Climate characteristics of Nice
Nice, located on the French Riviera in the south of France, has a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. Below are the climate characteristics of Nice:
Winter (December to February)
- Average High: 11°C to 13°C (52°F to 55°F)
- Average Low: 3°C to 5°C (37°F to 41°F)
- Weather: Winters in Nice are mild compared to much of Europe, with rare frost or snow. It’s mostly sunny, but there are occasional rain showers. The weather is generally cool and comfortable, ideal for walking around the city or enjoying the coastal scenery without the crowds of summer.
Spring (March to May)
- Average High: 14°C to 21°C (57°F to 70°F)
- Average Low: 8°C to 13°C (46°F to 55°F)
- Weather: Spring brings pleasant weather to Nice, with increasing temperatures and more sunshine. March can still be a bit chilly, especially in the evenings, but by May, it feels quite warm and is perfect for outdoor activities. Rainfall is moderate, but the days are longer, and the flowers bloom, making it a beautiful season to visit.
Summer (June to August)
- Average High: 24°C to 29°C (75°F to 84°F)
- Average Low: 18°C to 21°C (64°F to 70°F)
- Weather: Summer in Nice is hot and dry, with temperatures regularly reaching the high 20s°C (80°F ). Rain is rare during these months, and the weather is perfect for enjoying the beach, promenades, and outdoor cafes. Nights remain warm, and the Mediterranean climate makes the area a popular destination for beachgoers and tourists.
Autumn (September to November)
- Average High: 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F)
- Average Low: 15°C to 19°C (59°F to 66°F)
- Weather: Fall in Nice remains warm and pleasant, especially in September and October. The temperatures gradually cool down from the hot summer months, but it is still ideal for enjoying the outdoors. November can see some more rain, and the temperatures dip further, but the weather is still milder compared to other regions in Europe. The crowds of summer dissipate, making autumn a great time to visit.
General Climate Characteristics of Nice
- Mediterranean climate with mild winters, hot summers, and moderate rainfall.
- Warmest months: July and August, with highs of 28°C to 30°C (82°F to 86°F).
- Coldest months: January and February, with lows around 3°C to 5°C (37°F to 41°F).
- Rainfall: The wettest months are in the fall and early winter, with November and December being the rainiest months.
Weather in Nice by month
January
- Average High: 12°C (54°F)
- Average Low: 4°C (39°F)
- Weather: January is the coldest month of the year in Nice, but it is still relatively mild compared to other European cities. The days are often sunny, but it can feel cool, especially in the evenings. There is occasional rain, but snowfall is rare.
February
- Average High: 12°C (54°F)
- Average Low: 5°C (41°F)
- Weather: February remains cool, with some rain and mild temperatures. The days start getting a bit longer, and there is still plenty of sunshine. It is generally a peaceful month to visit with fewer tourists.
March
- Average High: 14°C (57°F)
- Average Low: 8°C (46°F)
- Weather: The temperatures start warming up, and spring begins to settle in. While some cooler days can still occur, there is more sunshine and less rain than in winter, making it a great time for sightseeing.
April
- Average High: 16°C (61°F)
- Average Low: 10°C (50°F)
- Weather: April brings mild, comfortable weather with longer daylight hours. There can be some rain, but the weather is generally pleasant for outdoor activities, and the flowers start to bloom, enhancing the beauty of the region.
May
- Average High: 19°C (66°F)
- Average Low: 13°C (55°F)
- Weather: May is a great month to visit Nice, with warm and sunny days. The temperatures are comfortable, and the weather is perfect for enjoying the beach, outdoor dining, and sightseeing. Rain is infrequent, and the region starts to get busier as tourists begin to arrive.
June
- Average High: 23°C (73°F)
- Average Low: 17°C (63°F)
- Weather: June marks the beginning of summer in Nice, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The sea is also starting to warm up, making it a perfect time to visit the beaches. There may be occasional showers, but the weather is mostly dry.
July
- Average High: 28°C (82°F)
- Average Low: 21°C (70°F)
- Weather: July is the peak of summer in Nice, with hot and dry weather. Expect clear skies and temperatures that can reach 30°C (86°F) or higher. It is a busy time for tourists, and the beaches are filled with people enjoying the warm Mediterranean waters.
August
- Average High: 29°C (84°F)
- Average Low: 21°C (70°F)
- Weather: August is one of the hottest months of the year in Nice, with high temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F) or more. The weather is dry, and the city is bustling with tourists. The sea is warm, making it an ideal time for beach activities.
September
- Average High: 24°C (75°F)
- Average Low: 18°C (64°F)
- Weather: September brings slightly cooler but still warm temperatures. The summer heat starts to subside, but it remains an excellent time for enjoying the beach, outdoor cafes, and sightseeing. The weather is sunny, with occasional light rain.
October
- Average High: 18°C (64°F)
- Average Low: 12°C (54°F)
- Weather: October is a pleasant autumn month with mild temperatures. There may be some rain, especially later in the month, but it’s still warm enough for outdoor activities. The crowds of summer tourists have started to thin out, making it a more peaceful time to visit.
November
- Average High: 14°C (57°F)
- Average Low: 8°C (46°F)
- Weather: November marks the beginning of cooler weather in Nice. It can be rainy at times, but there are still plenty of sunny days. The temperatures are comfortable for outdoor activities, although you may need a light jacket in the evenings.
December
- Average High: 12°C (54°F)
- Average Low: 5°C (41°F)
- Weather: December is cool but not cold in Nice, with mild daytime temperatures and chilly evenings. There may be some rain, and the days are shorter, but the city is beautifully decorated for the holidays, adding to its charm during this time of year.