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

Fancy a trip to the Côte d’Azur in December?
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 December: quick answers

Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in December

Côte d’Azur climate in December – weather forecast

December temperatures on the Côte d’Azur

Rain and Wind

Sunshine

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

Crowds and other conditions

December events on the Côte d’Azur

December prices

Other months

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

Is it sunny on the Côte d’Azur in December? Is this a good time to visit?

December is not the best time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is cool and sometimes rainy. However, it’s a good option for those who prefer to avoid the crowds and take advantage of lower prices. Sunny days still offer great opportunities to explore the region, and you’ll enjoy a much quieter atmosphere compared to the high 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 December – summary of conditions

Temperatures
Average temperatures on the Côte d’Azur in December generally range from 6°C to 14°C (43°F to 57°F). It can be colder inland and milder on the coast.

Water temperatures
In December, the water temperature on the Côte d’Azur is around 14°C (57°F), making swimming less pleasant. For swimmers and surfers, a suitable wetsuit is required.

Crowds and prizes
In December, the Côte d’Azur is much less busy than in summer. The Christmas vacations bring a moderate number of tourists, but the numbers are nowhere near those of the high season. Accommodation and restaurant prices are generally lower. This is an excellent time to enjoy the region without the summer crowds, and benefit from lower rates.

Opening conditions
In town, all attractions such as museums, restaurants and hotels are open in December. But in more rural areas, some establishments may close for the winter period. It’s also a good idea to check which hours can be reduced.

Length of day
In December, daylight on the Côte d’Azur averages 9 hours. It’s a shorter time to explore the region, but still enough to discover the charming villages and winter landscapes.

A LITTLE MORE patience

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Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in December

In December, we loved it:

Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Antibes
Visit Monaco’s Princely Palace
Stroll around the calm and peaceful island of Porquerolles
The magic of the festive season with fairs, markets and events
Discover the mythical cities of Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Monaco
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 December – weather forecast

In December, the Côte d’Azur fully enters the winter season with a cooler climate. Temperatures continue to fall, heralding the arrival of winter, but still offering relatively sunny days. The Mistral can blow in occasionally, particularly along the coastline of Cassis and Saint-Tropez, bringing cool gusts.

The beaches and sea become less attractive for swimming due to the water temperature, but this does not affect the wealth of activities available. December remains a good month to explore the region, avoiding the summer crowds, discover the local gastronomy and enjoy the Christmas markets and festive decorations.

The weather is generally more stable than during the autumn months, but significant variations can occur from one day to the next. In short, it’s a typical Mediterranean winter climate: mild but cool, with a mix of fine weather and duller periods.

December temperatures on the Côte d’Azur

In December, temperatures are still mild along the southern coasts. They are a little colder inland and around Nice.

Temperatures in Nice:

Average daytime temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average night-time temperature: 6°C (43°F)

Temperatures in Cannes:

Average daytime temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average night-time temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Temperatures in Saint-Tropez:

Average daytime temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average night-time temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Temperatures in Cassis:

Average daytime temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°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 December, the Côte d’Azur experiences very moderate rainfall, mainly in the form of short showers. Rainfall amounts vary slightly from town to town, but remain low compared with other regions of France.

Rainfall in Nice: 110mm and 140mm
(over 4 days on average)
Rainfall in Cannes: 90mm and 120mm
(over 4 days on average)
Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: 90mm and 120 mm
(over 4 days on average)
Rainfall in Cassis: 70mm and 100mm
(over 4 days on average)

It rarely snows in the bas-relief towns and massifs near Cassis and Saint-Tropez.

Wind does not generally affect tourism on the Côte d’Azur. Note, however, that part of the region is subject to the mistral, a regional wind that blows along the coast from Cassis to Saint-Tropez. In December, its gusts make the air very cold and dry. The coasts near Cannes and Nice are not subject to the mistral, and are less windy than the rest of the region.

Sunshine

The sun rises around 8am and sets around 5pm.

In December, the Côte d’Azur still enjoys relatively generous sunshine for the season. These short days are generally bright, with an average of 8 hours of sunshine a day, despite the winter chill. Although a few cloudy patches may occur, the region continues to offer great opportunities to explore its landscapes and villages.

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

The average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur in December is around 13°C. Slight variations are possible depending on bays and currents. Although some locals still swim, this temperature is generally considered too cold for most visitors.

Swimming is not recommended at this time of year, except for the most courageous or those equipped with wetsuits. However, the sea is still pleasant to contemplate and walks along the coast are always enjoyable.

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)

Crowds and other conditions

In December, the Côte d’Azur enters a quieter period, far from the hustle and bustle of summer, even if the Christmas vacations do attract a certain number of visitors. With temperatures remaining mild despite the onset of winter chill, this period offers a relaxed atmosphere ideal for discovering picturesque landscapes and charming villages.

Christmas markets and festive decorations add a special touch to your stay, allowing you to enjoy iconic sites without the summer crowds, while enjoying a friendly, festive atmosphere.

Note: Cassis and the surrounding area are a little busier.

View of the Antibes Ferris Wheel at sunset.

Although most establishments, restaurants and tourist sites remain open, some seasonal facilities, such as outdoor swimming pools, may be closed or have restricted access. This reduction in crowds also means more affordable prices, whether for accommodation or activities.

December events on the Côte d’Azur

Fête du Millésime in Bandol
Every first Sunday in December, the Fête du Millésime celebrates the arrival of the new vintage of AOC Bandol wines. This event brings together winemakers, wine lovers and the curious in a convivial atmosphere.
The Santon Fair – Côte d’Azur
Throughout the Côte d’Azur, the Santon Fair is a lively tradition, especially in Fréjus, Grimaud and other Provencal villages. Each year, it celebrates the art of local santonniers, who display their handcrafted figurines depicting scenes from the Provencal crib.
Christmas markets
In December, the entire coast lights up with Christmas markets, from Nice to Cannes and Saint-Tropez. Decorated chalets offer local crafts and gourmet specialities, creating a warm, festive atmosphere in the heart of the Côte d’Azur winter.
New Year’s Eve party
The Côte d’Azur offers festive evenings for New Year’s Eve, with dinners, concerts and fireworks in many towns. The atmosphere is joyful and lively as we celebrate the arrival of the new year.

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December prices

The Côte d’Azur is one of the most sought-after regions in France, and this influences prices. However, they vary according to the type of accommodation or activity sought, from camping to luxury hotels.

In December, with the low season, rates for accommodation, attractions and restaurants are often more affordable, offering an interesting opportunity for travelers. However, it is important to note that the festive season can lead to higher prices in certain tourist areas.