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

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

Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in March

Côte d’Azur climate in March – weather forecast

Côte d’Azur temperatures in March

Rain and Wind

Sunshine

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

Crowds and other conditions

March events on the Côte d’Azur

March prices

Other months

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

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

March is a great time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is relatively mild, with sunny days and rising temperatures. It’s a great time to explore the region before the summer tourist rush, enjoying a pleasant climate and flourishing landscapes..

village of Sainte-Agnès with the mountains in the background

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 March – summary of conditions

Temperatures
In March on the Côte d’Azur, average temperatures are mild. Daytime highs reach around 14°C (57°F), while nighttime lows drop to around 7°C (45°F). The air gradually warms throughout the month, heralding the arrival of spring.

Water temperatures
In March on the Côte d’Azur, the average sea temperature is around 13°C (55°F). The water is still cool at this time of year, reflecting recent winter temperatures. The sea is slowly starting to warm up, but is still generally too cold for swimming for most people.

Crowds and prizes
In March, the Côte d’Azur enjoys a relatively quiet period in terms of tourist numbers. The summer crowds have not yet arrived, which means more affordable prices for accommodation and activities. This is an excellent time to enjoy the region in a more leisurely and economical way.

Opening conditions

In March on the Côte d’Azur, most establishments, restaurants and hotels are open. Although it’s not yet peak tourist season, the region is getting ready for spring. However, some small restaurants and hotels may have reduced opening hours or close during the low season. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of services, with the added benefit of a more relaxed atmosphere than in summer.

Length of day
The average day length in March on the Côte d’Azur is 12 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore the region and enjoy the beautiful scenery, beaches and local attractions.

A LITTLE MORE patience

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Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in March

In March, we loved it:

Stroll the narrow streets of Menton’s old town,
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
Take advantage of its magnificent beaches, which are still quiet,
Visit Monaco’s Princely Palace
…

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 March – weather forecast

In March, the weather on the Côte d’Azur is generally mild and pleasant, marking the start of spring. Days are getting longer and sunnier, with temperatures gradually rising throughout the month. The skies are often clear, offering beautiful sunny days, although cloudy periods and a few showers are also possible.

The climate is relatively stable, but can be subject to a few variations. The mistral, a strong, dry wind from the north, can sometimes blow, bringing fresh air and clearing the skies. However, it’s not as frequent as in winter.

Plage de la Garoupe - view of the mountains

The atmosphere is generally pleasant, neither too hot nor too cold, ideal for outdoor activities and walks. Evenings can be cool, requiring a sweater or light jacket. Vegetation is starting to blossom, with the first signs of spring visible in gardens and parks. It’s a time when nature reawakens, offering lush, colorful landscapes.

Côte d’Azur temperatures in March

In March, temperatures on the Côte d’Azur are generally mild and pleasant, marking the start of spring. Here are the average temperatures for the main cities:

Temperatures in Nice

Average daytime temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average night-time temperature: 9°C (48°F)

Temperatures in Cannes

Average daytime temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Average night-time temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Temperatures in Saint-Tropez

Average daytime temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average night-time temperature: 8°C (46°F)

Temperatures in Cassis

Average daytime temperature: 15°C (59°F)
Average night-time temperature: 7°C (45°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 March on the Côte d’Azur, rainfall is generally moderate. Rainfall is often short-lived and light. There may be occasional showers, sometimes accompanied by sunny spells. Intense rainfall is less frequent, but can occur occasionally.

Rainfall in Nice: 50 to 70 mm
(over 7 days on average)
Rainfall in Cannes: 45 to 65 mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: 40 to 60 mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Cassis: 35 to 55 mm
(over 5 days on average)

Wind conditions are variable, and the mistral, a strong, dry wind from the north, can blow intermittently, bringing fresh air and clearing the sky. These episodes are generally less frequent and less intense than in winter. Light sea breezes are also common, especially in the afternoon, helping to temper the warmer days.

Sunshine

In March, the sun rises around 6.45am and sets around 6.30pm.

The Côte d’Azur enjoys generous sunshine. With the switch to summer time, which takes place on the last Sunday in March, the days get even longer. This gives you plenty of time to explore the region and enjoy its beautiful beaches and scenery.

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

In March on the Côte d’Azur, the average sea temperature is around 13°C (55°F). This temperature is relatively uniform along the coast, with slight local variations. The water is still considered cold for swimming by most people. Only the most hardened swimmers or those equipped with wetsuits usually venture into the water at this time. The sea is slowly beginning to warm up, but it will be a while before it becomes really pleasant for swimming.

Water temperature in Nice: 13°C (55°F)
Water temperature in Saint-Tropez: 13.5°C (56°F)
Water temperature in Cassis: 13.5°C (56°F)

Crowds and other conditions

In March, the Côte d’Azur enjoys very reasonable tourist numbers. The absence of summer crowds creates a more serene, authentic atmosphere. It’s the ideal time to discover the region without the inconvenience of high season. Spring awakens, decking the landscape with mimosas and almond trees in bloom.

Although some tourist sites may have slightly shorter opening hours than in summer, most are still accessible.

March 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.
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.
Corsos Fleuris
Many towns on the Côte d’Azur, like Le Lavandou, organize flower corsos to celebrate the arrival of spring. These parades, in which floats beautifully decorated with fresh flowers parade through the streets, are a festive tradition in the region.
The Beer Festival in Le Pradet
The town of Le Pradet is decked out in green and orange for a festive Irish atmosphere. Local brewers and artisans come to present their craft beers in a convivial setting in the heart of the city.
Paris-Nice
Often dubbed “the Race to the Sun”, this is a must-attend event in March for cycling enthusiasts, offering a spectacular route between the French capital and the Côte d’Azur.

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March prices

In March on the Côte d’Azur, prices are generally more affordable than in the high summer season. This is considered a mid-season period, offering a good balance between quality and price. Prices for accommodation, restaurants and tourist activities are often more attractive than in summer.

We can find some interesting offers, especially for mid-week stays. However, prices may rise slightly during school vacations or special events. It is advisable to book in advance to benefit from the best offers.