Weather in Nice in August

How August compares

August is the 1st warmest month of the year in Nice and ranks 96th of 134 destinations we compare for August - see where else is hot in August. Within France it is 1st of 2 (France in August). Against London's average high of 21.4°C in August, Nice is 6.1°C warmer by day and 7.3°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in August

The typical August day in Nice peaks at 27.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 30.3°C or more. About 87% of days top 25°C and 1 in 8 pass 30°C. Nights average 20.8°C; one night in ten drops to 18.2°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest August day here reached 34.6°C (2003-08-07) and the coldest night 13.4°C (1995-08-29).

Rain in August

Some rain (4-8 rainy days): about 6 days with 1 mm or more, 27 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest August was 1995 with 80 mm, the driest 2017 with 1 mm. Humidity averages 74%.

Sea temperature in August

The sea averages 24.8°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 23.9°C to 26.3°C. This is the warmest the sea gets here all year.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 8.8 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 13.8 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:36 and sets about 20:35 local time in mid-August. Average cloud cover is 36%.

Is August a good time to visit Nice?

Yes - it is one of the better months: hot days, manageable rain and long sunny days. The best months for Nice on our scoring are July, August, June; months averaging 25°C or more: Jul, Aug.

Warm days, with little need for evening layers

Plan around the heat rather than assuming every afternoon will feel comfortable for a long walk. Days reach 30°C on 13% of occasions, while humidity of 74% can make the warmth feel sticky. Put more active plans in the morning, take breaks around midday and choose somewhere with air conditioning if warm bedrooms bother you. Lightweight, breathable clothes should do most of the work, with a light layer for cooler spells rather than heavy knitwear. Evenings generally suit eating outside without much extra clothing. August works best if you enjoy warmth, not if you need crisp nights to sleep well.

The sea is a strong reason to go

The sea is warm enough for swimming rather than just a quick cooling dip. Its average temperature makes August a sensible choice if cold water usually puts you off, and the year-to-year range of 24°C to 26°C suggests that this is not dependent on an unusually hot summer. Pack swimwear alongside your everyday summer clothes, and build in time by the water rather than filling every day with walking. Warm water does not tell you what waves or local conditions will be like, so judge those on the day. Sun protection still matters when swimming, particularly around the middle of the day.

Mostly outdoor weather, but keep plans flexible

With about 8.8 hours of sunshine across 13.8 hours of daylight, August gives you plenty of scope for outdoor plans without needing to use the hottest part of the afternoon. Rain is still part of the picture: about 6 rainy days means a completely dry stay is not something to count on. Bring a compact waterproof and keep some plans easy to rearrange, rather than packing as though every day will be cloudless. The balance favours a summer holiday outdoors, but a forecast check before committing to a full day outside is sensible. Sunshine averages are not a promise for your particular week.