Located in the heart of the French Riviera, you might think of Nice as only being somewhere to go in summer, which is totally understandable – blue skies and beautiful beaches are not the usual images of European winter.
But as someone who has been living in Nice for a while now, I can tell you that the French Riviera actually has plenty to offer during the colder months too.
If you’re thinking about visiting Nice in winter and looking for some insider tips on attractions, activities, food options, and more – this post is filled with all that and much more.
From beautiful snow-covered mountains less than one hour away and stunning sea views to delightful cuisine and vibrant culture, there’s a lot to enjoy in Nice during wintertime.
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Is Nice worth visiting in winter?
Yes, Nice is definitely worth visiting during winter, especially if the focus of your trip is the cultural aspect of it (and you might get a beach day or two!).
Visiting in this season will not only allow you to enjoy it with way fewer people but also provide a more local and authentic experience. The city is very different in the colder months but not in a bad way by any means.
In this guide, we have covered the best reasons to visit Nice during winter, the best things to do during this season, and more.
Oh, and if you are planning to visit soon make sure to read my posts on the best tours, the best things to do, and the best hotels in Nice.
✈️ Coming to Nice soon? It’s time to book your tours
8 Reasons to visit Nice in winter
Here are, without further ado, some of the main reasons to make Nice your next winter holiday destination.
1- It’s still sunny!
One of my favorite things about Nice is always waking up to a beautiful blue sky. Even on the coldest days in winter, Nice still gets plenty of sunshine, which makes it the perfect place to spend some days relaxing and going for long walks by the sea.
Read: Nice in November
2- The Nice Carnival
The annual Nice Carnival takes place in February and it’s an event you don’t want to miss if you’re visiting during this season.
The carnival is filled with music, bright colors, costumes, performances, and more – a fun way to experience the city’s traditional culture.
3- The adorable Christmas Market
If you visit Nice during December, don’t miss the Christmas market. Even though it doesn’t snow in Nice, the market still manages to bring a bit of a winter wonderland feel to the city. You will find everything from traditional food and drinks to souvenirs, decorations, and more.
Also, it’s the perfect place to try raclette, one of the most traditional French winter dishes.
4- Skiing in the nearby Alps
Yes – skiing is possible within one hour from Nice! There are many ski resorts close to the city, and they offer a great variety of slopes for all levels.
The ones most locals go to are Isola 3000 and Auron.
5- Get to actually see (and maybe meet) the locals
If you’re visiting Nice during winter, you’ll get to experience what life is like for the locals when tourism slows down. You’ll be able to interact with real Nice people and have authentic conversations in cafes and shops.
6- It’s easier to enjoy the nightlife
Despite the cooler temperatures outside, most of the bars and clubs are still open for business. And the best part is that during winter, popular bars (like Waka Bar and Wayne’s) are way easier to get into and actually have a good time.
7- Monaco without the crowds
If you are thinking of going on a day trip from Nice to Monaco, winter is the perfect season to do so. The mild temperatures make it pleasant to walk around, and you won’t have to worry about crowds.
8- Mild climate
Truth be told: Even in its coldest days, Nice still has really pleasant temperatures in comparison to most European cities. The average temperature in December, for example, is around 14C. So there’s no need to worry about extremely cold weather while visiting Nice during winter.
How many days in Nice in winter?
Since you probably won’t be going to the beach that much during winter, you can enjoy Nice and its surroundings in as little as three days.
That’s plenty of time to explore all the sights, partake in some activities, and enjoy the nightlife scene. However, if you want a more relaxed getaway with lots of leisure time, or do more day trips, then you should definitely stay for a week.
Best things to do in Nice in winter
Visit Vieux Nice: With its colorful streets, lively bars, and excellent restaurants, Vieux Nice is always worth a visit. During winter this area has an even more magical atmosphere as the lights start to come out for the holidays.
See art at the museums: Nice has an array of interesting museums. From the modern art museum “MAMAC” to the archeology museum and Matisse collection, you can be sure to find something that will interest you.
Taste local flavors: Nice is a paradise for food lovers. From the delicious “pissaladière” and the famous “socca” to tasty stews, you will find plenty of dishes to enjoy in Nice.
Shop at Cours Saleya: The iconic market is open even during winter! You’ll find fruit stalls, craft stands, souvenirs, and more. Plus, it’s a great place for people watching too.
See the views from Coline du Chateau: Climb up the hill for amazing views of Nice and its surroundings. Plus, there’s a great lookout point at the top of the stairs too.
See the Promenade des Anglais: The beautiful promenade along the coast is always worth seeing – no matter what season it is! During winter you can watch the waves crashing against rocks or just sit back and admire the views.
Visit other towns nearby: Nice is surrounded by many small towns that are just as charming. Whether you take a bus, train, or rent a car, there are plenty of places to explore like Villefranche-sur-Mer and Monaco.
Go skiing: You can easily get to the ski resorts nearby by taking a day trip from Nice. In the winter season, these mountains become a destination for snow lovers from all over Europe! As I mentioned before, Isola 3000 and Auron are great stations to try.
Best Nice tours
- Monaco and Eze Small-Group Day Trip with Perfumery Visit from Nice
- Nice to St Tropez Ferry Ticket and Cruise
- Nice: Gorges of Verdon and Fields of Lavender Tour
- Mediterranean Coastal Sightseeing Cruise from Nice
- Train Experience Through The Alps : The Baroque Royal Route & Salt Road Full Day
- Nice Small-Group Walking Food Tour with Local Specialties & Wine Tasting
Frequently asked questions
What is the weather like in Nice during winter?
Nice’s winter weather is typically mild, with temperatures ranging between 10°C and 20°C. However, there can also be some cooler periods when the temperature drops to near freezing.
So if you are wondering how cold does it get in Nice, there’s your answer 🙂
Are January and February a good time to visit Nice, France?
Yes, while temperatures are cooler than during the summer months, January and February are still great times to visit Nice. The city is beautiful in wintertime and you can still enjoy lots of activities.
What is the best time of year to visit Nice?
In my opinion, the months of May, June, and September are the best times to visit Nice.
Can you swim in the sea in Nice during winter?
Believe it or not, I frequently saw people swimming in Nice during winter. That doesn’t mean, however, that the water is warm so it depends on how brave you are.
Wrap-up: Is it worth visiting Nice in winter?
Yes, definitely! Nice is a beautiful city and there are plenty of things to do in winter. From skiing to exploring the nearby towns, you can have lots of fun even during the colder months. So don’t be afraid to visit Nice in winter – you won’t regret it!
I hope this post helps you to decide if Nice is worth visiting in winter.
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