Are you thinking of visiting Nice in October and wondering if this is a good time to travel to the French Riviera? As it happens, Nice does transform in autumn, with chilly nights and thinning crowds replacing the sweltering heat and tourist frenzy of summer. However, the sea retains much of its summer warmth, allowing you to steal some lovely low-key beach days.

I personally enjoy traveling to popular cities like Nice during shoulder season so I can better enjoy the lingering good weather days without battling the inflated crowds and prices of high-season. This isn’t so much a city I would visit for fall foliage and pumpkin spice lattes, but rather to extend my summer for just a little longer.

Nice in October reveals a more intimate and peaceful side to the city, as the streets and restaurants once again are filled with locals. If you are hoping to experience the city at a more relaxed pace, then early fall might be the perfect time for you to visit.

In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about visiting Nice in October so that you can have the best time possible.

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning if you buy or book through one of these links, I may earn a small commission.

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Visiting Nice in October: What You Need to Know

Is October a Good Time to Visit Nice?

The short answer is yes: October is a great time to visit Nice! The weather is mild, the summer crowds are thinning, but the city still feels lively.

October in Nice is ideal for enjoying outdoor cafes and restaurants in a relaxed setting, while the sea is still warm enough for swimming. It’s also the perfect time to visit local vineyards in Nice’s Bellet wine region as they wrap up the year’s grape harvest.

Nice in October: A Snapshot

• Hours of Daylight: Nice begins October with 11 hours and 42 minutes of daylight and ends the month with 10 hours and 16 minutes of daylight.
• Temperature: October weather in Nice is overall warm with average highs of 69°F (20.6°C) and lows of 56°F (13.3°C).
• Rainfall: Fall is Nice’s rainiest season, with October being one of the wettest months at 3.3 average inches of rain.
• Popularity: Nice remains lively in October, but without the crazy crowds of summer. With some exceptions, you can generally book restaurant reservations on short notice and hotels prices are starting to lower from high-season rates.
• Biggest Events:
  • ‘Un Festival C’est Trop Court’ Short Film Festival
  • The Paranormal Festival

October Weather in Nice

In October, the temperatures in Nice begin to mellow out from the scorching hot sun of summer. Daytime highs average around 69°F (20.6°C), making the weather quite comfortable for exploring or doing a walking tour. It’s also the perfect temperature to do a coastal hike without overheating, but not so cold that sea spray from a rogue wave would feel icy on the skin.

Also note that the Mediterranean sun can feel strong. A sunny day in the high 60’s F might feel more like mid-70’s F.

Nighttime temperatures are a little cooler, reaching about 56°F (13.3°C) overnight. Travelers from exceptionally warm climates might find this weather chilly, while those from countries with harsh winters might still feel warm enough without any arm covering. I am from the American Midwest (Ohio) and found a light jacket was plenty for me.

Although October is one of the rainiest months in Nice, with about 3.3 average inches of rain, you can still expect plenty of sun. After all, the region gets over 300 sunny days a year! That said, in October you’ll probably get at least 1-2 rainy days during a 7-day trip to Nice, so pack your rain coat.

Note: Autumn weather in Nice can be hard to predict and you might even see a different weather prediction on your phone than the person sitting across from you! It sounds crazy, but this actually happened to me and a friend. I recommend continuing to monitor weather conditions daily during your trip so you avoid getting caught in a surprise torrential downpour.

Crowdedness Level of a Fall Visit

Although I found the temperatures of Nice in October to be overall similar to, say, May, the vibe and energy felt different. For example, in contrast to May’s anticipatory feeling of summer’s approach, October feels more like a winding down. While there are some straggling travelers from the chilly dampness of England or Scandinavia seeking the region’s lingering warmth, the year’s tourist crowds are waning by this point.

This is good news for visitors seeking the perks of shoulder season. High-season prices are easing up and it becomes easier to snag a reservation at popular restaurants.

Also, crowdedness is a relative term. While popular towns like Èze and Saint-Paul-de-Vence might be unbearably crowded on a summer afternoon, the crowds will still exist in October, albeit at a more tolerable level. Also, the convenient #15 bus to Villefranche-sur-Mer will still fill up to the point where you might miss it, and the train to and from Monaco will be packed like sardines during peak afternoon hours (3-5pm).

What Attractions Are Still Open in Nice During October?

While pretty much all Nice business including restaurants, museums, and tours are still open in October, some are beginning to slow down for the year. Certain walking tours may have reduced schedules and boat tours cancel more frequently due to bad weather. For example, I took a food tour that runs three times per day during summer, but reduces down to just once per day in the off-season.

