Cannes sits on the French Riviera with a classic Mediterranean climate: hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters. The city averages 2,750 sunshine hours per year and sees most of its rainfall between October and April. Sea temperatures peak at 24°C (75°F) in August, warm enough for swimming from June through early October. This Cannes weather by month guide breaks down exactly what to expect each month so you can plan around the weather.
Cannes Weather in January
January is the coldest month in Cannes, with average highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows around 5°C (41°F). You’ll get about 5 hours of sunshine daily, and rainfall averages 75mm over 7 wet days. Sea temperature drops to 13°C (55°F), too cold for swimming. Snow is virtually unknown at sea level, but the Alpes-Maritimes backdrop sometimes gets a dusting on peaks above 1,500m. Pack a warm coat and layers for evenings. Hotel rates are at their lowest of the year outside of festival periods.
Cannes Weather in February
February remains cool with highs of 13°C (55°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Rainfall drops slightly to 65mm over 6 days, and sunshine increases to 6 hours daily. Sea temperature stays at 13°C (55°F). The famous Mimosa Festival in nearby Mandelieu-la-Napoule brightens the greyest month. It’s still firmly low season for tourism, so you’ll find empty beaches and quiet restaurants. Book indoor attractions like the Musée de la Castre.
Cannes Weather in March
Spring arrives tentatively. Highs reach 15°C (59°F), lows 7°C (45°F). Rainfall is 60mm over 6 days, and sunshine increases to 7 hours. Sea temperature remains cold at 13°C (55°F). MIPIM, the international property market, brings 20,000+ delegates in mid-March, pushing hotel prices up sharply for that week. Outside of MIPIM week, March is quiet and affordable. The mimosa and almond blossoms are still out in the countryside.
Cannes Weather in April
A noticeable improvement: highs of 17°C (63°F), lows of 9°C (48°F). Rainfall drops to 55mm over 6 days with 8 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature inches up to 14°C (57°F). MIPTV (television market) fills hotels in early April. The rest of the month is pleasant for sightseeing. Terrace cafés reopen along La Croisette. Pack sunscreen; the Mediterranean sun is strong even when air temperatures feel mild.
Cannes Weather in May
The Cannes Film Festival transforms the city in May, and the weather cooperates beautifully. Highs hit 20°C (68°F), lows 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is just 45mm over 5 days, and sunshine reaches 9 hours daily. Sea temperature warms to 17°C (63°F), swimmable for the brave. This is the first reliably warm month. Evenings still need a light jacket. Hotel prices during the Film Festival (usually mid-May) are 3-5x normal rates; book 6+ months ahead. The rest of May offers ideal sightseeing weather without the festival premium.
Cannes Weather in June
Summer begins properly. Highs reach 24°C (75°F), lows 17°C (63°F). Rainfall drops to 30mm over just 3 days. You’ll get 10 hours of sunshine. Sea temperature hits 20°C (68°F), comfortable for swimming. Cannes Lions (advertising festival) takes over in mid-June with similar pricing pressure to the Film Festival. Outside of Lions week, June is a sweet spot: warm weather, long days, and fewer crowds than July-August. Perfect beach weather without the peak-season crush.
Cannes Weather in July
Peak summer heat arrives. Highs average 27°C (81°F), with occasional spikes to 32°C (90°F). Lows stay at 20°C (68°F), meaning warm evenings that don’t require a jacket. Rainfall is just 15mm over 2 days: essentially bone dry. You’ll get 11 hours of daily sunshine. Sea temperature rises to 23°C (73°F), perfect for extended swimming. The Nuits Musicales du Suquet classical music festival runs through July. Beaches and restaurants are busy but not overwhelmingly so compared to August. Book beach clubs like Plage du Festival in advance.
