Weather in Nice

Stay up to date with the latest weather conditions in Nice. Below you will find current data, forecasts, and useful weather charts to help you plan your time in the best possible way.

Nice, located on the French Riviera, boasts a classic Mediterranean climate. This means the city offers mild, relatively wet winters and hot, sunny summers, making it attractive for tourists year-round. The general weather pattern is characterized by a large number of sunny days and comfortable temperatures, without drastic fluctuations.

Nice has clearly defined seasons. Summer, especially July and August, is the warmest and driest time of the year, with average maximum temperatures around 26°C and minimal rainfall. Winters here are mild, with the average temperature in January being around 6.5°C, and although rainy days are possible, snow is a great rarity. Spring and autumn are pleasant transitional seasons with moderate temperatures and variable cloudiness.

One of the notable features of Nice's climate is the relatively low level of total annual precipitation. Although in some months, for example in May or April, the number of "wet days" may be higher, the total amount of rainfall remains small. The highest amount of precipitation (5 mm) falls in October, while July is the driest month (1 mm).

The temperature regime in Nice is characterized by noticeable seasonal changes, with a fairly wide annual temperature range. The hottest months are traditionally July and August. In August, the average temperature is 22.6°C, with maximum values regularly rising to 26.4°C, and nightly lows around 18.9°C. July is also very warm, with an average temperature of 22.4°C. Conversely, the coldest month is January, with an average temperature of 6.5°C (minimum 2.9°C, maximum 10.2°C), followed by December with an average temperature of 7.2°C.

The summer months in Nice, spanning from June to August, bring pleasant warmth turning into noticeable heat, especially during the daytime hours. Average maximum temperatures during this period range from 23.2°C in June to 26.4°C in August. Nights bring some relief, with temperatures dropping on average to 15.8°C - 18.9°C. Winter, from December to February, is mild and cool here, but without severe frosts. Average daily highs in the winter months hover around 10-11°C, and nightly lows are usually between 2.9°C and 3.7°C. Throughout the year, there is a noticeable difference between day and night temperatures, averaging 7-8°C, which ensures cooler evenings even on the hottest summer days.

Precipitation in Nice is distributed relatively unevenly throughout the year, however, the city does not experience a pronounced season of torrential rains. The total amount of precipitation remains moderate, which is typical for a Mediterranean climate. Instead of prolonged downpours, rains of varying intensity are observed here more often, depending on the time of year.

The highest amount of precipitation falls in autumn, peaking in October, when an average of 5 mm of moisture and about 10 rainy days are recorded. November is also quite a wet month with 4 mm of precipitation and approximately 12 rainy days. Interestingly, May, despite a moderate 3 mm of precipitation, stands out with the highest number of "wet" days – a whole 19. This suggests that spring rains in Nice can be frequent, but mostly light, possibly in the form of drizzle.

Mid-summer is traditionally considered the driest period. In July, the minimum amount of precipitation falls – just 1 mm, while there are about 9 rainy days. Winter months, such as January and February, bring about 2 mm of precipitation and 6-7 rainy days respectively, making them some of the driest in terms of precipitation frequency, yielding only to January. Snow in Nice is an extremely rare phenomenon and does not happen every year, thanks to the mild winters.

When planning a trip to Nice, it is important to choose the right wardrobe to feel comfortable in any weather. The foundation of your luggage should be comfortable shoes for walking along the Promenade des Anglais and picturesque streets. The principle of layering in clothing will be your best helper, as even in warm seasons evenings can be cool, and the weather in the off-season is changeable. Do not forget sunscreen with a high protection factor, sunglasses, and a hat, especially if your trip falls during the period from June to August when the sun is most active.

In summer, from June to August, when the average maximum temperature reaches 26°C, you will need light, breathable clothing: t-shirts, shorts, dresses made of natural fabrics, and, of course, a swimsuit. Despite the fact that rainfall during these months is minimal (1-2 mm), the presence of several "wet days" (9-12) suggests that a light umbrella or raincoat might be useful for short rains. In autumn (September-November) and spring (March-May), the weather is more variable. During these periods, it is worth taking jeans or trousers, sweaters, a light jacket, as well as waterproof outerwear and an umbrella, as rainfall increases, especially in October (5 mm) and November (4 mm), and May is distinguished by the highest number of days with precipitation (19 days), albeit not heavy.

In winter, from December to February, it is relatively mild but cool in Nice: the average temperature hovers around 6-7°C, and night temperatures can drop to 2-3°C. You will need warm clothes: sweaters, a fleece jacket, a warm jacket (possibly windproof), a scarf, gloves, and a hat. Although rainfall in winter is low (2-3 mm), the presence of 6-9 "wet days" per month means that waterproof shoes and an umbrella will also be very handy. Snow in Nice is a rare occurrence, but it is better to be prepared for cool and sometimes damp weather.