Also, most beach clubs in Nice begin to close during this month, as the water temperatures begin cooling down. However, you will still see many individuals sunbathing by and even dipping in the sea. To be honest, with the average water temperature hovering around 67.3°F (19.6°C), you are more likely to see me drinking a glass of champagne by the water than swimming!

Once you leave Nice, it will be more common to encounter seasonal business closures in smaller tourist-reliant towns. For example, I found restaurants in Antibes to be hit-and-miss, with several of them shuttering for the year until April.

Unique October Events in Nice

While October is a pretty laidback month in Nice, there are some fun seasonal events that roll around this time of year.

First, there is the ‘Un Festival C’est Trop Court’ Short Film Festival. This week-long event celebrates the creations of young European short filmmakers.

Additionally, Nice offers some fun Halloween-themed activities on and around October 31st:

• Halloween-themed bar crawl
• Music and dancing at The Paranormal Festival
• Family-friendly events, like spooky figure skating and festivals with games and other activities for kids

How to Pack for Nice in October

Want to know the best way to prepare for the unpredictable weather conditions of autumn? Pack layers (you can see the packing list from my October trip here).

It can definitely be a pain to bring extra items that you may not need, but you’ll be grateful to have a jacket on hand when that surprise rainy day hits.

Where to Stay During October in Nice

For my October trip, I stayed at the Hotel Le Grimaldi and found the rooms cute and cozy and the location exceptional. Not only was there an abundance of wonderful restaurants near my hotel, but it was an easy walk to the Promenade des Anglais and Old Nice.

Nice also has plenty of other top-tier hotel options, with some of the best being Hotel Le Negresco, Anantara Plaza Nice Hotel, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, and Boscolo.

10 Best Things to Do in Nice in October

1. Enjoy the Beaches

The city’s beaches are more serene in October, making it the perfect time for a peaceful day by the Mediterranean. The good news is that the weather is still warm and pleasant and some beach clubs are still open as well.

2. Old Town Exploration

Historic Vieux Nice is way more charming to explore in the fall when the streets aren’t crammed with people. For a taste of local life, check out the Marché Aux Fleurs in Cours Saleya and grab apéro at a wine bar to enjoy on a terrace while watching the world go by. There are also many good restaurants to visit in the area for dinner afterwards.

3. Museum Visits

Take advantage of cooler rainy days to explore Nice’s museums, including the Matisse Museum and the Marc Chagall National Museum (my favorites!).

4. Day Trips

It’s no secret that one of the best things to do in the South of France is taking advantage of all the amazing day trip offerings in Nice. Some of the most popular include Saint-Tropez, Monaco, Antibes and Cannes.

5. Seasonal Gastronomy

The South of France is known for it’s abundance of fresh local ingredients sourced from local farmers and growers. You’ll find the latest seasonal offerings in fine restaurants throughout Nice in October, including mushrooms, chestnuts, squash, and apples.

6. Wine Tasting

October is a fantastic time for wine enthusiasts. Visit local vineyards to enjoy the harvest season, with plenty of opportunities for tastings.

7. Boat Rides

Some of the last good boat ride days are in October, so take full advantage of one of the French Riviera’s most memorable activities. I mean… there’s nothing quite like sailing in the beautiful water of the Mediterranean and admiring Nice from a new perspective.

Just be aware that rainy days happen more frequently during this month, which sometimes leads to captains canceling the trips on short notice.

8. Explore the Baroque Royal Route

Take a scenic journey on the Train des Merveilles, exploring the Baroque Route and marveling at the region’s architectural wonders. This train ride is off most people’s radar, but is very worth it.

9. Go Hiking

October weather is a treat for nature lovers and there are many gorgeous hikes in the region to enjoy:

• Mercantour National Park offers beautiful landscapes and a chance to glimpse early fall colors
• Hiking around the Cap d’Antibes delivers on incredible coastal views
• Visit the adorable hilltop town of Èze via the steep, but rewarding Nietzsche Path

10. Perfume Workshop

Doing a perfume workshop is one of the most fun things I’ve done in Nice so far. This activity is perfect for a rainy day, allowing you to get creative indoors and even leave with your own custom-made fragrance!

Nice in October FAQ

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In conclusion, October is a wonderful time to visit Nice to enjoy this coastal city’s beautiful sunny weather without the miserable crowds of summer. An October trip also offers the chance to enjoy the last good beach days of the year and spend slow afternoons sipping rosé on restaurant terraces. I thoroughly enjoyed my October visit to Nice and wouldn’t hesitate to return for another fall trip.

Planning a trip to the South of France? Then make sure to join my Facebook group for the best tips, places, and hotels on the French Riviera.