Côte d'Azur in winter: weather, sun (+ things to do)

The Côte d’Azur in winter: a good idea?
Absolutely! Here’s our guide to help you decide and plan your trip:

Côte d’Azur winter sun, temperature and weather,
Reasons to visit the Côte d’Azur between December and March,
Attractions on the Côte d’Azur in winter,
Christmas and New Year on the Côte d’Azur

visit cote Azur winter things to do christmas sun weather

This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.

Content masquer

Is the Côte d’Azur a winter destination? Short answers

8 reasons to visit the Côte d’Azur in winter

The Côte d’Azur in winter – sun, heat, weather

Visiting the Côte d’Azur during the winter months – Tips + attractions

Christmas on the Côte d’Azur

New Year on the Côte d’Azur

Is the Côte d’Azur a winter destination? Short answers

What can you expect when you visit the Côte d’Azur in winter?

The Côte d’Azur has a lot to offer all year round. This mythical region is known for its Mediterranean climate, which remains mild even in winter.
When it comes to winter, you can expect the following:

The days are gradually getting longer
From 9 a.m. in December to 12 p.m. in March (with 5 to 7 hours of sunshine a day)
It’s a mild Mediterranean climate, with alternating fine weather and occasional rainy spells.
Pleasant winter sunshine – Mild daytime temperatures between 12°C (54°F) and 16°C (61°F)
Sea temperature between 13°C (55°F) and 14°C (57°F)
Beautiful beaches, much less crowded than in summer
Magnificent landscapes with typical Mediterranean vegetation
Possibility of Mistral, a cold, dry wind from the north
The region is still bustling with local people
There’s always plenty to do – hiking, cultural visits, water sports for the brave…

So, is the Côte d’Azur a good winter destination?

Absolutely.
If you’re looking to escape the intense cold of winter while enjoying a culturally rich region, traveling to the Côte d’Azur at this time of year is an excellent idea.
However, note that this is not a tropical destination – temperatures are mild but not hot, and the sea is too cold for swimming for all but the bravest. Some hotels and restaurants close in winter. On the other hand, you’ll benefit from lower prices and less crowded tourist sites.

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:

8 reasons to visit the Côte d’Azur in winter

#1 – Climate

The Côte d’Azur offers a mild climate in winter, ideal for escaping the cold.
Temperatures are pleasant – around 13-15°C (55-59°F) during the day and 5-8°C (41-46°F) at night on the coast.
There are a few rainy days during the season, but the sun is generally out, with 5 to 7 hours of sunshine a day.

#2 – Fewer people

Winter is the low tourist season, with the exception of the festive season. The beaches are almost deserted, the towns have regained their authenticity and you can visit the tourist sites without the summer crowds.

#3 – Activities don’t stop

Most attractions remain open all year round. You can visit museums and historic monuments, go hiking in the hinterland or even enjoy water sports if you’re so inclined. Major cities such as Nice, Cannes and Monaco are maintaining a steady level of activity.

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

#4 – The Mimosa Road

From January to March, the Route du Mimosa is a symbol of the Côte d’Azur in winter. The 130 km route between Bormes-les-Mimosas and Grasse is lit up with yellow flowers.

#5 – Lower prices

Rates are generally lower in winter for accommodation and certain activities. It’s an opportunity to enjoy this prestigious region at more affordable prices. However, remember to book in advance for holiday periods and events.

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

#6 – Cultural events

Winter is rich in major cultural events such as the Nice Carnival (February-March), the Fête du Citron in Menton (February), the Festival International du Cirque de Monte-Carlo (January) and the corsos fleuris. It’s an ideal time to discover local traditions.

#7 – Hiking and nature

Mild temperatures are perfect for hiking inland or along the coast. The trails of the Calanques near Cassis or the Esterel massif offer spectacular panoramas without the sweltering summer heat.

#8 – Water sports

Although the water is cool, water sports are still possible for the more motivated. With the right wetsuit, you can surf, kayak or even dive. Conditions are often better than in summer for certain activities.

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:

The Côte d’Azur in winter – sun, heat, weather

Is it warm on the Côte d’Azur in winter?

