Mont Saint Michel Opening Hours

Mount Michel

The opening hours of Mont Saint Michel change with the seasons.

During the months of summer, from May to August, the abbey remains open from 9 am to 7 pm.

On the other hand, during the colder months, from September to April, you can visit between 9.30 am and 6 pm.

During the summer, the abbey has a light display open from 7 pm to 10.30 pm every day except Sunday.

The final entry is always one hour before closing time.

The abbey is open every day except for 1 January, 1 May, and 25 December, which are all public holidays.

Mont Saint-Michel operates on a schedule that is influenced by tidal patterns, as the island is surrounded by water during high tide and accessible by foot during low tide.

Be aware of the spring tides at Mont Saint-Michel, which can render the entire island inaccessible for a few hours.

Mont Saint Michel Mass Times

The Monastic Fraternities of Jerusalem conducts the mass.

Mass is performed every day at 12.15 pm except on Mondays. On Sunday, mass is held at 11.15 am.

There is free entry for worshippers.

You have Lauds at 6.50 am on weekdays and 7.50 am on Saturdays, Sundays, Public Holidays, and August. Vespers is held in the evening at 6.20 pm.

We suggest visitors book Mont Saint Michel tickets in advance to avoid the disappointment of the tickets running out.

Best time to visit Mont Saint Michel

The best time to cross the Mont St Michel bay is between 9 am and 10 am or 3 pm and 4 pm to avoid the long queues.

Best Time of Day

The best time to visit Mont Saint Michel is early in the morning, when there are fewer people and you may appreciate the sight without crowds.

After 11 am, large groups start coming in, making it difficult to appreciate the highlights.

Another alternative is to go late in the afternoon to avoid the crowds.

Weekdays vs. Weekends

Weekends, especially Saturdays, tend to attract more visitors to popular tourist destinations, and Mont Saint-Michel is no exception.

Weekends attract both locals and tourists, resulting in overcrowding and potentially affecting the overall visit.

If possible, plan your weekday visit to avoid the peak weekend crowds.

A weekday visit allows for a more relaxing and enjoyable exploring. You can explore the abbey and village at your own pace

Best Time of the Year

Mont Saint Michel is best visited between May and September because of the beautiful weather and numerous events.

The mild, pleasant weather boosts the visit, making it the peak season.

Various activities occur during this time, adding to the allure and making it a wonderful time to visit the ancient site in perfect weather.

One of the key considerations when planning a visit to Mont Saint-Michel is avoiding the peak tourist seasons.

The summer months, especially July and August, witness a surge in visitors, leading to crowded streets and longer wait times.

During these months, the crowds are more manageable, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of the abbey and the medieval village.

Consider the Tide

The tidal nature of Mont Saint-Michel adds an extra layer of uniqueness to the visit.

It’s advisable to plan your trip around low tide, as this is when the causeway leading to the island is accessible on foot.

Consulting tide tables and considering tidal coefficients will help you schedule your visit during a time when the tidal conditions allow for a captivating approach to the island.

Witnessing the transition between high tide and low tide adds to the magical experience of Mont Saint-Michel.

Springtime Blooms

Spring is a delightful time to visit Mont Saint-Michel as the surrounding landscape bursts into bloom.

The gardens and greenery add vibrant colors to the picturesque setting, creating a visually stunning backdrop for your exploration.

The weather during spring is generally mild, making it an ideal time to enjoy both outdoor and indoor attractions without the heat of the summer months.

Nighttime Illumination

Mont Michel at night — Image: Wikipedia.org

We suggest visiting Mont Saint-Michel’s nighttime illumination for a unique and magical atmosphere.

While the abbey may close in the evening, the village is often beautifully lit, creating a beautiful ambiance.

Nighttime strolls through the narrow streets, with the abbey glowing against the night sky.

It offers a different perspective and a chance to appreciate the island’s charm in a more tranquil setting.

Off-Peak Winter Visits

The winter months, particularly November to February, provide an opportunity to explore Mont Saint-Michel with fewer tourists.

While the weather may be cooler, the reduced crowds allow for a more personalized encounter with the island’s history and architecture.

Winter visits offer a peaceful and contemplative experience, especially for those who appreciate a quieter atmosphere.

Keep an eye on the schedule of special events taking place on Mont Saint-Michel, such as cultural festivals, religious ceremonies, or historical reenactments.

While these events may attract additional visitors, they can also provide unique and enriching experiences that enhance your overall visit.

How long does the Mont Saint Michel tour take?

The Mont Saint Michel tour takes around 3 to 4 hours if you want to see everything, including the monastery, and have a lunch break.

Then add an additional 1.5 hours if you intend to walk both directions.

Touring the island in about 1.5 hours is feasible if you skip the abbey and simply wander about.

Add 30 minutes for taking the shuttle in both directions, and you will be in and out in 2 hours.

Mont Saint-Michel is tiny but there are many things to see, which can also take half a day.

Assuming you are not staying close to the Mont Saint-Michel, it is possible to visit it in half a day and save the other half for the journey itself.

For example, many people .

So, if you want to avoid the crowds, we propose staying overnight on or near Mont Saint-Michel so you may explore the village’s interior early in the morning.

Remembering that certain times of the day will be busier is crucial. The day tour groups start arriving between 11 am and 12 pm.