The Côte d'Azur in April: Our complete guide!

Fancy a trip to the Côte d’Azur in April?
Find out if the region is right for you at this time of year, with our comprehensive guide to climate, travel conditions, crowds, prices, attractions and events.

This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

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Going to the Côte d’Azur in April: quick answers

Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in April

Côte d’Azur climate in April – weather forecast

Côte d’Azur temperatures in April

Rain and Wind

Sunshine

Water temperature – swimming on the Côte d’Azur in April

Crowds and other conditions

April events on the Côte d’Azur

April prices

Other months

Going to the Côte d’Azur in April: quick answers

Is the weather fine on the Côte d’Azur in April? Is this a good time to visit?

April is an excellent time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and lengthening days. It’s early spring, offering a good balance between mild weather and moderate crowds, ideal for enjoying the region before the peak summer season.

WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur

Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:

Or, if you’ve chosen your destination, the best hotels in:

Travelling on the Côte d’Azur in April – summary of conditions

Temperatures
In April on the Côte d’Azur, average temperatures are mild. Daytime highs reach around 17°C (63°F), while night-time lows drop to around 9°C (48°F). This is a transitional period when the air gradually warms up, offering pleasant conditions for outdoor activities.

Water temperatures
The average April sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur is around 14°C (57°F). The water is still cool at this time of year, warming up gradually after winter. While some may find it invigorating, most visitors consider it still too cold to swim comfortably.

Crowds and prizes
In April, the Côte d’Azur was moderately busy. This is the period between low and high season. Prices are generally more affordable than in summer, offering good value for money. Crowds are smaller, allowing a more authentic and relaxing experience of the region.

Opening conditions
In April, most establishments, restaurants and hotels are open on the Côte d’Azur. However, it’s always advisable to check in advance, as some venues may have reduced opening times or be preparing for the peak summer season.

Length of day
With an average of 13 hours of sunshine a day, you can look forward to bright, sunny days, typical of Mediterranean spring. The evenings are starting to lengthen too, making for a beautiful end to the day, ideal for sunset strolls or terrace dinners.

It’s a popular time of year for visitors who want to enjoy full days without the intense summer heat.

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Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in April

In April, we loved it:

Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Antibes
Discover the calm and peaceful island of Porquerolles
Driving on the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis
Visit the legendary towns of Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Monaco
Take advantage of its magnificent beaches, which are still quiet,
Visit the MAMAC in Nice
Climb to the top of the Château de Roquebrune and enjoy the view
…

See our article on the best attractions on the Côte d’Azur.

And lots of activities like these:

HAVE FUN WITH THESE activities

Great kayak trips in:
Saint-Tropez to the Ramatuelle reserve
Cassis to the calanques
Helicopter flight from Cannes
Shuttle service along the coast between Nice and Saint-Tropez
Bike tours: eBike in Nice – Mountain biking in the Esterel massif

Côte d’Azur climate in April – weather forecast

The weather on the Côte d’Azur in April is generally mild and pleasant, marking the true beginning of spring. Days are often sunny, with blue skies typical of the region. However, the weather can be variable, alternating between periods of fine weather and cooler or rainy spells. The mistral, a cold, dry northerly wind, can sometimes blow, bringing cooler but very clear days.

Humidity is moderate, making the atmosphere pleasant, and evenings can be cool. It’s a time when nature is awakening, with the first blooms coloring the landscape. The weather is generally stable, but can be subject to the rapid variations typical of the Mediterranean climate in spring. This meteorological diversity is part of the charm of the season, offering visitors a wide range of experiences.

Côte d’Azur temperatures in April

April temperatures in the Côte d’Azur’s main cities are generally mild and pleasant. Here’s an overview of averages for Nice, Cannes, Saint-Tropez and Cassis:

Temperatures in Nice:

Average daytime temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Average night-time temperature: 9°C (48°F)

Temperatures in Cannes:

Average daytime temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Average night-time temperature: 10°C (50°F)

Temperatures in Saint-Tropez:

Average daytime temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Average night-time temperature: 10°C (50°F)

Temperatures in Cassis:

Average daytime temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Average night-time temperature: 9°C (48°F)

OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence

Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
There is a lot of demand, book it early.

