The climate of Nice
Nice,
France, falls into the Csb predominate climate zone according to the Köppen climate classification, indicating a Mediterranean climate with a warm summer. Nestled in the Mediterranean oasis of the French Riviera, the region's weather throughout the year tends to be mild and wet in the winter and hot and dry in the summer.
Temperature averages across the year remain relatively consistent with moderate fluctuations. Summer high temperatures reach up to 24.8°C (76.6°F) in
August while during winter they descend to 9.4°C (48.9°F) in
January and
February. Nighttime low temperatures stay comfortably warm from
June to
September, ranging from 17°C (62.6°F) to 20°C (68°F), and drop to their lowest at 5.5°C (41.9°F) in February.
Rainfall paints a clear picture of Nice's Mediterranean climate. The winter months, especially
November, exhibit the highest rainfall averaging 125mm (4.92"), contrasting starkly with summer months where the lowest rainfall occurs, specifically August with 30mm (1.18"). The pattern extends to the number of rainfall days as well, towering at 16 days in
May and sinking to 10.4 days in
October and February.
Unique to Nice's coastline weather are snowfall days and snowfall millimeters which remain negligible almost year-round, only showing insignificant increments in February and
December. The clear turquoise water of the Mediterranean Sea varies in temperature from a refreshing 13.1°C (55.6°F) in February to a warm 23.7°C (74.7°F) in August.
The best time to visit Nice
The favorable period to visit
Nice extends from
June to
September when the city enjoys sunny and dry weather. Few rainfall days and the reduced millimeter count make these months ideal for outdoor beachside activities. Peak summer temperatures hover around 24.8°C (76.6°F) in
August, and sea temperatures rise up to 23.7°C (74.7°F) making for delightful swimming conditions.
Sunshine during the summer months reigns supreme with estimations of up to 12 hours of bright sun in June. The UV index during this period touches 6, marking high levels of ultraviolet radiation exposure, thus protective measures like sunscreen are advised. Interestingly, the cloud coverage stands at their lowest in
July, approximately at 12%.
The worst time to visit Nice
Planning a visit to
Nice is least advisable during the colder and wetter months advancing from
November to
March. November signifies the beginning of inclement weather, hosting the maximum average rainfall of 125mm (4.92") across the year. Winter temperatures during this period drop noticeably low, with
January marking the coldest month with a meager 9.4°C (48.9°F).
Spring weather in Nice
Spring, spanning from
March to
June, marks a gradual temperature ascent from 11.7°C (53.1°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F). Rainfall measures tend to dwindle from 48mm (1.89") in March to 52mm (2.05") in June, and the sea temperatures follow suit by rising from 13.4°C (56.1°F) to 21.8°C (71.2°F). Conversely, daylight hours show a progressive increase from 11.9 hours in March to an impressive high of 15.4 hours in June.
Summer weather in Nice
Summer in
Nice, extending from
June to
September, is characterized by warm temperatures with peaks in
August at 24.8°C (76.6°F). Rainfall remains relatively scant, ranging from 52mm (2.05") down to 30mm (1.18") over the duration of the summer months. Sea temperatures during this period provide inviting swimming conditions, reaching 23.7°C (74.7°F) in August.
Autumn weather in Nice
Autumn in
Nice witnesses a sharp surge in rainfall from 36mm (1.42") in
September to the year maximum of 125mm (4.92") in
November. The average high temperature drops from 21.3°C (70.3°F) in September to 13.7°C (56.7°F) in November, while sea temperatures follow suit decreasing from 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 17.4°C (63.3°F).
Winter weather in Nice
Winter months from
December to
February reveal the lowest temperatures with lows plunging to 5.5°C (41.9°F) in February. Rainfall in December averages at 58mm (2.28") before a brief mitigation in
January and February. Overall, the winter season reflects a cooler and wetter period compared to the relative warmth and dryness of
Nice's summer months.
Weather in January
Nice,
France greets the New Year with chilly, yet temperate, climatic conditions, facilitating tourists to enjoy its charm bereft of the typical summer crowd. The weather manifests a blend of moderate temperatures and humidity.
Weather in January » Weather in February
With the
February weather transitioning slowly from winter towards the milder spring, climate begins to carry hints of freshness. The coastal wind's speed accelerates to 13km/h (8.1mph), slightly higher than
January, rendering the old town's cobbled streets a little breezy.
Weather in February »Weather in March
By
March,
Nice starts to shed its winter layers, becoming more inviting for outdoor exploration. Sunshine begins to extend its morning greetings earlier, subtly heralding the imminent arrival of spring. Temperatures warm slightly this month, ranging from 7.6°C (45.7°F) to 11.7°C (53.1°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The
April weather in
Nice opens a gateway to mild climatic conditions, piquing the interest of tourists to indulge in sightseeing. Sprightly spring has painted the town, the days are warmer, and the nature around blooms in multi-hued flowers.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings the anticipation of summer, with pleasant temperatures paving the way for more activities along the coastline. The weather allows explorations of
Nice's historical heritage and outdoor sites without the later summer heat.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The summer months begin with
June warming up
Nice significantly, ushering in bustling crowds to its sun-kissed beaches. The temperatures keep ascending, simplifying decisions of attiring in light clothes and sun hats. For this month, temperatures rise from 17°C (62.6°F) to 21.6°C (70.9°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is in the heart of summer, presenting some of the hottest temperatures in
Nice. Tourists troop in to bask under the radiant French Riviera sun and splash in the azure Mediterranean waters. The recorded temperatures vary from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F) this month.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August caps off the peak summer in
Nice, treating its visitors to plenty of sunshine, high temperatures, and balmy sea waters. Strolls along the iconic Promenade des Anglais or lazy afternoons at the beach remain comfortably warm.
Weather in August » Weather in September
As autumn sets in,
September offers weather that balances between the warmth of summer and the crispness of fall. It's a perfect month for those wishing to skip the summer crowds and yet enjoy the sun. This month experiences moderate temperatures from 16.9°C (62.4°F) to 21.3°C (70.3°F).
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October witnesses a significant transformation in weather, unfolding the autumn's charm with falling temperatures and receding crowds. The landscape transforms into hues of red and gold, making the cityscape even more picturesque.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November leaves behind the fall and readies
Nice for the winter. The weather leans towards colder temperatures, paving the way for a cozy climate. Temperatures decrease further this month, oscillating from 9.8°C (49.6°F) to 13.7°C (56.7°F).
Weather in November » Weather in December
December announces the arrival of winter in
Nice. Yet, temperatures stay mildly cold compared to other regions in Europe, making it an appealing wintertime getaway. For this final month of the year, temperatures drop to between 7.1°C (44.8°F) and 10.5°C (50.9°F).
Weather in December »