Question 1

What is the sunniest time of year in Nice?

Accepted Answer

The sunniest time of year in Nice is during the summer months, with July 2024 recording an impressive 407.5 hours of sunshine—the highest of any month. August followed closely with 384.8 hours, making these two months the clear winners for sun-seekers visiting the French Riviera.

During summer 2024, Nice enjoyed a total of 1,039.1 sunshine hours across June, July, and August. This translates to an average of roughly 13 hours of daily sunshine in July, compared to just 5 hours per day in January. The contrast is stark: winter months (December, January, and February) combined for only 534.6 hours of sunshine.

Beyond the abundant sunshine, July in Nice brings warm Mediterranean temperatures averaging 25.4°C (77.7°F), with highs reaching up to 33.7°C (92.7°F). The month also saw minimal rainfall at just 8.9mm, making conditions ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. By comparison, March 2024 was the wettest month with 385.8mm of precipitation.

For visitors planning to experience Nice at its sunniest and driest, July and August offer the best conditions. The combination of long sunny days, warm temperatures, and minimal rain makes this period perfect for enjoying the city's famous Promenade des Anglais, outdoor cafés, and coastal excursions.

Question 2

How much rainfall did Nice receive in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Nice received a total of 1,604.7mm (63.2 inches) of rainfall in 2024, making it a notably wet year for this Mediterranean coastal city.

The precipitation in Nice was unevenly distributed throughout the year. March was the wettest month with 385.8mm (15.2 inches) of rain, while July was the driest with just 8.9mm (0.4 inches). Spring 2024 was particularly rainy, accumulating 650.1mm (25.6 inches) from March through May alone.

Seasonal rainfall patterns in Nice during 2024 showed significant variation:

- Spring: 650.1mm (25.6 inches) - the wettest season
- Fall: 442.5mm (17.4 inches)
- Winter: 418.9mm (16.5 inches)
- Summer: 93.2mm (3.7 inches) - the driest season

Four months experienced heavy rainfall exceeding 200mm: February, March, September, and October. In contrast, five months remained relatively dry with less than 50mm each: June, July, August, November, and December.

For visitors planning a trip to Nice, the summer months offer the most reliable dry weather conditions, with July averaging minimal precipitation. Those visiting during spring should prepare for frequent rain showers, particularly in March. The monthly average precipitation of 133.7mm (5.3 inches) reflects the Mediterranean climate pattern typical of the French Riviera, where most rainfall occurs outside the peak summer tourist season.

Question 3

What were the average summer temperatures in Nice in 2024?

Accepted Answer

Nice experienced warm Mediterranean summer temperatures in 2024, with an average of 24.5°C (76.0°F) across June, July, and August.

August was the warmest month in Nice during summer 2024, with average temperatures reaching 26.9°C (80.4°F). Daily highs during August peaked at 34.9°C (94.8°F), while nighttime lows remained comfortable at around 18.7°C (65.7°F). July followed closely with an average of 25.4°C (77.7°F) and maximum temperatures climbing to 33.7°C (92.7°F).

June marked the start of summer with milder conditions, averaging 21.1°C (70.0°F). This transitional month saw daytime highs reach 31.5°C (88.7°F), though evenings could still cool to 12.0°C (53.6°F).

Throughout summer 2024, Nice maintained average daily highs of 33.4°C (92.1°F) and lows of 15.8°C (60.4°F). Humidity levels averaged 69.7%, typical for the coastal Mediterranean climate.

These warm summer conditions made Nice ideal for beach activities and outdoor dining along the Promenade des Anglais. Visitors to Nice during summer 2024 enjoyed reliably warm weather, with the warmest conditions concentrated in late July and August.

Question 4

How cold does Nice get in winter?

Accepted Answer

Nice experiences mild winter temperatures compared to most of Europe, with average temperatures around 9.9°C (49.8°F) during the winter months of December, January, and February.

In 2024, December was the coldest month in Nice with an average temperature of 8.8°C (47.8°F). The coldest temperatures typically occur at night, with winter nighttime lows averaging 2.8°C (37.1°F). The absolute coldest temperature recorded in Nice during winter 2024 was 1.5°C (34.7°F) in December, meaning frost is rare but possible.

Despite the cooler temperatures, Nice enjoys remarkably pleasant winter days. Daily highs during winter 2024 averaged 18.0°C (64.4°F), warm enough for outdoor activities on sunny afternoons. The city also benefits from an average of nearly 6 hours of sunshine per day during winter, making Nice a popular destination for those escaping harsher northern European winters.

The Mediterranean climate keeps Nice comfortable year-round. While you will want a jacket for evening outings, heavy winter coats are rarely necessary. This mild winter weather makes Nice an excellent choice for off-season travel, offering uncrowded attractions and pleasant conditions for walking along the Promenade des Anglais or exploring the charming Old Town.

Question 5

What are the typical wind conditions in Nice throughout the year?

Accepted Answer

Nice experiences generally mild wind conditions year-round, with an average wind speed of 7.3 km/h (4.5 mph) recorded in 2024. This makes Nice a pleasant destination for outdoor activities without extreme gusts disrupting your plans.

The wind patterns in Nice show distinct seasonal variations. Spring is typically the windiest season, averaging 8.0 km/h (5.0 mph), with April 2024 recording the highest monthly average at 8.7 km/h (5.4 mph). This coincides with the Mistral wind influence from the Rhône Valley that occasionally reaches the French Riviera during transitional months.

Winter brings the calmest conditions to Nice, with wind speeds averaging just 5.7 km/h (3.6 mph). January 2024 was particularly calm at 5.1 km/h (3.2 mph), making it ideal for leisurely coastal walks along the Promenade des Anglais. Summer and autumn maintain consistent moderate conditions at 7.7 km/h (4.8 mph) each.

The overall wind variation throughout 2024 was modest, ranging from 5.1 to 8.7 km/h across all months. This stability reflects Nice's sheltered position along the Mediterranean coast, protected by the Maritime Alps to the north. For visitors planning sailing, cycling, or other wind-sensitive activities, the consistent and gentle breeze conditions make Nice accommodating throughout most of the year.

Saint-Antoine Ginestière

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FAQ

What is the sunniest time of year in Nice?

How much rainfall did Nice receive in 2024?

What were the average summer temperatures in Nice in 2024?

How cold does Nice get in winter?

What are the typical wind conditions in Nice throughout the year?