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

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

Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in February

Côte d’Azur climate in February – weather forecast

February temperatures on the Côte d’Azur

Rain and Wind

Sunshine

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

Crowds and other conditions

February events on the Côte d’Azur

February prices

Other months

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

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

February is not the best time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is generally cool and variable, with moderate temperatures during the day but cool at night. However, there are fewer tourists and prices are lower, which can be an advantage for some travelers.

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 February – summary of conditions

Temperatures
In February on the Côte d’Azur, days are generally mild, around 13°C (55°F), while nights are cooler, 5°C (41°F). It may be a little colder at the beginning of the month, but overall, the climate remains pleasant for outdoor activities.

Water temperatures
The average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur is around 13°C. This is the coldest time of the year for seawater in this region. Swimming is not recommended at this time of year, as the water is considered very cold for most people.

Crowds and prizes
In February, the Côte d’Azur is relatively quiet in terms of tourist numbers. This is the low season, so prices for accommodation and activities are generally lower than in summer. You’ll find fewer crowds at tourist attractions and the beaches are almost deserted.

Opening conditions
Most hotels, restaurants and attractions remain open on the Côte d’Azur, although some seasonal establishments may be closed. Major cities such as Nice and Cannes maintain a constant level of activity all year round. However, it is advisable to check in advance for specific locations.

Length of day
In February, daylight on the Côte d’Azur averages 10 hours. The days are getting longer, giving us a little more time to explore the region and enjoy the mild winter temperatures.

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Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in February

In February, we loved it:

Visit Monaco’s Princely Palace
Discover the island of Saint-Honorat, a hidden Mediterranean treasure
Take the mimosa route for its colors and fragrance,
Visit the legendary towns of Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Nice
Stroll along the magnificent deserted beaches,
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 February – weather forecast

In February, the weather on the Côte d’Azur is typically wintry, but relatively mild compared to other regions of France. Days are generally cool, but can be pleasant when the sun shines.

The sky is often changeable, alternating between sunny and cloudy periods. Precipitation is moderate, with occasional showers that can be more frequent than in summer. The mistral, a cold, dry wind from the north, can blow intermittently, making the air cooler. Nights are cool, even cold.

Despite this, the region still enjoys a milder climate than the rest of France at this time of year. The days get progressively longer during the month, offering more hours of daylight. To sum up, the weather on the Côte d’Azur in February is variable and cool, but can offer some fine sunny days for walking and exploring the region, provided you’re well covered.

February temperatures on the Côte d’Azur

In February, temperatures are relatively mild along the southern coasts. They are colder inland.

Temperatures in Nice:

Average daytime temperature: 13°C (55°F)
Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°F)

Temperatures in Cannes:

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

Temperatures in Saint-Tropez:

Average daytime temperature: 14°C (57°F)
Average night-time temperature: 7°C (45°F)

Temperatures in Cassis:

Average daytime temperature: 12°C (54°F)
Average night-time temperature: 4°C (39°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 February on the Côte d’Azur, rainfall is generally moderate. Rainfall is often short-lived but can be intense. Occasional showers can be expected, sometimes accompanied by wind. Thunderstorms are rare but possible. Periods of rain alternate with sunny spells, creating variable weather typical of the season.

Rainfall in Nice: between 50 and 70mm
(over 7 days on average)
Rainfall in Cannes: between 60 and 80mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: between 60 and 80mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Cassis: 50 and 70mm
(over 5 days on average)

Snow is very rare on the Côte d’Azur in February, especially in coastal areas. However, there may be occasional snowfalls in mountainous hinterland areas, such as the Alpes-Maritimes. In coastal towns like Nice, Cannes or Saint-Tropez, snow is a rare event.

In February, wind conditions on the Côte d’Azur are variable. The mistral, a cold, dry wind from the northwest, can blow intermittently, especially in the western part of the region. This wind can be strong and make the air cooler, but it usually brings clear skies. We can also encounter milder marine winds from the Mediterranean. Wind strength is generally moderate, but can sometimes be more intense, especially when the weather changes.

Sunshine

The sun rises around 7:30am and sets around 6pm.

In February, the Côte d’Azur enjoys an average of 6 hours of sunshine a day. Although this is less than in summer, it is relatively high for this time of year in Europe. Sunny days alternate with cloudy periods. The region is known for its blue skies, even in winter, and it’s not unusual to have several consecutive days of fine weather. However, the weather can be variable, with periods of heavier cloud cover.

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

In February, the average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur is around 13°C. This temperature is relatively uniform along the coast, with slight variations possible from place to place. The water is considered very cold for swimming at this time of year. Only the most experienced swimmers or those equipped with wetsuits venture into the water. This is not generally considered a good time for swimming, but rather for enjoying the coastal scenery and land-based activities.

Water temperature in Nice: 13°C (55°F)
Water temperature in Saint-Tropez: 13°C (55°F)
Water temperature in Cassis: 13°C (55°F)

Crowds and other conditions

February is the Côte d’Azur’s low tourist season. Crowds are considerably smaller than in summer, offering a quieter, more authentic experience. The beaches are almost deserted, and tourist attractions are less crowded.

This period is ideal for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of summer. Prices are generally lower, with significant discounts on accommodation and certain activities. This is an excellent time to enjoy the region at lower cost and with greater peace of mind.

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

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.

February events on the Côte d’Azur

Lemon Festival in Menton
Giant sculptures, made entirely of lemons and oranges, adorn the streets and gardens, creating ephemeral works of art around a different theme each year. In addition to illuminated night parades and brass bands, the Lemon Festival showcases local know-how and celebrates the region’s citrus growers.
Corso fleuri de Bormes les Mimosas
The corso fleuri marks the mimosa season with a magnificent parade of floats entirely covered in flowers. This not-to-be-missed event offers an explosion of color and fragrance, as the streets of Bormes are transformed into a spectacular floral scene.
Nice Carnival
This is the major event, generally taking place from mid-February to early March. The Nice Carnival is one of the world’s biggest and oldest carnivals, transforming the city into a giant party with parades of beautifully decorated floats, costumed troops and its famous flower battles. Every year, the carnival adopts a new theme, attracting thousands of visitors from all over the world.
Truffe en Fête in Grimaud
Every year, Grimaud celebrates Provence’s black gold with “Truffe en Fête”. This event highlights truffles, with tastings, truffle-hunting demonstrations and a market selling local produce. Visitors can discover the secrets of this exceptional mushroom while enjoying the village’s friendly atmosphere.
Cannes International Games Festival
Usually held at the end of February, the International Games Festival is a major event that brings together board game enthusiasts from all over the world. Cannes then becomes the place to discover new games, take part in tournaments and meet publishers, creators and gamers.

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February 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 February, with the low season, rates for accommodation, attractions and restaurants are often more affordable, offering an interesting opportunity for travelers.