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

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

Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in October

Côte d’Azur climate in October – weather forecast

Côte d’Azur temperatures in October

Rain and Wind

Sunshine

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

Crowds and other conditions

October events on the Côte d’Azur

October prices

Other months

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

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

October is an excellent time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. It’s the ideal off-season, less crowded and more affordable than summer, while enjoying mild weather.

View of the village of Sainte-Agnès and the mountains

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 October – summary of conditions

Temperatures
In October on the Côte d’Azur, average daytime temperatures are generally around 20°C (68°F). At night, temperatures can drop as low as 10°C (50°F), making for cool but pleasant nights. Temperature variations between day and night are typical of this period.

Water temperatures
The average sea temperature in October on the Côte d’Azur is around 20°C (68°F). Although it has dropped since the summer, it is still quite pleasant for swimming, especially at the beginning of the month. Some people find the water still comfortable, while others find it a little chilly.

Crowds and prizes
The Côte d’Azur is much less crowded than in summer. The summer crowds have disappeared, making for a more enjoyable visit. Prices of accommodation and tourist activities can start to fall, offering better value for money. It’s an ideal time to enjoy the region at lower cost.

Opening conditions
In town, all attractions such as museums, restaurants and hotels are open in January. But in more rural areas, some establishments may close for the winter period.

Length of day
In October, daylight averages 11 hours. It should also be noted that the changeover to winter time generally takes place on the last Sunday in October, causing an abrupt change in sunrise and sunset times on that date.

Despite this reduction, the days are still relatively long in October, providing plenty of light for outdoor activities, especially in the first part of the day.

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Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in October

In October, we loved it:

Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Antibes
Visit Monaco’s Princely Palace
The unspoilt islands of the Côte d’Azur, jewels of the Mediterranean
Driving on the Route des Crêtes between La Ciotat and Cassis
Stroll along the magnificent deserted beaches,
Discover the architectural wealth of 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 October – weather forecast

The weather on the Côte d’Azur in October is generally mild and pleasant. Days are often sunny, with blue skies typical of the region.

However, the weather can be more variable than in summer. We may experience periods of stable fine weather, but also more cloudy or rainy episodes. Temperatures remain mild overall, offering pleasant comfort for outdoor activities. Evenings are starting to cool down, sometimes requiring a light sweater.

The mistral, a northerly wind, can blow at times, bringing coolness and clear skies. Humidity is generally moderate. It’s a time when you can still enjoy the terraces and beaches, while enjoying the first autumn colors in the hinterland. The weather is ideal for hiking and cultural visits, offering a good balance between warmth and coolness.

Côte d’Azur temperatures in October

Temperatures vary slightly from city to city, but generally remain comfortable throughout the month. Here are the average temperatures for four emblematic towns in the region.

Temperatures in Nice:

Average daytime temperature: 21°C (70°F)
Average night-time temperature: 14°C (57°F)

Temperatures in Cannes:

Average daytime temperature: 21°C (70°F)
Average night-time temperature: 13°C (55°F)

Temperatures in Saint-Tropez:

Average daytime temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Average night-time temperature: 12°C (54°F)

Temperatures in Cassis:

Average daytime temperature: 20°C (68°F)
Average night-time temperature: 11°C (52°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 October on the Côte d’Azur, rainfall is generally moderate. Rainfall can be of two types: short, intense showers, typical of the Mediterranean climate, or longer periods of light rain. Rainy spells are often interspersed with sunny spells. There may also be a few thunderstorms.

Rainfall in Nice: 90 and 110 mm
(over 7 days on average)
Rainfall in Cannes: 90 and 110 mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: 80 and 100 mm
(over 6 days on average)
Rainfall in Cassis: 70 and 80 mm
(over 5 days on average)

There is generally no snow on the Côte d’Azur in October. Snow is extremely rare at this time of year, even in mountainous areas close to the coast. Temperatures remain well above freezing.

View of Nice from the Tour Saint-François

Wind conditions on the Côte d’Azur in October are variable. The Mistral, a cool, dry northerly wind, can blow intermittently, bringing clear, cool weather. There may also be periods of milder, wetter sea breezes. Winds are generally moderate, with occasional stronger gusts, especially when the weather changes.

