The resort city will appeal to you at any time of year, but if you fancy a beach vacation, come to the French Riviera from mid-May to mid-September. During these months, the Mediterranean Sea near Nice is warm enough for swimming and the rainy season has passed or not yet begun.
Spring
Spring is perhaps the most beautiful season on the Côte d'Azur. In March, spring gives about itself know with a slight increase in temperature (up to +13-15°C). At times it rains, strong wind blows, so before arriving it is worth looking at the weather forecast in Nice every 3 days. In April, daytime temperatures reach +17-20°C.
Precipitation is on the wane. The start of the holiday season is in May. The air warms up to +19-22°C and the sea water to +18°C. You may not see rain in the 14-day weather forecast, but bring a thin, waterproof windbreaker.
Summer
June is warm and dry on the French Riviera. If you look at the summer weather forecast for Nice, you might find five days with brief precipitation. You're unlikely to find more. In June, the swimming season officially opens in the resort. The sea warms up to +21°C and the air to +24°C during the day.
In July and August, the thermometer reads +27°C or even more than +30°C. With the tramontana blowing from the sea, wearing light-colored natural fabrics and a hat, the heat can be easily tolerated. The Mediterranean Sea with its low tides warms up to +24-25°C.
Autumn
The velvet season comes to the city in September. This is a good time for families with children and those who can't stand the heat. At the beginning of the month, the temperature of the water in the sea stays at +21-24 ° C. The air is warmed up to +24-25°C. Closer to October, clouds appear in the sky and the rains begin.
If you're heading to Nice for a week or two at this time, the weather forecast is likely to show you'll need a jacket and closed shoes. The weather in Nice is also changeable in November. The air temperature drops to +16-17°C. It's more comfortable in the sea than on land (+18-19°C).
Winter
December through February on the French Riviera are warm months, but rainy. Snow is considered an anomaly here, although in the Alps it's a regular occurrence. The weather forecast for Nice shows an average of +12-14°C.
The coldest month is January. Occasionally the thermometer can go a degree or two below zero. In February, temperatures sometimes rise to +20°C. On such days, Nice restaurants can serve their customers on their summer floors.
When is the best time to visit the capital of the French Riviera?
The resort welcomes guests all year round. The beach season in Nice begins at the end of May. Even earlier, the city is flooded with celebrities and their fans. Prices in hotels and restaurants soar sky-high — a single cup of coffee can cost 10–20 EUR. Nightclubs, casinos, shopping, and other entertainment come with extravagant expenses. Traffic jams appear on the roads. By mid-June, many people are already swimming.
Around this time, Nice also attracts not only lovers of the sea and sunshine but also fans of bohemian parties, concerts, and festivals — for instance, France’s oldest International Jazz Festival. Therefore, if you’ve decided, “I’m going to Nice during the holiday season,” make sure to book accommodation in advance.
The cheapest time to visit Nice is from late October to late April. During the low season, not only does the air temperature drop, but so do the prices. You can rent accommodation for up to 50% less than in summer. Is it worth visiting Nice outside the beach season? Absolutely yes! The French Riviera offers not only a magnificent sea but also a wealth of historical, architectural, and artistic landmarks, as well as events such as the Nice Carnival, the Christmas Swim, the Spring of Museums, the May Festival, and many more.
