People pack for Cannes as if every day is the film festival. Most of the year it's a relaxed beach town, and the real choices are a swimsuit, good sandals and one outfit smart enough for dinner on the Croisette. Outside summer it's also cooler than people expect, with 14°C (57°F) winter highs.
Cannes weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 14°C57°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 19°C66°F | 22°C72°F | 27°C81°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 26°C79°F | 23°C73°F | 17°C63°F | 14°C57°F |
| Low | 6°C43°F | 7°C45°F | 8°C46°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 22°C72°F | 17°C63°F | 15°C59°F | 9°C48°F | 7°C45°F |
| Rain days | 7 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 7 | 9 | 7 | 6 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryWinter is mild and quiet. Highs sit at 14°C (57°F) and lows at 6–7°C (43–45°F), with 6 to 7 rain days a month. It's too cold to swim for most people but fine for walking the Croisette and Le Suquet. Pack a warm jacket, a sweater and closed shoes.
Spring
March–MaySpring warms from 16°C (61°F) in March to 22°C (72°F) in May, with lows of 8–14°C (46–57°F). May is the wettest month of the year with 12 rain days, and it's also festival month, when hotels fill up fast. Pack layers, a light rain shell and one sharp outfit.
Summer
June–AugustSummer is beach season. Highs run 27–31°C (81–88°F), lows 19–22°C (66–72°F), and July and August see just 2 to 4 rain days. The beaches and the ferry to the Lérins Islands get busy, so go early. Pack swimwear, a hat, a cover-up and light clothes for warm evenings.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still warm at 26°C (79°F) and good for swimming. October drops to 23°C (73°F) and November to 17°C (63°F), with 7 to 9 rain days a month. A light jacket covers most evenings until November, when you want a proper layer.
What to bring to Cannes
0 of 23 packed- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
The wet swimsuit from your morning swim stays away from your dinner clothes.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Keeps water cold through a 31°C (88°F) August beach day, and the straw cap makes it easy to sip on the sand.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
Phone, cards and passport in one bag with a steel-wire strap, which helps in festival crowds and on the train to Nice.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Covers France's Type C and E sockets and charges your phone, laptop and camera at once.
- Mack's Pillow Soft Silicone EarplugsSleep & Comfort
Waterproof for swimming, and they seal out late-night noise from the street on summer weekends.
Packs down small for May, the wettest month here with 12 rain days.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2
- Linen shirts or sundresses · 4Jul–Aug highs reach 31°C
- Smart evening outfit · 1Cannes dresses up for dinner
- Light sweater · 1Dec–Feb lows of 6–7°C
- Beach cover-up
Footwear
- Leather sandals
- Dressy shoes · 1 pairFor restaurants and the Croisette at night
- Water shoesFor rocky coves on the Lérins Islands
Gear
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Compact umbrellaMay is wettest, 12 rain days
- Beach towel
Health and toiletries
- Reef-safe mineral sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Contactless card
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Cannes?
Bring comfortable sandals for the Croisette, walking shoes for the steep lanes up to Le Suquet, and something smarter for dinner. If you take the ferry to Île Sainte-Marguerite, the paths are rocky, so sandals with a back strap beat flip-flops.
What do people wear in Cannes?
Cannes is polished. People dress up a little more than in most beach towns, especially along the Croisette and at the beach clubs. Linen shirts, sundresses, chinos and good sunglasses fit in. Keep swimwear for the beach and cover up when you walk into town.
What plugs does Cannes use?
France uses Type C and E sockets at 230V. US, UK and Australian visitors need an adapter, and our universal adapter covers EU plugs. US travelers should check that hair tools handle 230V before plugging in.
Tours and things to do in Cannes
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Cannes.
What should you leave at home for Cannes?
Leave the heavy winter coat. Even in January a warm jacket is enough. Skip athletic gear for dinner, since you'll feel out of place on the Croisette. Don't pack a pile of evening outfits either, because two good ones rotate fine.
Packing for Cannes: questions people ask
What should I wear in Cannes in summer?
Linen, sundresses, shorts and sandals by day, with something a little smarter for dinner. Highs run 27–31°C (81–88°F).
What should I pack for Cannes in May?
Layers, a light rain shell and one sharp outfit. May highs are around 22°C (72°F), it's the wettest month with 12 rain days, and the festival fills the town.
Is Cannes warm in winter?
Mild, not warm. Highs are 14°C (57°F) and lows 6–7°C (43–45°F), so bring a warm jacket.
Is there a dress code in Cannes?
Not day to day, but people dress smartly on the Croisette and swimwear stays on the beach. Film festival screenings have their own strict dress codes.
Do I need a plug adapter in Cannes?
Yes, unless you're coming from mainland Europe. France uses Type C and E sockets at 230V.
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