Most people pack flip-flops for Nice and then limp across the beach. It's pebbles, not sand, and the big round stones hurt bare feet and roll under thin soles. Bring something you can wear into the water, and pack a bit smarter than beach clothes for the evenings in Vieux Nice.
Nice 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 | 13°C55°F | 14°C57°F | 16°C61°F | 18°C64°F | 21°C70°F | 26°C79°F | 29°C84°F | 30°C86°F | 25°C77°F | 22°C72°F | 17°C63°F | 14°C57°F |
| Low | 6°C43°F | 6°C43°F | 8°C46°F | 10°C50°F | 14°C57°F | 19°C66°F | 21°C70°F | 21°C70°F | 17°C63°F | 14°C57°F | 8°C46°F | 6°C43°F |
| Rain days | 7 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 7 | 6 |
Season by season
Winter
December–FebruaryMild by European standards, with highs of 13–14°C (55–57°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F). It rains on only 6 or 7 days a month. A light coat and a sweater cover most days. It's a good time for the Carnival and the markets without the summer crowds.
Spring
March–MayHighs climb from 16°C (61°F) to 21°C (70°F) and lows from 8°C (46°F) to 14°C (57°F). Spring is wetter than you'd expect, with 9 to 11 rain days a month and May the wettest of the year. Bring a light rain jacket and layers. The sea is still cold for most people until late May.
Summer
June–AugustHot and dry. Highs reach 26–30°C (79–86°F), lows stay at 19–21°C (66–70°F), and July has only 2 rain days. Beach days, ferries and day trips to Monaco and Èze all happen now, so pack light clothes, sun protection and swimwear. Book a room with air conditioning.
Autumn
September–NovemberSeptember is still summer at 25°C (77°F), then highs fall to 17°C (63°F) by November with lows of 8–17°C (46–63°F). October can be wet with 10 rain days. Early autumn is the best time for warm sea and fewer people. Pack a light jacket for the later weeks.
What to bring to Nice
0 of 21 packed- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
Slip these on to cross the pebbles and walk straight into the sea, then rinse them off.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A sealed cube for a wet swimsuit after a morning swim, so you can head into Vieux Nice for lunch without soaking your bag.
- Pacsafe GO Anti-Theft Tech CrossbodyDocuments & Security
A steel-wire strap and lockable zips for the crowded buses and trains along the coast to Monaco.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Cold water all day for the hot climb up Castle Hill in August.
- Allbirds Men's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
A breathable, machine-washable walking shoe for dry summer days on the Promenade and in the old town.
- Allbirds Women's Tree Dasher 2Footwear & Shoe Care
Light, breathable and easy to wash, good for long walks in Nice's dry, hot months.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Works with France's sockets and charges your phone and camera from one plug after a beach day.
Clothing
- Swimwear · 2
- Smart-casual evening outfit · 2Evenings in Vieux Nice
- Light linen shirts or dresses · 4July–August highs of 29–30°C
- Light sweater or jacket · 1Nov–Apr lows of 6–10°C
Footwear
- Water shoes · 1 pairPebble beach hurts bare feet
- Comfortable sandals with grip · 1 pair
Gear
- Beach towel or sarong
- Padded beach matCushions the big round stones
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
Documents and money
- Passport
- Chip-and-PIN credit card
What shoes should you pack for Nice?
Water shoes or slip-on clogs for the pebble beach, plus comfortable walking shoes. The climb up Castle Hill is steep with lots of steps, and Vieux Nice has narrow stone lanes. Leave stilettos at home, they don't work on those streets.
What do people wear in Nice?
Smart casual. Linen shirts, sundresses, chinos and clean sneakers fit in along the Promenade des Anglais. Beachwear stays on the beach, so cover up when you walk into town or sit down at a café. Evenings in Vieux Nice and Monaco lean a little dressier.
What plugs does Nice use?
France uses types C and E at 230V. Most European two-pin plugs work. Travelers from the US, UK and Australia need an adapter, and US travelers should check that their devices handle 230V.
Tours and things to do in Nice
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Nice.
What should you leave at home for Nice?
Leave the heavy beach towel if you'll use a beach club, and leave the thin flip-flops for the pebbles. Don't bother with a big umbrella in summer. Skip flashy jewelry and back-pocket wallets on crowded buses and trains to Monaco, where pickpockets work.
Packing for Nice: questions people ask
Do I need water shoes in Nice?
We'd bring them. Nice's beaches are large pebbles, and water shoes or clogs make getting in and out of the sea much easier.
What should I wear in Nice in summer?
Light, breathable clothes and sun protection. Highs reach 26–30°C (79–86°F), and beachwear is for the beach, so cover up in town.
What should I wear in Nice in October?
Light layers and a rain jacket. Highs are around 22°C (72°F) with lows near 14°C (57°F), and October has about 10 rain days.
Is Nice warm in winter?
It's mild, not warm. Highs are 13–14°C (55–57°F) and lows around 6°C (43°F), so a light coat is enough most days.
What plug adapter do I need for Nice?
France uses types C and E at 230V. A standard European two-pin adapter works for US, UK and Australian plugs.
Prices change often — the price on the retailer’s page is the one you pay.