Sunshine

The sun rises around 7.45am and sets around 7pm.

In October, the Côte d’Azur still enjoys plenty of sunshine. On average, there are 6 to 7 hours of sunshine per day. Although the days are getting shorter, the skies often remain clear, offering beautiful sunny spells. It’s a time of year appreciated for its luminosity and autumnal colors.

The days are bright enough to make the most of outdoor activities and sightseeing. Mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine mean that beach walks, hikes and visits to towns and villages can all be enjoyed in comfort.

Earlier sunsets can offer great opportunities for photos or dinners overlooking the sea. However, it is advisable to plan outdoor activities for the daytime, and to pack warmer clothes for cooler evenings.

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

The average sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur in October is around 20°C. It varies slightly from place to place, being generally a little higher in the east (towards Nice and Menton) than in the west (towards Cassis).

Although cooler than in summer, the water is still pleasant for swimming, especially at the beginning of the month. Some still find it comfortable, others a little cool. It’s a good time of year for wetsuit water sports. Swimming remains possible for the bravest until the end of the month.

Water temperature in Nice: 20°C (68°F)
Water temperature in Saint-Tropez: 20°C (68°F)
Water temperature in Cassis: 19°C (20°F)

Calanque de Figuerolles - view from above

Crowds and other conditions

In October, the Côte d’Azur saw a significant drop in tourist numbers compared to the summer. Beaches, attractions and villages are much less crowded, offering a more authentic and relaxing experience. It’s an ideal time to explore the region without the summer crowds.

Autumn also brings a special beauty to the landscape, with its autumnal colors in the hinterland. The vineyards are particularly picturesque at this time of year, with the vines taking on golden and reddish hues. In gardens and parks, you can admire the late flowering of certain Mediterranean species such as asters and sage. It’s also the time when olive trees start to bear fruit, adding a distinctive touch to the Provencal landscape.

Most tourist establishments remain open, but with a few changes compared with the high summer season. Restaurants, cafés, museums and main attractions generally operate normally. However, some seasonal establishments, including private beaches, beach clubs and certain water sports activities, may begin to reduce their hours or close towards the end of the month.

This is a time when many tourist sites adopt their autumn opening hours, which may mean closing a little earlier in the day. It is therefore advisable to check in advance the timetables of the specific places you wish to visit.

October events on the Côte d’Azur

Le Roc d’Azur in Fréjus
The Roc d’Azur, the world’s biggest mountain bike event, attracts thousands of cycling enthusiasts every year for a week of competition and entertainment in the magnificent Fréjus countryside.
Les voiles de Saint-Tropez (late September/early October)
From late September to early October, this iconic event brings together the finest classic and modern yachts for dazzling regattas in a friendly, festive atmosphere.
International Air Festival
Every autumn, the skies over Fréjus are filled with color as we host the Festival International de l’Air, a spectacular event dedicated to kites. Artists and enthusiasts from all over the world come together for demonstrations, workshops and synchronized flights, offering a breathtaking spectacle for young and old alike.
Chestnut Festival in Collobrières (last 3 Sundays in October)
The Fête de la Châtaigne in Collobrières honors this emblematic local fruit with tastings, events and craft markets, celebrating the richness of autumn.
Honey Festival in Les Arcs-sur-Argens
This annual event celebrates the expertise of local beekeepers in the charming village of Les Arcs-sur-Argens. The Fête du Miel offers tastings of artisanal honey, workshops on beekeeping, and entertainment for young and old. A convivial event that celebrates the terroir of Provence and biodiversity.
Le Mondial de la Moule in Le Pradet
Since its creation in 2018, this gastronomic event has brought together professionals and amateurs around this tasty shellfish with tastings, culinary competitions and festive entertainment.

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October prices

In October on the Côte d’Azur, prices are generally more affordable than in the high summer season. As everywhere else, rates vary considerably depending on the type of accommodation and its location. There’s a wide range of options, from youth hostels to luxury hotels. Holiday rentals and apartments are also more affordable than in summer.

It’s important to note that popular events such as Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez can drive up prices locally, reducing choice. On the whole, however, October offers good value for money to enjoy the region without the prohibitive rates of the high season.