Spring in Nice feels like a breath of fresh air—mild warmth, bright skies, and those longer days that really pull you outside. Average daytime temperatures start around 12 °C in March and climb to about 20 °C by May, so you get a pleasant climate for wandering both the coastline and the old town.
Nights stay cool, but you probably won’t need more than a light jacket, even if you’re out late enjoying dinner or a stroll along the Promenade des Anglais.
Rain sometimes interrupts spring days, but it usually shows up as quick bursts instead of dreary stretches. Sunshine hours keep increasing, and you’ll notice more daylight for beaches, markets, or hillside views.
The sea stays chilly at first, but by late spring, you might be tempted to dip in for a swim.
Overview of Spring Weather in Nice
When spring arrives in Nice, you notice steady warming, longer daylight, and a mix of sunny and cloudy days. Mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and comfortable conditions make it easy to spend time outdoors.
Typical Spring Conditions
Nice has a Mediterranean climate, so spring weather is mild and gradually warms up from March to May.
Rain can happen, but showers usually pass quickly.
Humidity sits in the moderate range, often between 70–78%. The air can feel a touch damp, especially in April and May.
Winds usually stay light, averaging about 3–4 m/s, which keeps the coastal air fresh and comfortable.
Cloud cover shows up more often early in the season, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 40–45% of the time. By late spring, clearer skies become more common, and you get more sunny days to enjoy the city and sea.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Temperatures climb steadily as spring moves on. In March, daytime highs average around 15°C (59°F). Nights can drop close to 9°C (48°F).
By April, daytime highs reach 17–19°C (63–66°F), and nights hover near 12°C (53°F).
May gets warmer, with highs often at 20–22°C (68–72°F) and lows around 16–17°C (61–62°F).
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 15°C / 59°F | 9°C / 48°F |
| April | 17–19°C / 63–66°F | 12°C / 53°F |
| May | 20–22°C / 68–72°F | 16–17°C / 61–62°F |
Late spring really feels comfortable for sightseeing, outdoor dining, or coastal walks.
Daylight Hours and Sunshine
Daylight stretches out quickly in spring. In March, you get about 11–12 hours of daylight. By May, that jumps to 14–15 hours.
Sunshine hours also rise as spring moves along. Early spring might bring 5–6 hours of sun per day, but by May you’ll see closer to 8–9 hours.
Rainfall stays moderate, with April seeing more frequent showers than May.
Temperature Patterns During Spring
Spring in Nice means steady warming, with daytime highs reaching the low 70s °F by late May. Nights stay cool in March but get milder as spring goes on, so you get comfortable conditions for both daytime activities and evenings out.
Average Highs and Lows
In early spring, average highs sit around 56°F (13°C), and lows near 44°F (7°C).
By late spring, highs reach about 72°F (22°C), and lows rise to around 60°F (16°C).
You won’t face sharp drops between day and night, which makes outdoor plans easier. March evenings might need a light jacket, but by May, short sleeves often work even after sunset.
For comparison, the coldest winter days in Nice average 41–54°F (5–12°C), so spring already feels much warmer. Summer averages 70–82°F (21–28°C), showing how spring bridges the gap between the two extremes.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 56°F (13°C) | 44°F (7°C) |
| April | 64°F (18°C) | 52°F (11°C) |
| May | 72°F (22°C) | 60°F (16°C) |
Temperature Changes from March to May
Temperatures rise gradually but steadily. From March to May, daily highs climb by about 15°F (8°C), and lows by roughly 16°F (9°C).
Mornings and evenings get noticeably warmer as spring progresses.
March can feel cool, especially at night, but April brings a clear shift toward milder weather. By May, you can often enjoy beach walks or outdoor dining without worrying about extra layers.
Water temperatures warm up, too, going from about 56°F (13°C) in March to 66°F (19°C) by late May. Early in the season, the sea stays cool for swimming, but it gets more inviting as spring moves on.
Rainfall and Humidity in Spring
Spring in Nice shifts from wetter winter months to drier, sunnier summer conditions. You’ll get moderate rainfall, a steady number of rainy days, and humidity that feels comfortable compared to many other coastal cities.
Average Rainfall by Month
Rainfall in Nice during spring drops as the season goes on. In March, precipitation averages around 48 mm (1.9 in), still influenced by winter. By April, rainfall totals drop a bit, averaging about 40–45 mm. May often records around 35–40 mm.
Rain usually falls in short bursts, not long-lasting storms. The amounts are modest, so you rarely deal with heavy downpours that ruin a whole day.
Compared to northern European cities, Nice receives less rainfall in spring. This makes outdoor activities more reliable, even in early March when showers happen more often.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days decline as spring progresses. In March, you can expect about 11 days with measurable rain. By April, this drops to around 9 days. In May, it falls further to about 7 days.
Most rainy days bring light to moderate showers. Rain often comes in the morning or late evening, leaving most of the day clear.
Because showers don’t last long, you’ll probably only need a light jacket or umbrella. If you’re planning outdoor sightseeing or day trips, odds are good you’ll still get plenty of dry hours.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Nice during spring stays pretty consistent and comfortable. In March, average relative humidity is about 69%, a bit higher because of the cooler air.
By April and May, humidity levels ease, often ranging between 65–68%.
The air feels neither too dry nor too damp. Unlike tropical climates, you won’t deal with sticky or oppressive conditions.
