Monthly weather averages & travel planning

Europe › 🇫🇷 France › Nice
Updated: March 2026
October is a good time to visit Nice (6/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 9 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 9th sunniest of the year in Nice. Culture-focused travellers and those who prefer lighter crowds will find October a practical choice, with prices running lower than peak June without sacrificing all the good weather. November offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. The main practical note: Nice's popular sites are busiest between 10am and 3pm regardless of season. Arriving at opening time or after 4pm makes a significant difference to the experience. Planning tips: accommodation is generally available without long lead times, and flight prices are typically lower than peak season. Flexible travellers will find the best deals by booking 2-4 weeks ahead. Mid-week arrivals consistently unlock lower hotel rates than weekend check-ins.
Nice's October weather is shaped by atmospheric forces that make the data more than just numbers. The 19°C average high reflects a transitional pressure pattern where mid-latitude westerlies alternately bring mild maritime air and cooler polar intrusions. As a result, 9 daily sunshine hours are recorded on average, and rainfall of 111mm is distributed across approximately 9 days because precipitation events tend to be frequent but short-lived.
19°C
66°F
Avg High
14°C
57°F
Avg Low
9 days
111 mm total
Rain Days
9h
per day avg
Sunshine
65%
Moderate
Humidity
The narrow 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. Humidity averages 65%, which is comfortable for most visitors. On warmer days, lighter fabrics help with the mild stickiness in the afternoon. UV index averages 6 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Winds are calm at an average 12 km/h, so wind-chill is not a factor in planning your clothing. In Fahrenheit: 66°F average high, 57°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Packing for Nice in October means dressing for 19°C days and 14°C evenings. A light cotton tee with a casual overshirt works well at 19°C, the overshirt doubles as a layer for air-conditioned venues. Evening temperatures settle at 14°C, a modest 5°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. European cobblestones reward low-profile walking shoes over flip-flops or heels, with cushioned trainers or leather walking shoes being the practical choice. A compact foldable umbrella weighs almost nothing and earns its keep across 9 potential rainy days.
Local tip: Many of Nice's museums and galleries maintain cool interior temperatures regardless of outdoor conditions. A compact layer in your daypack lets you move between warm streets and chilled exhibition halls without discomfort.
October has no major festivals or public holidays in Nice, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
Based on 19°C average highs and 9 rainy days
October brings the first meaningful shift toward cooler conditions in Nice, as the sun angle drops and day length shortens. Temperatures averaging 19°C by day and 14°C overnight are still comfortable by most standards, but the trend is clearly downward. At 44 degrees north latitude, autumn light has a particular quality: lower in the sky and warmer in tone, it gives the city a photogenic quality quite different from summer. Conditions remain excellent for outdoor activity, and crowds thin compared to the summer peak. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate, wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High, hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High, limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme, seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry, skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable, ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky, light breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy, heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Nice in October
October ranks 9th sunniest of the year in Nice, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are July, August, and January. July is the hottest month (27°C avg high); January is the coolest (11°C). From here, temperatures fall 4°C into November. Compared to last month (September: 23°C high, 8 rain days), October is cooler and wetter. October sits in the middle of the annual sunshine ranking for Nice, offering a reasonable balance of good weather and manageable crowds.
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 11°C | 5°C | 7 | 7h | View |
| February | 12°C | 5°C | 8 | 9h | View |
| March | 14°C | 7°C | 8 | 10h | View |
| April | 17°C | 9°C | 10 | 11h | View |
| May | 20°C | 13°C | 10 | 12h | View |
| June | 24°C | 17°C | 8 | 14h | View |
| July | 27°C | 20°C | 6 | 14h | View |
| August | 27°C | 21°C | 6 | 13h | View |
| September | 23°C | 17°C | 8 | 11h | View |
| October | 19°C | 14°C | 9 | 9h | View |
| November | 15°C | 9°C | 10 | 7h | View |
| December | 12°C | 6°C | 8 | 7h | View |
January
7 rain days, 7h sun
February
8 rain days, 9h sun
March
8 rain days, 10h sun
April
10 rain days, 11h sun
May
10 rain days, 12h sun
June
8 rain days, 14h sun
July
6 rain days, 14h sun
August
6 rain days, 13h sun
September
8 rain days, 11h sun
October
9 rain days, 9h sun
November
10 rain days, 7h sun
December
8 rain days, 7h sun
Cities within 500 km with comparable weather conditions
Data Sources for Nice
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.