Fancy a trip to the Côte d’Azur in January?
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.
Going to the Côte d’Azur in January: quick answers
Is the weather good on the Côte d’Azur in January? Is this a good time to visit?
January is not the best time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is cool and often rainy. However, there are fewer tourists and prices are lower. If you’re not looking for summer weather, this can be a great time for quiet cultural visits, with plenty of sunshine for the season.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Travelling on the Côte d’Azur in January – summary of conditions
Temperatures
Average January temperatures on the Côte d’Azur are mild for the season. Daytime highs reach around 12°C (54°F), while night-time lows drop to around 6°C (43°F). Inland areas can be colder, especially at night.
Water temperatures
The average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur in January is around 13.5°C (55°F). It’s considered a cold place to swim, and few people venture out at this time of year. The sea retains some of its summer heat, but remains cool
Crowds and prizes
In January, the Côte d’Azur regains its calm after the hustle and bustle of the festive season. This is the low tourist season, which means that hotel and rental prices are generally lower. You’ll find fewer crowds at tourist attractions and restaurants, offering a more authentic experience of the region.
Opening conditions
Most hotels, restaurants and attractions remain open on the Côte d’Azur in January, 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 opening times, which may be reduced out of season.
Length of day
In January, daylight on the Côte d’Azur averages 9 hours. The days are short, but that still allows us to explore the region and enjoy the mild winter.
A LITTLE MORE patience
All the photos, maps, information, good addresses to make your stay in Provence a success, will soon be gathered in a single ebook!
If you wish to be informed of the publication of our guide on Provence, subscribe:
Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in January
In January, we loved it:
- Visit the MAMAC in Nice
- The unspoilt islands of the Côte d’Azur, jewels of the Mediterranean
- Take the mimosa route for its colors and fragrance
- Stroll through the legendary towns of Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Monaco
- The beautiful town of Antibe and its magnificent views,
- Architectural wealth with castles, villas and forts
- …
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 January – weather forecast
The weather on the Côte d’Azur in January is generally mild but variable. The days can be sunny and pleasant, but also cool and rainy. The mistral, a cold, dry wind from the north, often blows at this time of year, bringing clear skies but lower temperatures.
Precipitation is moderate, with occasional showers rather than prolonged downpours. Humidity can be high, especially near the coast. Mornings and evenings are cool, requiring warm clothing.
Despite this, the region still enjoys good sunshine in winter compared to other European regions. The weather can change rapidly, from sunny to rainy in a matter of hours. In short, the Côte d’Azur’s winter climate remains mild for the season, but unpredictable, alternating between sunny periods and cooler, wetter episodes.
January temperatures on the Côte d’Azur
In January, temperatures on the Côte d’Azur are relatively mild along the southern coasts, with cool but rarely icy days. They tend to be a little colder inland and around Nice.
Temperatures in Nice:
- Average daytime temperature: 13°C (55°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°F)
Temperatures in Cannes:
- Average daytime temperature: 12°C (54°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 6°C (43°F)
Temperatures in Saint-Tropez:
- Average daytime temperature: 12°C (54°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 5°C (41°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.
Rain and Wind
In January on the Côte d’Azur, rainfall is generally moderate. Rainfall is often short-lived, in the form of showers rather than long periods. More intense episodes of rain can be observed, but they are generally brief. Fully rainy days are rare.
- Rainfall in Nice: 60mm to 80mm
(over 7 days on average) - Rainfall in Cannes: 70mm to 90mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: 70mm to 90mm
(over 6 days on average) - Rainfall in Cassis: 50mm to 70mm
(over 5 days on average)
Snow is rare on the Côte d’Azur coast in January. However, it can occasionally occur in higher inland areas, particularly in the mountainous regions close to the Alpes Maritimes.
In January, wind is an important factor in the Côte d’Azur climate. The mistral, a cold, dry wind from the northwest, blows frequently. It may be strong and persistent, bringing clear skies but cooler temperatures. Gusts can reach 50-60 km/h. The wind contributes to the feeling of cold, especially near the coast. However, it also helps to clear the skies, offering beautiful sunny days between windy spells.
Sunshine
The sun rises around 8am and sets around 5:30pm.
Despite the winter season, the Côte d’Azur still enjoys plenty of sunshine in January. On average, there are 5 to 6 hours of sunshine a day. Days are shorter than in summer, but sunshine is greater than in many other European regions at this time of year.
Water temperature – swimming on the Côte d’Azur in January
The average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur in January is around 13°C to 14°C. It is relatively uniform along the coast, with slight local variations. This temperature is considered cold for swimming, and few people venture out at this time of year. The sea retains some of the summer heat, but remains too cool for most swimmers. Only the bravest or wetsuit-wearing water sports enthusiasts venture into the water. So it’s not a good time for recreational swimming.
- Water temperature in Nice: 13°C (55°F)
- Water temperature in Saint-Tropez: 14°C (57°F)
- Water temperature in Cassis: 14°C (57°F)
Crowds and other conditions
In January, the Côte d’Azur enters a calmer phase, far removed from the hustle and bustle of summer. The summer crowds are absent, offering a calmer, more authentic atmosphere. Beaches and tourist attractions are few and far between.
This tranquility allows you to enjoy the cultural sites and landscapes without being rushed. Accommodation prices are generally lower than in high season, with attractive offers on hotels and rentals. Restaurants and stores are less crowded, making for a more relaxed experience. It’s an ideal time of year for those who prefer to avoid the hustle and bustle of tourism and enjoy a more economical stay.
Although most establishments, restaurants and tourist sites remain open, some seasonal facilities, such as outdoor swimming pools, may be closed or have restricted access.
January events on the Côte d’Azur
- Monte Carlo Rally
This Formula 1 race attracts thousands of spectators every year, who fill the accommodation in the towns and villages of the region through which the course passes. - Feast of Saint Devote
This festival celebrates Monaco’s patron saint with processions, masses and a traditional bonfire. - International Circus Festival
Created in 1974 by Prince Rainier III of Monaco, the festival presents and rewards the world’s best circus acts every January in Monte-Carlo.
Subscribe to our Newsletter
- Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
- Once a month
- Advertising-free
January prices
The Côte d’Azur is one of France’s most popular tourist regions. This affects prices. There is a wide range of accommodation on offer, from youth hostels to 5-star luxury hotels. This makes it difficult to set a precise average budget.
However, as tourist numbers are lower in January, accommodation and transport prices are generally lower. You’ll be able to take advantage of lower rates for your stay in this renowned region, while enjoying the peace and quiet of the low season.
Other months
When to go to the Côte d’Azur, the other months…
- The Côte d’Azur in February
- The Côte d’Azur in March
- The Côte d’Azur in April
- The Côte d’Azur in May
- The Côte d’Azur in June
- The Côte d’Azur in July
- The Côte d’Azur in August
- The Côte d’Azur in September
- The Côte d’Azur in October
- The Côte d’Azur in November
- The Côte d’Azur in December
Or read our article on when to move to the Côte d’Azur (coming soon).