Fall in Nice brings a real shift from those hot, crowded summer days into a cooler, calmer season. Daytime highs drop from the upper 70s °F in early September to the upper 50s °F by late November, while evenings cool into the 40s.
The change creates a comfortable balance, warm enough to enjoy the outdoors but cool enough for long walks without all that summer heat.
Cloud cover and rain pick up as the season goes on, but you’ll still see plenty of sunshine, especially in September. The Mediterranean Sea cools off quickly, moving from swimming-friendly warmth to brisk conditions by late fall.
This mix of shifting temperatures, light rain, and shorter days shapes the season’s atmosphere.
If you visit in fall, you’ll notice fewer crowds, softer light for sightseeing, and a more relaxed pace along the French Riviera. The months bring a blend of mild weather, shifting skies, and cooler sea—details that affect what you pack, what you wear, and how you plan your days outdoors.
Overview of Fall Weather in Nice
Fall in Nice brings cooler temperatures, shorter days, and more rain compared to summer. You’ll get mild afternoons, cooler evenings, and skies that shift from mostly clear in early September to more frequent cloud cover by late November.
Typical Fall Climate Patterns
During fall, daily highs in Nice drop from about 26°C (79°F) in early September to around 14°C (58°F) by late November. Nighttime lows also fall steadily, going from 19°C (66°F) to 7°C (45°F).
Rain shows up more often as the season goes on. In September, the chance of a rainy day sits at about 13%, but by late November it rises to 21%. Average monthly rainfall goes from roughly 36 mm in early fall to about 70 mm by the end.
Humidity drops as summer’s muggy air fades. Early September can still feel a bit humid, but by November, the air is drier and more comfortable. Winds pick up a little, averaging 10–14 kph (6–9 mph), usually blowing in from the east.
The Mediterranean Sea cools fast, with water temperatures dropping from 23°C (73°F) in September to 16°C (61°F) in November. Swimming becomes a lot less tempting as the season moves on.
How Fall Differs from Other Seasons
Compared to summer, fall in Nice feels cooler, wetter, and cloudier. Summer days are hot and dry, while fall brings more moderate weather and a higher chance of rain. Skies become less reliably sunny, especially in October.
Winter in Nice gets colder and wetter than fall, with daytime highs closer to 12°C (54°F). But unlike winter, fall rarely brings freezing temperatures, so you can still enjoy outdoor activities comfortably.
Spring is a bit like fall in reverse, with temperatures rising instead of falling. Rain is common in spring, but fall usually sees heavier downpours, especially in October and November.
If you’re thinking of visiting, fall strikes a nice balance between the crowded, hot summer and the cooler, quieter winter months.
What to Expect in September, October, and November
September is the warmest fall month, with highs near 26°C (79°F). Days are long, skies are often clear, and the sea is still warm enough for swimming. Rain happens but isn’t too frequent.
October brings cooler weather, with highs averaging 20°C (68°F) and more clouds. Rainfall increases, and evenings feel much cooler, so a light jacket comes in handy.
November is the wettest and coolest fall month. Highs average 14°C (58°F), and nights can dip close to 7°C (45°F). Rain is common, and the sea is too cold for most swimmers. Days are much shorter, with sunsets before 5 p.m.
You’ll want to plan for changing conditions, especially if you’re staying for more than a week.
Average Temperatures in Fall
Temperatures in Nice during fall shift steadily from warm early in the season to cool by late November. You’ll get mild afternoons, cooler nights, and noticeable changes from month to month as the Mediterranean climate heads toward winter.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
In early September, daytime highs often reach around 26°C (79°F), while nights stay mild near 19°C (66°F). By late November, afternoons cool to about 14°C (58°F), and nighttime lows drop closer to 7°C (45°F).
This steady decline means you might still enjoy the beach in September, but by November, you’ll probably want a light jacket.
The difference between day and night temperatures usually sits around 6–9°C. That’s pretty comfortable compared to inland regions, where swings can be bigger. The Mediterranean Sea helps regulate these changes, keeping nights milder than you’d expect for the season.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Each month brings a clear step down in temperature.
- September: Warm and pleasant, highs average 24–26°C (75–79°F) and lows around 17–19°C (63–66°F).
- October: Noticeably cooler, highs near 20–21°C (68–70°F) and lows around 13°C (55°F).
- November: Cool, highs average 14–16°C (57–61°F) and lows between 7–9°C (45–48°F).