The combination of moderate humidity and mild temperatures makes walking along the Promenade des Anglais or exploring the old town pleasant. Even in March, when humidity peaks, the cooler air keeps things manageable for outdoor activities.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Spring in Nice brings more consistent sunshine and longer days compared to winter. You’ll notice steady changes in both the number of sunshine hours and total daylight, which shapes how much time you can spend outdoors.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, Nice benefits from its Mediterranean climate, which brings a reliable increase in sunshine as the season goes on. In March, you usually see about 6 hours of sunshine per day. By May, this rises closer to 8 hours daily.
The city’s spot on the French Riviera helps reduce long stretches of cloud cover. April can bring unsettled weather, so don’t expect every day to be the same.
Here’s a simple overview of average daily sunshine in spring:
| Month | Average Hours of Sunshine per Day |
|---|---|
| March | ~6 hours |
| April | ~7 hours |
| May | ~8 hours |
These numbers give you a good idea of what to expect, though individual days will vary. This pattern makes spring a great time for outdoor activities like walking the Promenade des Anglais or exploring nearby hill towns.
Length of Days
Day length changes quickly in spring. In early March, daylight lasts about 11 hours. By the end of May, you get nearly 15 hours of light.
Sunrise and sunset times shift, too. In March, the sun rises around 7:00 am and sets near 6:30 pm. By May, sunrise moves earlier to about 6:00 am, and sunset extends past 9:00 pm.
This extended daylight, plus mild temperatures, lets you plan your schedule with more freedom. Whether you love morning markets or long evening dinners, the longer spring days make it easier to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Sea Temperatures and Beach Conditions
Spring in Nice brings gradual warming of the sea and better conditions along the coast. Water stays cool in the early months but becomes suitable for swimming by late spring. Beaches stay lively with both locals and visitors.
Average Sea Water Temperatures
Sea temperatures in Nice rise steadily through spring. In March, average water temperature sits around 13.8°C (57°F), which is too cold for most people to swim.
By April, it climbs to about 15.0°C (59°F)—still brisk, but you can feel it warming up. In May, the sea reaches about 17.7°C (64°F), which many find tolerable for short swims.
The Mediterranean warms more slowly than the air, so you’ll notice a gap between daytime highs and water temperatures. For example, air temperatures in May often reach 19–20°C (66–68°F), but the sea lags behind by a couple of degrees.
If you like warmer water, late May offers the most comfortable conditions of the season. Earlier in spring, the sea feels refreshing but might not be ideal for long swims unless you have a wetsuit.
Swimming and Beach Activities
Swimming in early spring is limited because the water’s cold. Most people stick to walking the Promenade des Anglais, sitting by the shore, or sunbathing on warmer days rather than diving in.
The pebbled beaches mean you’ll probably want a chair or mat for lounging, since lying directly on the stones isn’t the most comfortable.
By May, more visitors start swimming, especially when the sun’s out and the air feels warm. Even then, swims are usually short because the water hasn’t hit summer comfort levels.
Other activities, like sailing, kayaking, or paddleboarding, get popular in spring since you don’t have to stay in the water too long. With fewer crowds than summer, you can really enjoy the open space and calmer conditions along the coast.
Best Time to Visit Nice in Spring
Spring in Nice feels just right—mild weather, gardens bursting with color, and honestly, way fewer crowds than the summer rush. You can dive into outdoor activities, check out cultural events, or join local festivals. It’s also a good time to snag reasonable hotel rates before prices climb for the high season.
Pros and Cons of Spring Travel
Temperatures in Nice during spring usually hang between 47°F (8.5°C) and 70°F (21°C). Most days feel sunny, and you’ll only get a few rainy days each month.
The air smells fresh, and parks or gardens look their best right now. I mean, who doesn’t love a city in full bloom?
Spring gives you a nice balance—good weather and crowds that don’t overwhelm. You can stroll the Promenade des Anglais or wander Old Town without elbowing through tourists.
Hotels also tend to cost less than they do in July or August.
But here’s the thing: the sea stays chilly. Most people won’t brave a swim until late May, if at all.
Sometimes you’ll get a rain shower that interrupts your plans, but they usually don’t last long. If swimming and sunbathing top your list, you might want to wait for early summer.
Events and Festivals
Spring in Nice really brings out the city’s spirit with all sorts of cultural, food, and sports events. In March, the Paris-Nice cycling race rolls through, so cycling fans should keep an eye out.
April brings the Bellet Gourmand Festival, which showcases local wines from the hills above Nice, paired with food and music. The Nice International Semi-Marathon happens along the Promenade des Anglais and draws runners from all over Europe.
Things get especially lively in May. Every Sunday, the Fête des Mais fills the Cimiez Gardens with music, dancing, and traditional food.
The Port Festival also pops up, bringing markets, parades, and concerts by the harbor. Late May can get busy for hotels since the Cannes Film Festival and Monaco Grand Prix happen nearby.
Tips for Visiting
Try to book your accommodations early if your trip lines up with late May events. Nice sits right between Cannes and Monaco, so hotels usually bump up their rates even if you’re not attending anything special.
Bring a few layers, because mornings and evenings tend to get chilly, while the afternoons can feel pretty warm. I’d toss a light rain jacket in your bag too, since spring showers love to surprise you.
Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes. If you plan to wander through hilly spots like Cimiez or Castle Hill, you’ll definitely need them.
If swimming matters to you, check for hotels with heated pools. Otherwise, you might just want to focus on sightseeing, browsing the markets, or taking day trips to places like Villefranche-sur-Mer or Eze.
Spring’s also a lovely time to try hiking along the coast, before the summer heat really kicks in.