Nice occupies a unique climatic position on the French Riviera, sheltered by the Maritime Alps to the north and cooled by the Mediterranean Sea to the south. This geography produces France’s mildest winters outside of Corsica and summers that run hot but stop short of the extreme highs found inland.
With an average of 2,700 sunshine hours annually, Nice is one of France’s sunniest cities, receiving roughly 300 more hours of sun than Paris each year. This month-by-month guide uses 30-year averages from Nice Côte d’Azur Airport to help you plan for Mediterranean weather patterns, seasonal sea temperatures, and the particular microclimate effects of the Baie des Anges.
Nice Weather by Month: Temperature, Rainfall and Sea Temperature Table
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) | Rainfall (mm) | Rain Days | Sea Temp °C (°F) | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13 (55) | 5 (41) | 69 | 6 | 13 (55) | 5 |
| February | 13 (55) | 6 (43) | 45 | 5 | 13 (55) | 5 |
| March | 15 (59) | 8 (46) | 39 | 5 | 13 (55) | 7 |
| April | 17 (63) | 10 (50) | 69 | 6 | 14 (57) | 8 |
| May | 20 (68) | 14 (57) | 45 | 5 | 17 (63) | 9 |
| June | 24 (75) | 18 (64) | 34 | 4 | 20 (68) | 10 |
| July | 27 (81) | 21 (70) | 12 | 2 | 23 (73) | 11 |
| August | 28 (82) | 21 (70) | 18 | 2 | 24 (75) | 10 |
| September | 25 (77) | 18 (64) | 73 | 5 | 22 (72) | 8 |
| October | 21 (70) | 14 (57) | 133 | 7 | 19 (66) | 6 |
| November | 17 (63) | 9 (48) | 104 | 7 | 16 (61) | 5 |
| December | 14 (57) | 6 (43) | 93 | 6 | 14 (57) | 4 |
January Weather in Nice: Mild Winter Days
January delivers daytime highs of 13°C (55°F) and overnight lows of 5°C (41°F), making it one of the warmest January climates in mainland France. Rain falls on about 6 days totaling 69mm. The Mediterranean sits at 13°C (55°F), too cold for swimming but pleasant for coastal walks.
You’ll get 5 hours of daily sun. The Nice Carnival preparations begin, and hotel prices sit at their annual minimum. Pack a jacket and layers but leave the heavy winter coat at home. The Promenade des Anglais stays busy with joggers and cyclists even in January.
February: Carnival Season Under Increasing Sun
February temperatures hold at 13°C (55°F) highs and 6°C (43°F) lows. Rainfall drops to 45mm over 5 days, making this the driest winter month. The Nice Carnival dominates the second half of the month, drawing crowds regardless of weather. Mimosa trees bloom across the hillsides. You’ll still need a jacket
sunny afternoons can feel warm enough for outdoor cafe seating. Sea temperature remains at 13°C (55°F).
March Weather in Nice: Spring Begins on the Côte d’Azur
March brings highs of 15°C (59°F) and lows of 8°C (46°F). It’s the driest month of the year at just 39mm of rain over 5 days. Sunshine increases to 7 hours daily. The mimosa bloom continues through early March. Outdoor dining becomes reliable by mid-month.
The sea stays cold at 13°C (55°F). This is an excellent month for hiking the coastal trails and exploring Nice attractions without summer crowds. Hotel prices remain at winter levels through mid-March.
April: Warming Up with Occasional Showers
April delivers 17°C (63°F) highs and 10°C (50°F) lows. Rain increases to 69mm over 6 days as spring showers become more frequent. You’ll enjoy 8 hours of daily sun. The sea warms slightly to 14°C (57°F). Easter weekend triggers the first significant price spike of the year. This is a transitional month where you can experience warm beach weather one day and cool rain the next. Pack layers and a light rain jacket. The flower markets in Cours Saleya are at their most colorful.
