Fancy a trip to the Côte d’Azur in September?
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 September: quick answers
Is the weather fine on the Côte d’Azur in September? Is this a good time to visit?
September is an excellent time to visit the Côte d’Azur. The weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine. The sea is still warm and the summer crowds have subsided, offering a more relaxed atmosphere.
WHERE TO STAY ON THE Côte d’Azur
Our independent picks for the accommodation of your dreams:
Travelling on the Côte d’Azur in September – summary of conditions
Temperatures
In September on the Côte d’Azur, temperatures are very pleasant. Maximum temperatures reach around 24°C (75°F) during the day, while minimums at night drop to around 17°C (63°F). It’s an ideal time of year, neither too hot nor too cool.
Water temperatures
The average September sea temperature on the Côte d’Azur is around 22°C (72°F). The water is still pleasantly warm after the summer, allowing you to enjoy swimming and water sports to the full. It’s an ideal time of year for bathing enthusiasts.
Crowds and prizes
In September, the Côte d’Azur saw a drop in visitor numbers compared to July-August, but remained lively. Prices start to fall, especially after the first week. It’s a good compromise between summer ambience and tranquility, with more affordable rates.
Opening conditions
Most establishments, restaurants and hotels remain open in September on the Côte d’Azur. However, some seasonal venues may start to reduce their hours or close towards the end of the month. We recommend checking in advance for specific locations.
Length of day
Daylight hours in September on the Côte d’Azur average 11.5 hours. This gives you plenty of time to explore the region, enjoy the beautiful scenery and discover the charming coastal towns.
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Best attractions on the Côte d’Azur in September
In September, we loved it:
- Stroll through the narrow streets of the region’s most beautiful villages.
- Visit the island of Sainte-Marguerite while in Cannes
- Discover the beauty of the calanques by boat,
- Explore Menton’s old town and its colorful facades,
- Enjoy its magnificent beaches,
- 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 September – weather forecast
The weather on the Côte d’Azur in September is generally very pleasant. The days are still warm and sunny, reminiscent of summer, but without the sweltering heat of July and August. Evenings become cooler, offering a welcome respite. The sky is often clear, with a beautiful azure blue characteristic of the region.
September temperatures on the Côte d’Azur
In September, temperatures on the Côte d’Azur vary slightly from town to town, but are generally mild and pleasant.
Temperatures in Nice:
- Average daytime temperature: 24°C (75°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 18°C (64°F)
Temperatures in Cannes:
- Average daytime temperature: 25°C (77°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 17°C (63°F)
Temperatures in Saint-Tropez:
- Average daytime temperature: 26°C (79°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 16°C (61°F)
Temperatures in Cassis:
- Average daytime temperature: 25°C (77°F)
- Average night-time temperature: 15°C (59°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 September on the Côte d’Azur, rainfall is generally light and infrequent. When it does rain, it’s often short showers, typically in the late afternoon or evening. These showers are rarely persistent and soon give way to a return of sunshine. Occasional thunderstorms may occur, especially at the end of the month, but they are generally brief and localized.
- Rainfall in Nice: 50 to 70 mm
(over 5 days on average) - Rainfall in Cannes: 50 to 70 mm
(over 4 days on average) - Rainfall in Saint-Tropez: 40 to 60 mm
(over 4 days on average) - Rainfall in Cassis: 20 to 30 mm
(over 3 days on average)
Light sea breezes are common, offering pleasant cooling on hot days. On the whole, the atmosphere is often calm, allowing you to take full advantage of outdoor activities.
Sunshine
In September, the sun rises around 7.15am and sets around 7.30pm.
In September, the Côte d’Azur enjoys generous sunshine. On average, there are 8 to 9 hours of sunshine a day. The skies are often clear, offering magnificent sunny days. Even though the days are shorter than in summer, there’s still plenty of light. This abundance of sunshine contributes to the region’s appeal at this time of year, ideal for outdoor activities and walks along the coast.
Water temperature – swimming on the Côte d’Azur in September
In September on the Côte d’Azur, the average sea temperature is around 22°C (72°F). It varies slightly from place to place, being generally warmer in the east (towards Menton) than in the west (towards Cassis).
This is an excellent time for swimming, as the water is still pleasantly warm after the summer. Most people find this temperature comfortable for swimming and water sports. Even if it’s starting to drop compared with August, it’s still very pleasant for enjoying the sea to the full.
- Water temperature in Nice: 22°C (72°F)
- Water temperature in Saint-Tropez: 22°C (72°F)
- Water temperature at Cassis: 21°C (70°F)
Crowds and other conditions
In September, the Côte d’Azur is less crowded than in summer, offering a more relaxed atmosphere. The beaches are less crowded, so you can enjoy the coastline to the full.
Most tourist attractions remain open, sometimes with slightly reduced opening hours. It’s an ideal time to explore the region, with favorable weather conditions for hiking in the hinterland. Roads are less congested, making it easier to get around.
September events on the Côte d’Azur
- Les Voiles de Saint-Tropez
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. - The Royal Regattas of Nice
Since 1929, the event has attracted exceptional yachts and renowned skippers to race in the Bay of Cannes, offering a spectacle combining tradition, elegance and top-level competition. - Monaco Yacht Show
The world’s largest luxury yacht show, where the finest vessels are displayed in the port of Monaco. A showcase for excellence and luxury in the yachting industry. - Bol d’Or
The legendary 24-hour race, held every year on the Circuit Paul Ricard, is a must for motorcycle enthusiasts. - Cannes Yachting Festival
Spread between the Vieux Port and the Port Canto, this major event presents new products and world premieres in a glamorous setting on the magnificent bay of Cannes.
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September prices
As everywhere, prices vary depending on what you are looking for. Accommodation ranges from youth hostels to luxury hotels. This makes it difficult to give a precise budget.
However, in September, although tourist numbers are still high, especially at the beginning of the month, prices are starting to fall compared with the high summer season. More attractive offers can be found, especially after the first week of the month. It’s a good compromise between a still-summer atmosphere and more affordable rates.
Other months
When to go to the Côte d’Azur, the other months…
- The Côte d’Azur in January
- 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 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).