Best time to visit · Nice · France
The best time to visit Nice
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
The best times to visit Nice are May, June, September and early October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable from June and the city is less crowded than in July and August. Winter is mild and quiet, ideal for museums and coastal walks, and February brings the Carnival.
Key facts
- Best months
- May–June and September–October
- Shoulder season
- March–April and July–August
- Warmest month
- August (avg high 28°C (82°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 13°C (55°F))
- Rainiest month
- November (~8 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- March and November–January
Seasons
Nice has a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny winters, hot dry summers and most rain falling in autumn and early winter, often in short heavy storms.
March–May
Spring
Blossom, mild sunshine and quiet museums; too early to swim for most people, but perfect for walking and day trips along the coast.
June–August
Summer
Hot, dry and lively, with the jazz festival and fireworks; beaches and trains are crowded and hotel prices peak in July and August.
September–November
Autumn
A warm sea in September, fewer visitors in October and lower prices, with the risk of short, heavy storms from October.
December–February
Winter
Mild days with clear Alpine views, Christmas lights in December and the Carnival in February; some beach clubs close.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 13°C | 5°C | 6 | 14°C | 9.3 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| February | 13°C | 6°C | 5 | 13°C | 10.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| March | 15°C | 8°C | 6 | 14°C | 11.8 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| April | 17°C | 10°C | 7 | 15°C | 13.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 21°C | 14°C | 5 | 18°C | 14.7 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| June | 24°C | 17°C | 4 | 21°C | 15.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| July | 27°C | 20°C | 2 | 24°C | 15.1 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| August | 28°C | 20°C | 3 | 25°C | 14 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
| September | 25°C | 17°C | 5 | 23°C | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| October | 21°C | 14°C | 7 | 20°C | 10.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 17°C | 9°C | 8 | 17°C | 9.6 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 14°C | 6°C | 6 | 15°C | 8.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Prom' Classic — 10 km road race on the Promenade (usually early January) |
| February | Nice Carnival — parades and flower battles on Place Masséna and the Promenade (usually mid-February to early March); Menton Lemon Festival — giant citrus sculptures in Menton (usually February to early March) |
| March | Paris–Nice cycling race finishes around Nice (usually mid-March) |
| May | Cannes Film Festival (usually mid-May); Monaco Grand Prix (usually late May or early June) |
| June | Fête de la Musique — free concerts across the city (21 June); Ironman France triathlon in Nice (usually June) |
| July | Nice Jazz Festival (usually mid-to-late July); Bastille Day fireworks over the Baie des Anges (14 July) |
| August | Cannes fireworks festival — pyrotechnic displays over the bay of Cannes (usually July–August) |
| September | European Heritage Days — free entry to normally closed buildings (usually third weekend) |
| November | Nice–Cannes Marathon along the coast (usually early November) |
| December | Christmas village and ice rink on Place Masséna (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in March and November–January, and the sights are quietest in January.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Spring | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; A packable rain jacket for showers; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Winter | Layers, a warm sweater and a jacket for cool evenings; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Nice?
The best times to visit Nice are May, June, September and early October, when the weather is warm, the sea is swimmable from June and the city is less crowded than in July and August. Winter is mild and quiet, ideal for museums and coastal walks, and February brings the Carnival.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Nice?
Usually in March and November–January. Mild and often sunny for winter, with clear views of snow on the Alps; too cold to swim but pleasant for walking and museums.
+What is the rainiest month in Nice?
November, with about 8 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Nice get?
The warmest month, August, averages highs of 28°C (82°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F).