2026 Climate Averages

Weather: Nice — December

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

👍 Climate Overview

December is a good time to visit Nice. Mild temperatures around 14°C make it comfortable for exploring. With only around 9 hours of daylight, plan outdoor activities earlier in the day. Being off-peak, you'll find better deals and fewer crowds. At 16°C, the sea is too cold for most swimmers.

7.2
GoTripzi Score Great

Based on weather comfort, crowds, prices, and activity options

Avg High

14°C

Avg Low

8°C

Rainy days

9days

Daylight

8.9h

Rainfall

86mm

Sunshine

6.3h/day

Humidity

77%

Humid
Sun Strength

2.2

Moderate
Wind

10 km/h (gusts 27)

Sea Temp

16°C ❄️ Cold

Is December a good time to visit Nice?

Conditions are pleasant for sightseeing, though you might encounter occasional showers.

Now

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Feels like --
Wind --
Humidity --
UV Index --
Local time —

Air Quality

Travel Context

  • Crowds
    Quiet
  • Travel Costs Shoulder Rates

Daylight

Sunrise

07:58

Sunset

16:55

8.9h daylight

Visiting Nice in December: Pros & Cons

Pros

  • Fewer crowds and better hotel deals

Cons

  • Sea too cold for comfortable swimming
  • Short days limit outdoor time — plan accordingly

Things to Do in December

Events & Festivals

🎉
Nice Christmas Market & Village
Late November–January Festival

Recommended for This Weather

🥾 Hiking & nature trails
🍜 Food tours & culinary experiences
🎭 Cultural tours & local experiences

Nice Weather by Month

Month Avg High Avg Low Rain Sunshine Humidity UV Index Crowds Condition
Jan 14°C 7°C 8d (60mm) 6.9h
74% Humid
2.7 Moderate
Good
Feb 15°C 8°C 6d (44mm) 8.4h
74% Humid
4.1 Moderate
Good
Mar 16°C 9°C 9d (87mm) 9.7h
70% Humid
6 High
Good
Apr 18°C 11°C 11d (70mm) 11h
71% Humid
7.6 Very High
Good
May 22°C 15°C 14d (75mm) 12.1h
76% Humid
8.8 Very High
Excellent
Jun 27°C 20°C 9d (58mm) 13.2h
78% Humid
9.6 Very High
Excellent
Jul 29°C 22°C 5d (18mm) 13.4h
75% Muggy
9.8 Very High
Excellent
Aug 30°C 23°C 7d (43mm) 12.4h
72% Muggy
8.5 Very High
Excellent
Sep 26°C 19°C 8d (56mm) 10.5h
73% Humid
6.5 High
Excellent
Oct 22°C 16°C 9d (118mm) 8.5h
78% Humid
4.3 Moderate
Good
Nov 18°C 11°C 8d (64mm) 7.4h
75% Humid
3 Moderate
Good
Dec Current 14°C 8°C 9d (86mm) 6.3h
77% Humid
2.2 Moderate
Good

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5.2

Where to Stay

See hotels, apartments & rentals around Nice – live prices from Booking.com, Expedia, Vrbo and more

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Nice

Azure waters with Stroll Promenade des Anglais and Vieux Nice,Belle Époque elegance, and year-round sunshine on the French Riviera.

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What to Pack for December

Bundle up with a warm coat, scarf, and closed-toe shoes. Thermal layers underneath give flexibility as you move between indoors and outdoors. Pack a compact umbrella or light rain jacket for occasional showers.

Warm Quiet

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📋Essentials
👕Clothing
👟Footwear
🎒Accessories
🧴Toiletries & Health

Planning a trip to Nice?

💰 Off-peak — great deals available now

Frequently Asked Questions

Is December a good time to visit Nice?
December is typically good for visiting Nice, with average highs of 14°C and around 9 rainy days. Plan your activities accordingly—outdoor sightseeing is best on dry days, while rainy days are perfect for museums and indoor attractions.
Does it get cold at night in Nice in December?
Nights in Nice during December are cool at around 8°C. Bring a jacket or sweater for evenings, especially if you plan to dine outdoors or take evening walks. The temperature drop from day to night can be noticeable.
What should I pack for Nice in December?
With highs of 14°C and lows of 8°C in December, we recommend: Layerable clothing, Light jacket, Compact umbrella, Comfortable walking shoes. Layering is key as temperatures can vary between air-conditioned interiors and outdoors. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for cobblestone streets.
Does it rain a lot in Nice in December?
Nice typically sees around 9 rainy days in December. Rain is usually in the form of brief showers rather than all-day downpours, so a compact umbrella is sufficient. Mornings tend to be drier, making them ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
Can you swim in Nice in December?
Swimming in Nice during December is possible but quite cold, with air temperatures around 14°C. Only brave swimmers venture in without a wetsuit. Consider indoor pools or thermal baths as an alternative if your hotel offers them.
How many hours of daylight are there in Nice in December?
In December, Nice gets approximately 8.9 hours of daylight per day. This affects how much sightseeing you can fit in—longer days mean more time for outdoor activities, while shorter days are perfect for cozy museum visits and early dinners.
Is December peak season in Nice?
No, December is not peak season in Nice. Expect better value on accommodation, shorter queues at attractions, and fewer tourists at popular spots. This is an excellent time to experience the city like a local and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

Weather Data: Based on 2020–2025 historical climate data from Open-Meteo

Solar calculations: SunCalc (timezone: Europe/Paris)

Last Updated: February 2026

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