Weather in French Riviera

About French Riviera

The French Riviera glitters with Côte d'Azur glamour—Cannes, Nice, and Monaco anchor it, but hidden coves, fishing villages, and hinterland mountains offer escape from the glitz. Mediterranean light defines everything; wealth is visible everywhere.

Country

France

Best months to visit

June, July, August, September

Currency

EUR

Language

French

Things to do in French Riviera

Drive or train the scenic Corniche coast road Island-hop to Îles d'Hyères (Porquerolles) Hike the Tête de Chien above Monaco Visit hilltop villages like Grasse or Antibes Beach and café culture at any coastal town Browse art galleries and antique shops

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

12C

Cool, with occasional showers.

February

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

March

15C

Cool, with occasional showers.

April

17C

Cool, with occasional showers.

May

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

Recommended

June

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

Recommended

July

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

August

28C

Warm and pleasant, and mostly sunny skies.

Recommended

September

25C

Warm and pleasant, with occasional showers.

October

21C

Mild and comfortable, with occasional showers.

November

16C

Cool, with some rainy days.

December

13C

Cool, with occasional showers.

The French Riviera (Cote d'Azur) strings together some of the Mediterranean's most glamorous towns along a single stretch of coast — Nice's old town and pebble beaches, Cannes' film-festival glitz, the hilltop village of Eze with views that seem almost too perfect, and Saint-Tropez's harbour of superyachts and pastel facades. A short train line connects most of it, making it easy to base yourself in one town and explore the rest.

Best areas to stay in French Riviera

Nice

The Riviera's main hub, with an old town, long beach promenade and easy rail connections along the coast.

Monaco & Eze

The glamorous principality and a clifftop medieval village, both reachable by short train or bus rides.

Cannes & Antibes

Film-festival glamour and a charming old port town with Picasso connections, both on the same coastal rail line.

Saint-Tropez

A pastel-hued harbour town further west, reached by car or seasonal boat, famous for its yacht-watching and beach clubs.

Getting to French Riviera

✈

Flights

Nice Cote d'Azur Airport is the Riviera's main gateway, with direct flights from across the UK and Europe.

⏱

From London

~2 hours by air from London to Nice.

🚕

Getting around

The coastal train line connects Nice, Monaco, Eze, Antibes and Cannes efficiently; a car or boat is useful for Saint-Tropez.

Frequently asked questions

Which towns should I focus on along the Riviera?

Nice makes the best base, with Monaco, Eze, Antibes and Cannes all reachable by train within an hour; Saint-Tropez sits further west and is better reached by car or seasonal boat.

When is the best time to visit the French Riviera?

May, June and September offer warm weather, sea swimming and lower prices than the peak July-August season, when the whole coast is at its busiest.

Is the Riviera expensive?

It can be, particularly in Monaco, Cannes and Saint-Tropez, but Nice and smaller towns offer more affordable dining and accommodation while still giving access to the glamorous spots.

What is Eze and is it worth visiting?

A medieval hilltop village above the coast with narrow stone streets and a famous garden viewpoint over the Mediterranean — easily reached by bus from Nice or Monaco.

Do I need a car along the Riviera?

Not necessarily — the coastal train line connects Nice, Monaco, Cannes and Antibes efficiently, though a car helps for Saint-Tropez and inland villages.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Based ourselves in Nice and used the train to visit Monaco, Eze and Antibes on different days — incredibly easy and each town felt completely distinct from the others.

Vivienne H. · June 2024

★★★★☆

September was perfect — warm enough to swim every day, noticeably quieter than August, and prices had dropped from the summer peak.

Marc R. · September 2023

★★★★☆

Drove out to Saint-Tropez for a day from Nice and it was every bit as glamorous (and busy) as expected. The smaller towns along the way were just as charming and much quieter.

Lucia F. · July 2024