the travel time and the walk-in access. Nothing is worse than a 40-minute drive to a full car park.

• Check the tide: a cove you can reach at low tide can be cut off, or even dangerous, at high tide.
• Anticipate the crowds: arriving before 10am or after 5pm changes everything in peak summer.
• Check the facilities if you need them (natural shade, water point, buggy or wheelchair access).

Matching your choice to who's with you

The "right" beach depends above all on your group. What's perfect for a surfer can be a chore with young children.

• Young children: warm, shallow water, a gently sloping entry, a supervised beach, little wind, shade nearby.
• Keen swimmers: cooler water is tolerated, but watch out for currents and marked-off zones.
• Surfers: swell and wind take priority over temperature.
• Seeking peace and quiet: aim for small coves and off-peak times rather than the big central beach.

Setting the day's priority before you compare spots saves a lot of time.

Sea temperature by month (benchmarks)

Indicative seasonal values. For the day's temperature at a specific spot, open the app. Local exposure and currents can push the reality away from these averages.