Nice is the epitomic resort town in every way: cultural, sophisticated, interesting, yet calm and unhurried. It’s no surprise that it attracts so many tourists! Many want to experience the carefree life surrounded by the beauty of the French Riviera. In this article, we will decide on the best dates to book a hotel in Nice.
Take a tour of Nice with our audio guideWeather in Nice. Opening of the beach season
Of course, most visitors come to the city for the sun and sea. The beach season in Nice begins in May, when the air temperature rises to 20°C and above, and it is already comfortable to sunbathe. However, the sea is still cool, so only hardy people can swim. Rain is quite common in May, so be sure to bring an umbrella with you.
June in Nice is hotter. During the day, the temperature rises to 23°C and above, and even in the evening it does not drop below 17°C. The water warms up to 22°C, the swimming season begins, and it is time for active recreation at the sea.
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July and August are the hottest months in Nice. Daytime temperatures reach 27-30°C, and evening temperatures are around 20°C. During this period, you will definitely need sunglasses, a hat and sunscreen. Precipitation is minimal: on average, there are 4 rainy days per month.
September marks the end of the summer season in Nice. The air becomes fresher, and there are fewer people on the beaches. It is still quite warm during the day – 22°C. So if you want to catch the last bit of summer and a seaside holiday, September is the time to do it. But keep in mind that the weather can be rainy. Bring appropriate clothing and have a backup plan in case your plans are interrupted by a downpour.
Holidays and festivals
The summer season in Nice is not only a time for beach holidays, but also a time for vibrant cultural life. Most of the city’s holidays in Nice take place during the summer.
Throughout May, the city celebrates the Spring Festival (La Fete de Mai): every Sunday of the month, festive events are held in the gardens of Cimiez. This is one of Nice’s oldest festivals, accompanied by dancing, musical performances, picnics and games.
Nice and the whole of Provence host the popular Museum Night. Closing times are extended, and visitors can enter museums free of charge at night. The holiday is usually held on the Saturday closest to 17 May, International Museum Day.
From 30 May to 1 June, Nice will host the annual Book Festival (Festival du Livre). The event is organised in the gardens of Albert I. The festival is attended by 200 writers who hold literary discussions and debates. The main goal of the festival is to promote the French language and culture.
National Day, better known as Bastille Day, is celebrated throughout the country on 14 July, including in Nice. However, in Nice, this holiday is overshadowed by the 2016 terrorist attack, so the celebrations are rather modest, and the fireworks will take place on the evening of 13 July. The parade along the Promenade des Anglais will take place on 14 July at 4:30 p.m., and at 9:00 p.m. a concert will begin in the Albert I Garden.
For more than half a century, every July, Nice has hosted a jazz festival that attracts musicians from all over the world. Today, the main focus of the event is on promoting contemporary jazz music. This year, the Nice Jazz Festival will take place from 24 to 27 July.
» READ MORE – Nice Sights: Top 20, Video, and Map
Prices in 2025
In 2025, the price of public transport in Nice will be €1.70. However, paper tickets are no longer sold, only plastic cards. To save a little money, you can purchase 10 trips at once, which will cost €17. Keep in mind that you cannot purchase a ticket on the bus; cards are only sold at vending machines and special Lignes d’Azur kiosks.
A day pass costs €7, and a weekly pass costs €20. Simple tickets and any passes are valid on trams from the airport, which is very convenient and inexpensive. A taxi from the airport to the centre of Nice will cost €32 (you can book a car at this link).
Admission to all municipal museums – there are 14 of them in Nice – costs €10. Children under 18 and students are entitled to free admission. If you are planning a busy cultural programme, purchase special museum tickets: a day ticket for €10 or a weekly ticket for €20.
If you plan to eat mainly in cafes and restaurants, the average bill per person will be: breakfast – €9-28, lunch – €14-37, dinner – €28-65. Coffee costs around €7, and fast food around €14.
One of the most expensive items in Nice is accommodation, especially in the summer. During the high season, a hostel will cost €40 per night, a budget hotel from €80, and a mid-range hotel from €100. See the best hotel deals at this link.
Choose a hotel on Place MassenaIf you need to get from Nice to Cannes or Antibes, take bus No. 620. To travel to Monaco or Menton, take bus No. 600, which departs every 15-20 minutes. The cost of a trip on routes No. 620 and No. 600 is only €2.50. If you are travelling with a large group or family, it is more convenient to use the services of guides to travel between the cities of the French Riviera. See here for transfer offers from professionals.
Have a great stay in Nice!
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