Fashionable but relaxed and fun, Nice is the unquestioned queen of the French Riviera. And that's not just my opinion as a resident! I love the city. I've been living in Nice for years and in the following pages of my Nice travel guide I'll share my local knowledge so that you get the most out of your holiday in Nice. From inspiration for your trip to invaluable practical information, you'll find it all here. So dive in!
There's no "wrong" season to visit but for getting the most out of Nice, I recommend May, June, September and October. In those months you'll find the weather is warm enough to enjoy Riviera life without sweltering in the summer heat. Avoid the 1 May holiday as everything shuts down for Labor Day including ALL public transport. There are some great local festivals in May though that showcase Nice's local culture.
By June the sea is usually warm enough for swimming (20°), at least for me. It depends on your tolerance. As the heat builds throughout the summer, water is at its warmest late August through early October. It's a great time to enjoy Nice's beaches or to explore the region on a boat trip.
July is a fun month to visit Nice as the season of music festivals, including the Nice Jazz Festival, is in full swing. There are free and paying concerts throughout the region the entire month and into August. The downside is that the Cote d'Azur is at peak capacity until mid-August. Buses and trains to nearby attractions are jammed, making day trips less pleasant.
By November the weather becomes unpredictable. It's wise to keep your agenda flexible enough to include some indoor activities such as visiting one of Nice's museums or exploring art on the Riviera.
December is fun as the town gears up for its Christmas market and holiday activities along with the rest of the region. Winter on the French Riviera offers a lot of opportunities to enjoy local festivities.
The highlight of February is the Nice Carnival, a colorful spectacle with music, dancing, parades and floats. The weather can turn unpredictable again in March and April but the days are getting longer. Any activity other than the beach such as cycling or visiting a hilltop village is enjoyable.
For most of the year, Nice is relatively safe. Violent crime is rare. But the crime rate spikes sharply in July and August. Tourists come to town and so do practised pickpockets. Be aware that the thieves are often young girls, one trained to distract the unwary while the other goes for the wallet. Be extremely careful on all public transport.
A favorite spot for thieves are the ticket machines outside the airport. While tired, distracted visitors are trying to figure out the ground transport from Nice Airport, the thieves go for the wallet.
There are also thefts on Nice beaches in the summer, particularly when they are crowded. Maybe spring for a private beach in Nice? Otherwise, leave your valuables in your accommodation and make sure they're never left unattended on the beach.
For even more depth on Nice's fascinating history and the hidden sights tourists don't know about, get my book on Amazon: Nice Uncovered:Walks Through the Secret Heart of a Historic City. More about my book here.
Don't forget to subscribe to my blog! You'll stay up to date on important travel news about Nice and the French Riviera.
Nice was founded around 350 BC by the Greek seafaring folks who had settled Marseilles. They named the colony Nikaia, apparently to commemorate a victory (nike in Greek) over a nearby town. In 154 BC the Greeks were followed by the Romans, who settled farther uphill around what is now Cimiez, site of a number of Roman ruins.
The Counts of Provence ruled Nice in the 10th century until the House of Savoy took over in 1388. In 1860, Napoleon decided he wanted to annex Nice to France. He put the matter to a vote and Nice voted to become part of France. In the 19th century, the English aristocracy began travelling to Nice as an escape from foggy London winters. Other European royals followed and Nice became fashionable. Many of Nice's most illustrious buildings were constructed as luxurious villas for the European aristocracy. The novel idea of constructing the city for visitors was why Unesco designated Nice as a World Heritage Site in 2021. See more about the history of Nice
See the tourist office website at www.nicetourism.com
Last Updated May 28, 2024