Best time to go to Nice Average weather of Nice, French Riviera and Provence
Lucie Lhortolat and Tony Samson last update: 18/04/2024When is the best time to go to Nice?
Ideal destination for a sunny holiday, between the sea and the mountains, the city of Nice can be visited throughout the year. Nevertheless, the best time to visit Nice is from April to October, when the climate is most favorable.
Indeed, during the summer, the average temperatures range from 21 to 26°C (79°F) . This will allow you to enjoy various cultural sites such as the Henri Matisse Museum or the beaches of the famous Promenade des Anglais. The sun dominates during this period and precipitation is relatively low.
However, the capital of the French Riviera is crowded with vacationers during the peak season. So, if you are wondering when to go to Nice to enjoy a quieter atmosphere and an equally favorable climate, spring and early autumn will be perfect for you.
Indeed, those who prefer tranquility can opt for the period from April to May, when the weather warms up and there is plenty of blue sky. Moreover, from September to mid-October, the sun remains omnipresent in Nice, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is low. You can even still go for a swim!
Furthermore, even during winter, a weekend getaway to Nice can be a pleasant experience. Indeed, temperatures are around 10°C (50°F) between December and February. Moreover, the Nice Carnival in February is a very touristy event with many travelers.
Finally, traveling to Nice during the holiday season can also be a good idea. The city is particularly magical at this time. Additionally, the advantage of a winter stay in Nice is also the easy access to ski slopes from the city.
So, when is the best time to go to Nice? Here's some more information to help you in your decision:
- The best months for good weather in Nice are April, May, June, July, August, September and October
- On average, the warmest months are July and August
- The coldest months are January and February
- November is the rainiest month
- The best months for swimming are June, July, August and September
Annual weather in Nice
Weather details in Nice month by month
Weather and climate in Nice
Like Cannes or Toulon, Nice is a city with a Mediterranean climate, characterized by pleasant weather almost all year round. Indeed, Nice's climate is enough to make others envious, as it is among the sunniest cities in France.
In Nice, temperatures are mild in winter and high in summer. Moreover, unlike Marseille or Perpignan, the city is not subject to strong winds. However, it experiences a relatively high level of humidity in the air. This can make the heat a bit stifling in summer.
Let's discover the weather in Nice season by season.
Climate in Nice in Summer
The city of Nice experiences hot and sunny summers. Precipitation is very rare. August is actually the least rainy month of the year. Of course, a few thunderstorms may occur, often in the late afternoon, but they remain rare.
Therefore, during the summer in Nice, the sun dominates and the heat can be significant. Indeed, even though averages range between 21 and 26°C (79°F) in July and August, peaks above 30°C (86°F) are possible in the middle of the day. Moreover, it is rare for temperatures to drop significantly at night.
These weather conditions will be ideal if you want to enjoy the beaches of Nice and its surroundings. In fact, the sea temperature is around 23°C (74°F) in summer.
However, this is not the best time if you are sensitive to heat.
Climate in Nice in Winter
Winter in Nice is a pleasant season due to mild temperatures. Freezing periods are very rare. Indeed, temperatures between December and February are usually between 6 and 12°C (54°F) .
Humidity is present, and it is not uncommon to experience rainy episodes during this time of the year. It can rain throughout a day during this season, but the sun and blue skies usually return the next day...
Some years, snowfall may occur during winter, but this remains extremely rare.
Climate in Nice in Autumn
Autumn is the most humid season in Nice. Indeed, it is mainly between mid-October and early December that the rains are most intense. Thunderstorms, sometimes violent, can occur, and floods are possible (as was the case in 2020). However, these events remain very rare.
Precipitation mostly comes in the form of showers that stop within a few hours. Moreover, between two rainy days, the blue sky returns to the French Riviera.
Therefore, while the months of November and December are not ideal in terms of weather, it should be noted that September and October are pleasant. The sun and warmth are mostly present, and swimming is possible, at least until mid-October.
Climate in Nice in Spring
The city of Nice experiences very pleasant springs, dominated by the sun. Certainly, some precipitation is possible, but the sky is generally very sunny. Moreover, temperatures are mild, quickly reaching an average of 20°C (68°F) . Therefore, traveling to Nice in May or early June is an excellent idea to enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding the summer tourist crowds.
Some rain is possible, but nothing that can really spoil your stay! Moreover, you can swim in the Mediterranean Sea without shivering from early June onwards.
Charts: temperature and rainfall in Nice
In the charts below, you can see the following seasonal norms for the city of Nice: the minimum and maximum outdoor temperature, the risk and amount of monthly rainfall, daily average sunshine, sea temperature, and relative humidity for each month of the year.
Outside temperature
Precipitation (rainfall)
Daily sunshine hours
Sea temperature
Humidity
Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Nice
Find out when Nice has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.
Tourist seasons in Nice
- Very low season in Nice
The months with the lowest number of tourists are: January and December. - Low season in Nice
The months with low numbers of tourists are: February, March and November. - High season in Nice
The number of visitors to Nice is high in: April, May, June, September and October. - Peak season in Nice
The largest number of tourists visiting Nice is during: July and August.
Figure: Visitor index for Nice month by month
Best time for low prices in Nice
Average prices of hotels in Nice month by month
Generally, November is the month with the lowest hotel prices in Nice. So this is a great time to save on your holiday! In contrast, July is statistically the most expensive month of the year for hotels.
Find the best price for your hotel room
Average price for flights to Nice
A return flight between London and Nice is generally cheaper if you go in april ($ 84 on average): this is the best time for travellers on a tight budget. In contrast, you may end up paying $ 66 more for your airline ticket to Nice if you go in august.
Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Nice
Average price of hiring a car in Nice
On average, it costs $ 51 per day to hire a car in Nice. This price varies by $ 31 depending on the month. In november, hiring a car costs an average of $ 40 per 24 hours, so this is the best time to save money! In contrast, the average price in july is $ 70.
Other cities and places near Nice
Best time to go to the French Riviera and Provence
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