Cannes Weather in August
The hottest month, matching July with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). Rainfall is 25mm over 3 days. Sunshine stays at 10 hours. Sea temperature peaks at 24°C (75°F), the warmest of the year. August is when most French and Italian visitors take their holidays, so Cannes is at its busiest. The Bay of Cannes Fireworks Festival lights up the waterfront. Restaurant reservations are essential. Air conditioning is important; verify your hotel has it. This is also the most expensive month for accommodations.
Cannes Weather in September
Many locals consider September the best month. Highs hold at 25°C (77°F), lows at 18°C (64°F). Rainfall increases to 65mm over 5 days, often arriving as short afternoon thunderstorms that clear quickly. Sunshine stays at 8 hours. Sea temperature is a warm 22°C (72°F). The Cannes Yachting Festival fills the Vieux Port in early September; hotel rates spike for that week. After the yachting festival, the city empties and prices drop. The water is at its warmest and the beaches are uncrowded. Ideal for travelers who prioritize comfortable weather over low prices.
Cannes Weather in October
Autumn settles in. Highs drop to 21°C (70°F), lows to 14°C (57°F). Rainfall jumps to 110mm over 7 days, the beginning of the wet season. Sunshine declines to 6 hours. Sea temperature remains a usable 20°C (68°F) through mid-month. October can deliver stunning Indian summer days with clear skies and warm afternoons, or it can be grey and rainy for a week straight. Pack a rain jacket alongside your sunglasses. Hotels return to low-season rates after any early-October events. Good month for food-focused trips to the Marché Forville.
Cannes Weather in November
The wettest month of the year. Highs fall to 16°C (61°F), lows to 9°C (48°F). Rainfall averages 120mm over 8 days. Sunshine drops to 5 hours. Sea temperature cools to 17°C (63°F). November is the month where Cannes feels genuinely quiet. Many beachfront restaurants close for the season. The Festival International de Danse runs in late November, bringing some cultural activity. It’s the cheapest month for hotels and flights. Pack for rain and bring layers for chilly evenings.
Cannes Weather in December
Mild compared to northern Europe but cool by Riviera standards. Highs reach 13°C (55°F), lows 6°C (43°F). Rainfall is 85mm over 7 days. Sunshine is just 4 hours, the lowest of the year. Sea temperature drops to 15°C (59°F). Cannes dresses up for Christmas with a marché de Noël (Christmas market) along the Allées de la Liberté and an ice skating rink near the Palais des Festivals. The New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Bay of Cannes draw crowds. Hotel rates spike for Christmas and New Year weeks; book early. Outside of the holiday weeks, December is quiet and affordable.
Cannes Weather by Month: Quick Reference
| Month | Avg High (°C/°F) | Avg Low (°C/°F) | Rain (mm) | Rain Days | Sun (hrs) | Sea Temp (°C/°F) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13/55 | 5/41 | 75 | 7 | 5 | 13/55 |
| Feb | 13/55 | 6/43 | 65 | 6 | 6 | 13/55 |
| Mar | 15/59 | 7/45 | 60 | 6 | 7 | 13/55 |
| Apr | 17/63 | 9/48 | 55 | 6 | 8 | 14/57 |
| May | 20/68 | 13/55 | 45 | 5 | 9 | 17/63 |
| Jun | 24/75 | 17/63 | 30 | 3 | 10 | 20/68 |
| Jul | 27/81 | 20/68 | 15 | 2 | 11 | 23/73 |
| Aug | 28/82 | 21/70 | 25 | 3 | 10 | 24/75 |
| Sep | 25/77 | 18/64 | 65 | 5 | 8 | 22/72 |
| Oct | 21/70 | 14/57 | 110 | 7 | 6 | 20/68 |
| Nov | 16/61 | 9/48 | 120 | 8 | 5 | 17/63 |
| Dec | 13/55 | 6/43 | 85 | 7 | 4 | 15/59 |
For help deciding when to book your trip, see our best time to visit Cannes guide which covers festival dates, crowd levels, and seasonal pricing in detail.