The Côte d’Azur enjoys mild weather all year round.
The temperatures you can expect along the coast are..:

around 12-16°C (54-61°F) during the day
5-8°C (41-46°F) overnight

This makes it one of the mildest places in France in winter.
However, if you decide to explore the hinterland, bring warmer clothes, as temperatures drop with altitude.

Winter sun on the Côte d’Azur – how much sun can you expect?

With the climate, nothing is guaranteed.
But the region enjoys generous sunshine even in winter.

In winter, you have:

about 9 to 12 hours of daylight (depending on the month)
an average of 5 to 7 hours of sunshine a day

The Mistral, although cold, has the advantage of clearing the sky and offering exceptional luminosity.

Can you sunbathe on the Côte d’Azur in winter?

Yes, it’s possible to enjoy the sun on the Côte d’Azur in winter.
Daytime temperatures are mild, between 12°C and 16°C (54-61°F).
When the sun is out and you’re sheltered from the wind, it’s pleasant enough to sit out on the terrace or beach.

Is it snowing on the Côte d’Azur?

Snow is very rare on the Côte d’Azur coast. It may occasionally fall in the hinterland, particularly in the mountainous areas near the Alpes Maritimes, but generally doesn’t last long on the coast. Temperatures remain mild on the coast, typical of the Mediterranean climate.
Every 15 years, we get snow in the old coastal areas for 2 or 3 days. But no more.
However, from some seaside vantage points, you can see the mountains of the Alps with snow!

Subscribe to our Newsletter

Get away from it all with Region Lovers’ beautiful destinations!
Once a month
Advertising-free

Visiting the Côte d’Azur during the winter months – Tips + attractions

Best moment

In winter, you can start your day later as there are fewer people around. Avoid the holiday season, however, if you want to take advantage of low prices and peace and quiet. March is particularly pleasant, with milder temperatures and mimosa blossoming.
See our articles:

Getting around the Côte d’Azur in winter

The car remains the most practical way to explore the region, especially for access to the hinterland. Public transport operates all year round, with bus and train services linking the main towns. The Merveilles train, which runs between Nice and Tende, offers spectacular views of the hinterland.

Winter attractions

In December, we loved it:

Discover the mythical cities of Saint-Tropez, Cannes or Monaco
Explore the beautiful villages of the Riviera
Stroll along the most beautiful, much quieter beaches
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Antibes
Visit Monaco’s Princely Palace
Stroll around the calm and peaceful island of Porquerolles
The magic of the festive season with fairs, markets and events
…

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

How long can I stay?

To explore the whole region, allow at least a week.
This will allow you to discover the main coastal towns, make a few excursions into the hinterland and enjoy cultural events.
A shorter stay of 4-5 days may be sufficient if you wish to concentrate on a specific area.

See our Côte d’Azur itineraries:

Where to stay in winter

Big cities like Nice, Cannes and Monaco are ideal in winter, as they are always busy. Nice is particularly recommended, with its many museums and lively old town. Smaller resorts can be very quiet at this time of year.

See all our tips on cities and hotels to stay in:

But beware: many hotels close between December and March! (For example, the hotel below in Beaulieu-sur-mer, unfortunately closes in winter).

Christmas on the Côte d’Azur

What’s Christmas like on the Côte d’Azur?

The Côte d’Azur is decked out for December. Towns come alive with traditional Christmas markets. Nice and Monaco are particularly festive, with Christmas villages, open-air skating rinks and spectacular illuminations.

What are the official vacation dates around Christmas?

On the Côte d’Azur, you can enjoy..:

December – Christmas markets
December 24 – Christmas Eve
December 25 – Christmas
December 31 – New Year’s Eve
January 1 – New Year’s Day

New Year on the Côte d’Azur

New Year’s Eve on the Côte d’Azur

New Year’s Eve is celebrated in style on the Côte d’Azur. Nice and Monaco offer spectacular fireworks displays. Restaurants and hotels organize gala evenings. The Promenade des Anglais in Nice and the port of Monaco are particularly lively for the occasion.