The climate of Monaco
Monaco, positioned on the French Riviera in Western Europe, basks in the warm glow of a Mediterranean climate, as signified by its classification as a 'Csb' climate in the Köppen climatic classification. With warm to hot summers and mild winters, this tiny coastal nation sees temperatures ranging from 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F) throughout the year.
The weather is gentle and inviting throughout the twelve months, with rainfall becoming a constant companion, regardless of the season. Rainfall varies from a soothing 16mm (0.63") in the middle of summer to a robust 108mm (4.25") in autumn. Totaling approximately six days per month, precipitation is noticeably extensive during the latter part of the year, from
October to
December, with rainfall quantities exceeding 100mm (3.94").
Sea temperature fluctuates between 13.1°C (55.6°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F), thus offering near year-round opportunities for water-bound activities. Noticeably, sunshine hours increase progressively from winter towards summer — from 4.6 hours to a generous 11 hours per day.
The best time to visit Monaco
If soaking in sunshine by the sea is the goal, the best time to visit
Monaco falls between
June to
August. During this period, temperatures peak to a balmy 25.9°C (78.6°F), accompanied by the highest sea temperatures of the year — reaching up to 23.7°C (74.7°F) in August. Alongside alluring temperatures, these months are also when the sunshine is at its maximum, offering almost 11 hours of sunlight. Surprisingly, these months also witness the least amount of rainfall, notably reaching its lowest at 16mm (0.63") in
July.
The worst time to visit Monaco
On the other hand, the least favorable time to visit
Monaco would be in the months of
October and
November. These months bear witness to the two highest monthly rainfalls of the year, escalating to an impressive 108mm (4.25") in October and 104mm (4.09") in November. The sea temperature, though warm at 19.7°C (67.5°F) - 17.4°C (63.3°F), may not provide the best conditions for water activities. The chillier air temperatures ranging from 16.1°C (61°F) to 19.9°C (67.8°F) and reduced sunshine hours, 6.6 to 5.2 hours respectively, further add to the desolation.
Spring weather in Monaco
Spring in
Monaco is a delightful season when temperatures yield a mild range from 9.6°C (49.3°F) to 16.1°C (61°F). Rainfall gradually decreases from 71mm (2.8") in
March to 62mm (2.44") in
April but sees a further reduction to 49mm (1.93") in
May. Sunshine starts to flock the skies more generously, with daylight spanning 11.9 hours in March, and extending to 14.7 hours in May.
Summer weather in Monaco
Summer offers bountiful sunshine and warmth in
Monaco. With temperatures oscillating between 18.5°C (65.3°F) to 25.9°C (78.6°F), and the sea temperatures ascending to a pleasant 23.7°C (74.7°F), it is the perfect time for sea-side relaxation and water-based activities. It's also the least rainy season with just 16mm (0.63") in
July, the lowest in a year.
Autumn weather in Monaco
Autumn in
Monaco signals the return of rainfall.
October and
November are especially wet, seeing a monthly rainfall of 108mm (4.25") and 104mm (4.09") respectively. Temperatures start to drop from a comfortable 19.3°C (66.7°F) in
September to a chillier 11.9°C (53.4°F) by November. However, sea temperatures remain warm enough for swimming, from 22.3°C (72.1°F) in September to 17.4°C (63.3°F) in November.
Winter weather in Monaco
Winter in
Monaco is mild, with temperatures hanging between 8.1°C (46.6°F) to 13.4°C (56.1°F). Rainfall sees a decline from its autumn high, settling at 78mm (3.07") in
December, the wettest winter month. Sea temperatures descend to the annual lowest at 14.9°C (58.8°F) in December, making water activities less inviting. Yet, daylight hours remain substantial, ranging from 9.4 hours in
January to 10.5 hours come
February.
Weather in January
January in
Monaco is the coldest month, yet the temperatures remain relatively mild, making the winter months quite manageable for residents and tourists alike. The city does, however, encounter the year's significant quantity of rainfall, with 83mm (3.27") falling throughout the month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
As the country moves towards spring in
February, a slight increase in temperature can be observed, and the amount of rainfall decreases marginally. Despite the modest changes in weather conditions, February remains a relatively damp and cold month on
Monaco's calendar.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With
March, comes a noticeable shift towards milder weather in
Monaco. Regular rainfall occurs, but the amount distinctly drops to 71mm (2.8"), making way for more sunshine and daylight hours, indicating the onset of spring. Visitors can expect longer days and a warmer climate in comparison to
February's chillier conditions.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, weather in
Monaco tends to be unpredictable, experiencing alterations between sunny and rainy days. Rainfall is lower, registering at 62mm (2.44"), and temperatures continue their upward trend, creating an enjoyable spring weather.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings with it a substantial increase in warmth in
Monaco's weather pattern. Rainfall decreases to 49mm (1.93"), while temperatures continue to climb, invoking the real onset of the summer season. The city enjoys almost fifteen hours of daylight, allowing both locals and tourists plenty of time for outdoor activities.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Monaco encounters significant heat during
June, marking the true advent of summer. Precipitation records a yearly low of 37mm (1.46"), leaving plenty of sunshine and virtually uninterrupted blue skies. Residents and tourists take advantage of the longest daylight hours of the year, making most of the high temperatures and clear skies.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July represents the hottest month in
Monaco, both in terms of maximum temperature and sea temperature, which can reach up to 25.8°C (78.4°F) and 23.2°C (73.8°F) respectively. With only 1.9 days of rainfall, July also stands out as the driest month, featuring slightly over 15 hours of daylight each day.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Monaco continues to experience high summer temperatures similar to those of
July. Slightly more rainfall occurs, but the total precipitation still only reaches 31mm (1.22"), allowing for ample outdoor activities. Despite the continued heat, the city begins to transition towards autumn.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September signifies the beginning of the transition from summer to autumn in
Monaco. Rainfall increases to 54mm (2.13"), supplemented by a slight reduction in temperature, daylight, and sunshine hours. The climate begins to cool, giving visitors a respite from the summer heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Monaco sees a noticeable shift towards cooler temperatures and significantly increased precipitation, reaching 108mm (4.25"). Autumn truly arrives in October, heralding shorter days and less sunshine. Despite the transition, October's weather remains moderately warm and inviting compared to the colder, rainier conditions that will commence in
November. As
September transitions into October, Monaco sees a gentle drop in the average high-temperature, transitioning from a moderately hot 23.8°C (74.8°F) to a refreshing 19.9°C (67.8°F).
Weather in October »Weather in November
November represents the onset of winter in
Monaco, with a steady drop in temperature and a considerable 104mm (4.09") of rainfall. Rainfall days increase to seven, while daylight and sunshine hours decrease. Despite the ensuing winter chill, November's weather remains comparatively moderate when weighed against the cold and damp environment that characterizes
December. As
October makes way for November, Monaco's average high-temperature eases from 19.9°C (67.8°F) to a still refreshing 16.1°C (61°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December marks the peak of the winter season in
Monaco, registering relatively low temperatures and 78mm (3.07") precipitation. The decrease in temperature, significant rainfall, and reduced daylight hours combine to create an authentic winter ambiance.
Weather in December »