See the cars

See our tips

Rain and Wind

In April on the Côte d’Azur, showers are generally short-lived and may be followed by sunny spells. Rainfall is often light to moderate, typical of Mediterranean spring. There may be occasional thunderstorms, but they are generally brief. The weather remains pleasant overall, despite a few rainy spells.

Rainfall in Nice: 60 to 80 mm
(over 7 days on average)
Rainfall in Cannes: 55 to 75 mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: 50 to 70 mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Cassis: 45 to 65 mm
(over 5 days on average)

In April, wind conditions on the Côte d’Azur are variable. The Mistral, a cold, dry northerly wind, can blow intermittently, bringing cooler but very clear days. Its strength is generally moderate at this time of year. Light sea breezes can also be felt, especially in the afternoon, pleasantly tempering the warmer days. On the whole, winds are not as strong as in winter, making weather conditions more stable and pleasant.

Sunshine

In April, the sun rises around 7am and sets around 8:15pm.

The Côte d’Azur enjoys plenty of sunshine, with an average of 7 to 8 hours of sunshine a day. The days are getting progressively longer, offering beautiful sunny spells. Although the weather can be variable, with a few cloudy or rainy days, the sun remains predominant. This Mediterranean luminosity is a major factor in the Côte d’Azur’s appeal at this time of year.

Water temperature – swimming on the Côte d’Azur in April

In April, the average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur is around 15°C (59°F).

It’s a transitional period when the sea starts to warm up after winter, but it hasn’t yet reached temperatures pleasant enough for a comfortable swim. The waters, although more inviting than in the depths of winter, are still cool, inviting you to contemplate rather than swim.

Water temperature in Nice: 15°C (59°F)
Water temperature in Saint-Tropez: 15°C (59°F)
Water temperature in Cassis: 15°C (59°F)

Calanque de Figuerolles - view from above

Crowds and other conditions

On the Côte d’Azur, the tourist season gets off to a moderate start, with smaller crowds than in summer. Nature is awakening, offering beautiful blooms, especially in the hinterland.

Opening hours for tourist attractions are starting to expand, but it’s a good idea to check in advance. It’s an ideal time to explore the region in quieter conditions, before the summer crowds arrive.

April events on the Côte d’Azur

Potters’ springtime in Bandol
A potters’ market where local and international artisans display and sell their ceramic creations, attracting art and decoration enthusiasts.
Chapelles Music Festival
The aim of this festival is to showcase the magnificent chapels of Provence, some of which are approaching a thousand years old. Combining architectural heritage and music, it allows the public to discover historic sites while enjoying concerts performed by renowned artists.
Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters in Monaco
Held every year at the Monte-Carlo Country Club, this tournament attracts the best clay-court tennis players in the world. Located in the exceptional setting of the Côte d’Azur, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, tennis fans from all over the world come to watch thrilling matches in a glamorous atmosphere, typical of Monaco.
Olive Festival at Rayol-Canadel
Held at the beginning of the month, the festival celebrates the region’s olive-growing tradition with olive oil-making workshops, tastings of local products and harvest demonstrations. Visitors can discover the skills of local producers while enjoying a friendly, festive atmosphere.
Roca Cup WingFoil in Hyères
A wingfoil competition, an emerging water sport, attracting gliding enthusiasts for spectacular performances on the water.

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April prices

In April, prices on the Côte d’Azur are generally more affordable than in the high summer season. It’s an in-between period when good deals can be found, especially for accommodation and tourist activities. Rates vary considerably depending on the type of establishment, from budget hostels to luxury hotels.

Although prices are starting to rise compared with winter, they remain attractive. We recommend booking in advance to take advantage of the best offers, especially during school vacations and special events.