Nice (Côte d'Azur) · May
Low seasonFrance · Europe
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 time current monthØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Still off-season — flights and hotels significantly cheaper than in June.
May in Nice (Côte d'Azur) at 21°C (70°F) is too cool for a beach holiday, but suitable for sightseeing and hiking. The best travel months are June, July, August, and September.
Daytime highs average 21°C (70°F), cooling to 16°C (61°F) at night (daily average: 19°C (66°F)). Peaks reach around 26°C (79°F), the coldest nights around 10°C (50°F). The sun shines an average of 8 hours per day; there are 3 rain days with 39 mm (1.5 in) total. The sea is 18°C (64°F) — refreshing and manageable for confident swimmers.
A jacket for cool evenings should not be left behind. Sightseeing and excursions can be enjoyed comfortably at this time of year.
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.
Packing list for Nice (Côte d'Azur) in May
- Long-sleeved shirts and light trousers
- Light jacket
- SPF 50 sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Sun hat
- Small umbrella (occasional showers possible)
- Travel first-aid kit
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Nice (Côte d'Azur)?
- May is not an optimal month for Nice (Côte d'Azur) (Score: 75/100), but it is manageable. For better conditions, consider June, July, August, and September.
- How warm is it in Nice (Côte d'Azur) in May?
- In May, Nice (Côte d'Azur) sees daily highs of 21°C (70°F). Nights cool to 16°C (61°F), with a daily average of 19°C (66°F). Peaks reach around 26°C (79°F), the coldest nights around 10°C (50°F).
- How much rain falls in Nice (Côte d'Azur) in May?
- In May, Nice (Côte d'Azur) receives an average of 39 mm (1.5 in) of rain over 3 rain days. That is comparatively dry.
- How many sunshine hours does Nice (Côte d'Azur) get in May?
- Nice (Côte d'Azur) averages 8 sunshine hours per day in May — above the annual average.
- How warm is the water in Nice (Côte d'Azur) in May?
- Water temperature in Nice (Côte d'Azur) in May averages 18°C (64°F) — refreshing but slightly cool for sensitive swimmers.