May Weather in Nice: The Pre-Summer Sweet Spot
May is arguably Nice’s most pleasant month. Highs reach 20°C (68°F) with lows of 14°C (57°F). Rain drops back to 45mm over 5 days. You’ll get 9 hours of daily sunshine. The sea temperature rises to 17°C (63°F), still cool but swimmable for the brave. The Cannes Film Festival (35km away) in mid-May pushes hotel prices up across the entire Riviera.
The best time to visit Nice for weather is May or September, and this month delivers ideal conditions for exploring the old town and coastal paths without the peak summer intensity.
June: Summer Arrives with Long Sunny Days
June temperatures climb to 24°C (75°F) highs and 18°C (64°F) lows. Rain is minimal at 34mm over 4 days. The sea warms to 20°C (68°F) and becomes comfortable for swimming by mid-month. You’ll enjoy 10 hours of daily sun. The beaches start filling up, and hotel prices move into high-season territory. The Fête de la Musique on June 21 brings free concerts across the city. This is the last month before the intense July-August crowds arrive.
July in Nice: Peak Summer Heat and Peak Crowds
July delivers highs of 27°C (81°F) and warm overnight lows of 21°C (70°F). Rainfall drops to just 12mm over 2 days, making this the driest month. The Mediterranean hits 23°C (73°F). You get 11 hours of daily sun. The Promenade des Anglais and beaches are packed.
Hotel prices reach their annual peak. The Nice Jazz Festival runs mid-month. If you visit in July, book Nice accommodation at least 3 months ahead and reserve beach club sun loungers (€20-30/day) a day in advance.
August: Hottest Month with Warm Sea Temperatures
August is Nice’s warmest month with highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 21°C (70°F). Rain increases slightly to 18mm over 2 days. The sea reaches its peak temperature of 24°C (75°F). The entire French Riviera operates at maximum capacity as French and Italian holidaymakers fill every hotel and restaurant. The August 15 Assumption holiday is particularly busy. Expect premium pricing everywhere. Despite the crowds, the weather is reliable and the Mediterranean is at its most swimmable.
September: The Golden Month
September delivers 25°C (77°F) highs and 18°C (64°F) lows with the sea still warm at 22°C (72°F). Rain increases sharply to 73mm over 5 days as autumn weather patterns begin. The first half of the month feels like summer; the second half brings occasional thunderstorms.
European families have departed, making this a favorite month for couples and travelers without school schedules. Hotel prices remain at summer levels through mid-month, then begin to ease. See the Nice neighborhoods guide for areas that stay lively into autumn.
October Weather in Nice: Autumn Rains Arrive
October sees temperatures dropping to 21°C (70°F) highs and 14°C (57°F) lows. This is the wettest month at 133mm over 7 days, though rain often comes in intense Mediterranean downpours followed by clear skies. The sea remains swimmable at 19°C (66°F). Sunshine drops to 6 hours daily.
The tourist crowds thin dramatically after the first week. This is a good month for museum visits and Nice day trips to hill towns when the summer heat no longer makes walking punishing.
November: Cooler with Heavy Showers
November brings highs of 17°C (63°F) and lows of 9°C (48°F). Rain totals 104mm over 7 days. Sunshine falls to 5 hours. The sea cools to 16°C (61°F). This is the start of Nice’s quiet season. Many beachfront restaurants close for the winter. Hotel prices drop to their lowest point outside of January. The Marché de Noël (Christmas market) begins setup in late November. Pack a warm jacket and waterproof shoes.
December: Cool, Festive, and Quiet
December delivers highs of 14°C (57°F) and lows of 6°C (43°F). Rain falls on 6 days for 93mm. The Christmas market in Place Masséna and the Jardin Albert 1er draws visitors through December 31. The city decorates with lights along the Promenade des Anglais and through the old town. Hotel prices rise for Christmas and New Year’s week but remain low for the rest of the month. You’ll need winter clothing for evenings but can often get away with lighter layers during sunny afternoons.
