Destination
Nice has a mild climate, a long seafront promenade and an old town of ochre façades, and it works as a base for the whole French Riviera. July and August are hot and busy, May is lifted by film-festival and Grand Prix demand, and winter is gentle but quiet. September and October give warm sea and calmer days. Here is how all twelve months compare for weather, crowds, prices and events.
By Daan · Last reviewed October 2026
My recommendation
September
September keeps the warm sea and sunshine of summer with calmer streets and lower prices than July and August. Evenings on the Promenade des Anglais are at their best.
Best weather
May–June & September
Warm and sunny without peak summer crowds.
Least crowded
January & November
Mild and quiet, with some museums and restaurants on seasonal breaks.
Best for the sea
September
The sea is at its warmest.
Best for carnival
February
Parades and flower battles.
September scores
Plan around
May–June
July–August
February
Nice travel tip
Trains and buses make day trips to Villefranche, Monaco and Menton easy and inexpensive. Visit the Cours Saleya market in the morning, climb Castle Hill for the view over the port, and book beach loungers ahead in summer.
Founder note
“My Nice ritual is to climb Castle Hill at golden hour and watch the port turn pink. Take the stairs or the lift, bring a drink and stay until the lights come on.”
Experience Nice
Travel around
Nice is compact and easy on foot, with trams through the centre. Regional trains and buses run along the coast to Villefranche, Monaco and Menton, which makes day trips simple and inexpensive.
Best period
Year-round
Trains are faster on busy summer days when coastal roads clog.
CFV founder tip
Climb Castle Hill about an hour before sunset. The port, the Promenade and the old town all turn gold, and it is free.
Month by month
Tap any month for full scores, temperatures and planning notes.
Pack a warm layer for evenings; sunny days are easy for walks.
Book carnival weekends ahead; weekday parades are calmer.
Take the train to Villefranche or Menton when the weather turns.
Check Easter dates; the city is busy that weekend.
Check the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix dates before booking.
Book beach loungers and dinner ahead.
Book accommodation well ahead and use trains rather than cars along the coast.
Head to Villefranche or Cap Ferrat for quieter swimming.
Swim in the morning and keep the afternoon for the old town.
Keep a rain plan; the October storms can be heavy.
Check opening hours; some places close for a few weeks.
Book New Year accommodation early.
Climate
| Month | High | Low | Precipitation | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C / 55°F | 6°C / 43°F | 74 mm | 6 |
| February | 14°C / 57°F | 6°C / 43°F | 54 mm | 5 |
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 8°C / 46°F | 51 mm | 5 |
| April | 17°C / 63°F | 11°C / 52°F | 69 mm | 6 |
| May | 21°C / 70°F | 15°C / 59°F | 40 mm | 5 |
| June | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 36 mm | 4 |
| July | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 14 mm | 2 |
| August | 28°C / 82°F | 21°C / 70°F | 17 mm | 2 |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 18°C / 64°F | 81 mm | 5 |
| October | 21°C / 70°F | 14°C / 57°F | 128 mm | 8 |
| November | 17°C / 63°F | 10°C / 50°F | 138 mm | 9 |
| December | 14°C / 57°F | 7°C / 45°F | 90 mm | 6 |
Climate data: Météo-France. Temperatures are averages of daily highs and lows.
Can't decide?
Keep exploring
Other places I’d time carefully — and when I’d go.
If you want…
…beach and sun
Go in June or September.
…the old town without queues
Go on a weekday morning, in any season.
…mild winter sun
Go in January or February, and skip the swimming.
FAQ
September is the best overall balance of warm sea, sunshine and calmer streets.
Yes. It is mild and quiet, with sunny days on the promenade, though the sea is too cold for swimming.
Yes. Trains and buses reach Villefranche, Monaco and Menton in under an hour.
