Nice (Côte d'Azur)
France · Europe
The best time to visit Nice (Côte d'Azur) is June, July, August, and September. In summer, daytime highs average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 6°C (43°F), dropping to around 2°C (36°F) on the coldest. Rainfall is very low during the best travel period (20 mm (0.8 in)), making Nice (Côte d'Azur) an ideal destination.
Nice (Côte d'Azur) – What you should know
Nice on the Côte d'Azur has one of Europe's mildest urban climates: over 300 sunny days, warm summers of 26–29°C (79–84°F) and winters in which temperatures barely fall below 8°C (46°F). The Mediterranean reaches its peak at 22–24°C (72–75°F) from July to September. Spring is exceptionally beautiful: in March and April mimosas and oleanders bloom, and the beaches still belong to the locals.
The Mistral — a strong, cold north-westerly wind — can bring unexpected cooling to Nice in spring and autumn too. It rarely lasts more than three days but leaves the air crystal-clear. The Nice Carnival (February) falls in the most pleasant winter period on the Riviera: mild, sunny and lively.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 13° (55°)8– (46–)17 (63) | 14° (57°)9– (48–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)11– (52–)20 (68) | 18° (64°)13– (55–)23 (73) | 21° (70°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)21– (70–)30 (86) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)33 (91) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)32 (90) | 25° (77°)20– (68–)30 (86) | 22° (72°)16– (61–)25 (77) | 18° (64°)11– (52–)21 (70) | 14° (57°)8– (46–)17 (63) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 6° (43°)2– (36–)10 (50) | 7° (45°)3– (37–)10 (50) | 9° (48°)4– (39–)13 (55) | 12° (54°)7– (45–)16 (61) | 16° (61°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 20° (68°)15– (59–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)18– (64–)25 (77) | 22° (72°)17– (63–)26 (79) | 19° (66°)15– (59–)23 (73) | 15° (59°)10– (50–)19 (66) | 11° (52°)5– (41–)15 (59) | 7° (45°)3– (37–)11 (52) |
☀️Sunshine | 5h UV 3 | 5h UV 4 | 7h UV 6 | 7h UV 7 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 9h UV 8 | 7h UV 6 | 5h UV 5 | 5h UV 4 | 4h UV 3 |
🌊Water Temp | 15° (59°) | 14° (57°) | 14° (57°) | 15° (59°) | 18° (64°) | 21° (70°) | 23° (73°) | 24° (75°) | 22° (72°) | 21° (70°) | 18° (64°) | 16° (61°) |
🌧Rain Days | 5d64mm (2.5") | 4d60mm (2.4") | 4d60mm (2.4") | 4d55mm (2.2") | 3d39mm (1.5") | 2d20mm (0.8") | 1d9mm (0.4") | 1d16mm (0.6") | 3d58mm (2.3") | 5d87mm (3.4") | 6d118mm (4.6") | 5d87mm (3.4") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
In July, UV levels in Nice (Côte d'Azur) reach 8 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
May offers great weather in Nice (Côte d'Azur) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Nice (Côte d'Azur)
December – February
A mild winter on the Côte d'Azur: 13°C (55°F), plenty of sun between the rainy days, the Promenade des Anglais belonging to joggers and locals. From February the mimosa blooms in the hills — a yellow band along the coast.
March – May
Spring here is long and kind: 15 to 21°C (59 to 70°F), the flower market on Cours Saleya at its best, the old town still free of cruise groups. Ideal for trips to Èze or into the hinterland.
June – August
High season: 25 to 28°C (77 to 82°F), the pebble beaches densely packed, terraces in Vieux Nice full at night. The Mediterranean peaks at 22 to 24°C (72 to 75°F) — pleasant, but cooler than further east.
September – November
September is the best month of the year: warm water, 25°C (77°F) air, noticeably fewer people. October stays mild; November brings the region's heavy autumn rains.
Events & Festivals
February
- Carnaval de Nice· varies (mid-February to early March, ~3 weeks)
One of Europe's biggest carnivals, with magnificent flower battles (Bataille de Fleurs) on the Promenade des Anglais and evening illuminated parades. The tradition dates back to the 13th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Nice (Côte d'Azur)?
- The best time to visit Nice (Côte d'Azur) is June, July, August, and September. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Nice (Côte d'Azur)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Nice (Côte d'Azur) average 28°C (82°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 6°C (43°F), dropping to around 2°C (36°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Nice (Côte d'Azur) get?
- Nice (Côte d'Azur) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 4 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
- How warm is the water in Nice (Côte d'Azur)?
- Water temperature in Nice (Côte d'Azur) ranges from 14°C (57°F) (February) to 24°C (75°F) (August). During the best travel months (June, July, August, and September), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunJulAug
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
MayJunSep