The drop between September and November is about 12°C (22°F) for both highs and lows. October really feels like a transition month—short sleeves might work in the day, but evenings definitely call for warmer layers.
Temperature Fluctuations and Extremes
While averages are helpful, you should also prepare for outliers. Early fall can still bring hot afternoons above 28°C (82°F), though these get less common after mid-September.
On the cooler end, late November nights can dip to 4°C (39°F), but freezing temps are very rare.
Extreme cold snaps hardly ever happen, since the sea buffers Nice against sharp drops. The most noticeable swings usually come from brief warm spells in September or quick, cool winds in late autumn. These changes never last long, and temperatures usually return to the seasonal average within a few days.
Rainfall and Humidity During Fall
During fall in Nice, rain shows up more often and humidity levels rise compared to the dry summer. You’ll notice wetter conditions in October and November, with cooler air holding more moisture and creating a real change in comfort.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Nice during autumn trends upward. September usually brings around 80–90 mm of precipitation, spread over several days. By October, totals bump up to about 130–140 mm, making it one of the wetter months.
November is typically the wettest, averaging 130–140 mm too, though rain may come in heavier bursts. These showers are often short but can be intense. Unlike summer, when storms barely happen, autumn brings more consistent rainfall.
Here’s a quick overview:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| September | ~85 mm |
| October | ~135 mm |
| November | ~137 mm |
So, the later into fall you travel, the wetter it gets.
Humidity Levels in Autumn
Humidity in Nice rises through fall. In September, average relative humidity is moderate, often around 65–70%, which still feels comfortable. By October, humidity climbs closer to 70–75%, and in November it can reach 75–80%.
The higher humidity combines with cooler temperatures, making the air feel damp, especially in the mornings and evenings. This is most noticeable near the coast, where sea breezes carry extra moisture inland.
Indoor spaces can feel a bit clammy without heating or ventilation. If you’re sensitive to humidity, November is the dampest and may call for light outerwear to stay comfortable.
Rainy Days and Precipitation Patterns
The number of rainy days climbs as autumn goes on. September averages about 6–7 days with measurable rain. October rises to 8–9 days, while November usually sees 10 or more days of precipitation.
Rain in Nice usually falls in brief but heavy showers instead of long, steady rain. Thunderstorms can pop up, especially in October, when warm sea air meets cooler inland air. These storms are intense but don’t last long.
Despite more rainy days, you still get plenty of sunshine between showers. On average, Nice gets 5–6 hours of sun per day in October and November, so you’ll have breaks of clear skies even during wetter weeks.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
During fall in Nice, daily sunshine decreases, and daylight hours get shorter as winter approaches. These changes affect how much time you can comfortably spend outside and what activities feel best.
Average Daily Sunshine in Fall
In September, you usually get around 7 to 8 hours of sunshine per day, making it one of the brighter fall months. By October, this drops closer to 6 hours daily, and in November, you can expect about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine on most days.
The decline is gradual but noticeable. September still feels close to summer, while November often feels much dimmer. This shift comes from both shorter days and more cloud cover.
Compared to summer, when Nice averages 10 to 11 hours of sunshine daily, fall has far fewer bright hours. Still, the region stays sunnier than a lot of northern European cities, which often see less than half this amount in November.
Changes in Daylight Hours
Daylight in Nice shortens by several hours from early fall to late fall. In September, the sun rises around 7:00 AM and sets close to 7:45 PM, so you get nearly 13 hours of daylight.
By October, daylight drops to about 11 hours, with the sun setting closer to 6:30 PM. In November, days are even shorter, averaging only 9.5 to 10 hours of daylight, with sunsets before 5:15 PM.
With less daylight, you’ll want to plan sightseeing or outdoor dining earlier in the day. Evenings get shorter as fall moves on.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
The combination of fewer sunshine hours and shorter days changes how you plan your time outside. In September, long afternoons are still perfect for the beach or coastal walks. By October and November, mornings are usually the best bet for outdoor outings when the sun’s stronger.
Outdoor cafés and markets stay popular, but you’ll notice cooler evenings and earlier closures as daylight fades. Hiking trails in the hills around Nice are best enjoyed earlier in the day to avoid getting caught in the dark.
Even with less sunlight, Nice’s mild fall weather still supports plenty of outdoor activities. You just have to adjust your schedule to match the changing light.
Sea Temperature and Beach Conditions
The Mediterranean stays warm well into autumn, but the sea cools as the season moves on. Conditions remain comfortable for swimming in early fall, while later months bring cooler water and quieter beaches.
Average Sea Temperatures in Fall
In September, the sea in Nice averages about 24°C (75°F), which feels warm and pleasant for long swims. By October, the water drops to around 21°C (70°F), still swimmable but noticeably cooler. In November, the average falls to about 18°C (65°F), which many find too chilly unless you’re really brave or have a wetsuit.
The cooling trend follows the shorter days and lower air temperatures. You’ll get the warmest water early in the season, with a steady decline as winter gets closer.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp °C | Avg. Sea Temp °F |
|---|---|---|
| September | 24 | 75 |
| October | 21 | 70 |
| November | 18 | 65 |
Swimming and Water Activities
If you love swimming, September feels like the sweet spot with warm water and loads of sunshine. You can stay in the sea for ages without getting chilly.
In October, swimming is still doable, though you might not linger as long. Some folks switch to paddleboarding or kayaking, since those keep you out of the water more.
By November, most people find the sea a bit too brisk for comfort. You’ll still spot some locals and die-hard swimmers braving the waves. If you’re thinking about swimming late in the season, a light wetsuit really helps.
Beach Crowds and Atmosphere
Beach life in Nice definitely shifts as fall rolls in. In September, beaches are still buzzing, especially on weekends, with locals and tourists soaking up the last of the summer sun.
By October, things quiet down, and there’s more space to spread out on the pebbled beaches. The vibe turns calmer, with mostly locals and just a handful of visitors.
In November, the beaches feel peaceful and almost empty. Sunbathing isn’t really a thing anymore, but walking along the Promenade des Anglais or just soaking in the sea view stays popular. You’ll catch a more laid-back, local side of Nice.
Travel Tips for Visiting Nice in Fall
Fall in Nice brings cooler air, fewer crowds, and a much slower pace than summer ever does. You can enjoy comfortable days outside, cultural festivals, and lower hotel prices. Just remember, you’ll get shorter days and probably more rain as the season moves on.
Best Time to Visit Nice for Pleasant Weather
The best stretch is usually from mid-September to mid-October. Highs often land in the mid-70s °F (about 24°C) and sometimes dip to the mid-60s °F (18–20°C). Nights cool off, sometimes dropping into the 50s °F (10–15°C).
By late November, it gets noticeably cooler, with highs around 58°F (14°C). Rain picks up, especially in early November. If you want sun and drier weather, stick to early fall.
After the summer crowds leave, you can wander the Promenade des Anglais, Old Town, and the nearby villages without much hassle. Hotels usually drop their prices after August, which is always a plus.
What to Pack for Fall Weather
Bring layers, since afternoons can feel warm but evenings cool off fast. You’ll want a light jacket or sweater, especially once the sun goes down. Early fall is fine for short sleeves and lighter pants, but by late October you’ll probably want heavier clothes.
Rain gets more common in October and November, so a small umbrella or waterproof jacket makes sense. Pack comfy walking shoes—Old Town’s cobbled streets can get slippery when it rains.
If you’re planning coastal walks or heading into the hills, breathable clothes work for daytime hikes, but a windbreaker helps when it gets breezy. The Mediterranean is still warm enough for a swim in September, so tossing in a swimsuit isn’t a bad idea.
Events and Festivals in Autumn
Fall in Nice brings cultural highlights, and honestly, the mild weather just makes everything better. In late September, nearby villages throw the Fête de la Saint-Michel—locals celebrate with food and traditions that feel both timeless and a little bit quirky.
October rolls around, and wine harvest festivals pop up all over Provence. Most are within easy reach of Nice, so you can just hop over for the day if you’re up for it.
Sure, the Nice Jazz Festival happens in summer, but autumn doesn’t just go quiet. There are smaller concerts and art exhibitions scattered throughout the city, and you might stumble on something special if you keep your eyes open.
November leans into food, with events celebrating olives and truffles in the towns around Nice. If you’re a food lover, it’s honestly a treat.
Markets don’t slow down here, not even a little. The Cours Saleya market in Old Town feels especially lively in the fall, overflowing with figs, chestnuts, and mushrooms. Wandering through these markets, you really get a taste of local life, all while enjoying that crisp, cooler air.